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Reem Finance and Temenos partner to launch new digital community bank

Reem Finance and Temenos partner to launch new digital community bank

Reem Finance has partnered with Temenos to establish a new digital community bank in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Temenos integrates Ripple blockchain technology using Bluzelle’s Altitude Gateway to create a new standard for bank-to-bank settlements as well as has collaborated with SETL to offer users seamless tokenized deposits and smart contracts.

The decision to leverage Temenos’ market-leading core banking platform underscores Reem Finance’s strategy to enhance operational efficiency and compliance. With robust localization capabilities, the platform offers advanced retail and corporate banking functionality. Delivered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), the solution ensures rapid scalability and streamlined operations, enabling Reem Finance to adapt quickly to market demands.

By integrating Temenos’ core banking, payments, and data analytics capabilities, the new digital community bank aims to provide seamless services to both individual and business customers. The platform’s ability to optimise banking processes and reduce costs is expected to position Reem Finance as a competitive player in the UAE’s dynamic banking sector, unlocking new opportunities for growth.

Reem Finance CEO Seraj Faidi expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner with Temenos to launch our digital community bank in the UAE. Temenos’ cutting-edge SaaS platform will enable us to rapidly innovate and scale up, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and stay ahead of the curve in a fast-moving market.

“The cloud-based Temenos solution has a pivotal role in our tech stack, and it enables us to connect across infrastructure and manage the most critical customer and business data. This collaboration will help us transform the way banking services are delivered in the UAE, with a focus on providing accessible, seamless, and scalable financial solutions to both retail and corporate customers.”

Temenos CRO William Moroney echoed these sentiments, added, “Temenos is proud to support Reem Finance in launching their new digital community bank. We have a strong presence in the Middle East, expertise in cloud banking and a track record of client success across the region. By leveraging Temenos’ cloud-based platform, Reem Finance is well-positioned to deliver next-generation financial services and continue its mission to drive financial inclusion and innovation across the UAE.”

Siraj Finance and ASSNTURE in UAE partner to pilot tokenization solutions

Siraj Finance and ASSNTURE in UAE partner to pilot tokenization solutions

Siraj Finance PJSC, a private joint stock company based in Abu Dhabi and regulated by the UAE Central Bank, offering a multitude of financial products, designed in compliance with Islamic Shari’ah principles and ASSNTURE Limited a registered in Abu Dhabi ADGM ( Abu Dhabi Global Market) as a technology startup providing Asset Tokenization and Digital Assets Infrastructure Solutions signed a strategic partnership during ADWF ( Abu Dhabi Finance Week), to explore solutions in asset tokenization and digital assets.

As per the announcement, this collaboration represents a shared commitment to leveraging blockchain technology to redefine financial services, with a focus on enabling secure, efficient, and compliant tokenization of real-world assets.

Siraj Finance and ASSNTURE aim to combine their expertise to pilot and commercialize asset tokenization solutions that align with the regulatory frameworks of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). By integrating cutting-edge blockchain technology, the two entities intend to provide clients with alternative liquidity solutions and expand access to high-value assets for a broader range of investors.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Mohamed Rusan Fyroze, CEO of Siraj Finance said, “This collaboration highlights Siraj Finance’s vision to lead the adoption of next-generation financial solutions in the UAE, aligning with our mission to empower businesses and individuals with innovative and compliant tools.”

Mr. Ihsan Khelef, Founder and Managing Director of ASSNTURE Limited added, “Partnering with Siraj Finance during ADFW reflects ASSNTURE’s dedication to building a robust ecosystem for tokenized assets. Together, we are setting the foundation for a new era in financial services.”

In October 2024, ASSNTURE launched “TradeDesk,” a blockchain-based platform designed to revolutionize the management and settlement of trade finance transactions for finished goods, raw materials, and commodities.

