Crypto exchange platform Tokenize Xchange which was operating from Singapore announced that it will discontinue these operations and lay off the 15 employees in the country, and is currently seeking a license in the UAE through Abu Dhabi ADGM.

The exchange was not provided with a digital payment token license by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Singapore’s Payment Services Act. This comes as Singapore cracks down on crypto licensing, as it proposed updates to its framework for digital token service providers making its more stricter in terms of compliance.

At the moment, Tokenize is moving its base of operations to Labuan, a Malaysian offshore financial centre. It is working towards acquiring a licensed entity regulated by the Labuan Financial Services Authority, with the process targeted for completion by 30 September. The exchange is also exploring expansion into the Middle East through regulatory approvals from Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the financial free zone in the UAE capital.

CEO and founder Hong Qi Yu framed the shift as a chance to consolidate international operations and grow the platform’s reach outside of Singapore. The decision to withdraw from Singapore comes a little over a year after Tokenize secured US$11.5 million in funding. At the time, it had announced plans to scale its Singapore team to 100 employees, aiming to strengthen its ability to navigate Southeast Asia’s diverse regulatory regimes.

BurjX, the UAE-born digital asset trading platform, has secured its Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, the Capital of the UAE, for brokerage and custody activities.

BurjX becomes a fully regulated digital asset brokerage platform to offer and support trading of over 100 digital assets, setting a new standard for market access, regulatory depth, and product breadth in the region. The UAE’s cryptocurrency market is projected to generate US$395.9 million in revenue in 2025, with the user base expected to reach 3.88 million by 2026.

“We came to the UAE to build something that reflects the future of this region: regulated, trusted, and globally competitive,” said Omar Abbas, Co-Founder and CEO of BurjX, who previously co-founded NDAX, Canada’s leading crypto exchange. “Securing our FSRA license and launching with 100+ assets is proof of what’s possible when you build with conviction from the ground up. We’re not another imported platform entering the UAE. We’re a homegrown one, built here to lead globally.”

“It’s rare to see a startup go live with this level of regulatory and technical execution,” said Adam Ferris, Co-Founder and Chairman, a Harvard JD/MBA graduate who previously held key roles at Goldman Sachs. “This launch validates the strength of our infrastructure, the caliber of our team, and our ambition to position BurjX as a global player from day one.”

As part of its governance framework, BurjX has appointed Dr. Ryan Lemand to its Board. A former Binance board member and ex-Head of Risk at UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), he brings deep expertise in regulation, digital assets, and institutional finance.

BurjX makes it easy to go from dirhams to digital assets in seconds. Integrated with UAE banking rails through Zand Bank, users can instantly fund their accounts in AED and trade over 100 tokens within seconds, all under the oversight of ADGM’s world-leading virtual asset framework. As one of the region’s first true fiat-to-crypto bridges, BurjX offers frictionless access to digital markets that is secure, seamless, and proudly UAE native.

As one of the few platforms in the region licensed for both brokerage and custody, BurjX combines the strength of ADGM’s virtual asset regime with the speed of institutional-grade infrastructure. Built on NASDAQ-grade systems that process over 1 million transactions per second and secured by Fireblocks’ MPC wallet technology, BurjX offers fast execution, deep liquidity, and secure custody on a single, unified platform. From first-time traders to institutions, every transaction is backed by multi-layer governance, comprehensive insurance across hot and cold wallets, and robust regulatory oversight.

For family offices, institutions, and high-net-worth clients seeking a more bespoke experience, BurjX has launched its Private Client Division – delivering white-glove OTC services, tailored execution, dedicated relationship coverage, and access to one of the most extensive digital asset offerings in the region. Designed for sophisticated investors, it empowers them to build high-conviction, diversified portfolios with clarity, control, and confidence.

The Financial Services Authority (FSRA) of ADGM has implemented amendments to its regulatory framework for digital assets. The implementation of these amendments follows extensive industry engagement and feedback received on Consultation Paper No. 11 of 2024, with an aim to make their regulations more comprehensive and simpler.

The focus of the implemented amendments is on revisions to the process whereby Virtual Assets (VAs) are accepted for use as Accepted Virtual Assets (AVAs) in ADGM, alongside appropriate capital requirements and fees for Authorised Persons conducting Regulated Activities in relation to VAs (VA Firms). The amendments also introduce a specific product intervention power in relation to VAs as well as enshrining rules that confirm our existing approach to the prohibition of using privacy tokens and algorithmic stablecoins within ADGM. Finally, the amendments expand the scope of investments in which Venture Capital Funds may invest.

