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!

UAE Scintilla for tokenization appoints ex compliance officer of Midchains

UAE Scintilla for tokenization appoints ex compliance officer of Midchains

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

Janey Schueller brings over 18 years of senior banking, wealth management, and regulatory compliance experience to her new role, with a specialization in fintech and RegTech. Her career includes leadership positions at global financial institutions such as UBS AG, where she managed wealth planning, compliance, and dispute resolution teams across Asia and the UAE. Most recently, Janey served as Head of Compliance at MidChains, where she implemented fintech-driven compliance frameworks and ensured regulatory alignment with authorities like the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

“Janey’s appointment is an exciting next step in Scintilla’s onward and upward journey to transform RWA tokenization,” commented Tim Popplewell, CEO of Scintilla. “Her extensive background in compliance and regulatory matters will be instrumental as we advance our mission of providing innovative, compliant digital asset solutions. Her leadership will help us navigate the evolving landscape of digital assets, ensuring we remain at the forefront of this dynamic industry.”

“Joining Scintilla feels like a natural step as they redefine compliance and innovation in finance,” shares Janey Schueller, Head of Compliance. “As regulatory frameworks evolve, the need for robust compliance is more critical than ever. I’m eager to contribute to Scintilla’s mission by ensuring our offerings meet the highest standards of compliance, paving the way for trusted and innovative tokenization solutions that empower our clients and support the future of finance.”

KPMG in India and The Hashgraph Group join forces to bring DLT solution to enterprises

KPMG in India and The Hashgraph Group join forces to bring DLT solution to enterprises

KPMG in India, a professional services firm, and The Hashgraph Group (THG), a Swiss-based international business, venture capital, and technology company operating exclusively within the Hedera ecosystem, have joined forces to accelerate the impact and enterprise adoption of blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) across industry sectors, leveraging Hedera’s platform capabilities and its enterprise-grade DLT network.

Both entities are expected to collaborate to enable and advance blockchain adoption, thereby aiming to deliver transformative benefits to enterprise clients globally and across various sectors. The strategic alliance is expected to offer co-branded and joint go-to-market solutions, leveraging THG’s Hashgraph for Enterprise (H4E) product suite to enable businesses to benefit from secure enterprise-grade solutions built on the Hedera with service level agreements (SLAs).

Blockchain/DLT implementations are rapidly transitioning from nice-to-have to must-have decisions as we further advance into the future of a decentralized and interconnected Web3 economy. The growing adoption of blockchain/DLT is expected to continue to gain traction for enterprises, with this technology now empowering many industries through its distributed ledger system. The evolution of blockchain/DLT as a technology, to a complete digital infrastructure, showcases its unique abilities to boost security, reduce costs, and enable everyday transactions to be more efficient, affordable, and convenient, while saving energy and meeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria and reporting requirements.

Speaking on the alliance, Chaitanya Gogineni, Partner, Digital Lighthouse, KPMG in India, said, “We are excited to join forces with The Hashgraph Group to build innovative Digital Ledger Technology (DLT) led tools and enable digital transformation for our clients. This alliance is built on a shared vision of empowering businesses to harness the power of DLT, unlocking new opportunities and creating lasting value.”

The alliance seeks to address critical challenges and enterprise needs in areas such as digital identity (DID), digital product passport (DPP), sustainability, supply chain management, asset tokenization, and more.

Stefan Deiss, Co-Founder & CEO of The Hashgraph Group, stated, “This strategic alliance with KPMG in India represents a pivotal moment in combining the strengths of a leading professional services firm with the technological power of Hedera as the world’s leading layer-1 protocol to enable organizations with Hedera-powered post-quantum enterprise solutions. We are excited to embark on this joint go-to-market journey with KPMG in India and look forward to empowering businesses to compete in the Web3 economy.”

Additionally, the structured collaboration in the productization and commercialization of blockchain/DLT for enterprises, might enable KPMG in India and THG to pool engineering resources, advisory expertise, investments, and strategic Web3 capabilities to serve the growing demand for enterprise ready blockchain-powered solutions, with the achieved synergy expected to strengthen both KPMG in India and THG’s global market presence, while increasing client reach and enhancing service delivery through a joint go to market strategy and unified project execution.

