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QNB launches First regulated tokenized fund for UAE and MENA

QNB launches First regulated tokenized fund for UAE and MENA

During the Qatar Economic Forum, there was alot of discussions about cooperation between Financial zones collaborating on joint initiatives especially between Qatar and the UAE. Today this news on Qatar National Bank ( Singapore Branch) and DMZ Finance, a blockchain financial technology company also headquartered in Singapore have received the first MENA regulated tokenized money market fund from Dubai Financial Services Authority, the regulatory body at DIFC in Dubai UAE.

For those unfamiliar with the term money market fund, it is a type of mutual fund that invests in low-risk, short-term debt securities like Treasury bills, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit.

As per the press release, QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, will serve as the fund’s lead originator and investment manager. DMZ Finance, acting as co-originator, providing the exclusive tokenization infrastructure powering the fund.

RWAs are increasingly recognized as a critical bridge between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). According to a recent report by Ripple and BCG, the market for tokenized RWAs is projected to grow to USD18.9 trillion by 2033 under a midpoint scenario.

Mr. Silas Lee, CEO of QNB Singapore, highly praised the successful launch of QCDT. He stated, “QCDT is not only the first DFSA-approved tokenized money market fund in Dubai but also a pivotal step in QNB’s digital asset journey. It marks a new phase in our strategic roadmap and lays a strong foundation for the future of multi-asset tokenization. As the Middle East rapidly emerges as a global hub for financial innovation, the successful deployment of QCDT further consolidates QNB’s leadership in the regional financial ecosystem and reflects our long-term vision to shape the next generation of financial infrastructure.”

Mr. Nathan Ma, Co-Founder and Chairman of DMZ Finance, emphasized: The tokenization of real-world assets is becoming a fundamental bridge between traditional capital markets and the digital asset economy. DMZ Finance is working closely with regulatory and financial institutions across the Middle East and other emerging markets to promote the compliant development of RWA infrastructure. Our commitment is to build a secure, efficient and transparent financial buffer between on-chain and off-chain markets.

QCDT strengths will be in its offering of stable yield, institutional-grade custody, on-chain transparency and regulatory endorsement, QCDT sets a benchmark for compliant tokenized financial products in the Middle East.

QCDT is designed to serve a wide range of institutional use cases: as eligible collateral for banks, mapped collateral for centralized exchanges, reserves for stablecoins and a foundational layer for Web3 payment infrastructure.

TON clarifies Golden Visa initiative

TON clarifies Golden Visa initiative

TON Foundation ( The Open Network) has issued a clarification regarding its UAE Golden Visa initiative, saying that the announcement was published prematurely and that the initiatives stems from a collaboration between TON and a licensed partner specialized in blockchain and tokenized assets and has nothing to do with UAE governmental entities.

As per the medium post, TON noted, ” With regards to premature announcement that circulated on X regarding a UAE Golden Visa initiative offered by TON. While we understand the community’s interest and enthusiasm, it’s necessary to provide clarity. The initiative in question stems from an independent collaboration between TON and a licensed partner specializing in blockchain infrastructure and tokenized assets. This exploratory effort is developing outside of any formal arrangement with the UAE government entities.”

TON assets that there are no official Golden Visa program launched in partnership with the government of the United Arab Emirates, nor has any governmental endorsement been granted to TON.

Collaboration with Blockchain entity for Golden Visa initiative is in early stages

TON explained that the collaboration is in the early stages of development and is part of a broader effort to explore how compliant, blockchain-based frameworks might eventually support real-world access to residency pathways.

TON assets that any offering would be subject to all applicable laws and regulations and that application alone does not guarantee visa issuance, the authority for which remains at the discretion of the relevant UAE government bodies.

TON Supports UAE government statement

In the post TON also expressed their support for the joint statement issued by by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), which confirms that no digital residency or investment visa initiatives have been formally approved or launched in partnership with the UAE government.