The FSRA has updated the Guidance – Regulation of Virtual Asset Activities in ADGM to reflect the implemented measures and to provide further guidance to VA Firms in relation to applying the AVA assessment criteria.

Emmanuel Givanakis, Chief Executive Officer of ADGM’s FSRA said, “The implementation of these changes marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the FSRA’s framework for digital asset regulation. Through extensive consultation with industry stakeholders, we have further enhanced our framework to provide the regulatory certainty that industry participants need, while addressing the evolving risks of the digital asset ecosystem. We believe this further positions ADGM as a premier jurisdiction for digital asset-related activities and shows our commitment to fostering responsible innovation in financial services.”

Assesing the amended virtual asset regulations, Kokila Alagh noted that the amendments are a bold move to streamline digital asset regulation. She states on LinkedIN, “The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) has transitioned from a regulator-led “Accepted Virtual Asset” approval model to a self-assessment regime by authorized VA Firms.”

She explains, this means authorised Persons (VA Firms) must self-assess Virtual Assets using enhanced AVA criteria; notification-only to FSRA before commencing activity; firms must publish and maintain a list of approved AVAs on their website; and ongoing monitoring to ensure continued compliance.

She added, ” The FSRA has also enhanced the assessment criteria for determining whether a Virtual Asset meets the requirements of being an AVA. The updated criteria basis includes, *Traceability & monitoring, *Security standards, *Market profile, *Exchange connectivity, DLT infrastructure, Innovation/efficiency and Practical functionality.”

XBTO, an institutional digital asset management and graduate of Abu Dhabi Hub71 cohort has received full approval for its Financial Services Permission (FSP) under the 3A license category from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in the UAE to offer crypto custody, investment, and deal services.

The approval authorises XBTO to provide a range of financial services in and from ADGM, including custody, dealing in investments as matched principal, advising on investments, and arranging deals in investments.

“The UAE is a leading market in digital assets, and the 3A licence enables us to be a part of a positive digital movement in the region. This licence also serves to reinforce our long-term commitment to institutional integrity, regulatory transparency, and financial innovation in the UAE,” said Philippe Bekhazi, CEO and Founder of XBTO Group. “ADGM has built one of the most respected regulatory frameworks in the digital asset space globally, and we are honoured to be recognised under its jurisdiction.”

The licence enables XBTO to operate as a regulated counterparty to institutional investors, including sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and regional financial institutions. It also allows the company to actively market its services across the UAE, bolstering its ability to engage directly with local stakeholders and deepen its presence in the region.

“This approval gives XBTO the strategic footing to engage more actively with regional partners and demonstrates our alignment with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for digital finance,” said Karl Naim, Chief Commercial Officer and General Manager for UAE at XBTO. “ADGM has created a forward-thinking environment that balances innovation with robust oversight – a model we are proud to be part of.”

The licence approval complements XBTO’s existing regulatory footprint in Bermuda and is part of its broader global expansion strategy, with the next regulatory milestone being its anticipated entry into the UK market.

The company was an active participant in Hub71’s specialized digital assets cohort before receiving their in principle license approval back in 2024. Peter Abou Hachem, Head of Growth and Strategy, Hub71, said, “We’re proud to see XBTO, a global leader in digital assets, secure their 3A license and scale from Hub71 to serve the world. Their move to Abu Dhabi reflects a clear shift toward the Middle East – one of the fastest-growing and most liquid markets globally. XBTO’s focus on regulatory excellence and innovation embodies the caliber of founders we back. As more startups choose our ecosystem to launch and grow, we remain committed to helping them scale with speed and impact.”

UAE based IHC, a global investment company focused on building dynamic value networks, plans to establish a new AI-driven reinsurance platform headquartered in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) with BlackRock. At the core of the company’s operations will be an AI-native approach, unencumbered by legacy technology, to enhance data analytics, pricing strategies, and company operations. This technology will bolster underwriting capabilities by improving the quality and speed of risk assessments, thereby optimizing capital efficiency.

As per the press release, the new platform, yet to be named, will provide critical underwriting capabilities, underpinned by cutting-edge AI technologies, to help accelerate the rapid growth in the Gulf region and support the continued evolution of regional capital markets.

BlackRock will partner with the platform to provide leading insurance asset management, advisory, and its Aladdin technology capabilities to the initiative. Lunate will also be a partner in the new platform, leveraging its deep expertise in private and public markets and its global, multi-asset investment experience in supporting the platform.

The platform will offer tailored solutions covering Property and Casualty (P&C), Life, and specialized insurance products. With its base in ADGM, it will operate across key international jurisdictions, creating a local platform capable of adapting to the diverse demands of the global market, while maintaining a strategic focus on the Middle East and Asia.