Krishna Tyagi, Head of Web3 at KPMG in India, added, “Today blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize various sectors by providing secure, transparent, and efficient solutions. Our alliance with The Hashgraph Group is expected to enable us to offer our clients immense value and drive innovation in the digital economy enabled by blockchain technology.”

Anindya Roychowdhury, Head of Global Partnerships at The Hashgraph Group, said: “Having spent a large part of my professional career with KPMG in India, I am delighted to have facilitated this important collaboration. India is emerging as the world’s #1 destination for Web3, and this strategic alliance will establish Hedera as the preferred DLT protocol for governments and enterprises; we have already made significant inroads through our local presence in India and expect to scale massively over the coming years.”

Recently the Hashgraph Group partnered with Taurus to bring tokenization solutions to the MENA region specifically to KSA and UAE.

IOTA selected for Blockchain Digital identity use case with UAE and World Economic Forum

IOTA selected for Blockchain Digital identity use case with UAE and World Economic Forum

IOTA Foundation has been selected for the UAE Ministry of Economy, ADDED, and World Economic Forum TradeTech Regulatory Sandbox.

IOTA Foundation was selected to be part of the well-known TradeTech Regulatory Sandbox jointly organized by the World Economic Forum, the UAE Ministry of Economy, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). The initiative focuses on several key use cases within trade finance involving Know Your Customer (KYC) processes and digital identity.

IOTA announced this on X, stating, ” We are excited to participate in a use case focusing on KYC and Digital Identity for Trade Finance.”


The use case will be presented during the plenary session at the TradeTech Forum in Abu Dhabi on April 8th 2025.

The WEF for Trade and Investment chose eight participants who will be working closely with UAE regulators to test and refine solutions that address challenges in the global trade finance space. The entities other than IOTA include Credore, Enigio, Jetstream, Empeiria blockchain offering self sovereign identity solutions based out of the UAE, Haifan as well.

Regulatory partners include ADGM, Central Bank of the UAE, DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) and UAE Ministry of Cabinet Affairs’s RegLab

Tokinvest and StegX bridge asset tokenization between UAE and Germany

Tokinvest and StegX bridge asset tokenization between UAE and Germany

Tokinvest, a UAE regulated marketplace for real-world asset investing, and German based StegX, a platform for tokenized real assets based in Germany, have partnered to bridge tokenization between UAE and Germany. StegX has been collaborating with entities to bridge tokenization solutions with Singapore, and Latin America.

The collaboration aims to advance the global ecosystem of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) by combining the regulatory strengths and technological capabilities of both entities. As per the press release, the partnership will provide investors with seamless access to tokenized assets across multiple markets, enhancing transparency, liquidity, and financial inclusion.

This partnership represents a significant step toward mainstream adoption of tokenized assets. By connecting Dubai, a global hub for virtual asset innovation, with Frankfurt, one of Europe’s premier financial centers, Tokinvest and StegX are creating a robust cross-border infrastructure that benefits both issuers and investors.

“This collaboration underscores our commitment to democratizing access to the world’s most exclusive assets,” said Scott Thiel, CEO and Co-Founder of Tokinvest. “StegX’s expertise in tokenization and their strong presence in Europe complement our vision to make high-quality investments more accessible. Together, we’re building a bridge for global investors to explore the future of tokenized real-world assets in a secure, regulated environment.”

Daniel Radwansky, CEO and Co-Founder of StegX, commented, “This partnership represents a significant milestone in advancing the adoption of tokenised real-world assets. By connecting Europe and the Middle East, we are creating new opportunities for investors and issuers alike, fostering a global ecosystem of innovation, transparency, and efficiency.”

Finally, the collaboration will support issuers in creating, listing, and trading tokenized assets, ranging from real estate and commodities to funds, with unparalleled security and compliance.

Germany is already far along when it comes to opening up to tokenization of real world assets. In December 2024, German fintech 21X, one of the four applicants for a blockchain trading infrastructure permit under the European Union’s DLT Pilot Regime, secured regulatory approval to launch a tokenization platform.

Granted by German financial supervisory authority, Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin), the license enabled 21X to launch its exchange for tokenized financial instruments from its Frankfurt headquarters.

