UAE regulated Fasset to distribute U.S. tokenized equities for Own and Dinari

UAE regulated Fasset to distribute U.S. tokenized equities for Own and Dinari

As Own and Dinari partner to bring $1 billion worth of U.S. equities on-chain, increasing the current tokenized equities market by more than 66x by the end of 2025, its tokenized equities will be distributed through UAE regulated Fasset licensed token exchange platform in the UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, the EU, Turkey and Pakistan.

Backed by Fasset, Own is the first Ethereum Layer 2 protocol built for the creation, management and distribution of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). Dinari’s technology simplifies the issuance and distribution of fully-backed tokenized assets, offering access to over 100 stocks, ETFs, and REITs, including MSTR, TSLA, NVDA, SPY, META, AAPL, GOOGL, MSFT, and AMZN.

“U.S. equities have created trillions in wealth, but for most of the world, they remain effectively out of reach,” said José Fernando Pereira, Executive Director of Own. “This partnership creates direct access to these markets for global investors without the premium fees and extra steps that have limited participation.”

Own is incubated by the Own Foundation in partnership with Fasset, holding the largest portfolio of regulatory licenses and authorizations in high-growth markets. With Fasset’s support, Own has full permission to distribute and market virtual assets in rising economies, local banking rails for seamless transactions, fiat on/off-ramp infrastructure, and established trust with local regulators and central banks.


Through this partnership, investors can access fractional shares with lower fees, minimal entry barriers, and near-instant settlement, unlocking U.S. markets in ways that were previously out of reach.

“Tokenized real-world assets are one of the most in-demand digital asset use cases globally,” Mohammad Raafi Hossain, CEO and Co-Founder of Fasset, said. “We have already seen growing investor demand for these high-quality, compliant assets, and this partnership will fuel greater liquidity and market depth for tokenized assets.”

This follows a +1,000% month-on-month increase in tokenized US equities transactions on Fasset, driven by one of the largest on-chain equity settlements to date via Arbitrum and Dinari. The equities tokenized by Dinari on Own will be available for trading in conjunction with Own’s mainnet launch in Q4 of 2025.

“Dinari dShares enable investors around the world to access U.S. public markets without ever having to leave their preferred ecosystems and applications,” Gabriel Otte, Co-Founder of Dinari added. “We’re thrilled to partner with Fasset and Own Chain to deliver value to investors and grow the tokenized asset space together.”

UAE Crypto exchange M2 appoints new CEO

UAE Crypto exchange M2 appoints new CEO

UAE M2, crypto exchange has appointed James Greenwood as Chief Executive Officer, Bill Qian as Managing Director, while Bijan Alizadeh remains as Board Member and Shareholder Representative all committed to expanding their global userbase.

M2 is refocusing their strategy with consolidation driven by their earn product and the increasing demand for yield-oriented and financing solutions. As per the press release the company is doubling down on regulated financial services.
The crypto exchange has ambitions of building a one-stop digital asset financial service platform, serving global users from the Middle East. M2 has transformed its treasury division to cater to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), family offices, and institutional clients, offering bespoke digital assets solutions tailored to their needs. The M2 team has also been bolstered with specialized expertise, further enhancing M2’s ability to deliver innovative investment options.

James Greenwood is an award-winning leader, with a proven track record in digital technology and financial services. He joins M2 from Bitstamp, the world’s longest-running cryptocurrency exchange, where he served as Chief Technology and Operations Officer. With an impressive career spanning Europe and the Middle East.

James has held several C-suite roles of pivotal importance, such as Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Tandem Bank. Previously, he spearheaded digital transformation initiatives at organizations including Commercial Bank International and Zand Bank, bringing a deep understanding of fintech innovation to his leadership. In addition to his accomplishments in finance, James is a published author, the founder of an award-winning mobile games studio, and a sought-after speaker on digital disruption and innovation.

Bill Qian: Managing Director, M2, a seasoned investor and strategic leader in digital assets, AI, and financial technology, having overseen more than $30 billion in investments across the sector, previously served as Global Head of M&A and Binance Labs at Binance. Now, as Managing Director at M2, he is focused on enhancing the platform’s institutional offering, shaping bespoke investment products, structured yield opportunities, and advanced risk management solutions to serve the evolving needs of family offices, UHNWIs, and enterprises.