The platform will implement a buy-and-build strategy, targeting initial liabilities exceeding $10 billion. Initial equity commitments are expected to surpass $1 billion, which will be bolstered by additional hybrid and debt financing. After the signing of definitive documentation, BlackRock will provide a minority investment commitment to the venture.

IHC also announced that the company will be chaired by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, GCEO and MD of ADNOC, and led by seasoned industry expert Mark Wilson, former CEO of Aviva Plc and AIA Group Limited, who brings a wealth of experience to this initiative.

“We are excited to bridge global capital with regional opportunities in this fast-growing market to launch a value accretive business with solid financial returns while shaping the future of insurance with cutting edge technology. Supported by exceptional global partners in IHC, BlackRock and Lunate, the new company will bring deep expertise, a strong capital base, and AI-driven underwriting to enhance efficiency and precision. Furthermore, establishing the company in ADGM gives us access to a robust regulatory framework, a rapidly growing insurance market, and dynamic financial hub,” said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology


Syed Basa Shueb CEO of IHC noted, “This venture embodies IHC’s commitment to innovation and strategic growth. By leveraging our diversified portfolio and deep regional insights, we aim to redefine the insurance landscape, delivering sustainable value to our stakeholders and contributing to the economic prosperity of the region.”

Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of Black Rock added, “We are proud to collaborate with IHC and Lunate in this transformative endeavor to help accelerate the development of a more dynamic insurance, capital markets and financial ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and the broader region. We look forward to applying our asset management, advisory and technology capabilities to support its growth.”


UAE regulated Aspen Digital, a digital asset manager seeds Coinbase Asset Management fund, which will be administered by Apex Group a leading financial services provider. The fund which will be delivered by Apex Malta is specifically tailored for digital asset strategies and its newly announced Coinbase Bitcoin Yield Fund (CBYF).

As per the press release, Aspen Digital will also serve as an exclusive wealth and distribution partner in the UAE and Asia.

This mandate further strengthens Apex Group’s strategic alliance with Coinbase AM and reflects the growing institutional adoption of digital assets, driven by the increasing demand for innovative yield-generating projects like CBYF.

Peter Hughes Apex Group’s Founder and CEO, noted, “We’re extremely pleased to strengthen our alliance with Coinbase AM to support the launch of CBYF this month. This fund further expands global access to meet the growing demand for bitcoin yield. Apex Group has ten years of expertise in crypto fund administration and is committed to innovation. We also have the ability to deliver secure, reliable and scalable solutions and pride ourselves on our capacity to handle the complexities of digital asset fund administration transfer agency and distribution while adhering to fiduciary standards.”

Matt Lundy, Coinbase AM’s COO and CRO, added, “The recent launch of the Coinbase Bitcoin Yield Fund has been met with incredible demand from institutional investors looking to earn yield on their Bitcoin holdings. Apex Group’s experience in the digital asset space and innovative thinking have allowed us to seamlessly deliver this unique international, institutional-grade Fund with Apex Group’s best-in-class administrator services to investors. We are thrilled to continue to build on our relationship with Apex Group.”

AltNovel, an Abu Dhabi-based private markets platform regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) at ADGM, has partnered with 3iQ, a global digital asset investment manager recently acquired by Japanese Monex Gorup, to launch the AltNovel Digital Access Portfolio (ADAP), digital asset Multi-Strategy Fund in the Middle East.

As per the press release, ADAP is a multi-strategy portfolio of alpha-oriented digital asset hedge funds that seek to deliver high absolute returns with a reduced correlation to traditional assets and hedge funds. The fund seeks improved risk-adjusted returns versus other assets such as Bitcoin, stocks and other digital assets.


It aims to deliver lower volatility and drawdowns relative to long-only digital assets targeting annualized returns of over 20% and mitigating drawdowns to as low as 2.4%.


Designed for professional qualified investors, the fund will combine 3iQ’s expertise in digital asset management with AltNovel’s innovative portfolio structuring, to offer a diversified and balanced exposure to this rapidly growing asset class.

“This partnership is a milestone for AltNovel as we continue to focus on bringing high quality investment solutions to private investors in the GCC from our home in the ADGM,” said Stergios Voskopoulos, CEO of AltNovel. “Digital assets represent the next frontier in portfolio diversification, and this collaboration with a sector leader like 3iQ aligns with our commitment to offering forward institutional-grade, highly customizable digital asset investment opportunities tailored to their evolving needs.”

