Bahrain digital asset exchange ATME issues gold backed tokens

Bahrain digital asset exchange ATME issues gold backed tokens

Bahrain regulated digital assets exchange platform ATME, has issued gold-backed tokens with the support of the Central Bank of Bahrain marking it as the first case of its kind in the Kingdom of Bahrain.


ATME issued two tokens, designed for accredited investors, which were acquired by an eligible investor. Each token is backed by one kilogram of gold to provide a modern and secure way to invest in one of the most trusted assets for wealth preservation.


The company’s tokenized gold offering allows ownership of the physical metal without the complexities of storage or transportation. The tokens represent gold that is securely held in custody until its redemption or trade in ATME’s secondary market.


Commenting on the milestone, Alex Lola, Chief Executive Officer of ATME remarked, “Today marks a defining moment for ATME as we launch our first tokenized gold issuance. By combining the timeless value of gold with the transformative potential of blockchain technology, we are unlocking new ways for investors to access and trade high-value assets. This achievement highlights our team’s tireless dedication and our collective vision of building. We are excited about the possibilities ahead as we plan to expand our offerings to include more asset classes on our platform.”


The announcement also notes that future issuances will provide investors with access to a wider range of alternative assets. ATME remains focused on driving financial inclusivity and efficiency in the capital markets of Bahrain and the wider region.

Qatar National Bank Group signs partnership with QFC for digital assets and tokenization

Qatar National Bank Group signs partnership with QFC for digital assets and tokenization

As the second edition of Web Summit Qatar 2025 concludes, Qatar National Bank (QNB Group,) signed agreements with Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Qatar Development Bank (QDB), and Rasmal Ventures. The agreement with QFC would allow fintech firms to access QNB banking infrastructure and support innovations in digital assets, tokenization, and embedded finance.

With QDB, the bank will collaborate on initiatives that promote Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including funding opportunities for fintech startups and alternative financing models.


With Rasmal Ventures, QNB is creating new pathways for venture capital investment, enhancing support for high-potential startups and driving the adoption of cutting-edge financial technologies.


Speaking about the partnerships, Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Group Chief Executive Officer of QNB, said, “Our strategic collaborations at Web Summit Qatar 2025 reflect our commitment to advancing digital finance and fostering a dynamic fintech ecosystem. By working closely with key financial and investment partners, QNB is strengthening Qatar’s role as a global financial hub and unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”

UAE regulated Tungsten Custody Solutions offers custody for Toncoin

UAE regulated Tungsten Custody Solutions offers custody for Toncoin

UAE regulated crypto custodian Tungsten Custody Solutions, has received regulatory approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to provide custody for Toncoin (TON).

As per the press release, the approval further strengthens Tungsten’s position as a trusted custodian for institutional clients seeking secure and compliant custody solutions for digital assets. TONDLT Foundation was recently established in ADGM.

Toncoin (TON) has gained significant adoption, particularly within Telegram’s ecosystem, as it recently became the exclusive cryptocurrency for non-fiat payments related to the platform’s assets and services. Tungsten’s FSRA-regulated custody ensures institutional investors and enterprises can securely store TON with institutional-grade security, compliance oversight, and risk management.

Jose Aguinaga, Senior Executive Officer of Tungsten Custody Solutions Ltd, commented, “Securing regulatory approval to provide custody for Toncoin is a significant milestone for Tungsten and our commitment to offering regulated, institutional-grade custody solutions for a wide range of digital assets. With ADGM emerging as a key hub for blockchain innovation, we are proud to be at the forefront of enabling secure and compliant access to Toncoin for institutional investors and enterprises.”

“We’re thrilled to see Tungsten receive regulatory approval from the Abu Dhabi Global Market to provide secure custody for Toncoin,” said Manuel Stotz, President at TON Foundation. “This approval reflects not only the growing institutional interest in TON, but in blockchain, crypto, and digital assets generally. It also highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building a trusted, clear regulatory framework that supports decentralized organizations and champions blockchain innovation. With their deep expertise and unwavering commitment to compliance, Tungsten is the ideal partner for institutions looking to securely store Toncoin.”