TON notes that this aligns with their position as the initiative is being developed independently by TON and their blockchain partner.

TON states, “We welcome the clarity provided and appreciate the UAE’s ongoing commitment to regulatory transparency. Should official involvement emerge in the future, it will be communicated transparently and through the appropriate channels.”

The clarification comes after TON spun out of Telegram, unveiled what it described as a new pathway to United Arab Emirates residency, offering 10-year golden visas to applicants who stake $100,000 worth of Toncoin for three years and pay a one-time $35,000 processing fee.

“Secure your Golden Visa in under 7 weeks from document submission to the Visa Office,” TON announced, detailing that its UAE-based partners will manage the visa processing and residency status confirmation.

However, the Emirates News Agency said later in a press release that the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, the Securities and Commodities Authority, and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority have issued a joint statement that golden visas are not issued to digital asset holders.

UAE homegrown OFZA crypto exchange appoints CEO

UAE homegrown OFZA crypto exchange appoints CEO

OFZA, the UAE homegrown and regulated cryptocurrency exchange, has appointed Amir Tabch as Chief Executive Officer to lead OFZA through its next stage of growth and market activation.

As per the press release, the leadership milestone reflects OFZA’s deepening commitment to building the most trusted crypto exchange in the region—one that’s designed from day one to align with regulations, empower users, and scale without shortcuts.

A seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience across large regulated financial institutions, digital-led startups, and crypto-native platforms, Tabch brings the kind of strategic leadership that matches OFZA’s mission: to make digital asset trading safe, simple, and accessible for everyone.

“OFZA isn’t here to be the biggest. We’re here to be the most trusted,” said Tabch. “That means regulatory-first principles, real operational substance, and a platform that puts both retail and institutional users first.”

Fully licensed by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), OFZA is authorized to provide Broker-Dealer Services, Exchange Services, Management and Investment Services, and Advisory Services. The platform is built with local governance, regulatory clarity, and security-first architecture designed for long-term credibility.

The firm’s mission is to empower and educate individuals and businesses to take control of their financial future by simplifying crypto trading and removing barriers to entry. OFZA combines a secure, regulated infrastructure with an intuitive user experience and practical tools, making digital asset trading safe, simple, and accessible.

No Golden Visa with TON or any other crypto token

No Golden Visa with TON or any other crypto token

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) have issued a joint statement denying reports circulating on certain websites and social media platforms that claim the UAE grants golden visas to investors in digital currencies.

The ICP clarified that golden visas are issued according to clear and officially approved frameworks and criteria, which do not include digital currency investors. Eligible categories include real estate investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and specialists, top students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline workers.

The SCA reaffirmed its commitment to internationally recognised standards in regulating the financial sector and securities services in the UAE. It stated that its procedures are designed to ensure transparency, credibility, and bolster investor confidence both locally and internationally, in line with the UAE’s strategic goals of attracting quality capital and fostering a sustainable investment environment.

The authority further confirmed that digital currency investments are governed by specific regulations and are unrelated to golden visa eligibility. It urged investors to obtain information from credible, official sources to avoid misinformation or fraud.

Similarly, VARA denied any claims regarding the issuance of golden visas to virtual asset investors in Dubai. It strongly urged investors and consumers to deal exclusively with fully licensed and regulated companies when engaging in services and investments related to virtual assets.

VARA reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of risk assurance and effective collaboration with the SCA and relevant federal and local law enforcement entities to maintain a secure operational environment that prioritises consumer protection at all times. It noted that companies licensed by VARA must strictly adhere to the visa procedures outlined by the Government of Dubai and the relevant federal authorities. It also clarified that the company TON is neither licensed nor regulated by VARA.

The three authorities collectively urged the public and investors to exercise caution and refer to official government websites and approved communication channels for accurate information. They warned against engaging with unverified advertisements or offers spreading online.