“The United Arab Emirates is at the forefront of financial innovation and robust digital assets regulation. As part of our global expansion plan, we are excited to partner with AltNovel to bring our expertise in risk management and digital asset strategies to the region. We are seeing an increasing demand for institutional risk-managed solutions,” said Pascal St-Jean, President and CEO of 3iQ.

The fund will provide diversified exposure to digital asset investment strategies with the objective of reducing volatility while delivering superior returns. This partnership underscores the firms’ shared belief in the potential of digital assets to transform the global financial landscape.

UAE digital asset broker, BurjX, has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) for a license in the UAE from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

This is the prelude to the full Financial Services Permission (FSP) that will allow BurjX to operate as a fully regulated, institutional-grade trading and custody platform.

“This is an exciting step forward – not just for BurjX, but for crypto in MENA as a whole,” said Omar Abbas, Co-Founder & CEO of BurjX. “Secure, institutional-grade custody is the foundation of a trusted trading platform, and the MENA region is ready for it. As BurjX moves toward final regulatory approval, we are reimagining crypto trading – seamlessly integrating cutting-edge security with a frictionless trading experience in a single, unified platform.”

Adam Ferris, Co-Founder & Chairman of BurjX, underscored the company’s vision, “This milestone is just the beginning. We’re building something that doesn’t just meet the highest security and regulatory standards – it’s about raising the bar for enterprise-grade custody, compliance, and market integrity. BurjX is shaping the future of responsible digital asset trading.”

With final regulatory approval on the horizon, BurjX is preparing to launch later this year, bringing a full suite of digital asset trading and custody solutions to market. Designed for retail, professional, and institutional traders, the platform provides secure fiat on/off-ramps, deep liquidity, and advanced execution tools all within a tightly governed and fully compliant framework.

For security BurjX has partnered with Fireblocks leveraging its multi party computation technology and security protocols, and for peace of mind, it has secure market leading insurance coverage.

One of the first crypto exchanges to be licensed out of ADGM was M2, and today in Dubai VARA boasts of 30 licensed VASP providers. The UAE has become a hot bed for licensed digital asset, tokenization and crypto service providers.

Circle Internet Group, Inc., a stablecoin market leader and issuer of USDC stablecoin has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM in the UAE to operate as a money services provider.

The initial approval will allow Circle once fully licensed to offer compliant digital finance solutions across UAE. Circle seeks to secure a Financial Services Permission (FSP) under ADGM’s progressive regulatory framework.

In 2024 Circle’s incorporated its entity in ADGM.

Jeremy Allaire, Co Founder, Chairman and CEO of Circle noted, that the UAE was paving the way for responsible innovators to built the internet financial system. He noted, “This IPA from ADGM advances our strategy to establish deep roots in markets embracing the onchain economy, creating new pathways for investment and innovation in the region. It also underscores Circle’s enduring commitment to global stablecoin oversight—strengthening trust, compliance, and adoption worldwide, while laying a resilient foundation for the internet financial system.”

“We are excited about Circle’s contribution to ADGM’s dynamic ecosystem leveraging their regulatory-first approach, commitment to innovation, and global credibility in the stablecoin space,” said Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development at ADGM. “Their presence aligns with ADGM’s position as a hub for innovation, offering a robust regulatory environment for the growth of next-generation financial services. We look forward to working with Circle as they expand their operations and contribute to the advancement of digital finance in the UAE.”

Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer & Head of Global Policy and Operations at Circle. stated, “Circle continues to demonstrate how trusted infrastructure, built on rigorous compliance and transparency, can advance the safe adoption of stablecoins worldwide. This moment reinforces our belief that regulation is not a constraint on innovation, but its most powerful catalyst.”

The announcement comes a day after FAB Bank in UAE announced it would be issuing an AED stablecoin.

Tether was also the first global stablecoin issuer to announce it was seeking a license in UAE from the Central Bank to launch its AED stablecoin.

The saga that has engrossed UAE based HAYVN, a digital asset focused financial institution, providing trading, asset Management, custody, and payments previously regulated in ADGM UAE, has ended after more than a year with fines of over $8 million.

The saga which started in December 2023, when Hayvn announced the so called resignation of its CEO Christopher Flinos and the request to make its status inactive in Abu Dhabi ADGM ( Abu Dhabi Global Market), insinuated that the CEO had carried out a huge misconduct, has come to a conclusion with the The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (“FSRA”) regulatory arm of ADGM taking enforcement action following an investigation into serious regulatory breaches and misconduct related to the Hayvn Group of Companies, which operated under the name ‘HAYVN’, its former CEO, Christopher Flinos and related entities. 

In February 2024, Deus X Capital, a $1 billion family office agreed to buy out HAYVN and appointed Richard Crook as new CEO. Deus X Capital purchased the business brand, technology, clients and staff from other HAYVN shareholders.