Prior to this announcement, Tungsten Custody Solutions announced its support of UAE MANTRA (OM) Blockchain with its custodial services.

UAE Liv digital Bank by Emirate NBD to offer crypto trading and custodial services

UAE Liv digital Bank by Emirate NBD to offer crypto trading and custodial services

UAE Liv digital bank launched by Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, has launched a cryptocurrency offering within its mobile banking app – Liv X allowing users to buy sell custody and trade cryptocurrencies in partnership with Aquanow, a UAE regulated crypto asset exchange and Zodia Custody also regulated in the UAE.

As per the press release, Liv digital bank is committed to introducing innovative products to its customers and this new cryptocurrency offering, with crypto infrastructure operated by Aquanow and custody services performed by Zodia Custody, will give users an intuitive experience that is straightforward and efficient to use.

Customers will be allowed to buy, sell and trade cryptocurrencies within the Liv X app, whilst also managing their day-to-day finances. Additionally, Liv follows robust security protocols to enable secure transactions, providing further assurance to customers. In short they will be able to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies within the Liv X app, providing them with direct access to digital assets. The offering is focused on trading and investment rather than direct payment for goods and services. The integration ensures a secure and compliant way for users to engage with digital assets within a regulated banking environment.

Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, noted, “We are excited to introduce our new cryptocurrency offering on Liv X, in partnership with Aquanow, giving customers the opportunity to buy, sell and trade cryptocurrencies conveniently and securely. Offering cryptocurrency on Liv X is the next step towards the overall vision of Liv being a pioneer in innovation and excellence. With the highest crypto adoption rate in the UAE, we are keen to launch our own virtual asset offering to capitalise on this trend.”

Phil Sham, Chief Executive Officer, Aquanow, said, “We are proud to partner with a storied financial institution in Emirates NBD, and excited to bring our globally deployed crypto solutions to a regional audience. Our partnership is a testament to the UAE’s emergence as a global crypto hub and is a leading example of how banks and fintech’s can collaborate to develop cutting edge, secure, and seamless product propositions that truly benefit the retail customer. Incumbent institutions like Emirates NBD will play a pivotal role in driving the next wave of digital asset adoption and Aquanow is proud to be the leading crypto provider chosen by financial institutions both here in the GCC and globally.”

The partnership with Emirates NBD focuses on integrating cryptocurrency trading within a regulated banking environment, allowing retail users to buy, sell, and trade digital assets securely through the Liv digital bank X app.

Recently Hubpay, a UAE cross-border payments platform partnered with Aquanow, to introduce the UAE’s first fully regulated crypto payments facility tailored for businesses and SMEs. In contrast to the partnership with Liv, the Hubpay partnership is centered around enabling crypto payments and cross-border transactions for businesses and SMEs. While both collaborations leverage Aquanow’s infrastructure, the ENBD partnership emphasizes retail crypto trading within a banking framework, whereas Hubpay focuses on payment solutions.

Oman set to host DLive 2025 event for AI Blockchain and IoT

Oman set to host DLive 2025 event for AI Blockchain and IoT

Oman is set to host DLive 2025 event covering the topics of AI, Blockchain, IoT, Automation, and Digital Transformation. Organized by Muscat Media Group, Gulf Leaders Circle, Times Of Oman and Al Shabiba, the event is set to bring together visionary leaders, tech pioneers, investors, and government officials, the event will explore cutting-edge innovations driving business success, economic growth, and digital transformation across industries.

As part of this transformative event, the DLive Awards 2025 will recognize trailblazing individuals, groundbreaking innovations, and leading organizations shaping the future of technology. These awards honor excellence in digital transformation, automation, fintech, cybersecurity, and beyond, inspiring the next wave of industry advancements.