Toncoin (TON) had recently announced that users staking $100,000 worth of TON for over three years could make it to the UAE’s golden visa program. On the announcement their cryptocurrency surged 10% reaching $3.03 but then slipped 6% after the UAE dismissed teh assertions.

CZ, the Founder of Binance shared his thoughts on this noting that some believed TON only wanted to charge users $35000 to forward their application. He said, ” According to The Open Network, a three-year $100,000 TON stake and a single $35,000 processing fee would make applicants eligible for a 10-year UAE golden visa. ” He added that he felt the TON announcement didn’t specify enough, and the details they gave on the eligibility of a golden visa are pretty vague. He also claimed he had not verified the news with an official source yet, though some stated that the RAK (Ras Al Khaimah Emirate) DAO had approved.

On Durov’s repost on the announcement, CZ commented: “I am a supporter of Durov, especially given his current situation. But I like to ‘trust but verify’. I’d expect something like this to have a government partnership and announcement. It might still be true, just saying I haven’t been able to verify.”

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov reposted the TON announcement from crypto influencer Ash Crypto on X on Sunday. While he didn’t comment directly, his post made some believe the claims were credible.

Crypto.com and Dubai Land department to include crypto payments in real estate transactions

Crypto.com and Dubai Land department to include crypto payments in real estate transactions

Crypto.com, a global cryptocurrency exchange regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Dubai Land Department (DLD) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to explore the use of Blockchain and digital currencies or crypto in the real estate sector.

As per the announcement, the initiative is part of Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 that aims to build a smart, sustainable, real estate ecosystem using advanced technologies such as blockchain, and digital assets as well as tokenization. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Omar Hamad BuShehab, Director General of the Dubai Land Department, and Mohamed Abdul Latif Al Hakim, the authorised signatory for Crypto.com, in the presence of several officials and CEOs from both sides.

Crypto.com will support Dubai’s digital real estate transactions using blockchain and digital currencies/crypto for property transactions. This will not only help to increase liquidity in the real estate sector but also modernize it by enabling real estate asset trading, investor verification as well as digital custody and settlement processes.

Crypto.com will propose solutions for tokenizing real estate and trading digital assets, while Dubai Land Department will explore them and provide administrative and logistical support to implement these regulatory approved joint projects.

Crypto.com will also offer technical support, analytical tools and reports for these projects.

Previously, the Department of Finance in Dubai Government, responsible for the development of the general annual budget and its execution (DOF), also agreed to enable government service fees to be paid in crypto using Crypto.com. Once the system is activated, individuals and businesses will be able to use Crypto.com’s digital wallet to pay for government services. The platform will convert crypto payments into AED and securely transfer the funds to Dubai Finance accounts.

Recently under the Real estate tokenization project, DLD, VARA, and the Dubai Future Foundation, with PRYPCO Mint underwent two tokenized property listings which were both sold out.

Mathew White, CEO of Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), recently noted on LinkedIn that the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) is no longer an experiment. He stated, “It’s happening right now.”

He explained how VARA views tokenization as more than a blockchain use case but rather as a structural shift and the foundation for a new kind of financial system. He explains, ” Everything from real estate and art to commodities and IP can be digitally represented, owned and exchanged in real time.”

He adds, “It’s a system of fractional ownership and near-instant settlement, where global markets are trustless, borderless, and always on. The illiquid can become liquid.”

Majority of the 80,000 new business licenses in Saudi Arabia are blockchain and AI

Majority of the 80,000 new business licenses in Saudi Arabia are blockchain and AI

Of the 80,000 new business commercial licenses registered in Q2 of 2025 in Saudi Arabia most of them are in high growth industries such as Blockchain, AI, and Big data analytics. The total number of valid business records in KSA is now 1.72 million. Saudi Arabia witnessed 34% growth in AI commercial registrations, and 51% growth in Blockchain commercial registrations with over 4,000 companies now registered in the country.

The figures were provided by the Saudi Ministry of Commerce Quarterly Business sector bulletin. The bulletin also noted that there was growth in financial services sector, insurance, gaming and entertainment as well.

