Binance Bahrain to provide South Africans with derivative products

Binance Bahrain to provide South Africans with derivative products

Binance Bahrain has announced that it will become South African provider for derivatives products as a Juristic Representatives of FiveWest OTC Desk (Pty). As per the announcement, Binance ensures that it continues to comply with its regulatory obligations and can continue to provide services for derivatives products to South African users.

South African derivatives users will need to register a new account with Binance Bahrain and accept the applicable Terms of Use. Users will need to resubmit all required Know-your-Customer (KYC) documentation in order to comply with Bahrain regulatory requirements.

Binance will be able to continue serving South African users in compliance with local regulatory requirements. Binance Bahrain is able to provide crypto exchange and custodian services in line with its License by the Central Bank of Bahrain as a Category 4 Crypto-Asset Service Provider to operate a crypto-asset exchange.

In April 2024, after two years of foundational efforts, the financial sector conduct authority in South Africa approved 75 crypto asset service providers (CASPs) from a pool of 374 applicants. The list included prominent global exchanges such as Luno VALR but Binance and Yellow Card were missing. The FSCA noted that these applications are still under review and has committed to providing ongoing updates as the evaluation and approval process continues.

Soon afterwards in May 2024, Binance Holding became enthralled in a court battle with Dimplex, a minority shareholder of Binance Digital, a subsidiary of Binance international which does business mainly in UK and South Africa. Dimplex alleged that the holding company had misled authorities and customers about its operations.

UAE and Bahrain CoinMENA expands its crypto offering with Bitpanda

UAE and Bahrain CoinMENA expands its crypto offering with Bitpanda

CoinMENA B.S.C., a crypto asset platform licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain and sister company CoinMENA FZE, licensed by the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), have expanded the range of crypto assets available on its platform through its partnership with Bitpanda Technology Solutions, the leading digital assets infrastructure provider as a liquidity provider. The collaboration will enhance trade efficiency on the platform as well.

CoinMENA Co-Founders Dina Sam’an and Talal Tabbaa said, “We are excited to partner with Bitpanda Technology Solutions, an industry leader that shares our commitment to providing top-tier crypto asset trading services. This collaboration will not only enhance trading efficiency but also fulfil one of the most requested features from our users, enabling us to add new crypto assets more rapidly to meet market demands.”

When fully implemented, CoinMENA will have the ability to integrate the most complete range of crypto assets available on the market to meet the demands of its users safely and securely. By integrating Bitpanda Technology Solutions as a liquidity provider, CoinMENA will enhance trading efficiency, and ensure users receive the best possible prices. These improvements will deliver a smoother and more reliable trading experience, reinforcing CoinMENA’s position as a leading crypto asset service provider in the region.

Nadeem Ladki, Global Head, Bitpanda Technology Solutions, added: “The MENA region is one of the most ambitious and innovative regions in the world when it comes to crypto assets. Bitpanda Technology Solutions provides institutions in the region access to one of the broadest ranges of crypto assets available, in a fully modular way, all with a highly regulated and trusted partner.” 

Both Bitpanda and CoinMENA will collaborate closely with respective regulators to ensure full compliance in all future endeavors. In August 2024 CoinMENA announced that they have achieved a new milestone with crypto, fiat trading volumes surpassing $2 billion.

Bahrain Blockchain entity partners with Saudi Industrial tech entity for Intelligent transformation in KSA

Bahrain Blockchain entity partners with Saudi Industrial tech entity for Intelligent transformation in KSA

Bahrain headquartered iBLOCKCHAIN, a Web3 digital solutions provider, has partnered with Saudi Arabian Nesma United Industries, a prominent technology provider for the industrial sector in Saudi Arabia to advance “Intelligent Transformation” within Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector.

The agreement was signed by both chief executive officer Dr. Marwan Gholmieh of Nesma United Industries and iBLOCKCHAIN CEO Eng. Wassim Jarkas.

As per the press release, the initiative aligns with the ambitious objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and underscores the critical intersection between industrial and technological sectors in the region.

Mr Jarkas emphasised the significance of this partnership, stating, “This unique transformation agreement ushers in a new era of ‘Intelligent Transformation’ rather than just digital transformation. Our collaboration with Nesma United Industries is a testament to their forward-looking vision and commitment to pioneering disruptive changes in the industry. We at iBLOCKCHAIN are proud to lead in this revolutionary approach, setting the stage for unprecedented advancements in both technological innovation and industrial excellence.”

