Ceffu crypto custodian receives in principle approval from VARA Dubai

Ceffu crypto custodian receives in principle approval from VARA Dubai

Ceffu, a compliant, institutional-grade custody platform offering custody and liquidity solutions that are ISO 27001 & 27701 certified and SOC2 Type 1 & Type 2 attested, allowing institutional clients to safely store and manage their digital assets, and Binance crypto exchange only institutional crypto custody provider, has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for their Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license application.

As per the announcement, the approval enables Ceffu to offer institutional-grade custody services to Qualified Investors in and from Dubai, marking a major step in expanding our presence in the region’s fast growing virtual asset market.

According to Ceffu, this will enable them to continue to deliver secure, trusted, innovative and fully compliant custody solutions tailored to institutional needs. In their 2024 report Ceffu had showcased their expansion plans in both Asia, Europe and MENA region.

Ceffu commented that they look forward to continued collaboration with VARA to ensure their solutions remain compliant and have a positive impact on the region’s thriving virtual asset ecosystem while showcasing that they will continue their expansion in MENA.

In addition to its already ongoing partnership with Binance, Ceffu recently announced the launch of MirrorRSV (pronounced Mirror Reserve), a new and enhanced addition to their suite of flagship off-exchange settlement solutions.

Ceffu’s Strong Partnership with Binance continues


In addition to its already ongoing partnership with Binance, Ceffu recently announced the launch of MirrorRSV (pronounced Mirror Reserve), a new and enhanced addition to their suite of flagship off-exchange settlement solutions.

Discussing their new solution, they mentioned that through their extended partnership with Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, MirrorRSV offers operational efficiency and provides a gateway to unrivaled liquidity to institutional clients, all while ensuring institutional-grade security for their digital assets.

Digital assets are secured in Ceffu’s cold storage and fully verifiable on-chain. Clients receive representative assets in their designated Binance Exchange (Exchange) parent account at a 1:1 ratio, which are eligible for use with Binance Portfolio Margin.

Growth of Crypto Custodial services in UAE

This comes as more and more crypto custody providers are offering their solutions to the institutional sector. UAE based Fuze, a digital assets infrastructure provider partnered with crypto custodian Hex Trust also regulated in the UAE, to deliver institutional-grade digital asset custody across the Middle East.

In April 2025, BitGo, a global crypto custodian and crypto staking provider received its license in the UAE through its Dubai subsidiary, BitGo Custody MENA FZE. BitGo obtained the license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. The Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) operating license will allow BitGo to offer Virtual Asset Custody Services and Staking. This approval follows BitGo’s receipt of the in-principle approval (IPA) in January 2025.

Binance launches Blockchain Week in Dubai in December 2025

Binance launches Blockchain Week in Dubai in December 2025

Binance global crypto exchange announced the return of its premier global event, Binance Blockchain Week, taking place for the second consecutive year in Dubai on December 3-4 2025 at the Coca Cola Arena.

Binance which holds 1,500 global events per year has made the Dubai Binance Blockchain Week a gathering that connects industry leaders, builders, regulator, investors and Web3 pioneers with conversations that drive the future of the crypto and blockchain industry.

Following last year’s successful edition, which attracted 5,000+ attendees from 126 countries, this year’s event is set to raise the bar even further. The 2024 event was spotlighted in a two-part Amazon Prime documentary, “Building The Future: Inside Binance Blockchain Week”, which offered an inside look at the scale and impact of Binance’s flagship Web3 conference.

In 2025, Binance Blockchain Week will continue to bring together key voices and stakeholders from across the digital economy, including founders, innovators, policymakers, venture capitalists, and global enterprises shaping the decentralized future.

Binance is a regulated crypto exchange in the UAE and Bahrain and it recently received $2 billion investments from MGX in UAE.

Binance payment service company BPay receives license in Bahrain

Binance payment service company BPay receives license in Bahrain

The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has granted BPay Global B.S.C.(c) (BPay Global), a Binance Group payment services company, a Payment Service Provider (PSP) license to operate in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Binance customers will be able to top up and withdraw on an e-wallet fiat currency, as well as custody their fiat and crypto and make payments.

