Prosper for Bitcoin mining is Hashrate sponsor of Bitcoin MENA in UAE

Prosper for Bitcoin mining is Hashrate sponsor of Bitcoin MENA in UAE

Prosper, a decentralized protocol offering institutional-grade Bitcoin mining power on-chain, has announced that it is the official Hashrate Sponsor for Bitcoin MENA 2024. The highly anticipated conference will take place on December 9-10, 2024, at the iconic Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), bringing together industry experts and key players from the global Bitcoin ecosystem and the wider crypto industry.

As the official Hashrate Sponsor, Prosper will feature prominently at the event and host an interactive booth where attendees can engage directly with its team and explore how Prosper is setting the standard for institutional-grade Bitcoin mining power on-chain, further unlocking Bitcoin’s full potential as the most decentralized cryptocurrency.

“As one of the most innovative community-focused projects under Animoca Brands, we are excited to showcase our unique offering at this year’s Bitcoin MENA event which aligns perfectly with our mission to democratize access to Bitcoin and its mining power,” said Milton Lam, Advisory Council Member & Launch Partner, Prosper. “Our participation underscores our leadership in institutional-grade Bitcoin mining innovation, advancing the possibilities of the world’s original and most decentralized cryptocurrency.”

Bitcoin MENA 2024 will bring together global leaders and influential voices, including Eric Trump, Prince Filip of Serbia and Saifedean Ammous, to shape the conversation on Bitcoin’s future.

Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, will deliver a keynote address at Bitcoin MENA 2024, marking a significant milestone for the event. His participation brings a wealth of business acumen and leadership experience to discussions on Bitcoin’s growing adoption in the Middle East. Following Donald J. Trump’s appearance at Bitcoin 2024 in Nashville this July, the Trump family’s growing support for Bitcoin as a solution to combat inflation in the U.S. underscores the event’s importance.

Other notable attendees include Prince Filip of Serbia, Saifedean Ammous, author of The Bitcoin Standard and Abdulla Al Dhaheri of the Blockchain Centre Abu Dhabi. Their involvement highlights Bitcoin MENA’s influence and Abu Dhabi’s emerging role as a central hub in the global Bitcoin economy.

Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center signs MOU with Canadian University

Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center signs MOU with Canadian University

Velocity, the entrepreneurship center of the Canadian University of Waterloo, the number one school in Canada for entrepreneurs has signed an MOU ( Memorandum of Understanding) with The Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center.

The recently launched Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi seeks to become a global hub for Blockchain and Web3. As per the press release, the collaboration with the University and Velocity will empower Waterloo students, alumni and entrepreneurs with a global network of industry experts and capital to accelerate innovative applications of blockchain in healthcare, government, finance, energy and e-commerce.

The Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center was founded by Waterloo alum and serial entrepreneur Mickey Areibi (GBDA ’18) and expert Abdulla Al Dhaheri. The center focuses on training, events and entrepreneurship to drive blockchain adoption. It aims to empower businesses, governments and individuals for sustainable growth. As digital transformation accelerates, blockchain technology offers transparency, security and efficiency.

“As a proud Waterloo native, I’m thrilled to partner with the University of Waterloo, a global leader in entrepreneurship and talent. Together, we’re bringing an ecosystem of blockchain support to Waterloo, fostering the next generation of blockchain entrepreneurs and innovators to drive startup growth and creating transformative co-op opportunities. This partnership not only strengthens the connection between two thriving ecosystems but also builds a world-class hub for blockchain solutions — rooted in the talent and spirit of where it all began for me, at Waterloo,” says Areibi.

“We’re excited to partner with the Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi to create unique opportunities for our students and entrepreneurs in blockchain commercialization, education and innovation,” says Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Waterloo.

“As we advance UWaterloo’s vision for a better future for humanity and our planet, we look forward to working together to explore the role of blockchain technology to unlock opportunities in health data, cybersecurity and beyond. Together, we are building a world-class hub for blockchain solutions and driving transformative change around the world.”

