RAKBANK first bank in UAE to become a crypto broker

RAKBANK first bank in UAE to become a crypto broker

RAKBANK has launched its crypto brokerage service via its mobile app for retail customers, making it the first conventional bank in the UAE to enable crypto trading services for its customers. RAKBANK will be providing its customers with seamless, fast, and efficient access to digital assets in a fully regulated way.

As per the blog post, RAKBANK customers can buy, sell, and swap cryptocurrencies by accessing UAE regulated Bitpanda’s crypto trading platform through RAKBANK’s mobile banking app.

The platform is owned and operated by Bitpanda, to which RAKBANK facilitates the access. All transactions will take place in AED, eliminating foreign currency transfer fees and forex losses altogether. What’s more, transactions are executed directly from the customer’s RAKBANK current or savings account, avoiding the need for lengthy and inefficient processes to move money in and out of crypto exchanges.

Bitpanda is also regulated by multiple European regulators. Its institutional service, Bitpanda Technology Solutions, is already trusted by leading global financial institutions, including Deutsche Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, and N26.

Raheel Ahmed, Group CEO of RAKBANK, commented, “RAKBANK is proud to be the first conventional bank in the UAE to enable simple, secure, and regulated access to a world class digital assets platform. We recognize the opportunity this solution will provide to customers in the UAE, as we believe they deserve a more efficient and seamless crypto buying, selling and swapping journey that is fully regulated and entirely in AED. With this service through our award winning digital app and collaboration with a leading crypto trading platform, we are staying true to our strategy of being the digital bank with a human touch.”

Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad, Deputy CEO of Bitpanda, added, “Collaborating with RAKBANK is a big moment for digital assets in the region. Together, we’re showing how crypto can be offered in a safe, regulated, and simple way – directly from a major conventional bank that customers already trust. This is exactly how the future of finance should look: simple, compliant, and built to meet real user needs.”

The service is currently by invitation only and will be rolled out to more customers over the coming months.

UAE Banks starting to enter the crypto domain using crypto exchanges

The UAE banks have already started entering the crypto domain. Recently for example Axiom Recruit in the UAE, was searching for a Principle Blockchain Architect engineer as a leading UAE Bank is building out their DeFi and Stablecoin infrastructure.

This announcement came as more and more banks globally and across the UAE enter the digital asset, stablecoin, and crypto space. In a recent article, crypto exchange executives and crypto custodian executive weighed in on how this will effect the crypto ecosystem across the globe. In the UAE several banks have already entered the crypto space including Mbank, Zand Bank, Liv bank by Emirates NBD and even FAB bank with their work on a stablecoin.

UAE regulated Zodia Markets raises $18.25 million

UAE regulated Zodia Markets raises $18.25 million

Standard Chartered-backed digital asset platform Zodia Markets has raised $18.25m in its series A funding round amid a surge in institutional demand for crypto. The funding round was led by Pharsalus Capital, a New York-headquartered venture capital firm, with participation from Circle Ventures, The Operating Group, XVC Tech, Token Bay Capital, Human Capital and other strategic investors.

In 2024, Zodia Markets received a license in the UAE from FSRA the regulatory arm of ADGM in Abu Dhabi. Currently Zodia Markets supports over 20 fiat currencies and more than 70 digital assets, including USD and non-USD stablecoins. As per the press release the investment will support the firm’s continuing geographic expansion and support the growing capability of stablecoin-based payment orchestration.

Additional institutional trading products will be developed to support cross-border stablecoin payment solutions, further reinforcing its position as a recognized market leader.

Usman Ahmad, Co-Founder and CEO comments, “This raise is an endorsement of our strategy, vision and execution, but more than that, reflects the conviction of globally respected investors who recognise both the complexity of this market and the scale of what we’re building. Their participation signals confidence not just in our model, but in our role as a leader in reshaping and redefining wholesale capital movement.

Institutional capital shouldn’t have to wait for banking hours or be held back by manual workarounds. Our heritage means we’re in a unique position to reengineer traditional foreign exchange capital flows with real time stablecoin settlement across borders. The next era of finance starts with us and we’re excited to have more support to execute our vision to reimagine the movement of money.”