This collaboration will integrate cutting-edge technologies including Web 3.0, big data management, artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, and Blockchain solutions. The press release adds, “These innovations will not only protect critical data but also ensure transparency and traceability within supply chains, setting a new standard for industrial operations in the region.”

A roadmap has been established, featuring four distinct phases: Discovery, Analysis, Processing, and Execution. This structured approach will guide the successful implementation of the project, ensuring that the partnership delivers on its promise of transformative impact.

Dr Gholmieh expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This partnership opens up vast opportunities for comprehensive digital transformation. It will significantly enhance our technological and operational capabilities, preparing us to lead in the digital future.”

Echoing this sentiment, Chief Strategy Officer at iBLOCKCHAIN Engineer Sary Qasim remarked, “This agreement represents a big leap forward for both the technological and industrial sectors.”

BitOasis becomes 5th crypto service provider to operate in Bahrain

BitOasis becomes 5th crypto service provider to operate in Bahrain

BitOasis, crypto broker has received its first license in the GCC and MENA region from Bahrain. The Category 2 license allows BitOasis to offer crypto asset services from the Central Bank of Bahrain. Prior to BitOasis receiving its license in Bahrain, CoinMENA, RAIN, ARP Digital and Binance had already received licenses.

ARP Digital, CoinMENA and Rain all hold a category 3 license, while only Binance holds a category 4 license. As such BitOasis will be the only category 2 license in Bahrain so far.

As per Bahrain licenses, a Category 1 license is issued to market participants providing investment advisory services, Category 2 licenses for trading in accepted crypto assets as an agent, portfolio management & Crypto-asset custody service as well as offering investment advice. Category 3 licenses are obtained, for trading in accepted crypto assets as an agent, trading in accepted crypto assets as a principal, portfolio management, keeping custody of crypto-asset as well as providing investment advice, while crypto exchanges receive a Category 4 license.

In the meantime, BitOasis current regulatory status in the UAE under VARA is active awaiting full license approval.

As per the press release, the regulatory approval in Bahrain will enable BitOasis to launch its new broker-dealer platform through its local company in the Kingdom, BitOasis Bahrain.

Located in Bahrain Fintech Bay, BitOasis Bahrain will be home to a small team of core employees at its inception, with the company gradually growing its presence in the Kingdom as it works to launch its new platform, expected to go live in the second half of 2024.

BitOasis Bahrain will serve retail, corporate, and institutional clients in Bahrain and the broader MENA region, with an initial focus on its broker-dealer product.

Ola Doudin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BitOasis, stated, “With regulation at the forefront of a maturing regional crypto market, we are delighted to have secured this new license from the Central Bank of Bahrain. The Central Bank’s commitment and leadership in regulating our industry allows businesses like BitOasis to launch cutting-edge products in an industry characterized by rapidly and dynamically evolving technology. We are excited to welcome our new team in Bahrain to the business and to start serving new customers very soon.”

Launched in 2016, BitOasis offers over 60 tokens with fiat currencies such as AED, SAR, and USD. Since its inception, the company has processed over USD 6 billion in trading volume and raised more than USD 40 million in funding from leading regional and global investors.

The first regulated crypto exchange in the Middle East has lost $14.8 million

The first regulated crypto exchange in the Middle East has lost $14.8 million

According to ZachXBT, an internet sleuth with over 500 hundred thousand followers on Twitter, Bahrain and UAE regulated crypto broker, RAIN, has been likely exploited for $14.8 million. The exploit happened on April 29th and according to ZacHxbt no statement was made by RAIN on the incident.

On the contrary on May 6th RAIN Bahrain tweeted “It was our pleasure to have our General Manager of Bahrain Mohamed Ateeq speak at the Sixth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum, organized by the University of Bahrain as part of the Manama week events by the Southern Municipality. It is always a pleasure for us to share Rain’s journey that lay the foundations for the crypto sector in the MENA region.”

According to ZachXBT on TME, “It appears the crypto exchange Rain was likely exploited for $14.8M on April 29, 2024 after their BTC, ETH, SOL, and XRP wallets saw suspicious outflows. Funds were quickly transferred to instant exchanges and swapped for BTC and ETH.”

He added, “As of now Rain has yet to make any statement about the incident.”