The partnership will also integrate with Waterloo’s co-operative program.

“Our partnership with the University of Waterloo combines their legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship with our global network, empowering founders to tackle big challenges and drive lasting impact. Together, we’re fostering a new wave of high-impact founders and trail blazing innovators,” says Dhaheri.

Soter a digital asset insurer, a portfolio company of UAE Further Ventures receives initial regulatory approval from BMA

Soter a digital asset insurer, a portfolio company of UAE Further Ventures receives initial regulatory approval from BMA

A portfolio company of Abu Dhabi based Further Ventures, Soter Insure, a provider of insurance products tailored to the digital asset economy, whose CEO was the former CEO of VARA Dubai ( Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority), has received initial approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), to offer a range of insurance solutions designed specifically for institutions operating in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space.

As per the press release, the approval marks a significant milestone for Soter, enabling the company to address the evolving risk management needs of the digital asset sector.‍

“This regulatory approval is a testament to the vision we share with our partners and the growing need for tailored risk management solutions in the digital asset space,” said Henson Orser, CEO of Soter Insure. “With the rise of institutional adoption of blockchain technology, our products provide a critical layer of security for asset managers, funds, and validators. We are proud to offer coverage that aligns with the assets themselves—whether it’s Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other native currencies—allowing policyholders to be indemnified in the very currency they are seeking to protect.”

Further Ventures noted on LinkedIN, “Our portfolio company Soter Insure has just announced receiving the initial approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Great start for the project as we plan to share more updates and valuable content soon!”

Further Ventures is a venture builder and investment firm based in Abu Dhabi. It supports innovative startups such as fintech, VASPs which include virtual asset payments products, blockchain based asset custody and security solutions, and others. ‍

Soter has offices in Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Previously UAE headquartered Fuze, a digital assets infrastructure provider, raised a seed round of $14mn, the largest Seed investment in a digital assets startup in the history of the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) led by Abu Dhabi-based Further Ventures, along with participation by US-based Liberty City Ventures.

Soter’s product suite includes Directors & Officers (D&O) coverage, Asset Loss policies, and a unique Slashing insurance product that protects validators in Proof of Stake networks. Notably, all policies are denominated in the native digital currency being insured. For instance, Ethereum Validator Slashing losses are paid out in Ether, while Bitcoin asset loss policies are settled in Bitcoin—a groundbreaking approach that ensures alignment between the asset at risk and the insurance coverage.

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Five digital asset startups accepted into Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 cohort

Five digital asset startups accepted into Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 cohort

Abu Dhabi Hub71 welcomed 21 new startups to its Cohort 15, among them five startups into its digital asset’s cohort. The five startups set to join Hub71+ Digital Assets, a specialist ecosystem focused on unleashing the growth potential of Web3 and digital assets include Norway-based Gateway.fm, a distributed blockchain infrastructure that automates and provides enterprises with turnkey solutions for deploying private blockchains and infrastructure. The company has raised USD 6 million (AED 22 million).

Also joining the Hub71 + Digital Asset cohort is Chainsight, a platform aggregating on-chain and off-chain data, including Real World Assets (RWAs), to deliver comprehensive insights through time-series analysis.

easeflow will also join. It is an AI enabled management tool that simplifies node setup, operation, and management for node operators in the blockchain industry, while Greengage is a Web3 FinTech company providing accounts and lending services to SME’s and family office clients.

UK-based Greengage that offers Web3 FinTech solutions for SME and family offices has raised USD 10 million (AED 36 million) in funding is set to join the Hub71+ Digital Assets specialist ecosystem. By joining Hub71, these startups are establishing operations in Abu Dhabi, further solidifying the UAE capital’s status as a leading global tech hub and a preferred destination for entrepreneurial growth.

Finally Stables has joined. It is a platform that offers a mobile-first digital wallet live in 130 countries, powered by stablecoins to make cross-border remittances.

So far since its inception the Hub71 Cohort 15 has raised over $130 million in capital for startups with 80 percent of those startups headquartered outside UAE.

Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has welcomed 21 startups in Cohort 15, increasing the total number of ventures it supports to 243. Following a rigorous selection process, these startups will enter Hub71’s Access program and the specialist ecosystems of Hub71+ Digital Assets and Hub71+ ClimateTech.

Collectively, the startups in Cohort 15 have raised USD 134.9 million in funding, which underlines Hub71’s success in attracting high-potential startups poised to drive technological innovation across the priority sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy.

Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said: “Cohort 15 is abundant with pioneering startups that are positioned to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem. By providing the startups with access to investment opportunities and market reach, Hub71 is supporting the founders’ journey in Abu Dhabi and accelerating their transformative impact globally.”

By joining Hub71 “Access” and Hub71+ specialist ecosystems, startups will be able to tap into a vibrant community of mentors, partners, and investors within Abu Dhabi’s thriving technology ecosystem, gaining access to market opportunities, top talent, and capital, which significantly enhances their prospects of securing commercial deals, attracting investment, and driving market growth. Additionally, startups will benefit from up to AED 250,000 worth of in-kind incentives and AED 250,000 in cash for equity, through a SAFE note. High-performing startups will also be eligible to receive a top-up of up to AED 250,000 in exchange for additional equity upon completing the program.

Liminal Custody opens Dubai office in preparation for VARA crypto license

Liminal Custody opens Dubai office in preparation for VARA crypto license

Liminal Custody, a digital asset custody and wallet infrastructure provider has opened an office in Dubai as it awaits its license from VARA after receiving its license in ADGM in Abu Dhabi. The Dubai office will be located in Sheikh Rashid Tower in Dubai within the Dubai World Trade Center Free zone.

According to the press release, this move marks a significant milestone for Liminal as it seeks to cement its role as a key player in the rapidly growing digital asset industry within the MENA region, known for its innovation and institutional adoption.

The expansion enhances Liminal’s existing presence in the region, which includes a Financial Services Permission (FSP) licence from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

“Our expansion to Dubai, along with our Initial Approval(IA) for a VASP licence from VARA, highlights Liminal’s commitment to fostering the secure growth of the regional digital asset ecosystem,” said Amir Tabch, CEO Middle East at Liminal Custody. “We are eager to collaborate with established entities like DWTC and work closely with VARA to enhance our service offerings. This strategic move enables us to provide comprehensive custody solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Dubai and the broader MENA market.”

In May Liminal Custody acquired the Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) allowing it to operate as a regulated crypto custodian within the Middle East.

HexTrust another crypto custodian has already received its license from VARA

The venom of Venom Blockchain Foundation lingers on in UAE

The venom of Venom Blockchain Foundation lingers on in UAE

For the past two months Venom Foundation, a blockchain infrastructure provider has been publishing press releases, originating from what is pointed out as UAE, which eventually prompted the Abu Dhabi Global Market, which had once housed Venom Foundation, to point out that Venom Foundation no longer operates from ADGM.

In April Venom Foundation in a press release coming out of UAE stated that it had partnered with Gate.io a crypto exchange to promote strategic token projects on the Venom Network.

As per the press release, the companies will showcase the collaboration during the Venom TokenForge hackathon this week in Dubai. At the time Venom Foundation CEO Christopher Louis Tsu said; “Gate.io is a leader and a strategic partner for Venom. Venom has launched the most scalable layer zero blockchain network for Defi and payment Dapps and will facilitate the rollout of the most unique and promising projects on its network and on Gate.io”

Interestingly in the same press release Venom Foundation noted that its mission was to bring transparency and innovation to the industry as a leading global blockchain company. They added, “We aim to provide infrastructure for governments and web3 projects while empowering emerging economies in the Middle East and North Africa with our unique technology.” This was despite the fact that in March 2024 Venom Foundation announced that it had exited UAE ADGM and established a new foundation in the Cayman Islands.  

The announcement came just one year after Venom Foundation registered itself in ADGM.