Blockchain startups have grabbed the attention of institutional investors this year, thanks to a $700bn crypto rally. Blockchain firm Digital Asset raised $135m in June from a slew of major financial firms, including Goldman Sachs and Citadel Securities.

Zodia Markets said the investment will support its geographical expansion.

Zodia Markets has built a strong presence in Abu Dhabi since receiving regulatory approval in 2023. The firm’s co-founder Philpott also relocated to the UAE’s capital last year.

Last year, Zodia Markets acquired Elwood’s over-the-counter business. In a July 2024 interview with Financial News, Ahmad said that the firm is open to more acquisitions.

More UAE property developers partner to tokenize real estate in the country

More UAE property developers partner to tokenize real estate in the country

After the success of Prypco Mint in tokenizing properties in the UAE for investment, more and more real estate developers in the UAE are pushing forward. Amaal, a UAE real estate developer has partnered with IOPn, a blockchain infrastructure company to bring tokenized property solutions to a bigger global investor base.

As per the press release, the partnership reflects an innovation-led approach by both organizations to support the evolution of real estate investment, leveraging blockchain technology to make property investment more accessible and efficient, while maintaining exclusivity and long-term value.

The move aligns with the Dubai Land Department’s recent real estate tokenization initiative, which aims to digitize seven per cent or $16 billion of property by 2033. Further details on specific projects or properties will be shared as the collaboration progresses.

“At Amaal, we see innovation as essential to shaping the future of real estate, and collaborating with IOPn exemplifies our forward-looking vision,” said Abdulla Lahej, Chairman of Amaal. “Through tokenization, we’re making it possible for more people to participate in real estate investment, supporting the UAE’s commitment to leadership in the digital economy and smart city infrastructure.”

Mojtaba Asadian, CEO of IOPn, commented, “This partnership with Amaal marks a pivotal step in redefining how global investors access luxury real estate. In alignment with Dubai’s regulatory framework, we are in the process of tokenizing the high-end MANSORY Residences. This initiative is not only enhancing liquidity but also setting a new benchmark for transparency, accessibility, and global participation in property ownership. At IOPn, we believe the future of real estate is on-chain, and we’re proud to build that future with visionary partners like Amaal.”

The tokenization of MANSORY Residences is currently in preparation, with more details expected to be announced in the coming months. The tower is scheduled for completion in Q4 2028.

UAE CE-Ventures invests in Plaid and Mesh both big players in crypto and blockchain

UAE CE-Ventures invests in Plaid and Mesh both big players in crypto and blockchain

CE-Ventures, the corporate venture capital platform of UAE based Crescent Enterprises, investments in Plaid and Mesh, two companies building critical infrastructure for the next generation of financial services. CE-Ventures’ participated in the strategic funding rounds of both these companies with the expectation that the future of finance will be open, programmable, and crypto-native.

Silicon Valley startups Plaid and Mesh, focused on data infrastructure and digital asset movement respectively, are both critical enablers of financial interoperability. Plaid’s global fintech data network and Mesh’s global crypto payments network have both been significantly endorsed by their recent fundraising.

For Plaid its $575 million fundraise was led by Franklin Templeton with participation from CE-Ventures alongside Fidelity, BlackRock, NEA, Ribbit Capital, and others. Mesh’s $82 million Series B funding was led by Paradigm with participation from CE-Ventures, Consensys, QuantumLight Capital, Yolo Investments, and others.

“At CE-Ventures we are investing in the financial systems of the future – and we see Plaid and Mesh as foundational platforms in a converging world of fintech and crypto,” said Sudarshan Pareek, Senior Vice President at CE-Ventures. “We are at the beginning of a systemic shift in global finance — from closed systems to open networks, from batch-based processing to real-time programmability, and from siloed fiat rails to interoperable digital assets. Plaid and Mesh are laying the technical infrastructure for that future.”

The company has a history of investing in category-defining infrastructure companies that operate at this intersection. Previous investments include Animoca Brands, Anomali, Layer Zero and others. With investments in Plaid and Mesh, it is positioning itself for the most resilient value to accrue to infrastructure providers that power broad ecosystems rather than single verticals.

