Lara

Total Post: 1169

29 percent of Middle East Wealth owners see crypto asset wealth transfer as a problem

29 percent of Middle East Wealth owners see crypto asset wealth transfer as a problem

As the popularity of crypto rises not only globally but in the UAE, a recent DIFC Innovation Hub, Julius Baer, and Euroclear report entitled “Navigating the Future of Inheritance” found that one of the most problematic assets to transfer as part of inheritance is crypto assets.

According to the report 24% of global wealth owner respondents cited crypto assets as problematic during the transfer process, while in the Middle East region, it was higher at 29%. The typical HNWI’s ( High Net Worth Individuals), estate is spread across more accounts and more documents globally than ever, many of which lie outside of the core responsibilities of the region’s wealth managers.

This is interesting especially given that The United Arab Emirates ranked fifth for crypto adoption worldwide, with the largest percentage of the population holding crypto at 30.4% (The average across all countries is 3%).


The Navigating the Future of Inheritance report addressed the complexities of inheritance at a time when the region stands on the verge of a historic transition of USD 1trn (AED 3.67trn) in wealth to heirs and extended family members. This includes High Net Worth individuals in the United Arab Emirates who have seen their assets grow by 20 percent to reach USD 700bn in value since 2022.

The report discussed how smart contracts can automate trust deeds administration with streamlined client onboarding at trigger events such as birthdays or deaths. In addition by tokenizing assets wealth holders could standardize and streamline the administration of all their holdings into a single digital portfolio with safe custody and better access to financing.

It would also ensure the HNWI’s had control over their data which was also something important to them, improving their data privacy and confidentiality. Tokenization could allow each individual’s data item to be separately permissioned – so that any one organization can see only what the original wealth holder wants them to see.

Smart Contracts for example would allow wealth holders to define their own administration and reporting rules especially with high complexity of tax and jurisdictional rules which is an issue for 81% of respondents in the survey. The use of smart contracts can be used to drive greater programmability of data and processes – and therefore reduce costs and complexity for investors and their wealth
managers.

In addition with 14% of respondents in the report struggling to define and document asset ownership, digital identity and tokenization would be able to create digital records with information on history, ownership and updates. The report notes that recent pilots in Europe have demonstrated that permissioned tokens can directly link Know Your Customer (KYC) information to securities investments, creating self-contained units of information that facilitate streamlined processing and verification.

Another issue that needs to be address is security. According to the report tokenized security records are both immutable and traceable which is a requirements for 14% of respondents who are struggling to verify the authenticity of assets.

Instant transfers for example is a requirement of 50% of respondents and 62% of non shariah wealth holders who usually have to wait over 6 months to transfer their assets today.

Finally, the report notes the potential benefits of tokenization appear equally apparent. In removing obstacles to proper estate planning and in smoothing the execution of wealth transfers, a new, industry platform could reduce costs and improve transparency, thereby delivering a range of social benefits that extend for generations.


More transparent wills would mean less pressure on existing family decision structures. Lower costs would mean greater access to inheritance beyond only HNWIs. Most of all, a tokenized ecosystem for inheritance could avoid unnecessary stress on family structures and ensure that more wealth is preserved for generations to come.

This will need more clarity on the rules that govern how digital assets can be recognized, and used, the the legal validity of electronic wills, stored as smart contracts; and how the rights of investors using tokens can be protected – across multiple jurisdictions where assets may be held and / or transferred.

Kaia DLT Foundation registered in UAE integrates Fireblocks

Kaia DLT Foundation registered in UAE integrates Fireblocks

Kaia, the DLT Foundation registered in ADGM in Abu Dhabi UAE has integrated Fireblocks, an enterprise platform to manage digital asset operations and build innovative businesses on blockchain.

As per the press release, the collaboration enables institutions to securely manage and transfer assets on the Kaia blockchain network, offering enhanced capabilities in tokenization, DeFi, and blockchain-based financial products. Fireblocks brings improved operational efficiency, reduced asset management risk, and simplified regulatory compliance to the Kaia blockchain ecosystem.

Kaia utilizes Fireblocks’ institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure for secure asset management, including leveraging Fireblocks’ Multi Party Computation (MPC) wallet technology for distributed private key management and end-to-end security, minimizing hacking risks. Kaia also leverages Fireblocks for extensive digital asset support and its API integration capabilities.