But this was not the only press release that came out in April alluding to the presence of Venom Foundation in UAE. In April as well Venom announced it joined forces with Banxa to offer Venom supported tokens. As mentioned then, “Integrating Venom foundation network to the Banxa Fiat rails will further boost the business value Venom presents to its Dapps and token developers’ community.

Even more so on April 9th Venom in a press release stated that it was marking a “ milestone in the technology sector of Abu Dhabi, a visionary team has launched the Venom Blockchain, a high-caliber project that has swiftly achieved a market cap surpassing $5.2 billion, with exchange volumes toppling $200 million on leading platforms. This remarkable feat underscores Abu Dhabi’s emerging role as a crucible of innovation and technological progress within the global fintech industry.

This was clearly a misleading press release given they had exited Abu Dhabi in March 2024. Even in March 2024, Venom Foundation also released that UAE Alpha MBM Investments group, the private investment office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, had made an investment in Venom Blockchain to launch digital currency initiatives across Africa, including Uganda, Somalia, and the Central African Republic.

As per the press release, the collaboration, bolstered by Alpha MBM Group’s investment in the Venom Blockchain, will leverage Alpha MBM Investment’s expertise in compliance solutions and Venom Foundation’s innovative blockchain technology. Together, they will focus on developing stablecoins and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), establishing cryptocurrency exchanges, and implementing real-world asset tokenization projects within the agreed-upon regions.

The confusion and turmoil in Venom Foundation dates back to 2023, when Alibek Garcia Isaev, one of the main investors in Venom Foundation, was pushed into the center of a very controversial legal entanglement which brought a lot of criticism not only to Issaev but inadvertently Venom Blockchain, and its Foundation. He was then found innocent in December 2023.

But before the final ruling, Venom had also lost one of its very early investors and executives. Mustafa Kheriba, the Executive Chairman of Venomex, a UAE regulated crypto exchange and one of the initial investors and supporters of UAE based Venom Blockchain Foundation resigned from his position at Venom Foundation.

It is noteworthy that it seems the relationship between Venomex and Venom Foundation is no longer present. Venomex looks to be a standalone entity still regulated in ADGM.

So it was no surprise when Abu Dhabi Global Market, through its Registration Authority (RA) informed the public this week, that “Venom Foundation, an ADGM registered foundation with registration number 000008382 (Venom Foundation ADGM), is no longer conducting any activities in ADGM having voluntarily cancelled its commercial licence in February 2024 and appointed a liquidator in March 2024 to wind down the foundation.”

ADGM also noted, that in addition to Venom Foundation ADGM, associated ADGM companies Venom Blockchain Holding Limited with registration number 000007380 and Venom Blockchain Holding 2 Limited with registration number 000010061 also appointed a liquidator in March 2024 to wind down those companies.

The registration authority alerted members of the public that Venom Foundation ADGM and the associated ADGM companies are not associated with activities mentioned in recent social media announcements concerning the launch of Venom Blockchain. References in the recent social media to Venom Foundation are not to Venom Foundation ADGM.

So it seems that even long after the bite, the venom lingers on.

The birth of a $1 billion blockchain from the merger of Klaytn and UAE Finschia

The birth of a $1 billion blockchain from the merger of Klaytn and UAE Finschia

Two blockchain platforms, Klaytn backed by Kakao, and UAE based Finschia backed by Naver an affiliate UAE based LINE Tech Plus have merged to create a new unified blockchain platform Kaia, which means “and” in Greek, with a market capitalization of $1 billion.

Both entities seek to have the biggest Web3 ecosystem in Asia through this merge.

Kaia, the unified blockchain ecosystem, will be launched by the end of June, according to the press release.

In January of 2024, the two blockchain’s announced their intent to merge and sought necessary approvals which were accepted.

“Several parallel tasks for the integration are proceeding smoothly,” Seo Sang-min, chairman of Klaytn Foundation, said at the press conference. “The mainnet will be launched at the end of June, introducing the integrated token and governance system.”

“We are committed to positioning ourselves as a leading blockchain mainnet in the Asian market by collaborating with partners, including LINE Next,” Seo said.