Plaid has become the connective tissue for consumer-permissioned financial data, enabling thousands of apps and institutions to securely link bank accounts, verify identities, and power fintech use cases such as lending, payments, and budgeting. As open finance expands globally, Plaid’s infrastructure is becoming indispensable to fintech ecosystems.

In July 2025, MANTL, an Alkami solution team and leading provider of loan and deposit account opening technology, became the first fintech to resell and offer Plaid Layer, Plaid’s instant onboarding technology used by the most innovative neobanks.

Mesh is building a blockchain-native API layer that allows users and platforms to transfer crypto and stablecoins seamlessly across wallets, exchanges, and applications. As digital assets move from speculation to utility, Mesh is creating the middleware infrastructure for the crypto-to-fiat and crypto-to-crypto payment economy.

Recently Mesh partnered with UAE and Bahrain regulated crypto broker CoinMENA. Mesh’s API-based solutions will enhance the overall experience for CoinMENA users operating other platforms, with crypto transactions being not only seamless but also more secure. As CoinMENA becomes part of Mesh’s extensive network of integrations, managing crypto across platforms becomes significantly easier for its users.

OKX launches first regulated retail crypto derivative product out of the UAE

OKX launches first regulated retail crypto derivative product out of the UAE

OKX, a UAE regulated and global crypto exchange has launched the first regulated retail derivatives products, making it the first global exchange to offer retail futures, perpetual contracts, and options within a regulated VARA Pilot framework.

As per the press release, the newly introduced regulated crypto retail derivatives offering provides customers with enhanced flexibility and a broader range of trading strategies across different market conditions, marking the first time such crypto derivatives have been made accessible to retail investors in the UAE under a regulated structure.

“This represents a pivotal moment for both OKX and the UAE’s broader digital asset ecosystem,” said Rifad Mahasneh, CEO, OKX MENA. “By launching the first fully regulated retail derivatives offering in the UAE, we are both reinforcing our long-term commitment to responsible innovation and regulatory alignment, as well as listening to feedback from our customers, who have been asking for this type of offering in the UAE. The UAE has emerged as a global model for how thoughtful regulation can unlock access while prioritizing investor protection.”

Whether navigating volatility or seeking to hedge existing positions, customers can now access futures contracts, perpetual contracts, and options with up to 5x leverage, in accordance with local regulatory guidelines. These tools empower retail traders to respond more effectively to market trends, manage risk with greater precision, and tailor their strategies to both bullish and bearish environments, all within a secure, compliant, and high-performance trading environment.

“Good regulation is not a constraint, it is an imperative within our industry,” added Mahasneh. “The UAE has created an environment where innovation and compliance go hand in hand. This has enabled OKX to introduce sophisticated products like derivatives to retail users in a responsible and secure manner.”

The Global Blockchain Congress in its 15th edition to Dubai in October 2025

The Global Blockchain Congress in its 15th edition to Dubai in October 2025

The Global Blockchain Congress (GBC), hosted by Agora Group, returns for its 15th edition in Dubai, the global capital of Web3 and digital innovation on October 30th and 31st 2025 in Dubai UAE.

Additionally, the Global Blockchain Congress continues its mission of bringing together the most promising Web3 projects with the world’s leading investors for two days of exclusive, high-impact networking and deal-making. The success and reputation of the GBC is reflected in the caliber of its past partners and sponsors, which include: Animoca Brands, Amber Group, Algorand, Binance Labs, Brinc, DMCC, Galaxy, Hedera Foundation, Sui Foundation, & many others.


In the 15th edition GBC will be offering
• 100+ institutional investors and VC firms from around the globe
• 30+ carefully selected projects in blockchain, Web3, DeFi, and AI actively seeking investment
• A lineup of thought-provoking keynote speeches, panels, and fireside chats
• A curated schedule of private, pre-arranged 1-on-1 meetings
• 2 official side events

VC Connect Goes to Singapore – September 29, 2025

Ahead of the 15th GBC, Agora Group will also host the 2nd edition of VC Connect on September 29, 2025 in Singapore — a highly exclusive gathering of elite investors and cutting-edge startups, built for relationship-driven growth and high-value connections. VC Connect serves as a unique complement to the GBC by deepening investor networks and creating new deal flow opportunities.
Register Now: lu.ma/VCConnect-Singapore

Agora Group is currently accepting applications from blockchain projects seeking funding, as well as inquiries from investors, sponsors, and media partners.