Beam launches $150 million Web3 gaming fund in UAE

Beam launches $150 million Web3 gaming fund in UAE

The Beam Foundation has launched Beam Ventures in Abu Dhabi, the first venture fund focused exclusively on Web3 gaming from ADGM. The $150 million gaming fund aims to accelerate promising founders and contributing to Abu Dhabi’s transformation into a global gaming hub.

Beam Ventures is strategically positioned at the intersection of blockchain, gaming, and artificial intelligence, the fund is driven by a commitment to shape the future of gaming together with the next generation of game developers and innovators. Beam Ventures will launch an accelerator program, inspired by globally recognized precedents. This program is designed to support early-stage startups specializing in web3 gaming and AI, offering a combination of in-person and remote participation options. The goal of the program is to create a breeding ground of successful startups that will impact the gaming industry and beyond.

HE Saeed Al Fazari, Strategic Affairs Executive Director at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said, “Over the past three years, we have built a robust gaming infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, and establishing a dedicated gaming fund is a crucial step in ensuring that this ecosystem continues to thrive. This initiative aligns seamlessly with our Abu Dhabi Gaming efforts, reflecting our commitment to welcoming investments in the gaming industry and highlighting the trust and confidence investors have in our ecosystem.

We remain deeply committed to attracting and nurturing talent in Abu Dhabi, contributing to the knowledge-sharing economy, and driving the growth of the creative industries. This fund is another step forward in ensuring Abu Dhabi becomes a global hub for gaming excellence and innovation.”

“At Beam Ventures, one thing drives us above all else: innovation. In whatever form it might take, innovation has always been our lifeblood and our North Star – and that’s why we are so delighted to be bringing our pursuit of innovation to Abu Dhabi, a city that has shown itself time and again to share our mindset. We’re convinced that Abu Dhabi is set to be the epicenter of the world’s most exciting, pioneering tech and gaming innovation for years and decades to come. We have always sought the cutting edge at Beam Ventures – and we know that with this collaboration we have found exactly that. We look forward to other cutting-edge creators and founders joining us on this adventure.” – Mark Borsten – Chief Strategy Officer.

Standard Chartered to support Paxos USDG and USDL stablecoins

Standard Chartered to support Paxos USDG and USDL stablecoins

Paxos, a regulated blockchain and tokenization infrastructure platform, has partnered with Standard Chartered to enhance Global Dollar (USDG) and Lift Dollar (USDL) reserve management. Standard Chartered will provide cash management, trading, and custody services, further strengthening the infrastructure supporting the trusted digital assets in Singapore and UAE.

Both USDG and USDL are fully backed and trusted stablecoins issued under prudential regulatory oversight. Paxos maintains rigorous standards in reserve management and exclusively holds short-term, highly liquid US government securities and cash equivalents to ensure that stablecoins maintain 1:1 parity with the US dollar. This guarantees seamless convertibility to fiat currency while reinforcing trust in Paxos’ ecosystem.

Through this collaboration, Standard Chartered will support Paxos’ global tokenization platform by offering seamless integration with a comprehensive suite of banking capabilities across transaction banking, financial markets, and securities services.

Adam Ackermann, Head of Treasury and Portfolio Management at Paxos, said, “As the stablecoin industry continues to attract the world’s leading enterprises, it’s more important than ever to ensure they have access to sophisticated, institutional-grade products. Standard Chartered’s commitment to risk management, compliance and operational efficiency across its world-class banking solutions is critical to Paxos as a regulated stablecoin issuer.”

John Collura, Global Head of Banks & Broker Dealer Sales and Head of Europe & Americas for Financing and Securities Services at Standard Chartered, added, “Our partnership with Paxos reflects Standard Chartered’s commitment to shaping the future of digital finance with trust and innovation. By providing robust cash management, trading, and custody services, we’re enabling the next generation of secure and regulated digital assets solutions that drive global adoption and economic inclusion.”

Global Dollar (USDG) is a US dollar-backed stablecoin issued by Paxos Digital Singapore, and is substantively compliant with the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) upcoming stablecoin regulatory framework. This ensures USDG meets the highest standards of consumer protection and regulatory compliance. Paxos International, which is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market, launched the US dollar-backed stablecoin Lift Dollar (USDL) earlier this year. USDL passes daily programmatic safe yield to its end holders.

