Lara

Total Post: 1384

Binance lists World Liberty Financial USD1

Binance lists World Liberty Financial USD1

Binance the leading global crypto exchange, which holds a license both in the UAE and Bahrain within the MENA region, and which recently received a $2 billion investment from MGX an Abu Dhabi technology investment company, has announced the listing of World Liberty Financial USD (USD1) on May 22nd 2025. Binance listed World Liberty Financial USD (USD1) and opened trading for the following spot trading pair USD1/USDT. Users can now start depositing USD1 in preparation for trading.

One day prior Donald Trump’s crypto venture World Liberty Financial launched its stablecoin on Kucoin which was recently banned from the United States after admitting to violating anti-money laundering laws and agreeing to pay a $300 million fine.

USD1 Listing Fee: 0 BNB. The crypto exchange also noted it added World Liberty Financial USD ( USD1) to Binance Simple Earn, “Buy Crypto”, Binance Convert, and Binance Margin at the respective dates and timings listed below. USD1 Flexible Products will be listed on Binance Simple Earn at 2025-05-22 12:00 (UTC) and will be available for subscription.

Users can buy USD1 with VISA, MasterCard, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Revolut or buy and sell USD1 with their account balances on the “Buy Crypto” page, available within one hour of USD1being listed on Binance Spot.

Users will also be able to start trading USD1 against BTC, USDT, and any other tokens on Binance Convert at zero fees within one hour of USD1 being listed on Binance Spot. Binance Margin will add USD1 as a new borrowable asset on Cross and Isolated Margin, as well as the USD1/USDT pair on Cross and Isolated Margin at 2025-05-22 12:20 (UTC).

This comes weeks after Eric Trump announced that the stablecoin used for the investment into Binance by UAE sovereign AI fund MGX, was World Liberty Financial USD.

Richard Teng talks to CNN about MGX Investment into Binance but not the name of stablecoin

Yet even in his most recent interview with CNN, Richard Teng still did not disclose the stablecoin that was used in MGX investment into Binance, while he did talk about what this means for the future of AI and crypto.

In a new series, entitled Intelligent Future which focuses on how technology is revolutionizing our world, CNN’s Becky Anderson sat down with Binance’s CEO, Richard Teng.

He noted that crypto is the future. It is a technology that is traceable, trustless, and decentralized. It allows you to build financial infrastructure, any infrastructure, tokenization, supply chains and so many other uses cases.

He adds that in the current financial structure, it takes two days to send money at high costs, crypto and stablecoins resolve this.

When asked about MGX investment into Binance with $2 billion. Teng stated, ” Abu Dhabi and UAE are always at the forefront of thinking and development of the future world. If you look at MGX it is AI, datacenter investment advance technology power house, so we are glad that this is our first institutional investment, This is the first strategic minority investment into Binance, the largest in the crypto industry and the largest paid in stablecoins.”

He says it also shows the future role is one of convergence between traditional finance, blockchain, crypto, AI, so he believes it will be very interesting.

As for the final question on how important that the USA is now getting onboard the crypto program. Teng says, that this is very important because the USA is the largest capital markets in the world. It accounts for over 15% of global capital markets. So when they say I am going to go long on crypto, the rest of governments and capital markets cannot chose to ignore that.”

Once regulators around the world come into play, they will benchmark themselves according to what the USA has notes Teng.

As for the next five years, Teng believes, children will grow up in the blockchain and AI world. Fees paid for financial transactions will go down substantially with settlement periods shorter. There will be more choices for investments, and use cases

  • AI
  • 0
  • Closed
  • 4 min read

Abu Dhabi to have an AI AION cognitive city

Abu Dhabi to have an AI AION cognitive city

Abu Dhabi-based security company BOLD Technologies, a subsidiary of BOLD Holding, and My Aion partnered to develop AION SENTIA Cognitive City, a next-generation AI platform designed to manage and optimize complex urban systems. The initiative, structured under a $2.5 billion Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, will leverage MAIA, My Aion Inc.’s proprietary AI core engine, to integrate and support key sectors such as mobility, energy, education, healthcare, and digital services.

Currently under active development, the platform aims to deliver scalable smart infrastructure solutions globally, beginning with deployment in the UAE.

To mark the collaboration, BOLD Technologies and My Aion Inc. hosted a launch event, at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, attended by over 100 prominent business and technology leaders.