He noted that the stolen funds currently sit on these addresses

137.9 BTC

bc1q53aawrkpt5lvk2e30z36unvmhqqdru7q4rprp2 (https://mempool.space/address/bc1q53aawrkpt5lvk2e30z36unvmhqqdru7q4rprp2)

1881 ETH

0x197bc094f990261fd6841342901c451858756c28 (https://etherscan.io/address/0x197bc094f990261fd6841342901c451858756c28)

RAIN crypto exchange had received a license both from the Central Bank of Bahrain as well as ADGM in Abu Dhabi. In Bahrain Rain Management W.L.L. is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain as a Category 3 Crypto-Asset Services Provider. It received its license back in 2019.

In 2022, RAIN Crypto exchange raised $110 in a Series B funding round. The round was co-led by Paradigm and Kleiner Perkins with participation from multiple parties including Coinbase Ventures, Global Founders Capital, MEVP, Cadenza Ventures, and CMT Digital.

As per RAIN’s website it is backed by MEVP (Middle East Venture Partners), Dubai International Financial Centre, Coinbase, Paradigm, and KleinerPerkins.

In July 2023 RAIN received a fully regulated crypto broker license in UAE through ADGM.

Lara on the Block tried to get in touch with executives from RAIN but without avail. UAE ADGM also has no official statement to make at this time. The Central Bank of Bahrain could not be reached at this time.

Touting itself as “The most trusted cryptocurrency platform” if this turns out to be true it will have negative effects on crypto sentiments in the region. Crypto investors lost $2 billion to hacks and exploits last year and $333 million in Q1 of 2024. 

UAE and Bahrain regulated CoinMENA allows crypto users to send USDT on TON Blockchain

UAE and Bahrain regulated CoinMENA allows crypto users to send USDT on TON Blockchain

UAE and Bahrain regulated CoinMENA crypto broker has added Telegram’s The Open Network (TON) to its platform, allowing users to send USDT via the TON blockchain. According to the announcement CoinMENA becomes the first regional platform to enable USDT withdrawals via the TON network.

TON joins Ethereum’s ERC-20 and TRON’s TRC-20 as the third blockchain available to CoinMENA users for sending USDT.

CoinMENA Co-Founder and Managing Director Dina Sam’an expressed her excitement in a LinkedIn post saying “Users can seamlessly swap their local currencies to USDT at the most competitive market rates and send them to over 900 million Telegram users. I am extremely excited and proud of the team for mobilizing quickly and becoming the first regional platform to enable USDT withdrawals via TON just 10 days after Tether announced launching USDT on TON.”

CoinMENA Co-Founder and CEO Talal Tabbaa added “Stablecoins, particularly USDT, stand out as crypto’s “killer app,” constituting approximately 70% of on-chain transactions and providing access to U.S. dollars for millions worldwide. The rapid adoption of USDT regionally is unsurprising, given its superior and more convenient experience compared to traditional USD wire transfers. Additionally, with many regional currencies pegged to the dollar, using USDT as a medium of exchange mitigates exposure to FX risk. I’m thrilled about this addition and proud that CoinMENA is leading the charge as the first crypto company to offer this in the region”

The announcement adds that this aligns with CoinMENA’s mission to become the simplest and safest way to onboard people onto crypto by providing a reliable onramp to stablecoins, the most popular use case thus far.

CoinMENA has had a string of partnership announcements with formidable players over the past months. The crypto broker recently partnered with Zodia Markets, enhancing liquidity for its platform. It also partnered with Network international to offer secure onramp from Fiat to crypto, and even partnered with Onramp Bitcoin.

Built on the blockchain Bahrain’s first tokenized Sukuk platform awakens

Built on the blockchain Bahrain’s first tokenized Sukuk platform awakens

Built on Tezos blockchain, Bahrain based Real World Tokenization entity INABLR Middle East recently graduated from the Central Bank of Bahrain’s regulatory sandbox having piloted the first blockchain enabled fractional Sukuk Investment platform. Once INABLR receives its license in around six months, it will become the first global entity to offer fractionalized Sukuk (Islamic Bonds).

Speaking to Lara on the Block Anver Jalaldeen, Founder & Executive Chairman of INABLR, explained that after three years in the Central Bank of Bahrain’s regulatory sandbox he is proud of the accomplishment.

Jalaldeen who previously held the position of Senior Vice President Head of Investment Banking at Sharjah Islamic Bank, came up with the idea of democratizing Islamic Sukuks to allow not only those who held $1000 to invest but also those who had just a $100.

For INABLR and its team, the fractional tokenization of Sukuk aims to empower retail investors by providing them with opportunities to diversify their portfolios and participate in previously inaccessible markets.