To participate or learn more, visit www.gbc-uae.com or email: info@agoragroup.ae

Aeternum Confirms Return of Unchained Summit to Dubai on October 30–31, 2025

Aeternum Confirms Return of Unchained Summit to Dubai on October 30–31, 2025

After a breakout debut that brought global investors, builders, and regulators under one roof, the Unchained Summit returns to Dubai this October 30–31. Organised by Aeternum, Unchained has rapidly emerged as the go-to gathering for curated Web 3.0 dialogues. Framed around high-impact networking, regulatory engagement, and investor-founder traction, this edition lands at a moment of peak momentum for the UAE’s Web 3.0 sector.

As the UAE sharpens its regulatory frameworks and capital continues to move into Web 3.0 ventures, Dubai’s position as a global blockchain hub has only solidified. The timing of the second edition of Unchained Summit lands at a pivotal moment; when policy, infrastructure, and investor interest are finally aligning.

The event has established itself as the #1 Web 3.0 event for high-impact networking and deal flow, driving meaningful capital, connections and innovations on a global scale.

Who’s Speaking, and Why It Matters

This year’s programme includes a roster of prominent industry figures, such as:

  • Eowyn Chen, CEO, Trust Wallet, brings the perspective of a company trusted by over 200 million users worldwide.
  • Andrew Vranjes, CRO, Blockdaemon, who drives global infrastructure growth across finance and DePIN.
  • Mark Rydon, Co-founder & CSO, Aethir, whose push into decentralized cloud is changing gaming and AI.
  • David Norris, CFO & CSO, NEAR Foundation, whose operational rigor helps scale tomorrow’s tools.
  • Alexander Scott, Middle East Lead, Solana Superteam, enabling developer breakthroughs across MENA.
  • Fefe Demeny, Lead Host, Crypto Banter, translating Web 3.0 for the mainstream and the next billion users.
  • Zane Suren, MD Commercial, MEA, Zodia Custody, shaping regional digital asset regulation and custody.
  • Bader Kalooti, Regional Head, Binance MEASAT, driving mainstream adoption at one of the world’s crypto superpowers, are among the early confirmed speakers.

A Shift Towards Closed-Door Networking

While large-scale expos continue to dominate parts of the Web 3.0 landscape, Unchained Summit has deliberately taken a different route. Attendance is capped. Topics are curated. The format includes private roundtables, investor-founder matchmaking, and sessions tailored for decision-makers. Organisers say this was a deliberate response to what many describe as ‘conference fatigue’; where volume often eclipses value.

“We’ve seen enough noise,” said Sharath Kumar, Founder & CEO of Aeternum. “What the ecosystem needs is focus. Spaces where serious builders, funds, and policy makers can meet without the distractions. That’s what we’re trying to offer.”

I’m thrilled to join the Unchained Summit in Dubai, where the brightest minds are shaping the future of blockchain infrastructure. It’s an exceptional forum for collaborating on institutional-grade solutions that advance scalability, security, and interoperability, as we drive the growth of digital asset ecosystems throughout the MENA region,” said Andrew Vranjes, Chief Revenue Officer, Blockdaemon.

Startups Take the Stage at Unchained Pitch Competition

This year’s edition will also feature the launch of Unchained Pitch Competition, a focused pitch competition running alongside the main conference. Web 3.0 founders – spanning DeFi, cross-chain infrastructure, tokenized assets, and beyond, will get five minutes on stage to present in front of serious investors on what they’re building and why it matters.

Applications are now open and will close on 15 October 2025.

Alongside the summit, Aeternum has been developing the “Hash it Over” podcast series, which has released five episodes to date. The show has featured long-form discussions with protocol leaders, infrastructure players, and early investors, offering insight into the challenges and contradictions of Web 3.0 development.

Super Early Bird tickets for the 2025 summit are now available until August 1, 2025, at discounted rates. The full speaker lineup, agenda, and partner list will be announced in the coming weeks. More information: https://unchainedsummit.com/dubai.