Kaia was formed through the merger of the Klaytn and Finschia blockchains initially developed by Kakao and LINE respectively. It aims to bring Web3 to the fingertips of hundreds of millions across Asia.

Ledger crypto wallet now a validator for UAE based Mantra Blockchain

Ledger crypto wallet now a validator for UAE based Mantra Blockchain

Ledger, crypto wallet hardware provider, have joined UAE based Mantra Layer1 Blockchain as one of the validators.

As per the blog post, Mantra noted, “We’re thrilled to announce that Ledger has joined MANTRA as a Validator, strengthening our network security and further decentralizing our governance process. MANTRA has also integrated with Ledger Live, allowing Ledger to support MANTRA Chain natively for all Ledger devices and enable users to manage and stake their $OM directly through the platform.”

The MANTRA Mainnet for real world asset tokenization launched in October 2024 with validators playing a crucial role in operating a blockchain, ensuring efficient and secure transactions, and upholding sound governance.

MANTRA has already onboarded prominent validators such as Google Cloud, Twinstake, and Hex Trust.

As per the blog post, Ledger, renowned for its hardware security devices like the Ledger Nano, brings solid security expertise to the MANTRA Chain validator set. This collaboration not only strengthens network security but also paves the way for additional integrations, leading to improved user experiences and enhanced security features within the MANTRA Chain ecosystem.

This comes weeks after UAE Conglomerate DAMAC Holdings announced it would be tokenizing $1 billion worth of assets on Mantra Blockchain. In an interview with CoinDesk, CEO of Mantra John Patrick Mullin, stated, ” The UAE will become the epicenter of where this all kicks off, as regulatory frameworks are critically supportive here.”

DAMAC’s Managing Partner Amira Sajwani also noted in the interview with CoinDesk, that it is the perfect time. She noted ” In the UAE, there is a massive spotlight on the country. Working with Mantra we are allowing people to enter lower entry point tokenizing properties, the timing is mature and there is an accurate regulatory framework coming in place, supporting innovation.”

She adds, ” We already had an entity regulated by DFSA and we already have experience fractionalizing real estate where the entry point is 500 AED equivalent to $150 and we have had huge traction. The average was much higher between $300-$10,000 investment tickets so we knew there was a market for it and a demand. Now we are moving it tokenized assets, tokenization allows more transparency and efficiency with the title deed of the property, and we chose Mantra because after exploring other chains, we chose them for their technology but the team was equally as important.”

29 firms register in Qatar Financial Digital Assets Lab

29 firms register in Qatar Financial Digital Assets Lab

Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) recently published that it witnessed record growth in 2024, welcoming 836 new firms to its platform, a 156 percent growth compared to 2023 as well as 29 firms into its Qatar Digital Assets Lab.

The upsurge brought the total number of QFC firms to 2,489 and the combined assets under management to over USD 33 billion. It also enlarged the QFC community to over 11,700 employees, representing 153 nationalities.

The firms registered in 2024 represent 90 countries, with the largest number of firms coming from the United Kingdom, India, the United States, Jordan, Turkiye, France, Lebanon, and Qatar. These firms span a wide range of activities and industries, including fintech, consulting services, media, IT, and wealth management.

QFC also signed 24 memoranda of understanding in 2024, including agreements with prestigious financial institutions such as Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Masraf Al Rayan, Dukhan Bank, The Hashgraph Association, and the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. QFC established other significant partnerships during the year, including a memorandum of understanding with Qatar Media City and a collaboration agreement with Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), aimed at facilitating business setup in the State of Qatar

The Digital Assets Lab, which commenced activities with 29 participants, developing unique digital solutions and services based on distributed ledger technology (DLT). To support the program, QFC issued the Digital Assets Framework to regulate digital assets, which includes comprehensive and clear legal guidelines for digital assets creation and regulation, including processes related to tokenization, legal recognition of ownership rights of encryptions and underlying assets, custody arrangements, and transfer and exchange transactions. These initiatives align with the Qatar FinTech Strategy and reinforce the country’s position as a regional leader in financial innovation.

Commenting on the QFC 2024 performance, CEO of QFC Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida said, “The exceptional growth witnessed by the Qatar Financial Centre in 2024 reflects our commitment to provide a developed and attractive business environment for local and international companies. These achievements would not have been possible without the concerted efforts of all business units, along with close cooperation with our clients, key stakeholders in Qatar and our strategic local and global partners. Over the past year, we have continued to enhance innovation and support economic growth and diversification in Qatar, and we aim to achieve more successes in the coming years.”