Through the National Transformation Program, the Kingdom is investing in infrastructure, digitalization, and regulatory improvements to attract investment and spur entrepreneurship nationwide.

Citing Minister of Commerce Majed Al-Qasabi, the bulletin stated: “The rectification is part of a broader set of measures aimed at combating commercial concealment, which remains one of the key challenges hindering the growth of the local economy.”

It added that the minister said the ministry has recently worked on rectifying the status of commercial registrations and updating their data to ensure compliance with regulations and to enhance market transparency.

Riyadh accounted for the largest share of new registrations during the quarter with 28,181 licenses, followed by Makkah with 14,498, the Eastern Province with 12,985, and Qassim with 4,920. Asir, which has been gaining prominence as an investment destination, recorded 3,875 new commercial records.

The second quarter also saw the implementation of the newly approved Commercial Register Law and Trade Names Law. These reforms have eliminated the need for separate subsidiary registrations by allowing businesses to operate under a single commercial record across the nation, regardless of their geographic location.

The changes are intended to simplify licensing, reduce administrative burden, and improve the overall ease of doing business in the Kingdom.

Several sectors experienced strong year-on-year growth. Registrations related to cloud data storage and analytics increased by 48 percent, reaching 5,894 records, with Riyadh leading the way at 3,775. Activities related to artificial intelligence increased by 34 percent, resulting in 14,409 new records, of which 8,909 were registered in the capital.

Women’s participation in the commercial sector continued to rise, with female entrepreneurs accounting for 49 percent of newly issued commercial records.

Investor interest from abroad also surged, with registrations by foreign and GCC investors rising by 38 percent in the second quarter to more than 70,000 new records. Of these, 38,640 registrations were made by foreign nationals and 31,488 by regional Gulf investors.

Bahrain allows issuance of USD and Bahrain dinar stablecoins

Bahrain allows issuance of USD and Bahrain dinar stablecoins

After the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) issued its consultation paper on stablecoins back in October 2024, it has now issued the full stablecoin regulation on July 2nd 2025, and is offering licenses to stablecoin issuers, custodians, for fiat backed stablecoins that could be either in Bahraini Dinar or United States Dollars or any other fiat currency acceptable to the CBB.

Additionally, the Central Bank of Bahrain is allowing stablecoin issuers to issue yield bearing stablecoins which pay passive returns to its clients only from either interest or rewards ( for Sharia compliant stablecoins) which is earned from the investment of the reserve assets.

Also regulated are sharia compliant stablecoins. However all stablecoin issuers will need to meet requirements set by the Central Bank.
As per the stablecoin module stablecoin issuers seeking to issue and offer stablecoins, control the total supply of stablecoins or mint and burn stablecoins as well as manage and safeguard reserve assets and custody of stablecoins will need to meet the requirements set out in the module.

As per the document, ” Stablecoin issuers must provide the CBB with detailed description of the new services, the resources required and the operational framework for such service.” All service providers need to be licensed before undertaking stablecoin services.

Quality and liquidity of stablecoin are vital

The CBB notes that part of the approval of a stablecoin will include looking into the quality and liquidity of the stablecoin, as well as credit and concentration risk reserve assets in those currencies. It also notes that the Central Bank may reject an application for issuance of a stablecoin if it determines that the issuance thereof might cause damage, dilute or be contrary to the interests of national economy, the holders of the stablecoin or public investors in general.

Also applicants need to have at least three years track record in either issuing stablecoins or working in the crypto asset domain.

Moreover the license fee set by the CBB is a variable one 0.25% of operating expenses.

In terms of reserve asset composition, stablecoin issues can only keep reserves in cash and deposits with Banks rates at a minimum of AA- or equivalent, or debt securities with central bank, or repurchase agreements backed by short term government money market funds.