UAE based Finschia Foundation is an independent non-profit organization, based in Abu Dhabi. As per the press release, following the integration of their blockchain ecosystems, a unified foundation will be established in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in June 2024.

Next on the agenda is to communicate with crypto exchanges, where coins from both foundations are listed, to update their listings to Kaia. Integration of both platform’s communities and social channels will also take place.

If successfully integrated, this merger will lead to the creation of a domestic virtual asset project with a market capitalization valued at 1.4 trillion won or $1 billion.

“Our goal to establish a no.1 blockchain in Asia following this merger remains unchanged,” Kim Woo-seok, director of Finschia Foundation, said. “We aim to create technological synergy rather than merely integrating two networks into one.”

“Integrations between large-scale chains are rare, so our project attracts considerable international attention. Our teams are diligently working to make this a successful example,” Seo said.

In December 2023, UAE based Finschia Foundation, NEOPIN, DeFi multichain platform partnered to provide decentralized exchange services. Under the agreement Finschia and NEOPIN would collaborate to develop the Finschia Network Swap (hereinafter referred to as FNSwap). NEOPIN is currently developing FNSwap, which will be the first Automated Market Maker (AMM) Decentralized Exchange in the Finschia ecosystem.

Web3 Klickl receives full VASP license from ADGM UAE

Web3 Klickl receives full VASP license from ADGM UAE

UAE based Klickl International, a regulated open banking and virtual asset platform has announced that it has secured a full license from the Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market. This achievement highlights Klickl’s dedication to tackling challenges across the Web3.0 and virtual asset landscape by developing an integrated financial platform that harmoniously blends traditional finance (TradFi) with the expanding realm of cryptocurrency.

Being founded in Abu Dhabi, Klickl strategically harnesses the emirate’s progressive regulatory environment and dynamic economic backdrop. This strategic positioning enables Klickl to streamline processes, bridging the gap between traditional financial markets and the digital economy. Such an approach not only ensures smoother transitions and improved accessibility but also lays the groundwork for integrating the next one billion users into the Web3.0 ecosystem.

Klickl’s platform is uniquely designed to be destination-agnostic, operating under a decentralized global licensing scheme that empowers users across various jurisdictions. This innovative framework not only advances inclusivity in financial services but also makes a notable impact on the global virtual assets community, facilitating seamless exchanges across diverse financial domains.

Michael Zhao, CEO of Klickl, shared his vision: “Obtaining the FSP license from FSRA marks more than a regulatory milestone; it validates our vision to merge traditional finance and cryptocurrency seamlessly. Our deep-rooted presence in Abu Dhabi, a region renowned for its pioneering strides in financial innovation, has equipped us to pioneer solutions that anticipate and fulfill the diverse needs of today’s global investors.”

Zhao added, “We are grateful for the unwavering support of the Abu Dhabi Global Market and the FSRA. Their forward-thinking regulatory policies are indispensable in our quest to redefine financial infrastructure. As we move forward, Klickl is excited to continue breaking new ground, ensuring the digital economy is accessible, secure, and efficient for everyone.”

With this new licensing, Klickl is set to expand its operations, offering robust, secure, and compliant financial services that are designed to meet the needs of today’s dynamic financial landscape and tomorrow’s digital horizons.

Kikl had receive preliminary approval back in September 2022.

First it was Qatar now its Abu Dhabi buying Bitcoin according to Max Keiser

First it was Qatar now its Abu Dhabi buying Bitcoin according to Max Keiser

Max Keisser the Bitcoin activist is at it again. Over the past months Max continues to make claims that a nation state is purchasing large amounts of Bitcoin. First, he pointed the finger at Qatar, claiming it would purchase $500 billion worth of Bitcoin.

Qatar obviously did not confirm or negate these claims; however, its central bank and government continue to prohibit the trading of cryptocurrencies noting the risky nature of these virtual assets. This has not stopped Qatar from embracing digital assets, and developing a regulatory framework as well as the digital assets Lab.