At UAE AI and Blockchain Council meeting, Minister of AI says data is crucial to the future of UAE Economy

At UAE AI and Blockchain Council meeting, Minister of AI says data is crucial to the future of UAE Economy

In the 4th UAE AI and Blockchain Council meeting held in Ajman, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, stressed that the data sector will significantly contribute to the future of the UAE economy.

He believes that as the reliance on Artificial Intelligence, AI, technology increases, becoming a base for many vital activities of future societies. Promoting investment in this rapidly evolving global economic sector comes as part of UAE plans to celebrate the export of the last barrel of oil in 50 years.

“The Government of the UAE is working to achieve its future strategic objectives. It strives to employ the AI sector as the main source of a diversified and sustainable knowledge economy, through the development of innovative practices and scientific uses of AI technology tools and enhancing cooperation among all parties to employ them in the development of government services and private sector performance. This contributes to achieving the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021, and the establishment of the future model of the UAE 2071,” said Al Olama.

The Minister’s remarks came during the fourth meeting of the UAE Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Council, hosted by Ajman. The meeting was headed by Al Olama, in the presence of several officials and directors of federal and local government entities.

The meeting agenda covered key challenges and recommendations proposed to standardise data collection by the Data Committee within the Council. These included preparing qualified human resources, establishing a unified database, and defining data classification standards, as well the mechanism of coordination of efforts and the exchange of experiences between different entities by establishing a joint team. The participants also stressed the need to follow up the implementation of the recommendations of the Data Committee, by speeding up the development of data collection for AI technology and digital transactions, to promote the UAE as a leading center for data in the region.

UAE headquartered crypto exchange FreedX raises $50 million

UAE headquartered crypto exchange FreedX raises $50 million

Freedx, a cryptocurrency exchange with its headquarters noted to be in Dubai UAE, yet unregulated in the country till now, claims that it has raised $50 million in a funding round. The $50 million fundraising will enable Freedx to accelerate platform enhancements, expand global reach, and strengthen its customer support capabilities. While the crypto exchange notes that it has secured regulatory permission in Panama and a BTC license in El Salvador, it is taking steps to expand its compliance efforts globally.

As per the press release, the investment reflects investor confidence in Freedx’s approach to offering a platform designed with a focus on clarity, simplicity, and advanced trading tools.

The exchange aims to fill a vital gap in the market by combining advanced capabilities—such as optimized order routing, real-time analytics, and frictionless execution—with a sleek, user-friendly interface. Since its inception, the Freedx team has grown to nearly 100 members dedicated to building a transparent, efficient, and secure trading environment.

“At Freedx, we believe that trading should be as seamless and transparent as possible. This fundraise validates our vision to build a platform that prioritizes traders’ needs above all else. We’re thrilled about the opportunity to continue developing innovations that empower our community and drive the industry forward.” said Jonathan Farnell, CEO, Freedx. 

The roster of executives include Anton Golub, as Chief Investment Officer. Anton is based in Dubai UAE, and is well known in the blockchain space and crypto space, yet on his own LinkedIn page he does not mention his affiliation to the crypto exchange.

UAE regulated GCEX partners with Fireblocks

UAE regulated GCEX partners with Fireblocks

GCEX a provider of digital assets and foreign exchange solutions regulated in Dubai UAE, has integrated with FireBlocks, an enterprise platform to manage digital asset operations and build innovative businesses on blockchain to enable its institutional clients to access Fireblocks’ digital asset platform and custody solutions.

This latest development enables GCEX’s institutional clients transacting through its Danish and Dubai entities to utilize Fireblocks’ robust Policy Engine and compliance toolkit, ensuring enhanced security and adherence to regulations. 

By accessing the Fireblocks Network, GCEX’s clients can connect and trade with over 2,000 liquidity partners, trading venues and counterparties, with the network facilitating instant settlement, rebalancing and payments.