“This is a transformative time for M2, and we cannot wait to take on the opportunity,” said Bijan Alizadeh, Board member and Shareholder Representative. “Together with James and Bill, I look forward to re-energizing M2’s mission, while equipping the business with the tools and structures needed to drive innovation and deliver unmatched value to our customers. With a clear vision for sustainable growth and a strong foundation, M2 is poised to lead the next wave of digital asset transformation.”

Dubai Land Department and VARA to enable fractional real estate ownership with tokenization

Dubai Land Department and VARA to enable fractional real estate ownership with tokenization

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

This agreement follows the launch of the pilot phase of the “Real Estate Tokenization Project.” In line with the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has launched the pilot phase of the ‘Real Estate Tokenization Project for property title deeds. As per the announcement, the initiative, introduced under the Real Estate Innovation Initiative ‘REES,’ establishes DLD as the first real estate registration entity in the Middle East to implement tokenization on property title deeds. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) through SandBox Real Estate.

It was signed in the presence of Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Department of Economy and Tourism, and Marwan bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Land Department, alongside senior officials from both entities.

The project also supports the objectives of the “Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033” to grow real estate transaction volume to $272 billion equivalent to AED1 trillion, and contributes to the goals of the “Dubai Economic Agenda D33,” which seeks to double the emirate’s GDP over the next decade.

Helal Almarri affirmed that the agreement reflects the spirit of innovation and integration between Dubai’s government and digital sectors, noting that real estate tokenisation represents a qualitative leap toward a more inclusive and transparent investment model.

For his part, Marwan bin Ghalita highlighted the importance of this step in driving real estate innovation, attracting technology companies, and enhancing the sector’s digital infrastructure.

M2 partners with crypto mining solution provider NiceHash

M2 partners with crypto mining solution provider NiceHash

UAE regulated M2, a cryptocurrency exchange and investment platform, has partnered with NiceHash, a global crypto mining solution provider and hashrate marketplace serving over one million miners globally.

Through this partnership, M2 Global Wealth Limited (M2GWL) will provide miners worldwide with seamless access to flexible lending solutions in USDT, allowing them to unlock the full potential of their Bitcoin holdings. By collateralizing their BTC, miners can now access convenient USDT loans, enabling them to scale their operations, cover expenses, and optimize profitability, without selling their valuable assets.

Miners can unlock liquidity by using their Bitcoin as collateral and enjoy flexible repayment options, including allocating a portion of their hash rate. With seamless integration to NiceHash’s technology, Bitcoin miners can effortlessly manage both their mining pool rewards and their open loans through a single intuitive dashboard, automatically directing earnings toward loan repayment—eliminating complexity and ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Sudhu Arumugam, Chief Product Officer, M2, added, “At M2, we understand the challenges miners face in maintaining liquidity while preserving their Bitcoin investments. Our partnership with NiceHash represents a shared vision of empowering miners with smarter financial solutions that allow them to grow their businesses without sacrificing their Bitcoin holdings. This is just the beginning—we are committed to continuously innovating and delivering financial services that support the crypto mining ecosystem in meaningful ways.”

By powering the tech behind M2’s lending solutions, NiceHash helps bring a world-first solution to financing big mining operations and expansion.

In February 2025, M2 partnered with Transak, a payments infrastructure provider for digital assets like cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and NFTs, integrating its solution with M2, UAE regulated crypto exchange. This streamlined integration seeks to lower barriers to market participation, while ensuring strict levels of security and compliance. Through Transak, verified M2 users will be able to conveniently make fiat-to-crypto purchases for 30+ of tokens and cryptocurrencies using their credit and debit cards, M2’S OTC service will continue to be available.

Tokinvest and Evolution Stables tokenize racehorses

Tokinvest and Evolution Stables tokenize racehorses

Tokinvest, Dubai VARA regulated tokenization platform for (RWA) investing, and Evolution Stables, an equine syndication platform based in New Zealand will bring to market a new asset class, the tokenized exposure to professionally leased racehorses, starting with a Summer 2025 launch. Investor rights are being outlined in the virtual asset whitepaper being filed with Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA).

Tokinvest and Evolution Stables have developed a platform that focuses on proven horses in the early stages of their racing careers—many with prior earnings—removing many of the pain points traditionally associated with traditional ownership and delivering the thrill of participation from day one. Investors purchase a token representing a fixed-term lease (typically 12 months) with a pre-defined share of any earnings from the horse’s racing activity.