Versifi an OTC crypto trading and lending firm receives initial approval from ADGM in UAE

Versifi an OTC crypto trading and lending firm receives initial approval from ADGM in UAE

VersiFi, a crypto and digital asset trading and lending firm, has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM in UAE.

As per the announcement, subject to final regulatory approval, VersiFi will launch a fully regulated digital asset trading solution for institutional clients from its new global headquarters in ADGM.

VersiFi’s ADGM presence is led by a team of exceptional financial services executives whose experience spans both digital and traditional assets at firms such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, ADS Securities, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, Gemini, Interactive Brokers, JP Morgan, Standard Chartered and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

VersiFi is working to address the IPA conditions and, subject to FSRA’s approval, plans to offer institutional clients a full trading solution, that will include direct Market Access (DMA) to leading digital asset trading venues; market-leading algorithmic trading that improves trade execution and efficiency; bilateral OTC trading in both spot and derivatives; powerful tools for real-time portfolio and risk management; a full range of KYC and AML protocols and segregated custody via secure, third-party digital asset custodians.


“ADGM has established one of the most robust and dynamic regulatory frameworks in the world and they are taking a leading role in the responsible regulation of digital assets,” said Sameer Shalaby, CEO, VersiFi.

“The FSRA has impressed us with its diligence and collaborative approach and we are committed to building and upholding the highest level of integrity and security as part of the progressive financial services community in the UAE. Receiving our IPA is a validation of our vision and an important step for VersiFi as we to contribute to the region’s digital asset growth story while building our own.”

“We are delighted to be the first DMA and OTC trading firm to be granted IPA,” said John Livingstone, ADGM Regional Head, VersiFi. “We are focused and actively working with the FSRA to comprehensively address all the IPA conditions and we are looking forward to serving clients globally from our ADGM headquarters.”

VersiFi is fully committed to the UAE, and subject to the regulatory approval and receipt of the Financial Services Permission, the company plans on making further investments to expand its presence in the region.

Xchain crypto forensic monitor rolls out its services across MENA

Xchain crypto forensic monitor rolls out its services across MENA

Global digital assets/crypto risk monitoring provider XChain, which has been working with Dubai’s VARA since 2022 as its exclusive forensic transaction monitoring partner, is rolling out its services for institutional and retail Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) in the region.

The public launch of XChain’s transaction monitoring services will benefit VASPs, and eventually traditional financial institutions venturing into digital assets, offering much needed lifecycle support in areas of crypto oversight, compliance frameworks and transaction monitoring forensics.

By providing the region’s VASPs full visibility on the necessary regulatory and compliance frameworks, XChain aims to solve for key risk factors in on-chain transactions, enabling service providers to ultimately gain real-time insights into their risk metrics.

Haydn Jones, the newly appointed Managing Director of XChain, stated, “With an increasing number of companies looking to tap into UAE’s digital assets industry, we are privileged to continue our work streamlining access to on-chain transaction risk-based analytics. It is therefore imperative for the compliance functions within VASPs to have access to the latest thinking, and we are proud to be at the forefront of blockchain forensics and asset monitoring to build a trusted and reliable framework that offers end-to-end support.”

Matthew White, CEO of VARA commented, “At VARA, we are committed to fostering innovation while ensuring robust regulatory standards for the virtual asset ecosystem. XChain’s rollout of its transaction monitoring services represents a significant step forward in enabling VASPs to operate with enhanced transparency and confidence. We are pleased to collaborate with XChain in setting new benchmarks for regulatory technology, which will not only benefit the digital asset sector but also build bridges with traditional financial institutions exploring this space.”