Lars Holst, CEO at GCEX said, “By integrating Fireblocks’ world-leading technology, GCEX is reinforcing our commitment to providing institutional clients with a streamlined trading experience and the most secure, efficient and transparent trading environment in the digital asset space. As institutional adoption of digital securities accelerates and we continue to scale, Fireblocks’ multi-layer security protocols, regulatory toolkit and streamlined processes will support GCEX’s operations, underpinning our focus on ease of trading and asset protection.”

The announcements comes a week after GCEX launched its open API, created to give institutional and professional clients real-time access to their balances, trades, and positions. The open API will enable clients to integrate with the GCEX back office, which the company says will help make portfolio management and regulatory reporting more efficient as a result of automating manual processes.

Clients are also said to be able to integrate their data for tailored insights and compliance reporting. The launch comes as part of GCEX’s mission to enhance innovation and technology in the prime brokerage space.

At the time Lars Holst, CEO of GCEX, said, “The GCEX open API offers greater transparency, empowering clients to make more informed trading and portfolio decisions and respond on a timely basis to regulatory requirements. By providing instant access to key data through our open API, we are making it easier for our clients to optimize their trading operations and reporting capabilities.”

500 Global launches Saudi sovereign fund backed tech fund

500 Global launches Saudi sovereign fund backed tech fund

500 Global, a global venture capital firm, has launched the 500 MENA, L.P. (the “Fund”), a new fund dedicated to investing in high-growth technology startups across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region both from outside and inside the current 500 Global portfolio.

The Fund will invest primarily in startups with proven product-market fit and significant growth potential, addressing the critical funding gap MENA founders face, particularly in the expansion stage. 500 Global aims to actively support these companies through their extended international network and comprehensive platform, empowering them to build and scale innovative solutions regionally and globally.

Amjad Ahmad, managing partner, 500 Global MENA, and emerging market advisor, will lead the fund. A seasoned investor with over two decades of experience in emerging markets, Amjad has previously led venture and growth investments of over $1 billion in the MENA region in sectors ranging from technology and education to consumer products and financial services. He will be supported on the investment committee by Courtney Powell, chief operating officer and managing partner at 500 Global, who has been based in Riyadh since 2021.

“Amjad is a seasoned investor with a proven track record of helping founders scale their startups,” said Courtney Powell. “His leadership will be instrumental in driving the success of our Fund and portfolio companies.”

“We are thrilled to fuel the next wave of tech champions in the MENA region, driving innovation and economic growth as digital transformation accelerates across key economies,” said Amjad Ahmad. “Our partnership with talented founders aims to empower them to innovate, build, and scale.” The Fund is backed by prominent Saudi institutional investors, Jada Fund of Funds, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, and Saudi Venture Capital (SVC). It is also supported by Sanabil Investments alongside their ongoing strategic partnership with 500 Global.

The MENA region has witnessed a significant surge in startup activity in recent years. Funding in startups has soared from $990 million in 2019 to over $2.6 billion in 2023. 500 Global believes the growth is further evidenced by the return of international funds leading mega-rounds and successful tech IPOs in Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. However, that expansion capital beyond the seed stage remains challenging, with Series B funding at a 5-year low accounting for only 2% of deals. As regional governments continue to invest in the venture ecosystem, especially in the GCC, we think the MENA region is on track to achieve venture capital penetration levels comparable to robust economies like the U.S.

DIFC Julius Baer and Euroclear prepare whitepaper on tokenization in wealth transfer

DIFC Julius Baer and Euroclear prepare whitepaper on tokenization in wealth transfer

DIFC Innovation Hub, the start-up and innovation hub operating out of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, is collaborating with global Swiss wealth management firm, Julius Baer, and the Financial Market Infrastructure Euroclear, to lead on tackling challenges in the digital asset estate planning space with tokenization of assets being studied for wealth transfer.

The collaborative innovation project, organised by DIFC Innovation Hub, will bring together innovators, investors, and subject matter experts from across the wealth management value chain to explore how families can best use technology to manage rapidly expanding portfolios of tokenized and digital assets.

DIFC’s Innovation Hub experts will work closely with Julius Baer’s global innovation team and Euroclear’s innovation centre of excellence for a three-month sprint that will result in a white paper detailing a future-oriented solution for succession planning relating tokenization applied to multi-generational inheritance. The analysis and subsequent findings will serve as a blueprint for other geographies looking to turn similar challenges into opportunities.