Scott Thiel, CEO & Co-Founder of Tokinvest, said, “This partnership with Evolution Stables represents the next step in broadening the Tokinvest ecosystem. By turning elite equine performance into a regulated, tokenized financial product, we’re offering something totally new—fractional access to a market that’s historically been difficult to enter. This is about turning passion into investment opportunity in a way that’s secure, transparent, and forward-looking.”

Initial offerings will be based on racehorses in New Zealand, a region known for punching well above its weight in elite Group One racing. New Zealand-bred horses win 22% of Group One races in Australia despite making up just 7% of the field, and have also claimed 38% of Group One victories in Hong Kong over the past four years.

Deep ties with respected trainers, syndicators, studs, and breeders—such as Woburn Farm, who helped prepare Hong Kong superstar Lucky Sweynesse, and Forsman Racing, trainers of Group 1 winners Aegon, Legarto, and Mustang Valley—further reinforce the calibre of horses associated with the Tokinvest platform.

Digital-syndication enables racehorse owners to lease out stakes while retaining full control and ownership. Investors pay a fixed price that reflects the horse’s quality, form, and earning potential—removing complexity and eliminating the need for ongoing contracts or admin. Evolution Stables, an authorised syndicator under New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), manages compliance, payments, and performance tracking. Tokinvest delivers a seamless, secure investment experience through its regulated platform, ensuring every transaction is transparent and compliant.

Alex Baddeley, CEO of Evolution Stables, added, “Digital-syndication helps balance the needs of modern investors with those of existing owners—offering steady income to owners without giving up equity or control, while providing investors with a transparent, accessible entry point into an exciting asset class. Together with Tokinvest, we’re building a new model that unlocks opportunity on both sides of the track.”

Investors’ downside risk is mitigated through the fixed-price model, while still allowing them to participate in the upside potential of ownership over the lease term. If a horse is sold during the lease period, the investor is bought out at a predetermined, equitable value. If the horse is retired or deregistered due to unforeseen circumstances—such as injury—the lease is terminated. Returns are not guaranteed and remain subject to horse performance and other external factors, but this innovative ownership model helps reduce many of the risks traditionally associated with racehorse ownership.

Adrian Stanley, Owner of Woburn Farm, said, “Ownership models in this industry haven’t changed or advanced in years. They still work well for existing participants, but with an ageing ownership base and the next generation of investors looking for digital-first solutions, the time for change is now.

“The interest is there—people want to invest—and with New Zealand being the perfect breeding ground for world-class bloodstock, the opportunity is clear. But barriers like limited access, liquidity, and knowledge have always held back growth.

Evolution Stables’ model, which balances the needs of both buyers and sellers, has the potential to be a real game changer—not just for us, but for the wider industry. We’re proud to support it and excited to see where it goes.”

Stephen Gray, Group One-winning Trainer from Stephen Gray Racing, added, “We were lucky enough to compete at the 2018 Dubai Carnival, where one of our horses, Newlands, placed. We’d love to return one day, and we see Evolution Stables’ digital-syndication model as a great way to strengthen the connections between international racing and new investors. Giving people a chance to come along for the ride through this kind of model is a fantastic way to grow the sport and bring fresh energy into the game.”

Prior to this in March 2025, UAE Tokinvest, announced its participation with Dubai Land Department, Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority and Dubai Future Foundation, in the pilot for tokenizing property deeds and titles in Dubai.

Web3 is a Joke presents Crypto Roast Comedy Night on the sidelines of Token 2049 Dubai

Web3 is a Joke presents Crypto Roast Comedy Night on the sidelines of Token 2049 Dubai

Web3 is a Joke, founded by comedian Mona Shaikh, bridges the gap between comedy and blockchain technology. With sold-out events across the US, UK, Hong Kong, and beyond, the brand has become a global leader in making Web3 accessible through humor.
The event will turn blockchain into belly laughs in Dubai UAE during Token2049 on April 29th at The Kempinski Palm from 6-8pm.

“Web3 is a Joke” Crypto Roast Comedy Night at Token 2049 Dubai side event, will be a transformative experience featuring hilarious comedians, delicious libations and unparalleled networking opportunities designed for crypto, web3 and comedy lovers.