Difference between UAE stablecoin regulations and Bahrain

UAE Stablecoin Payment Token Services Regulation came out laying down the rules and conditions by the Central Bank of UAE for licenses pertaining to payment tokens, not allowing algorithmic tokens to be included and only allowing foreign stablecoins to be used to purchase virtual assets, while the AED dirham stablecoin became the only stablecoin to be allowed for payments in the country.

The Bahrain Central Bank has gone into an even further course, allowing for both Bahrain Dinar and USD stablecoins to be issued and utilized as well as sharia backed stablecoins. Moreover unlike the UAE, Bahrain is allowing yield bearing stablecoins to be issued.

The CBB stablecoin regulation compared to the U.S. Genius Act stablecoin regulation is similar except for the yield bearing factor and the fact that U.S did not open it up to other fiat currencies. In the Genius Act The bill mandates that stablecoins be fully backed by high-quality, low-risk assets like U.S. dollars, short-term Treasury bills, or insured bank deposits. The act defines “payment stablecoins” as digital assets issued for payment or settlement and redeemable at a fixed amount, like $1.

JP Morgan has noted that stablecoin market could hit $500 million by 2028. Stablecoin issuers have collectively generated over $10 billion in revenue, marking a significant milestone for the sector. This growth is largely attributed to the increasing profitability of stablecoins, which has driven expansion and innovation within the market. Tether, the leading stablecoin issuer, has amassed $6.56 billion in revenue, underscoring its dominant position. Other notable issuers include Circle, which earned $1.89 billion, Sky Protocol with $384 million, and Ethena with $332 million.


The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange to list first ever MENA blockchain based digital bond

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange to list first ever MENA blockchain based digital bond

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), the largest exchange in the UAE and second largest exchange in the Middle East North Africa (MENA), has started the pricing stage as an initial step towards listing the first ever DLT ( Distributed Ledger Technology)/ Blockchain digital bond in the MENA region.

As per the announcement the DLT digital bond will be issued by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) using HSBC Orion, digital asset platform. The listing on ADX is a collaboration of all three entities powered by HSBC Orion which is operated by the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) in Hong Kong, and structured with support from leading international law firms, reflecting the high standard of governance.

HSBC Orion has led the way in the digitalisation of the capital market infrastructure. It facilitated the launch of the European Investment Bank’s first-ever digital bond in pound sterling2, and the world’s first multi-currency digital bond offering as well as the largest digital bond issuance for the HKSAR Government. HSBC is also the first bank in the world to offer tokenized ownership in physical gold.

Global investors can access the digital bond through accounts held with CMU, Euroclear and Clearstream, onboarding onto HSBC Orion as direct participant, or via their existing custodian who can participate through one of the above options.

Introducing the digital bond into ADX’s growing list of financial products supports its broader ambition to offer innovative financial instruments and signifies the Exchange’s pioneering role in introducing tokenized finance. Digital bonds, fixed-income securities issued and recorded on blockchain technology, offer operational efficiencies, improved settlement cycles, reduced counterparty risk, improved security and enhanced transparency for institutional investors.

HSBC acted as the sole global coordinator, lead manager and bookrunner on the transaction, and played a central role in bringing the end-to-end blockchain-based issuance to the MENA region.

Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADX, said, “The successful issuance of MENA’s first blockchain-based digital bond, in close collaboration with FAB and HSBC, marks a defining moment in our journey to transform capital markets through innovation. ADX was central in facilitating this milestone, ensuring the bond’s seamless integration with existing post-trade infrastructure and compatibility with global settlement standards.”

He added that this initiative not only expands access to institutional grade digital instruments but lays the foundation for broader class of tokenized assets which include green bonds, sukuk, real estate linked products and more. He noted, ” It reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global financial centre. It aligns with the UAE’s national agenda to build a diversified, technology-driven capital market anchored in transparency, resilience, and long-term growth.”