Additionally German based Cashlink Technologies also received a crypto custodian license from the German regulator. “With the combination of our license as a crypto securities registrar and the new crypto custody license, we offer a unique, comprehensive service offering around tokenized securities,” said Michael Duttlinger, CEO of Cashlink. “This strong regulatory foundation not only strengthens our market leadership as a neutral infrastructure provider for tokenized assets but also consistently drives forward the development of Capital Markets 2.0.”

SNC Insider’s recent market research has noted that the Tokenization Market was valued at USD 2.9 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 16.6 Billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.5% from 2024 to 2032.

Solana to hold Economic Zone event in Dubai UAE

Solana to hold Economic Zone event in Dubai UAE

Solana and its Superteam in Dubai has announced the launch of the Solana Economic Zone in Dubai UAE an event aimed for innovation, community building, and collaboration.


In the twitter post, Alex Scott, Solana’s Middle East Lead, stated, “We are creating a space where policymakers, capital allocators, and Web3 engineers can come together to engage, innovate, and build. Dubai is uniquely positioned to support this vision with its progressive governance, vibrant culture, and commitment to technology.”


Scott sees Dubai as developing itself as the next crypto hub, with many businesses already cementing themselves in the city.
Farhaj Mayan, Co-Founder of Forma expressed his excitement with the launch of the Solana Economic Zone, a two week think tank and conference that will help startups build skills and accelerate ideas.


The Solana Economic Zone is built on three pillars: content, capital, and community. These pillars are designed to provide a comprehensive platform for innovation and engagement.


Farhaj adds that there will be demo days where startups and entrepreneurs can get connected to VCs, and regulators. The event will be held from April 14th until the 26th 2025.

Last year Solana set up its presence in Abu Dhabi in ADGM ( Abu Dhabi Global Markets). ADGM and Solana collaborated to further expand ADGM’s existing offerings by exploring opportunities for joint initiatives and projects related to the development of the blockchain company ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. Prior to this in 2023, Solana set up it presence in Dubai at the DMCC.

The UAE is not the only country Solana is interested in, droppGroup (“dropp”), with offices in USA, Saudi Arabia and Canada, integrating AI and blockchain technologies, partnered with Blockchain Solana Superteam as well.

UmrahCash and Saudi Hajj services to offer stablecoin payment solutions

UmrahCash and Saudi Hajj services to offer stablecoin payment solutions

Saudi based UmrahCash, a Blockchain fintech stablecoin issuer platform, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Muttawffys of Arabs Hajj Company (Ashraqat) aimed to revolutionize the pilgrimage experience for millions of Hajj and Umrah visitors to Saudi Arabia.

UmrahCash is a fintech platform dedicated to advancing Islamic financial inclusion. Using stablecoin technology, it simplifies currency exchange and payments for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, processing over $1 million in monthly transactions, less than a year since launch.

The partnerships will offer seamless, efficient, and innovative solutions for pilgrims allowing them to access local currency easily in Saudi Arabia, developing innovative solutions, joint marketing campaigns, and most importantly expanding the financial and logistical services available to pilgrims.

William Phelps, CEO and Founder of UmrahCash, remarked: “Pilgrimage is a sacred journey that should be enriching and seamless. Through our partnership with Ashraqat, we aim to eliminate barriers, providing pilgrims with financial and logistical support that is transparent, reliable, and in line with modern standards. Together, we are creating a future where pilgrims can focus solely on their spiritual journey.”

Founded nearly 40 years ago by royal decree, Ashraqat has revolutionized the service of Hajj pilgrims, transitioning from individual efforts to an institutionalized model.

Umrah Cash is supported by Cardano Accelerator

Cardano Blockchain accelerator Adaverse had invested and supported Umrah Cash among other startups in Saudi Arabia. Adaverse had published its first Web3 ecosystem report for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia showcasing growth, opportunities, as well as challenges. Since its inception, Adaverse has funded 54+ startups across Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

This announcement comes as Neom, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city being built on the shores of the Red Sea has partnered with Saudi Arabian NTDP ( National Technology Development Program) and Outlier Ventures, a global Web3 accelerator, to launch the first Web3 accelerator and the FutureSpark Base Camp Demo Day.