Mona Sheikh, Founder of Web3 is a Joke, notes, ” The mission is to help with mass adoption through comedy. “Web3 is a Joke”, serves as a platform to achieve two big goals: Build trust in crypto and educate through entertainment. We will bring together crypto, Web3 and comedy lovers for a day filled with hilarious crypto roast jokes, tearing down Web3 and rebuilding it with non-stop laughter. Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies in both Web2 and Web3 and in all industries. Media entities can also partner.”

Whether you’re looking to break away from the nerdy panels and need something new and exciting to laugh, learn and link, Web3 is a Joke Crypto Roast Comedy Night is where you need to be.

This year’s lineup includes Founder & Roast master Mona Shaikh followed by a hilarious crypto roast with comedians from the US, Dubai and South Asia. Each comedian offers unique insights into the world of crypto comedy. Attendees will have the chance to engage with comedians, network, and connect with sponsors with display booths all designed to entertain, learn and collaborate.

Web3 is a Joke is the perfect gathering for aspiring entrepreneurs, crypto, tech and web3 enthusiasts along with creative minds and
comedy lovers. Whether you’re looking to learn more about web3 and crypto, network with the best or just get some good laughs, you’ll find valuable opportunities to grow and learn.

Secure your spot at our exclusive event on our website by reserving your complimentary ticket today. Tickets are available at www.web3isajoke.io or on Luma. For Sponsorship and media partnership opportunities please email mona@web3isajoke.io.


UAE unregulated crypto market maker CLS ordered to pay $428,059 in fines to the SEC

UAE unregulated crypto market maker CLS ordered to pay $428,059 in fines to the SEC

After the UAE registered company CLS Global FZC LLC, a non-regulated financial services firm known in the cryptocurrency industry as a “market maker,” admitted to fraud in the United States, the company has received its sentence in federal court in Boston for criminal charges relating to its fraudulent manipulation of cryptocurrency trading volume and has been ordered to pay $428,059.

CLS Global has been ordered to pay a total of $428,059 to the government, representing both a fine and seized cryptocurrency. The court also sentenced CLS Global to a term of probation for three years, during which CLS Global is prohibited from participating in U.S. cryptocurrency markets. CLS Global pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud and one count of wire fraud in January 2025. It was charged criminally in September 2024.

CLS Global provided “market making” and other services for cryptocurrency companies through its public website and other promotional materials. CLS Global was a company registered in the United Arab Emirates that employed over 50 individuals yet not regulated by UAE virtual asset regulatory authorities.

The charges against CLS Global followed an undercover law enforcement operation targeting cryptocurrency “wash trading,” sham trading activity intended to attract investors. The investigation included the creation of NexFundAI, a purported cryptocurrency company that had a website (https://nexfundai.com) and an Ethereum-based token that traded on the Uniswap cryptocurrency exchange before being disabled by law enforcement.

CLS Global agreed to provide market making services for the NexFundAI token that included “wash trading” to fraudulently attract investors to purchase the token. During several videoconferences between July and August 2024, a CLS Global employee explained that the company could “help with volume generation” so that NexFundAI could meet cryptocurrency exchange listing requirements and attract purchasers of the NexFundAI token. The employee explained that CLS Global used an algorithm that “basically does self-trades, buying and selling. . . from multiple wallets so it’s not visible” and so “it looks like organic buying and selling that is happening.” The employee further explained, “It’s very hard to track. . . . We’ve been doing that for many clients.” The employee also acknowledged, “I know that it’s wash trading and I know people might not be happy about it.”

CLS Global’s employee provided a “Market Making proposal” which, in a section titled “Volume Support,” contained an illustration of the CLS Global “dashboard” that reflected “total volume,” “CLS volume” and “external volume.” Traders employed by CLS Global subsequently bought and sold the NexFundAI token on the Uniswap cryptocurrency exchange using CLS Global’s trading wallets and provided reports on the trading activity created by the “volume generation algorithm.”

As part of its sentence, CLS Global is prohibited from participating in cryptocurrency transactions on trading platforms available to investors located in the United States or providing services to cryptocurrency clients based in the United States, as set forth in the plea agreement. CLS Global is also required to make annual certifications that its business practices conform to these prohibitions.

Bahrain Singapore Gulf Bank offers crypto off and on ramping to retail clients

Bahrain Singapore Gulf Bank offers crypto off and on ramping to retail clients

Singapore Gulf Bank (SGB) based in Bahrain, has launched its personal banking services, and will enable instant movement between crypto and fiat via top licensed exchanges with instant off and on ramping.