The guest list included representatives from leading institutions and global enterprises such as Sequoia Capital, Adnoc, G42, Leonardo, Amazon, TikTok, Fincantieri, Stellantis, the Mexican Ambassador, the Italian Embassy in the UAE, Abu Dhabi Capital Group, US Capital Group, AV Investor SA, Horizon Capital, and Netmore, as well as strategic technology players including Negg, Sitep Italia, Techera Watergy, and Motuse.

Representative of the private office of Bold Holding Chairman were also in attendance, along with senior representatives from Abu Dhabi’s government and public institutions, further underscoring the initiative’s strategic alignment with national innovation and development agendas.

The event introduced the vision and framework of AION SENTIA, showcasing its expected applications and how it will use advanced AI, sensor networks, and data analytics to support intelligent urban operations.

Abu Dhabi has been selected as the global headquarters for the initiative due to its progressive regulatory environment, robust cybersecurity standards, and well-established digital ecosystem. The move aligns with the UAE’s digital transformation strategy and positions the platform for international adoption.

“This initiative will support job creation for UAE nationals, foster local innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the national AI ecosystem,” remarked Thani Al Thani Al Falasi, the CEO of BOLD Technologies.

“We’re excited to work alongside My Aion Inc. to bring this ambitious vision to life,” he stated.

My Aion CEO Daniele Marinelli said: “Relocating our global operations to Abu Dhabi marks a new chapter for our team. The UAE offers the infrastructure and institutional support needed to scale responsibly and strategically.”

The partnership also includes plans to collaborate with UAE universities to launch training and upskilling programmes, further supporting the development of the national workforce in AI and digital technologies.

Founded in March 2023, BOLD Technologies leads digital transformation initiatives across the region and is one of eight subsidiaries under BOLD Holding, which operates in sectors including AI, energy, construction, oil & gas, and trading.

My Aion Inc., the developer of the AION SENTIA platform, is part of a group established in 2020 and maintains a presence in the US, UK, Italy, Latvia, and Monaco.

As part of this collaboration, all 63 employees and global operations will be consolidated in Abu Dhabi, a strategic relocation reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for smart technology.

Ethereum overtakes Bitcoin on OKX exchange

Ethereum overtakes Bitcoin on OKX exchange

OKX’s Global Chief Commercial Officer, Lennix Lai, has shared insights on latest trading data especially as BTC reaches a new fresh ATH. According to Lai, the latest trading data reveals that Ethereum has surpassed Bitcoin as OKX’s most traded cryptocurrency.

Ethereum has captured 27% of spot volume despite BTC recently setting a new all-time high of $110,730. Ethereum overtaking Bitcoin is a first for this year.

As per OKX, which is licensed in the UAE, the numbers tell the story. ETH now captures nearly 27% of spot volume versus Bitcoin’s 26.5%, completely flipping April’s dynamic when BTC dominated at 38% while Ethereum lagged below 20%.

According to Lai, this signals a distinct rotation as traders reposition while Bitcoin consolidates near all-time highs, despite BTC recently hitting a fresh record of $110,730. Even with the SEC’s delays on ETH staking ETFs, the Ethereum narrative is clearly gaining traction, potentially driven by anticipation around upcoming upgrades (e.g. Fusaka) and bullish news of TradFi institutions building Ethereum L2s to tokenize RWAs.

He adds, “What makes this shift even more remarkable is that it’s happening amid surging overall activity – we saw spot trading volume jump by 60% week-over-week in the second week of May, with momentum continuing as volumes climbed another 6% the following week while both ETH and BTC continued their rallies. The timing of this shift really shows us how the market is maturing.”

With Bitcoin futures open interest hitting a record $72 billion, Coinbase joining the S&P 500, and the GENIUS Act clearing the Senate in the US, OKX is seeing more clarity and potentially even deregulation in certain jurisdictions.

Lai concludes, “I think these are early signs of a more sophisticated market cycle where capital flows toward growth potential rather than simply chasing Bitcoin’s momentum. While corporate treasuries keep adding Bitcoin to their books, Ethereum’s comeback on our platform suggests we’re entering a more nuanced phase where traders are backing multiple horses in this bull market rather than putting all their chips on Bitcoin.”