Jalaldeen explains, “Once we get the license, which should be in six months, we will become the first entity in the world to offer fractionalized Sukuk. This means clients with even $100 will be able to participate in a Sukuk offering. We are democratizing this Islamic financial product so that retailers across the globe can be part of this.”

Being part of the regulatory sandbox and working the Central Bank allowed INABLR to prove that tokenization of Sukuk on blockchain was safe.

He says, “We worked on everything, KYC, AML, security, custody and other elements that are involved in the process we built a platform that is dedicated to compliance, transparency, and regulatory excellence.”

Tezos Blockchain provided INABLR with a grant. This does not mean that in the future INABLR cannot be built on other blockchain platforms.

Jalaldeen adds that Bahrain was the best location to carry out a real-world assets tokenization pilot as well as receive a license. He notes, “Bahrain has been at the forefront of digital assets and blockchain regulation, and we are very happy to have started our journey here. Bahrain offers a clear licensing for VASPs in terms of categories.”

He is interested in also setting up in Qatar and other GCC and MENA countries in the future. He explains, “We are looking to expand globally either by offering our solution as a B2B, B2C or white labelled solution.”

It is noteworthy that Qatar has shown strong interest in tokenization and the development of digital assets.

With a Sukuk market size of $10 billion in GCC, the tokenization of real-world assets and sukuks in particular will be a significant feat. Next could be the tokenization of real estate and maybe one day sovereign Sukuks.

For Jalaldeen “The CBB’s commitment to fostering innovation has been instrumental in our success. INABLR is not only focused on fractionalizing Sukuk but also aims to revolutionize access to a wide range of real-world assets that are traditionally available only to institutional investors.”

MENA crypto broker CoinMENA enhances liquidity for its platform

MENA crypto broker CoinMENA enhances liquidity for its platform

CoinMENA B.S.C., a leading crypto asset platform licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain and sister company CoinMENA FZE, licensed by the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), have partnered with Zodia Markets, a UK headquartered digital asset trading business, backed by Standard Chartered enhancing its liquidity on its platform.

The partnership will provide CoinMENA users with enhanced liquidity and reduced slippage on high-volume trades for G10 and GCC currencies vs a list of vetted and well-researched stablecoins and crypto assets.

Zodia Markets is renowned for its industry-leading trading and operational infrastructure, ensuring timely and efficient settlement. The business operates as a digital asset brokerage for institutional clients, offering a seamless avenue for fiat versus digital asset transactions across multiple currencies.

CoinMENA is a crypto asset platform where retail and institutional investors can buy, sell, send, receive, and store digital assets safely.
The partnership merges the strengths of two pioneering institutions. CoinMENA’s extensive network of retail and institutional clients across the MENA region, combined with Zodia Markets’ industry-leading capability, establishes a reliable and trusted gateway to digital assets.
In a joint statement, CoinMENA co-founders Talal Tabbaa and Dina Sam’an stated, “This partnership comes at a perfect time because we are seeing a significant increase in interest from retail and institutional investors. With Zodia Markets we substantially enhanced our service offering and can provide investors with more efficient avenues for entering and exiting the digital assets market, with minimal transaction costs and efficient settlement.”


Ayad Butt, Head of Sales and Trading Africa and Middle East, Zodia Markets added “The AME region, particularly UAE and Bahrain, has evolved impressively over the last five years. Regulatory clarity, world-class infrastructure, access to capital, and a growing economy
have attracted the best minds and the most sophisticated capital for trading, investing, and innovating.”


Ayad emphasized, “The growth and increased adoption of digital assets in this ecosystem hinge on bridging traditional finance with digital assets. That’s precisely what the partnership between Zodia Markets and CoinMENA achieves. We’re excited by the efficiencies this partnership will create for trading in the region.”

Over the past months CoinMENA has been partnering with several major players to enhance its crypto offering across the MENA region. It partnered with Network International, Onramp Bitcoin

Saudi Telecom Bahrain embraces DePin with Aleph Zero

Saudi Telecom Bahrain embraces DePin with Aleph Zero

Saudi Telecom Company Bahrain better known as stc Bahrain has partnered with Aleph Zero to explore DePIN ( Decentralized Physical Infrastructure network) use cases.

Aleph Zero has formed an alliance with stc Bahrain, Telecom operator in Bahrain. The collaboration with Aleph Zero is set to bolster stc Bahrain’s Web3 initiatives that will improve the breadth and depth of the experiences that are offered to stc’s customers.