Backed by Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat and Whampoa Group, SGB is the only licensed bank in the MENA region to provide global clients with remote onboarding and integrated access to both conventional and digital finance. This expansion follows strong demand for SGB’s corporate banking services and addresses long-standing pain points for globally connected customers.

SGB will offer unified access to crypto and fiat and enable instant movement between crypto and fiat via top licensed exchanges.
Instant on- and off-ramping. It will also offer direct integration with regulated exchanges allows real-time, secure conversion between digital and fiat currencies.

The bank aims to simplify cross border payments, whether via wire transfers, crypto rails or SGB-issued cards making international transactions for business, travel, education are effortless.


From high-yield savings accounts to exclusive opportunities across Asia and MENA, clients can manage both traditional and digital assets through one trusted platform.

SGB began offering services in Bahrain and sought to acquire stablecoin company

In November 2024, Singapore Gulf Bank, announced it was in talks with a Middle East sovereign wealth fund to raise $50 million to acquire a stablecoin payments company in 2025 either in the Middle East or Europe.

SGB started its operations in Bahrain serving corporate customers with digital banking services, noting that it would be extending its digital banking services to individual clients by the end of 2024. The bank added that SGB would provide a real-time settlement network, digital assets custody and intuitive trading solutions, all underpinned by robust AML/KYC measures.

In Saudi Arabia a new digital bank called D360 has received regulatory approval from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) becoming third digital bank in KSA. D360 will be established with a capital of SAR 1.65 billion ($440 million) through a consortium of individual and corporate investors, with the Public Investment Fund as one of the key investors. It will be led by Derayah Financial Company.

With the latest addition of D360, there are 35 licensed banks in Saudi Arabia at present, including 11 local banks, three local digital banks, and 21 foreign bank branches. There are also 19 licensed fintech companies that provide payment services, consumer microfinance and electronic insurance brokerage.

Hodl Blockchain Summit coming to Dubai in May 2025

Hodl Blockchain Summit coming to Dubai in May 2025

HODL Summit born from the legacy of the iconic World Blockchain Summit (WBS) and organized by Trescon, is the World’s Longest-Running Crypto and Web3Summit Series with 29 global editions across cities like Dubai,Singapore, and Bangkok. Since 2017, HODL has served as a platform for blockchain deal-making, innovation, and connecting disruptive projects with investors, enterprises, and governments. Join HODL Dubai on May 14-15, 2025,to engage with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge blockchain developments, and secure your place at the forefront of Web3 innovation.

As a premier platform for blockchain and Web3 innovation, HODL 2025 will bring together 5,000+ Web3 Innovators and Investors, including industry leaders and high-impact decision-makers. This highly anticipated 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.

The Hashgraph Association and DAR Blockchain develop 44 projects in Tunisia

The Hashgraph Association and DAR Blockchain develop 44 projects in Tunisia

The Dar Blockchain and The Hashgraph Association Academic Program since its inception in 2024 has achieves strong targets to increase blockchain education in Tunisia.

In a LinkedIn post, DAR Blockchain announced that they have registered 5,000 students issued 1,200 certifications, carried out two major hackathons and developed 44 blockchain projects.

The participants in these educational courses and hackathons were not just limited to Tunisian participants but also included 11 other countries from more than 50 universities.

DAR Blockchain noted, “This program is accelerating blockchain adoption and shaping the future of Web3 in Africa. We’re just getting started.”

Tunisia witnessed its first Hedera Hackathon in January 2024. The event was a collaborative effort between Dar Blockchain, The Hashgraph Association, ESPRIT University, and SUP’COM University. The aim of the Hackathon, backed by the Hedera Network, was to boost the adoption and understanding of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) in the country.

The Hedera Hackathon offered tracks that include DeFi (Decentralized Finance), revolutionizing finance with accessible and secure financial services for the Tunisian and African community, DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations), reimagining organizational structures for innovative university organization management and collaboration across the country, as well as tracks on the metaverse and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). 

In Morocco, The Hashgraph Association, is working with Agency of Digital Development to strengthen citizen services using the Hedera DLT network and Web3 technologies. It has also partnered with Moroccan UM6P Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm and the investment arm of UM6P (Mohammed VI Polytechnique University), to develop entrepreneurship and accelerate science innovation and co-investment opportunities in Morocco and the wider Africa region.