Hong Kong legislators pass stablecoin Bill

Hong Kong legislators pass stablecoin Bill

Hong Kong government, represented by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority has passed the Stablecoins Bill. The bill passed by the Legislative Council today (21 May) will establish a licensing regime for fiat-referenced stablecoins (FRS) issuers in Hong Kong, to further enhance Hong Kong’s regulatory framework on virtual-asset (VA) activities, thereby fostering financial stability and encouraging financial innovation.

Upon implementation of the Stablecoins Ordinance, any person who, in the course of business, issues an FRS in Hong Kong, or issues an FRS that purports to maintain a stable value with reference to Hong Kong dollars in or outside Hong Kong will need to obtain a licence from the Monetary Authority (MA).

The relevant persons must satisfy the requirements in areas such as reserve asset management and redemption, including proper segregation of client assets, maintaining a robust stabilization mechanism, and processing stablecoin holders’ requests for redemption at par value with reasonable conditions.

The relevant persons must also comply with a range of requirements, including those on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, risk management, disclosure and auditing, and fitness and propriety. The MA will conduct further consultations on the detailed regulatory requirements of the regime in due course.

FRS issued by a licensed issuer may be offered to a retail investor.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “The Ordinance adheres to the ‘same activity, same risks, same regulation’ principle, with a focus on a risk-based approach to promote a robust regulatory environment. This is not only in line with international regulatory requirements, but also lays a solid foundation for Hong Kong’s virtual asset market, which, in turn, promotes the sustainable development of the industry, protects users’ rights and interests, and strengthens Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.”

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue, added, “The Ordinance has established a risk-based, pragmatic, and flexible regulatory regime. We believe that a robust and fit-for-purpose regulatory environment would provide favourable conditions to support the healthy, responsible, and sustainable development of Hong Kong’s stablecoin and the broader digital asset ecosystem.”

The UAE Central Bank had passed its stablecoin Bill last year, while the USA is currently studying the Genius Act. the U.S.senate approved a procedural vote for the GENIUS Act for stablecoins, with 66 voting in favor, 32 against and two abstentions. Sixteen Democrats supported the vote, led by Senators Gillibrand, Alsobrooks, Gallego and Warner. The same vote failed on 8 May.

The Middle East Stablecoin Association appoints Founder of Klumi Ventures as Co Chair

The Middle East Stablecoin Association appoints Founder of Klumi Ventures as Co Chair

The Middle East Stablecoin Association launched in May has appointed Kristiina Lumeste, Founder and SEO of Klumi Ventures, a Web3 early stage venture capital firm, as Co-Chair of the Middle East Stablecoin Association – MESA.

As per the announcement, in her new role, Kristiina will lead the Technology, Innovation & Education Committee – a cornerstone of MESA’s mission to drive the responsible development of stablecoins through best-in-class frameworks across technical infrastructure, regulatory alignment, education, and ecosystem engagement.

Klumi post noted, “At Klumi Ventures, we firmly believe that stablecoins are reshaping the global financial infrastructure, offering unprecedented efficiency, transparency, and security for institutions, governments, and markets alike. We are deeply aligned with MESA’s vision to bridge the gap between innovation and compliance, enabling stablecoins to support the future of cross-border payments, tokenized asset settlement, and the digital economy.”

The Middle East Stablecoin Association participated in panel entitled Stablecoins in the UAE, Leading not Following, during TOKEN2049


Bitcoin Suisse subsidiary receives approval for crypto license in UAE

Bitcoin Suisse subsidiary receives approval for crypto license in UAE

Bitcoin Suisse, a Swiss crypto financial service provider, through its subsidiary BTCS (Middle East) Ltd. has received an In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM in Abu Dhabi UAE.

As per the press release, the milestone represents a significant step forward in Bitcoin Suisse’s strategic expansion, reinforcing its commitment to regulatory compliance, financial innovation, and global growth. With this achievement, Bitcoin Suisse is set to expand into the Middle East, introducing a refined and client-centric approach to crypto finance.

The company notes that it is on its way to securing the full license soon. With the license it will offer regulated crypto financial services including crypto trading, crypto securities, as well as crypto custody locally within ADGM.

“The In-Principle approval marks an important milestone in our global expansion journey,” said Ceyda Majcen, Head of Global Expansion and designated Senior Executive Officer of BTCS (Middle East) Ltd. “It reflects our strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, security, and regulatory compliance. Abu Dhabi, one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing financial centers, presents a compelling opportunity for growth. We look forward to working closely with the FSRA to obtain our full license and to bring our decade of experience in crypto finance to the region’s rapidly evolving digital asset ecosystem.”

Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development Officer at ADGM, said, “ADGM congratulates Bitcoin Suisse on receiving its IPA from the FSRA of ADGM. Their expansion plans to the region to provide regulated crypto financial services within the international financial centre is a testament to the immense opportunities available within Abu Dhabi. We look forward to Bitcoin Suisse receiving their Financial Services Permission (FSP) and their contribution to ADGM’s dynamic ecosystem.”

Bitcoin Suisse has built a strong reputation as a trusted crypto financial service provider in Switzerland, offering secure and compliant crypto asset solutions for private individuals and institutional clients with its deep expertise, precision and personal engagement. The company securely holds over USD $6 billion (AED 22.2 billion) in digital assets under custody and more than USD $2.6 billion (AED 8.9 billion) in institutional staking services, making it one of the largest providers of digital asset custody and institutional staking solutions globally.

Bitcoin Suisse will join the ranks of M2 and RAIN UAE.

Deus X Pay enables crypto payments for Trump Tower Dubai

Deus X Pay enables crypto payments for Trump Tower Dubai

Deus X Pay, a licensed institutional stablecoin payment solution in Lithuania, setting new standards across the luxury sectors, is now enabling crypto payments for property purchases at the new Trump Tower Dubai, the first Trump International Hotel to be built in the Middle East.

The new $1 billion Trump Tower Dubai, unveiled through partnership with London-listed Dar Global, marks a breakthrough in global luxury real estate. Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organisation and son of US President Donald Trump, has recently announced that Bitcoin and other digital currencies will be accepted for condo sales.

The Trump Tower Dubai, an 80-story architectural icon, offers the highest international standards for ultra-high-net-worth travellers and long-stay residents. The exclusive building boasts 2-3 bedroom apartments and 4-bedroom penthouses valued at over AED 73 million, the highest outdoor swimming pool in the world, and has views of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, said the Trump Tower Dubai is among the most ambitious Trump-branded residential towers globally, reflecting the project’s magnitude, stature, and symbolic significance in the region and internationally.

Trump previously told Gulf Business that Dubai is where luxury real estate and financial innovation intersect, and projects like Trump Tower Dubai are leading the way. By embracing technologies like stablecoins, buyers gain a faster, cheaper and more transparent way to secure exclusive, high-end properties while reshaping how luxury transactions are conducted.

As per the press release, Deus X Pay, a licensed Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in Lithuania, offers institutional stablecoin payment solutions, enabling luxury sectors such as real estate, aviation and yachting to capitalise on this new era of finance. Deus X Pay CEO, Richard Crook, highlights that Dubai has created an environment where stablecoins can flourish as a practical, secure tool for international transactions (with Crypto Watch reporting that crypto adoption in the UAE is expected to surge 210% in 2025), giving premium buyers faster, frictionless access to high-value assets.

“Dubai’s forward-thinking stance has unlocked a whole new economy, and the gold standard for transactions of high-value assets. International buyers seek faster settlements, fewer cross-border complications and seamless access to premium developments. This project is a defining moment — not just for Deus X Pay, but for the global real estate sector. We are thrilled to deliver the regulated rails that make it possible for premium property buyers to transact instantly, compliantly and without the traditional delays or friction.”

This announcement comes as the UAE governmental entity, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has partnered with the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to link the real estate registry to property tokenization through an advanced governance system. The collaboration aims to enable the fractional ownership of real estate assets, allowing a broader base of investors, particularly small investors, to enter Dubai’s real estate market. This contributes to greater economic inclusion and enhances the sector’s appeal to global investments.

UAE licensed Fomo Pay to accelerate stablecoin adoption in MENA

UAE licensed Fomo Pay to accelerate stablecoin adoption in MENA

FOMO Pay, a payment institution headquartered in Singapore, with additional licenses in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has joined the Global Dollar Network (GDN), an open, enterprise-driven network designed to accelerate global adoption of stablecoins and will advance stablecoin adoption in MENA ( Middle East North Africa).

As per the press release, FOMO Pay will integrate Global Dollar (USDG), a stablecoin issued by Paxos, into its digital payment infrastructure, enabling near-instant, transparent, and regulated stablecoin payments for merchants and corporates.