Tickets: https://unchainedsummit.com/dubai/#buy-ticket

UAE Agile Dynamics and Chinese Blockchain Hyperchain to explore Blockchain solutions for MENA and the globe

UAE Agile Dynamics and Chinese Blockchain Hyperchain to explore Blockchain solutions for MENA and the globe

UAE and Middle East based Agile Dynamics, a digital asset consultancy firm, has signed a letter of intent with Chinese Hyperchain, an enterprise blockchain platform provider from China, to evaluate and pursue initiatives aimed at unlocking investment potential in markets around the world using blockchain technologies.

As per the press release, the focus is on harnessing blockchain, real world asset tokenization and stablecoins to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in financial services and foreign direct investment.

Headquartered in Hangzhou, Hyperchain is China’s first blockchain unicorn. With nearly 900 technology-related patents in its portfolio, the company is leading and contributing to the development of 80+ international digital infrastructure, standards, 20 national standards in China, and over 100 industry standards.

Agile Dynamics meanwhile is a management consulting firm with a range of focus areas, including in digital assets, cryptocurrencies and blockchain. The firm is working with several governments on digital asset strategies and on initiatives that unlock foreign direct investment through real world asset tokenization.

“We are excited to embark on this strategic pathway with Agile Dynamics,” stated Wei Li, Chairman of Hyperchain. “This Letter of Intent reflects our shared vision to combine Hyperchain’s robust, enterprise-grade blockchain infrastructure with Agile Dynamics’ deep market insights. Our goal is to jointly pioneer solutions – from sovereign Blockchain-as-a-Service and compliant stablecoins to innovative FDI platforms – that address complex challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth and efficiency in target markets.”

Paul Lalovich, Managing Partner of Agile Dynamics, added, “This agreement marks a significant step in realizing the transformative potential of blockchain for institutional finance and economic development. Partnering with Hyperchain provides the essential technological backbone. Together, we will explore groundbreaking initiatives like the Hong Kong stablecoin project and FDI-as-a-Service, aiming to enhance transparency, reduce barriers, and facilitate secure, efficient capital flows into high-growth economies. This collaboration is about defining the future of digital asset adoption in key markets.”

DeFi Technologies expands into MENA to offer digital asset ETPs

DeFi Technologies expands into MENA to offer digital asset ETPs

DeFi Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “DeFi Technologies”) (Nasdaq: DEFT) (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B), a financial technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralized finance (“DeFi”), expands in the GCC and MENA region with the registration of DEFI DMCC (certification no DMCC199558) with offices in Jumeirah Lake Towers Dubai UAE, as well as its subsidiary Valour Digital Securities which operates a trading desk at DMCC ( Dubai Multi Commodities Center) in UAE.

The DeFi Technologies team and its subsidiary Valour, aim to support the increased institutional interest in digital assets in the GCC region and specifically in the UAE. This expansion into the Middle East is a key element of the strategy to increase product offerings and global footprint.

As the first Nasdaq-listed digital asset manager of its kind, DeFi Technologies offers equity investors diversified exposure to the broader decentralized economy through its integrated and scalable business model. This includes Valour, which offers access to more than 75 of the world’s most innovative digital assets via regulated ETPs with plans to offer 100 by the end of 2025.

The company DEFT is positioning itself as the BlackRock of Web3.

Globally, institutional capital is pouring into spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and in the Middle East and in the UAE in specific this is also becoming a trend. Recently, UAE sovereign wealth fund Mubadala announced it expanded its position in BlackRock’s bitcoin ETF showcasing the latest example of institutions increasingly turning to non-traditional exposures wrapped in an ETF.

Bitcoin ETPs are facilitating greater exposure for investors who had been interested in crypto but want a familiar and efficient wrapper. Currently, total assets under management (“AUM”) in crypto ETPs have reached $176.3 billion.

Andrew Forson, President of DeFi Technologies and Chief Growth Officer of Valour, stated, “ We believe the demand for digital asset ETPs will increase not only globally but in the GCC and Middle East. Investors whether sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, family offices and even retail investors are interested in crypto but require familiar and efficient vehicles to get exposure.”