The first step of the collaboration is for stc Bahrain to deploy validator nodes on Aleph Zero. At the same time, Aleph Zero will join stc’s Pearling Path initiative, a Web3 Launchpad Program designed to accelerate Web3 adoption in the Middle East. Pearling Path focuses on integrating blockchain infrastructure to address regional challenges and enhance economic growth.

As per the press release, the partnership will not only broaden stc Bahrain’s infrastructure portfolio, but will also bolster Aleph Zero’s network and adoption—which stc Bahrain recognized for characteristics such as privacy, scalability, security, and speed. Aleph Zero also stood out to stc Group’s subsidiary thanks to the team’s technological prowess and unique approach to tackling on-chain privacy and enterprise-grade scalability challenges.

Saad Odeh, stc Bahrain Chief Wholesale Officer noted, “Aleph Zero brings privacy-enhancing technology and a scalable, decentralized network that resonates with our vision for a seamless digital future. Privacy-enhancing web3 protocols and Telecoms are a perfect match.”
stc Bahrain also highlighted Aleph Zero’s innovative consensus protocol, AlephBFT, and the fact that it is a public network offering robust privacy technology through a blend of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZK-SNARKs) and Secure Multi-Party Computation (sMPC). The company is confident in Aleph Zero’s ability to deliver a secure, scalable solution, and lay the groundwork for private, verifiable transactions–without compromising sensitive data.

Antoni Zolciak, Aleph Zero Co-founder added,” stc Bahrain stands as a pioneer in the Gulf region, leading the charge in introducing Web3 and blockchain solutions to its extensive customer base. Aleph Zero is thrilled to collaborate with such a prominent player in the telecommunications arena, that shares our dedication to secure, scalable, and privacy-focused blockchain infrastructure. We look forward to seeing how our combined efforts will contribute to advancing a more secure, decentralized DePIN digital ecosystem across the Gulf region and beyond.”

In the past weeks stc Bahrain has signed several partnerships with blockchain entities including stc Bahrain operating nodes on Core Chain Bitcoin Layer 1 blockchain as part of its Web3 launchpad initiative. It also partnered with Lionscraft for blockchain and Web3 services.


Stc Bahrain operates nodes on a Bitcoin Layer1 Blockchain

Stc Bahrain operates nodes on a Bitcoin Layer1 Blockchain

Stc Bahrain, the Saudi Telecom subsidiary in Bahrain, has once again showcased how the telecom industry can embrace Blockchain,Web3 and now DeFi with stc Bahrain operating nodes on Core Chain Bitcoin Layer 1 blockchain. Stc Bahrain has partnered with Core Chain DAO as part of its Web3 launchpad initiative.

As part of stc Pearling Path Partnership Program, a Web3 launchpad in MENA, stc Bahrain will deploy and operate nodes on the Core Chain network, bolstering its resilience as a key infrastructure provider in the Gulf.

As per the press release, this initiative underscores stc Bahrain’s commitment to digital transformation and Core’s mission to promote global blockchain adoption.

“By incorporating Core Chain into our Pearling Path initiative, we’re not just adopting a blockchain protocol; we’re laying the groundwork for scalable innovation for the future. This is a significant step towards building a cohesive Web3 ecosystem in the Gulf,” said Mr. Saad Odeh , Chief Wholesale Officer at stc Bahrain.

Core Chain’s commitment to privacy, scalability, and its Satoshi Plus consensus mechanism align with stc Bahrain’s vision to foster economic growth in the region. By integrating the strengths of Proof of Work (PoW) and Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS), Core Chain is able to create a blockchain environment that is not only secure and decentralized but also highly scalable to meet the evolving demands of the digital landscape.

Recently Core Chain launched Core Ignition is a carefully designed six-month incentive program launched on March 11, 2024, aimed at rewarding the Core community for their contributions to the network.

As per their announcement, the world of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is constantly evolving, and the concept of BTCfi (Bitcoin DeFi) is at the forefront of this innovation.

In March 2024 Stc Bahrain, announced that it will be offering Web3 infrastructure services using blockchain in partnership with LionsCraft for the Bahrain market. Lionscraft provides cutting-edge technology and business consulting in the thriving Web3 space.

In 2022 stc Bahrain also became the first telecom operator in Bahrain to accept cryptocurrencies through its partnership with Eazy Financial Services, a leading Bahraini Payment Services provider specializing in POS and online payment gateway. EazyPay uses BinancePay and wallet to offer this service to more than 5000 POS terminals in Bahrain.