Today, and as per ADGM FSRA press release, the FSRA’s investigation found serious breaches and misconduct concerning the operations of three related party companies and Christopher Flinos.  As part of its investigation, the FSRA took steps to ensure that no ADGM client assets or money were lost as a result of the relevant misconduct.  

The enforcement action has resulted in the cancellation of Hayvn ADGM’s Financial Services Permission (“FSP”), the prohibition of Christopher Flinos indefinitely from performing any function in a financial services business in ADGM, as well as financial penalties totalling $8.85 million being imposed across the four parties involved.  Details of the total fines imposed are as follows:

  • USD 3.6 million against AC Holding Limited registered in the Cayman Islands (“Hayvn Cayman”), the parent company of a group of entities operating under the name ‘HAYVN’ that provided financial services related to Virtual Assets.
  • USD 3 million against AC Limited (Hayvn) (“Hayvn ADGM”), an ADGM-based subsidiary of Hayvn Cayman, licensed and regulated by the FSRA to conduct specific financial services activities in relation to Virtual Assets.
  • USD 1.5 million against AC Holding Limited (“AC Holding”), a Special Purpose Vehicle (“SPV”) registered with the Registration Authority (“RA”) of ADGM and not licensed by the FSRA to carry out any form of financial services activity in ADGM; unconnected to Hayvn Cayman and Hayvn ADGM.
  • USD 750,000 against Christopher Flinos, the former Senior Executive Officer (“SEO”) of Hayvn ADGM, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Hayvn Cayman, sole owner and director of AC Holding.

The misconduct and breaches were related to Hayvn ADGM exceeding the scope of its FSP by allowing client transactions to be routed through accounts held by AC Holding, the unregulated SPV entity registered in ADGM, without any appropriate protections being in place.  It failed to establish and maintain adequate systems and controls to manage its operations and risks, as well as to recognize and record all of its client relationships, breaching the FSRA’s Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) requirements.

The company Hayvn Cayman and AC Holding also carried out significant unlicensed financial services activity in relation to Virtual Assets in ADGM from around October 2018 to around May 2024. 

Hayvn Cayman routed client transactions related to the conversion of Virtual Assets to fiat currency and vice versa through the accounts held and controlled by AC Holding, the SPV that was not licensed by the FSRA and therefore prohibited from conducting any form of financial services activity in ADGM.

 As a result, both Hayvn Cayman and AC Holding were found to have carried out unlicensed payments and arranging services in relation to Virtual Asset activities in ADGM.

 Christopher Flinos played a central role in directing and controlling the unlicensed activity in ADGM and as SEO of Hayvn ADGM and CEO of Hayvn Cayman and as the sole director of AC Holding was found to have been centrally involved in the breaches and misconduct. 

The report notes that Christopher Flinos lacked integrity and failed to take reasonable care to ensure that Hayvn ADGM operated in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of ADGM, for which he was ultimately responsible as SEO.

Hayvn Cayman, AC Holding and Christopher Flinos created and disseminated false and misleading information about the nature of the transactions related to Virtual Assets routed through AC Holding’s accounts.  This included the provision of over 200 false and misleading documents on AC Holding letterheads to AC Holding’s banking partners to open and then maintain the operation of these accounts.  These documents were produced under the direction of Christopher Flinos with the involvement of both Hayvn Cayman and AC Holding.

Hayvn ADGM, Hayvn Cayman and Christopher Flinos provided false and misleading information to the FSRA in response to requests for information including the nature and scope of the business operations associated with each entity above and specifically AC Holding undermining the integrity of the regulatory process. 

Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of the FSRA of ADGM, said, “The FSRA will take robust and appropriate enforcement action against individuals and entities that violate our regulatory framework.  In this case, the actions of the entities and individuals involved were particularly serious, as they conducted unauthorised Virtual Asset activities through an unregulated entity based in ADGM.  Furthermore, Christopher Flinos was found to have provided false and misleading information and statements during the investigation.  Such misconduct will not be tolerated and warrants strong regulatory penalties which send a strong message of deterrence. ”

Givanakis added, “To address this serious misconduct, the licence of Hayvn ADGM has been cancelled, significant fines have been imposed on the entities involved, and Christopher Flinos has been prohibited from holding any functions in relation to financial services in ADGM.  The FSRA remains ever-vigilant and committed to holding entities and individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring the integrity of the financial system in ADGM.

The FSRA of ADGM acknowledges and thanks ADGM’s Registration Authority and the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (“CIMA”) for their cooperation during its investigation in relation to this matter.