VARA and XChain are also working on a regulatory dashboard tool to advance the existing on-chain transaction monitoring standards for the region’s digital assets ecosystem. The dashboard, expected to be launched in beta later this year, will offer real-time on-chain data and open-source intelligence derived from VASPs, enabling such institutions, as well as TradFi and professional services companies dealing with digital assets, to integrate a unified risk monitoring tool that adheres to the gold standard in Virtual Assets Regulatory Technology.

UAE Mbank now offering the first AED stablecoin

UAE Mbank now offering the first AED stablecoin

Mbank has announced that it is the first bank to be offering the AE Coin licensed stablecoin. It has become the first bank to make the first-ever regulated stablecoin in the United Arab Emirates available through its AEC wallet.

Through AEC Wallet, powered by Mbank, customers will be able to purchase AE Coin and make secure, stable virtual financial transactions. In line with the Central Bank of the UAE’s digital payment token services framework and the government’s future-oriented vision.

AE Coin, is the first stablecoin of its kind, designed to provide secure, stable, and fully regulated transactions. With a focus on stability, scalability, and efficiency, AE Coin enables fast, low-cost transactions, all while operating under the regulatory oversight of the Central Bank of the UAE, adhering to the highest standards of security and compliance in digital finance. It combines the reliability of fiat-backed stability with the agility of blockchain technology, ensuring that each coin is fully supported by the Dirham.

Through Mbank, retail and corporate customers can open an AEC Wallet account and enjoy seamless, instantaneous, hassle-free AE Coin transactions with minimal fees, compared to that of traditional banking. Customers will be able to make secure transactions with AE Coin across e-commerce platforms, simplifying the entire payment procedure.

Mohammed Wassim Khayata, Chief Executive Officer at Mbank, commented on the partnership saying, “We are very proud to be the first entity to make AE Coin available as a digital currency, integrate it in our system, and offer our customers, whether individuals or businesses, a new era of transparent, cost-effective financial services where they can use AE Coin’s stable and regulated currency for easy, instant, and secure payments. By being a vessel for AE Coin, we are fostering economic growth, providing individuals and businesses with new opportunities to thrive in the digital economy, and making financial services more accessible to everyone”.

Ramez Rafeek, General Manager of AE Coin, added, “We are very pleased to partner with Mbank as it makes AE Coin available as a digital currency and integrates it into its system, redefining the way customers engage with money in the digital world. AE Coin harnesses the speed and efficiency of blockchain technology, facilitating instant, secure, and cost-effective transactions. It simplifies domestic transfers, making financial transactions faster and more efficient. In a rapidly evolving digital world, AE Coin sets the standard for trust, security, and innovation in digital currency”.

Tether receives approval for USDT in UAE

Tether receives approval for USDT in UAE

Tether, the largest company in the digital assets industry, has announced the acceptance of USD₮ by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (“FSRA”) as an Accepted Virtual Asset (“AVA”) in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”). This approval ensures USD₮ meets the standards set by the ADGM, enabling the seamless integration of USD₮ into the approved services of licensed entities in ADGM and supporting the diversification and modernization of the UAE’s financial landscape.

This approval enables Authorized Persons operating and licensed by the FSRA to offer pre-approved services related to USD₮, advancing the region’s leadership in digital asset innovation. This announcement comes amid the rising adoption of digital currencies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reflecting the nation’s proactive approach to integrating traditional and digital finance.

“This milestone underscores Tether’s commitment to fostering global financial inclusion and innovation. By bringing USD₮ to the forefront of ADGM’s regulated virtual asset framework, we are not only validating the importance of stablecoins as critical tools for modern finance but also opening new doors for collaboration and growth across the Middle East,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “The UAE’s forward-thinking approach to virtual asset regulation sets a global benchmark, and we are proud that USD₮ can play a pivotal role in driving economic progress and digital transformation in the region. This approval highlights Tether’s dedication to building bridges between traditional and decentralized economies while ensuring security, trust, and efficiency for users worldwide.”