With technology at the core of economic progress, DLIVE 2025 serves as a catalyst for innovation, investment, and collaboration. The event will feature:

Inspiring Talks & Panels – Learn from top tech and business leaders.
Powerful Networking – Connect with key decision-makers, industry experts, and investors.
DLIVE Awards – Celebrating innovation and leadership in digital transformation
The DLive Awards: Recognising Excellence in Innovation
Aligned with Oman’s Vision 2040, the DLiveAwards 2025 celebrate the visionaries and innovators shaping a knowledge-based economy through technological advancements. Categories include:
AI & Automation Excellence
Blockchain & Fintech Innovation
Smart Infrastructure & IoT Leadership
Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Pioneer
E-commerce & Digital Retail Excellence
HealthTech & Telemedicine Advancement
Sustainability Through Technology
Human-Centered AI & Ethics Leadership
Robotics & Industry 4.0 Transformation
Education & Digital Skills Development

Flowdesk digital asset liquidity firm to set up office in UAE after raising $102 million

Flowdesk digital asset liquidity firm to set up office in UAE after raising $102 million

With offices in the United States, Singapore and France Flowdesk, a full-service crypto trading and technology firm, is seeking to set up an office in UAE as part of its MENA expansion plans after closing its $102m financing round. Flowdesk received as well further equity support from existing shareholders and HV Capital as well as debt from funds and accounts managed by BlackRock. 

Since its launch in 2020, Flowdesk is a strong liquidity provider in the crypto industry, notably through its Market-Making as a Service offering, serving spot and derivatives markets across over 140 centralized and decentralized exchanges. The company is dedicated to engineering trading technology and liquidity solutions tailored to the needs of a digitally native economy.

Following its global expansion in 2023, the company’s revenues grew by 8x in 2024. The extension will bolster ease of access to digital asset liquidity for ETFs and OTC trading solutions through a single point of contact.

‟Guilhem and the entire Flowdesk team have done a tremendous job in creating a hyper-growing, profitable, FinTech powerhouse within the vastly expanding digital asset space. Offering their clients the relevant infrastructure while complementarily adding OTC products and proprietary trading is incredibly smart. We are proud to have partnered with such a capable, experienced and smart founder and management team and strongly believe in Flowdesk as global FinTech Champion”, said Alexander Joel-Carbonell, Partner at HV Capital. 

Flowdesk has strong expansion plans

Flowdesk has ambitious growth plans for 2025. The funds will be used to scale its OTC derivatives business and launch a dedicated crypto credit desk, broadening its services to meet the evolving needs of the digital asset market.

The company will also invest heavily in its proprietary trading infrastructure and double its headcount, reinforcing its position as a leading liquidity provider and OTC trading firm while accelerating its global expansion.

The company also intends to invest significantly in compliance and legal to support the maturing guidelines from regulators, notably in anticipation of MICA. Finally, the company is set to open additional offices, notably considering UAE as its next outpost in the Middle East.

‟Our mission is to build institutional-grade trading solutions for the digital asset ecosystem. We are grateful to have partners and our existing investors backing our ambitious growth plans”, said Guilhem Chaumont, Global CEO of Flowdesk. ‟Tokenization has the potential to transform capital markets on a global scale. This partnership will allow us to continue pursuing our quest to make digital assets accessible to a wider range of institutionalized counterparties.” 

In 2024, Flowdesk served as a Liquidity Provider for various BTC ETF issuers. Today, all BTC ETF funds hold more than $115 billion worth of the cryptocurrency, according to FactSet. ‟Digital asset ETFs mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of crypto,” said Reed Werbitt, US CEO And Chief Revenue Officer of Flowdesk. ‟These ETFs send a strong signal to institutional investors that digital assets are maturing, paving the way for substantial capital inflows from hedge funds, pension funds, and endowments. We look forward to partnering with institutions entering the space through ETFs or any instruments.”

HODL Blockchain summit to bring 5000 Web3 innovators and investors

HODL Blockchain summit to bring 5000 Web3 innovators and investors

Trescon’s flagship event, HODL 2025 (formerly World Blockchain Summit), the world’s longest-running crypto and web3 summit series, is set to return to Dubai at the Madinat Jumeirah, on 14-15 May, 2025 bringing together 5,000 Web3 innovators and investors.

The event will showcase cutting-edge advancements in blockchain, crypto, DeFi, and digital assets, offering unparalleled networking and business opportunities in one of the world’s most forward-thinking tech hubs. HODL 2025 will host leading blockchain pioneers, crypto innovators, top-tier investors, and government representatives, making it the most anticipated Web3 business conference in the region. Designed to facilitate serious deal-making, strategic partnerships, and high-value networking, HODL is where ground-breaking ideas meet real-world implementation.