Lars Kramer, Group Chief Financial Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), also explained, “This milestone marks a significant advancement in our innovation journey, establishing FAB as the issuer for the first blockchain-based digital bond in the MENA region. Together with ADX and HSBC, we are setting new benchmarks in efficiency, transparency, and security, while aligning with the UAE’s progressive regulatory framework. We are supporting investors navigate the global digital assets landscape. This bond issuance accelerates the development of a robust digital capital markets ecosystem in the UAE.”

Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, added that the successful launch of MENA’s first digital bond on ADX using HSBC Orion shows how they are transforming the promise of tokenization into reality within the MENA region. He explains, “This is a significant milestone towards a future where digital assets become a mainstream part of the Middle East’s financial landscape.”

This comes after the Securities and Commodities Authority in UAE issued its security and commodity token regulation.

Saudi Fundraizerly for tokenizing fundraising signs up alternative investment manager

Saudi Fundraizerly for tokenizing fundraising signs up alternative investment manager

Fundraizerly, the end-to-end platform for investment management, digital fundraising and asset tokenization, has been selected by an alternative-investment manager with AUM in the low nine-figure range to power its next generation of closed-end funds.

As per the press release, the client’s identity remains confidential under a mutual non-disclosure agreement, but the firm has granted written consent to share aggregate details of the engagement. Fundraizerly and the client may release a named case study once regulatory filings and internal policies permit.

Using Fundraizerly’s tokenization engine on the Base Layer-2 network, the manager will issue fund units as compliant on-chain tokens—unlocking real-time cap-table visibility, automated distributions and programmable transfer rules. Base network, incubated by Coinbase, provides low fees and fast settlement while inheriting Ethereum’s security.

To enhance investor servicing, the mandate also activates Fundraizerly’s AI Assistants—domain-specific large-language-model agents trained on the fund’s portfolio data. Industry research shows that more than two-thirds of enterprises are already training staff or hiring talent to deploy Gen-AI solutions.

“Tokenization has become the operating system of modern funds,” said Haiyan Alsaiyed, CEO of Fundraizerly. “By combining our secure issuance stack with Base’s scalability and AI-driven investor support, this partnership sets a new benchmark for mid-market managers.”

The announcement comes as the on-chain value of tokenised real-world assets (RWAs) has surpassed US $24 billion across public blockchains—highlighting accelerating institutional adoption. (forbes.com)

Crypto mining platform Hut 8 to enter the UAE

Crypto mining platform Hut 8 to enter the UAE

Hut 8 (NASDAQ:HUT) an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing, has registered to open an office in Dubai UAE. The company also disclosed it had raised $220 million to purchase Bitcoin and mining infrastructure and has announced that by March 2025 it has approximately 10.8 GW of development capacity.

The announcement was published in an article in Bloomberg. CEO of Hut 8, Asher Genoot noted that the new Dubai office would enhance the precision and efficiency of Hut 8’s capital strategy.

Hut 8 confirmed to Bloomberg that the Dubai office would house a new team focused on trading and digital asset strategies. The company already operates facilities in Texas, New York, and Alberta, Canada.

Hut 8 joins UAE based Phoenix Group, as well as Marathon Digital Holding who also have operations in the UAE. The UAE has been building its data center capacities as it seeks to lead in both AI and digital asset infrastructure.

In March 2025, Hut 8 announced the launch of American Bitcoin Corp. (“American Bitcoin”), a majority-owned subsidiary of Hut 8 focused exclusively on industrial-scale Bitcoin mining and strategic Bitcoin reserve development. The launch of American Bitcoin follows the strategic contribution of substantially all of Hut 8’s ASIC miners to and in exchange for a majority interest in American Data Centers, Inc., a company formed by a group of investors including Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. In connection with the transaction, American Data Centers, Inc. was subsequently renamed and relaunched as American Bitcoin.

However a Hut 8 spokesperson told Bloomberg that the Dubai office is not related to its relationship with American Bitcoin.

Other countries such as Oman have also invested heavily in powering datacenters for Bitcoin mining and other applications.