However, this has not discerned Keisser, he commented on an X (formerly twitter) post by Vivek4real that notes that an “undisclosed nation-state just bought another 100 Bitcoin. They now own 59K Bitcoin.”

Keisser comments on X that his new intelligence points to Abu Dhabi being the purchaser of Bitcoin. He states, “Just got some new intel . . .  Abu Dhabi is now the top contender.”

So now it is not Qatar but its Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.

This while still seeming farfetched, could be closer to the truth than assuming that Qatar is purchasing Bitcoin. First Abu Dhabi and the UAE in particular have been positively approaching virtual assets. Both Abu Dhabi’s ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) regulatory arm the FSRA as well as Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority (VARA) have come out with crypto regulations and have licensed crypto exchanges, and custodians.

Moreover Abu Dhabi is home to a Bitcoin mining farm co-owned and managed by Marathon Digital so it could be plausible that they are accumulating Bitcoin from revenues of the crypto mining farm. It is also the base of Phoenix Group another huge bitcoin mining investor.

So while Keisser continuously tries to allude to the fact that an rich oil country, or a country in the MENA region is buying up Bitcoin, the biggest governmental owners of Bitcoin are the United States, Britain, and Germany. They own the most Bitcoin according to Arkham Intelligence. The crypto analytics firm noted that the United States owns 212,847 Bitcoins.

What one can say for sure, is that the ownership of Bitcoin is falling more into the hands of institutional investors, and governments whether with Bitcoin ETFs or confiscated crypto.

ADGM’s DLT Guide now made easier with MHQ and ACX Compliance

ADGM’s DLT Guide now made easier with MHQ and ACX Compliance

UAE private wealth optimization platform and ACX compliance, a crypto and Web3 compliance advisory firm, have published a guidebook ” Navigating ADGM’s DLT Foundations”. This initiative is designed to equip businesses with the knowledge and strategies necessary to navigate the intricacies of the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) ecosystem.

In November 2023, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) introduced the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Foundations Regulations 2023, marking the world’s first legal framework for blockchain within its jurisdiction. They have been actively broadening its regulatory framework relating to digital assets and DLT, with the objective of establishing a comprehensive legal and regulatory structure for such businesses.

The ADGM DLT foundations regime offers a supportive ecosystem for blockchain-based businesses, prioritizing investor protection and market integrity. Specifically tailored guidelines provide clarity and certainty for businesses in the blockchain and DLT sector, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and investor confidence. Key benefits include regulated token issuance, programmable governance, and legal protection for decentralized protocols, bridging the gap between on-chain and off-chain realms.

Entities interested in registering a DLT foundation with the ADGM Registration Authority (ADGM RA) must meet stringent application criteria outlined in the Regulations. Eligible applicants include a diverse array of entities such as blockchain foundations, web3 entities, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and traditional foundations seeking to harness the potential of DLT for enhanced operations.

According to the guidebook, DLT foundations are bound by numerous ongoing and annual compliance obligations to ensure their operations align with legal standards. These ongoing obligations necessitate DLT foundations to maintain a registered office within the ADGM, serving as a central point for all communications and notices.
Additionally, foundations are required to appoint a Company Service Provider1 responsible for several critical functions. This provider must keep all corporate records as mandated by applicable laws, ensure the foundation has a registered office within the ADGM, act as the foundation’s representative in all interactions with the ADGM RA, including the service of documents, and manage all required notifications and filings with the ADGM RA in accordance with relevant laws.

Hermione Harrison, Director, and Head of Corporate Governance M/HQ commented: “The introduction of the ADGM DLT Foundations Regulations in 2023 signifies a significant breakthrough for the UAE’s cryptocurrency industry, positioning DLT foundations as leaders in innovation and progress within both the ADGM and beyond. These Regulations establish an unprecedented level of regulatory clarity, opening doors to a future marked by heightened transparency and efficiency across the blockchain and Web3 sectors.”

So far two DLT Foundations have been registered in ADGM, IoTa and Finischia.