With its focus on institutional blockchain adoption, investment opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and next-generation DeFi models, HODL has built a reputation as the go-to event for C-suite executives, venture capitalists, and blockchain innovators seeking tangible business outcomes.

Speaking on the significance of HODL, Mohammed Saleem, Chairman and Founder of Trescon, emphasised: “HODL 2025 will be the ultimate convergence of blockchain leaders, investors, and innovators, setting the stage for breakthrough ideas and partnerships that will shape the future of Web3. This is where the next generation of blockchain businesses will be built.”

Adding to this, Corbin Fraser, CEO of Bitcoin.com and a speaker at the Summit, highlighted Web3’s role in driving innovation and advancing the crypto economy, “Builders are breakwaters, turning volatility into crypto stability.”

Joining Corbin Fraser at the summit, the distinguished lineup of speakers includes:

Roger Bayston, Executive Vice President Head of Digital Assets, Franklin Templeton

Viktor Fischer, Managing Partner, RockawayX

Jigar Patel, Global Head of FinTech & Internet, Morgan Stanley

Katherine Dowling, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, Bitwise Asset Management

Gracy Chen, CEO, Bitget

Jason Allegrante, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Fireblocks

Sumit Gupta, CEO, COINDCX

Teddy Liu, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, JINGDONG Coinlink Technology Hong Kong Limited

Vijay Tirathrai, Managing Director & Regional Head of MENAPT, TechstarsRonit Ghose, Global Head – Future of Finance, Citi Global Insights

Backed by industry leaders, HODL 2025 is set to drive the future of Web3 and blockchain innovation. The event is proudly supported by leading sponsors, including Gofaizen & Sherle (Gold Sponsor), Sky Gate Network, and FMCPAY (Bronze Sponsors).

Unchained Summit to bring together Key Web3 decision makers

Unchained Summit to bring together Key Web3 decision makers

Dubai is set to host Unchained Summit 2025, a highly curated gathering of leaders and innovators in Web 3. Scheduled for April 28 – 29, 2025, at Kempinski Central Avenue, the summit will serve as a platform for in-depth discussions and meaningful connections, bringing together key voices influencing the evolution of Web 3.0 globally.

Dubai has established itself as a hub for Web 3.0, driven by a proactive regulatory framework and a growing ecosystem of innovators. With clear policies supporting blockchain development and oversight from entities like the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), the city has become a key destination for Web 3.0 companies looking to scale globally.

Unlike large-scale conferences that prioritize hype, Unchained Summit is designed for high-value, strategic networking. It brings together key decision-makers and curated investor-startup connections, ensuring that emerging Web 3.0 projects engage directly with leading VCs actively seeking new ventures.

Beyond networking, the summit features high-impact discussions on institutional adoption, regulation, blockchain infrastructure, payments, and scaling. Investors gain direct access to promising startups, while builders and innovators connect with industry leaders who understand blockchain’s complexities and are ready to explore solutions that drive real progress.

A Powerhouse Speaker Lineup:

The summit will showcase an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

  • Ronghui Gu, Co-Founder, CertiK
  • Sreeram Kannan, Founder & CEO, EigenLayer
  • Luca Schnetzler, CEO, Pudgy Penguins
  • Katherine Dowling, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, Bitwise Asset Management
  • Greg Scanlon, VP, Franklin Templeton Digital Assets
  • Yat Siu, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Animoca Brands, and many more.

Unchained Summit will also see participation from major industry players such as Bitwise Asset Management, Franklin Templeton, PayPal, and CertiK, alongside some of the most prominent investors in Web 3.0. Leading venture capital firms, including Fenbushi Capital, Hypersphere Ventures, Lemniscap, and Big Brain Holdings, will be in attendance, actively scouting for high-potential projects and investment opportunities.