It is estimated that AED 3.67trn (USD 1trn) in assets will be transferred to the next generation in the Middle East over the coming decade. However, only 24 per cent of High-Net-Worth Individuals have a full estate plan in place. Fast adoption of various digital asset classes by individuals and businesses also poses potential complexities to a seamless execution of estate plans currently in place. The DIFC Innovation Hub, Julius Baer and Euroclear collaboration will help bring tangible solutions to this global challenge.

Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Innovation Hub, commented: “The region is witnessing a trend of generational wealth being deployed across a variety of digital asset classes to diversify and future-proof their portfolios. By bringing together global leading entities across wealth management, financial services providers, tech disruptors and regulators, this newly launched innovation project will help transform one of the largest, underserved markets in the region and open doors to a more inclusive and tech enabled future for family businesses and the wealth management industry.”

Alireza Valizadeh, CEO, Julius Baer (Middle East) Ltd, said, “Generational wealth transfer is gaining momentum in the UAE, and we, as Julius Baer, are in a unique position to advise our clients having had our origins as a family business. On the occasion of Julius Baer’s 20-year anniversary in Dubai, I am hoping that this innovation project will showcase how we can work together to stay relevant to our future clients and provide a vision highlighting the evolution of the private banking industry especially with the onset of digital assets.”

Philippe Laurensy, Head of Group Strategy, Product Management and Innovation at Euroclear, added, “As a trusted financial market infrastructure we have a strong commitment to collaborate with the market providing innovative solutions to our clients. We are extremely pleased to be working with DIFC Innovation Hub and Julius Baer on what we see as a transformative journey to address market gaps and create efficiencies by harnessing the power of tokenization. By validating and unlocking the benefits of smart contracts we have the potential to redefine the narrative of wealth management, creating solutions that could span generations.”

In October 2024, The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts in partnership with The Hashgraph Association and its partner in the UAE Deca4 Consultancy launched a DLT Hedera enabled Digital Assets Will solution.

The Digital Assets Will empowers individuals to distribute their digital assets using a non-custodial DIFC Courts wallet. A non-custodial wallet also allows an individual the freedom to reallocate the assets to the desired beneficiaries within their wallet, and for full control to mobilize in and out of the wallet in their lifetime, with assets finally distributed as ‘specific gifts’.

Another employee at UAE crypto exchange Midchains leaves

Another employee at UAE crypto exchange Midchains leaves

Another Midchains employee has left for other opportunities in the UAE. Yesterday Scintilla announced that it had appointed the former compliance officer from Midchains to lead their compliance operations, while OKX has also appointed former Midchain’s Head of Operations as Head of Trading in Dubai. Liam Birch joins OKX after serving as Head of Operations at Midchain, previously also working with Rain crypto broker.

For those unfamiliar with Midchains, is a fully regulated virtual asset trading platform and custodian, backed by investors including Mubadala, ADQ, MIAX Exchange Group, and more.

Liam in a LinkedIn post stated, “I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve joined OKX as the new Head of Trading in Dubai! I’m beyond excited to be part of such an innovative and dynamic team at one of the world’s leading virtual asset platforms. October marked a major milestone for OKX with the receipt of their VARA license, reinforcing the commitment to regulatory compliance and setting new standards in the industry. Additionally, they became the first global cryptocurrency exchange to launch AED pairs, further solidifying the dedication to bringing secure, accessible, and regulated solutions to the market.”

This comes after Scintilla, an institutional-grade tokenization solution provider, which recently acquired UAE regulated TOKO a crypto exchange appointed the previous head of compliance at Midchains, Janey Schueller, as Chief Compliance Officer. Scintilla viewed this key leadership addition as the company continues to expand its innovative digital asset creation platform and strengthen its compliance framework.

The last time Midchains had a major announcement was in 2022. At the time UAE Midchain’s, crypto exchange partnered with UAE Al Maryah Community Bank, a digital bank to provide a secure channel for investing and trading cryptocurrencies and digital assets through the bank’s establishment of escrow accounts in UAE dirhams to protect investors’ funds on cryptocurrency trading platforms and boost their trust.

On LinkedIn, Midchains has been posting job opportunities that include the hiring of a Cloud & IT Administrator in Dubai, as well as a Director of Operations.

It is interesting to see that as the crypto exchange market becomes more competitive in the UAE, we will see more talents moving from one operation to another. Could this lead to consolidations amidst the crypto trading ecosystem, it might!