He adds, “Wrapping digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum in regulated financial instruments such as ETPs will increase the number of crypto investors and offer countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia access to international foreign investment. Local and international get exposure to these assets through trusted providers like the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange, Dubai Financial Markets, and others.”

Already DeFi Technologies has expanded into Turkey through a collaboration with Misyon Bank, and Misyon Kripto to work to introduce ETPs. In Turkey currently over 50% of investor population are holding digital assets.

In 2024, DeFi Technologies through its subsidiary Valour partnered with GulfCap Investment Bank (“GCIB”), a licensed investment bank as its key Transaction Advisor for the proposed cross-listing of Valour’s ETPs on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (“NSE”) in Kenya. The proposed cross-listing will allow Valour’s ETPs to be traded in Kenyan Shillings on the NSE and provide investors in East Africa with exposure to leading digital assets through regulated investment vehicles.

In Europe DeFi Technologies subsidiary Valour currently offers 65+ fully hedged digital asset ETPs on leading European exchanges including Xetra, Spotlight, and Euronext and most recently Six Swiss Exchange in Switzerland.

Valour recently announced that it surpassed US$1 Billion in AUM: As of July 22, 2025, Valour’s AUM reached US$1.01 billion, a 31% increase since May 30, driven by strong investor demand and rising digital asset prices across its globally diversified ETP portfolio.

Canadian Toyow secures $10 million investment from Nimbus Capital to scale operations in UAE

Canadian Toyow secures $10 million investment from Nimbus Capital to scale operations in UAE

Canadian Toyow, a multi category tokenized asset marketplace has secured a US$10 million strategic investment from Nimbus Capital, an alternative investment group operating globally, focused on emerging industries and backing high-impact technologies across sectors with strong growth potential including the UAE.

As per the press release, the investment fuels Toyow’s mission to democratize access to high-value real-world assets (RWAs), from real estate, art, films, music, and commodities, by bringing them onchain through a regulated, user-first marketplace.The funds will be used to scale up operations and regulatory coverage across the UAE and European Union; engage and onboard institutional asset originators and creators; expand tokenisation and trading infrastructure.

With a tokenisation pipeline worth more than US$38 billion and multiple high profile asset partners in real estate, music and commodities, Toyow is uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of inclusive capital markets.

“This partnership marks a major milestone for Toyow,” said Surajit Chanda, Founder and CEO of Toyow. “Nimbus Capital shares our vision for a future where anyone can access institutional grade assets through blockchain. Together, we’ll scale the platform globally and bring real utility to the RWA space.”

This will also help bring further liquidity to the token post Token Generation Event (TGE) and increase product adoption. This raise reinforces investor confidence in Toyow’s approach, blending compliance, usability, and community incentives to unlock previously inaccessible asset classes for the next billion investors.

Robert Baker, Managing Partner at Nimbus Capital, said, “We’ve been following the evolution of tokenised assets closely, and Toyow stood out, not just for its tech, but for its clear commitment to usability, regulation, and creator empowerment. This isn’t just another RWA platform. It’s a bold bet on the future of inclusive capital markets, one where a teenager in Lagos and a fund manager in London can access the same high value assets within a few clicks.”

Tokenization is gaining ground across the globe and in the UAE as well as Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Ctrl Alt, a tokenization infrastructure platform, recently secured a Virtual asset broker dealer license as well as issuer license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). As of May 1, 2025, Ctrl Alt has tokenized over $295 million in assets, spanning real estate, private credit, funds, litigation finance and more.

UAE based Byzanlink, a tokenization platform bridging traditional and decentralized finance, also recently partnered with the Hedera Foundation where in the first phase the company will integrate and deploy on Hedera Network, the enterprise-grade public network renowned for its high-performance and energy-efficient distributed ledger technology. This comes as Saudi Arabian NTDP invested in the platform as well.

Finally 96 firms have shown interest in participating in UAE’s Dubai Financial Services Authority ( DFSA) tokenization regulatory sandbox. As per the DFSA announcement, the launch of the sandbox is part of DFSA’s strategy to support responsible financial innovation within the Dubai International Free Center.