Talking about enhancing security protocols in a dynamic landscape, Ronghui Gu, said, “In the fast-evolving blockchain space, security protocols must continuously adapt to emerging threats. Recent incidents, such as the Bybit exploit, underscore the urgent need for proactive risk management. CertiK’s approach — combining continuous monitoring, real-time threat analytics, and rigorous smart contract audits — ensures vulnerabilities are identified and mitigated before they can be exploited. This commitment to dynamic security sets an industry benchmark and offers an interesting topic for discussion at Unchained Summit.”

Sharath Kumar, CEO of Aeternum, organizer of Unchained Summit, emphasized: “April is a buzzing month for Web 3.0, with Dubai hosting numerous events. However, the sheer volume often dilutes quality and impact. At Aeternum, we are committed to standing out by curating an event that connects high-potential startups with serious investors. Unchained Summit prioritizes funding opportunities for new projects, bringing together the region’s most influential VCs, institutional investors, and policymakers. By combining strategic networking with high-impact content, we ensure that founders meet the right backers to accelerate growth and drive real innovation in Web 3.0.”

Tickets to the event are available on the official website: unchainedsummit.com

SettleMint Blockchain pilots private share tokenization of QFC

SettleMint Blockchain pilots private share tokenization of QFC

SettleMint, a blockchain company that enables enterprises to easily and rapidly build and integrate blockchain applications, which was accepted into the Qatar Financial Center (QFC) Digital Assets Lab, has successfully piloted the tokenization of private shares of QFC.

In a LinkedIn post, Henk Jan Hoogendoorn, Chief of Financial Services Sector at Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority, stated, ” Thank you Matthew Van Niekerk and team for the successful pilot of the private share tokenization of QFC. We call upon the Financial Sector to find more use cases tokenization in Qatar.”

In November 2023, Henk had noted that QFC and SettleMint would be tokenizing the private shares and equity for companies in Qatar. He had stated at the time, “ Next steps on tokenization of private shares / Private Equity discussed with our digital asset lab partner SettleMint both for Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority and any investment manager that would that would like to tokenize or fractionalize investments.”

In April 2023, Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) signed its second Blockchain MOU with Settlemint, after signing its first with R3. The agreement with Settlemint aimed to work on Blockchain and digital asset initiatives in the financial sector. QFCA and Settlemint agreed to explore potential synergies with industry participants, including financial institutions, fintech firms, and corporate organizations, to accelerate the adoption of blockchain and digital asset business models and solutions.

QFC ( Qatar Financial Center) also played an instrumental role in the recent collaboration and partnership of two DLT entities, The Hashgraph Group, a Swiss-based international business, venture capital and technology company, and SettleMint a blockchain transformation company. The partnership seeks to accelerate the impact of DLT ( Distributed Ledger Technologies) and digital assets across several industries.

Bitget crypto exchange to distribute 100,000 meals during Ramadan

Bitget crypto exchange to distribute 100,000 meals during Ramadan

Bitget, one of the biggest global cryptocurrency exchanges and a Web3 company, has partnered with world-renowned humanitarian organizations, including the UN Refugee Agency, UN World Food Program, ShareTheMeal, and the One Billion Meals Endowment, to distribute 100,000 meals to individuals in need during Ramadan. This initiative targets vulnerable communities in regions facing significant challenges, aiming to alleviate hunger during the holy month.

Each meal, costing an average of $0.80, will support families and individuals during the holy month. The effort is strengthened by contributions from the Bitget community, emphasizing collective action and compassion. Bitget has introduced initiatives encouraging participation from users, VIP clients, and influencer partners.

A series of Iftar dinners will be hosted in key locations, including Dubai and Istanbul, fostering unity and philanthropy. Attendees can contribute through donations, with Bitget matching each dollar raised. Exclusive auctions featuring memorabilia from partnerships with La Liga will direct all proceeds toward the cause, 100% of the proceeds will go towards the fundraiser.

“Ramadan is a time for generosity and unity,” said Vugar Usi Zade, COO of Bitget. “By leveraging our global network, we aim to create meaningful impact in communities facing adversity. This initiative aligns with our mission to drive positive change through collaborative efforts.”
The campaign, featuring the 10,000-meal pledge from Bitget, donation matching, and exclusive auctions, will be supported by local teams organizing community engagement events. It is set to launch on the first day of Ramadan, in alignment with the Islamic calendar.