Emirates NBD adds Fifth member to digital assets Lab

Emirates NBD adds Fifth member to digital assets Lab

Emirates NBD, a banking group with presence in Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, has added its fifth member of its Digital Asset Lab, Chainlink, the standard for onchain finance, verifiable data, and cross-chain interoperability. Chainlink will join other founding members including PwC, Fireblocks, R3 and Chainalysis.

Chainlink’s membership will play a key role in advancing the Digital Asset Lab’s mission to create innovative solutions in digital finance.

Digital assets represent a market of over USD 1.3 trillion globally, with tokenization alone contributing an estimated USD 230 billion annually to GDP in the MENA region, Ernst & Young estimates¹.

As digital assets increasingly become mainstream, banks are increasingly innovating to cater to cryptocurrencies, tokenized securities and Central Bank digital Currencies. This strategic alliance strengthens the Digital Asset Lab’s ability to scale the development of digital asset solutions while upholding the highest standards of trust, reliability and security.

Miguel Rio Tinto, Group Chief Digital and Information Officer at Emirates NBD, said, “We are proud to partner with Chainlink and welcome them to Emirates NBD’s Digital Asset Lab as a council member. As a key platform for our innovation strategy, the Digital Asset Lab enables us to pioneer next-generation solutions for our customers. With Chainlink Labs’ expertise in onchain finance, we are confident this partnership will drive new advancements in tokenization and digital asset management, reinforcing Emirates NBD’s position as a regional leader in financial innovation.”

Angie Walker, Global Head of Banking and Capital Markets at Chainlink Labs, added, “Tokenization and digital assets represent a hundred-trillion-dollar opportunity for financial institutions in the MENAT region and beyond. Chainlink Labs is excited to collaborate with Emirates NBD by becoming a council member of its Digital Asset Lab to help support the development of onchain financial applications powered by the Chainlink standard for onchain finance, verifiable data and cross-chain interoperability.”

The Digital Asset Lab was launched in May 2023 at the Dubai FinTech Summit, to accelerate digital asset and financial services innovation in the UAE.

The Digital Asset Lab has implemented groundbreaking solutions for Emirates NBD, such as offering crypto products in retail banking using loyalty program points, tokenized real-world assets such as bonds for Emirates NBD Capital, stablecoins and surrounding regulations, as well as compliance and monitoring of virtual asset transactions.

Additionally the bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ctrl Alt, B2B alternative asset solutions provider, to explore infrastructure solutions related to tokenization of real-world assets.

Aptos Blockchain foundation enters UAE with new office in ADGM

Aptos Blockchain foundation enters UAE with new office in ADGM

Aptos Foundation, a blockchain foundation dedicated to supporting the development of the Aptos ecosystem and Web3 worldwide, opened a new office in ADGM entering the UAE market.

As per the announcement the Abu Dhabi office will serve as a hub for Aptos Foundation’s activities in the region, focusing on fostering partnerships and supporting projects designed to grow the Aptos ecosystem. By setting up operations in ADGM, Aptos Foundation will engage directly with these forward-thinking builders and institutions, creating new opportunities to collaborate and expand the Aptos ecosystem.

“The UAE is leaning hard into Web3, and that has made the region—and Abu Dhabi specifically—a clear leader in blockchain worldwide,” said Bashar Lazaar, Head of Growth and Ecosystems at Aptos Foundation. “We want to be at the forefront of that movement and help it grow as quickly as possible. This opening provides a unique opportunity for our team to learn from and connect on the ground with cutting-edge builders, institutions, and investors pushing the boundaries every day.”

“We are excited to welcome Aptos Foundation to ADGM,” said Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM. “Their decision to establish their first foreign office here highlights the UAE’s leadership in fostering innovation and advancing blockchain technologies. ADGM’s ecosystem is designed to support cutting-edge companies like Aptos Foundation as they collaborate with visionary developers, institutions, and investors to shape the future of Web3. We look forward to the contributions they will make to our vibrant community and the broader region.”

This expansion is a continuation of Aptos Foundation’s commitment to working with local stakeholders and playing an active role in accelerating blockchain adoption across the region.