The integration of USDG will allow FOMO Pay’s broad merchant base, spanning sectors such as F&B, hospitality, and retail, to accept USDG payments from their end customers seamlessly. This addition enhances consumers’ checkout experience with more flexible payment options, translating digital currency innovation into real-world utility. In parallel, FOMO Pay’s corporate clients will be able to leverage USDG to streamline cross-border payments with greater speed, transparency, and regulatory confidence.

Louis Liu, Founder and CEO of FOMO Pay, said, “The broader adoption of regulated stablecoins marks the next chapter in financial innovation, unlocking new possibilities for faster, more transparent, and compliant payments. USDG is a meaningful step in that direction, and we are pleased to join the Global Dollar Network as one of its first members to advance stablecoin adoption. Backed by FOMO Pay’s strong local banking and payment infrastructure across Southeast Asia, the Greater Bay Area, and the Middle East and North Africa, we stand ready to help shape a more inclusive and interoperable future for digital finance.”

FOMO Pay is dedicated to partnering with industry leaders to deliver faster, more cost-effective, and regulated payment solutions. By enhancing cross-border payments and facilitating real-world use cases for stablecoins, the company continues to drive innovation in digital finance. Through its efforts, FOMO Pay aims to make modern financial instruments more accessible to businesses, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and interoperable global payments ecosystem.

Du telecom sponsors Crypto Expo 2025 in UAE

Du telecom sponsors Crypto Expo 2025 in UAE

du, a telecom and digital services provider, through du Tech is sponsoring Crypto Expo 2025, cryptocurrency and blockchain event. Set to take place on 21–22 May at Dubai World Trade Centre. At the event, du Tech will showcase its commitment to driving innovation in one of the fastest-growing industries as well as empowering businesses and entrepreneurs with advanced technological solutions in the digital landscape.

Jasim Al Awadi, Chief ICT Officer at du, said, “Blockchain and cryptocurrency are transforming the way industries operate and connect, with Dubai taking the lead as a global hub for innovation in these sectors. With a focus on innovation and customer-centricity, du Tech’s services and solutions are driving the digital transformation across the UAE and beyond. Crypto Expo 2025 provides a platform to foster collaboration, explore new possibilities, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a hub of digital finance. We are thrilled to support this exciting event and contribute to shaping the future of the crypto ecosystem.”

Crypto Expo 2025 promises insightful panel discussions, cutting-edge exhibits, and networking opportunities for attendees eager to discover the latest trends in digital finance. With du Tech as a headline sponsor, the event reflects the synergy between technological innovation and industry expertise.

As the global hub for innovation and technological advancement, Dubai continues to establish itself as a major player in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. With the UAE’s cryptocurrencies market projected to reach $254.3 million in revenue by 2025, Crypto Expo 2025 is expected to attract a diverse and influential audience, including top leaders from DeFi, blockchain technology, digital assets, and Web3 sectors.

In April 2025, du invested in a $544.54 million hyperscale data center deal with Microsoft who will be its main tenant. The hyperscale datacenter capacity will be delivered in tranches, du said in a statement. Hyperscale centers are large facilities that are mainly used to provide data storage and cloud computing services to businesses at scale.

LBank suspends UAE new users and disables trading for existing ones

LBank suspends UAE new users and disables trading for existing ones

LBank, a crypto exchange offering more than 800 crypto assets is seeking a license in UAE through Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) and as a result they are implementing changes to ensure regulatory compliance and high standards of consumer protection and transparency which include suspending new user registrations from the UAE.

As per their blog post, “As part of our ongoing commitment to full regulatory compliance and responsible innovation, LBank is currently in the process of securing a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license under the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
In alignment with regulatory expectations and to ensure the highest standards of consumer protection and operational transparency, the following temporary changes will apply to users accessing our services from the UAE.”

New user registrations from the UAE will be temporarily suspended, while existing UAE users will only be able to, cancel open orders
close active positions, withdraw funds. The blog post notes, deposits and new trading orders will be disabled during this interim period.

LBank stated, “We understand the importance of uninterrupted access and are working closely with regulators to complete the licensing process as efficiently and transparently as possible. This transition underscores our deep commitment to the UAE’s progressive regulatory framework and our goal to operate with full authorization and oversight under VARA. We appreciate your continued trust and patience as we work to build a safer, stronger, and fully compliant digital asset ecosystem in the UAE.”