As per the press release, the PSP license will allow BPAY to offer fiat services to Binance customers globally, including fiat top ups and withdrawals, custody and other payment services. This will enable Binance customers to open an e-wallet and make fiat top ups on the Binance platform through bank transfers and debit/credit card payments. The license will also allow BPay Global to custody fiat on behalf of customers.

Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Abdulla Haji, Director of Licensing Directorate at CBB, said “We are pleased to announce the issuance of a license to a new payment service provider in Bahrain. This license represents a positive step in enhancing Bahrain’s digital payments ecosystem, particularly in its support for crypto-related sector as well as fiat payment solutions. The CBB remains committed to enabling a dynamic and progressive payment landscape that aligns with global advancements in financial technology.”

Mr. Tameem Almoosawi, General Manager of Binance Bahrain and BPay Global, commented: “We are glad to announce the launch of BPay Global and the first Payment Service Provider license received by a Binance company, allowing it to act as a payment service provider and e-wallet provider for users around the world. With this license, BPay Global will provide Binance users with further choice of low-cost fiat on- and off-ramps.”

Binance had previously received a license from the Central Bank of Bahrain back in 2023 and was able to offer crypto payments through Binance Pay.

Binance participates at Dubai’s Token 2049 with its clubhouse

Binance participates at Dubai’s Token 2049 with its clubhouse

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and users, a strategic partner of TOKEN2049, taking place in Dubai from 30 April to 1 May 2025, is bringing back its Binance Clubhouse at Madinat Jumeirah.

As per the press release, the exclusive space will serve as a hotspot for the crypto community, driving the conversation on responsible innovation and global adoption, setting the standard for what’s next in blockchain technology. It will offer attendees a co-working and networking space, insightful talks and special guests from key industry voices and Binance representatives, games, giveaways, and experiences. Binance Clubhouse will be the hub for those who are not only seasoned enthusiasts but also curious newcomers looking to collaborate with industry leaders.

Binance is the title sponsor of this year’s TOKEN2049, further solidifying its leadership in the Web3 space and the region’s expanding crypto landscape. Binance CEO, Richard Teng, will also be on the ground at the Binance Clubhouse, engaging with the community and sharing insights on the future of the industry.

“We are thrilled to reunite with TOKEN2049, bringing back our much loved Binance Clubhouse. With over 1,500 events annually, Binance Clubhouse remains a cornerstone of our vision, empowering the next chapter of Web3. Designed for both industry veterans and curious newcomers, this space offers something for everyone – connection, impactful conversation, growth, and inspiration.” Rachel Conlan, Binance Chief Marketing Officer

MGX investment in Binance using 2% of its 100 billion fund is AI focused

MGX investment in Binance using 2% of its 100 billion fund is AI focused

As most have hailed the UAE MGX $2 billion investment into Binance as a strategic win for the crypto exchange, the biggest investment to date in a crypto exchange. The real story is what this means for AI (Artificial Intelligence) and leading-edge technology investments and strategy within the UAE.

MGX, chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s national security advisor and a brother of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, backed not only by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala but also G42 invested 2 percent of its 100 billion investment vehicle into the world leading crypto exchange Binance.

MGX the brain child of AI and Advanced Technology Council

MGX was created in 2024 by The Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council as a Technology Investment Vehicle with Mubadala and G42 as Founding Partners. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates announced creation of MGX in January 2024. He hailed it as a technology investment company to enable the advancement and deployment of leading-edge technologies intended to improve the lives of current and future generations.

The aim of the company was to accelerate the development and adoption of AI and advanced technologies through world leading partnerships both in the UAE and globally. MGX focuses on three main areas, AI infrastructure including data centers and connectivity, semiconductors and AI core technologies and applications.

His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chair of the AIATC, said at the launch “In MGX, we are establishing a UAE national champion focused on AI and advanced technologies that will shape a future where technology enables a more prosperous, sustainable and interconnected world.

A year later and after investments into OpenAI and Elon Musk’s xAI, DataBricks, Khazna Data, Anthropic and $7 billion in the Stargate Project, as well as partnerships with BlackRock and Microsoft to build data centers and expand energy capacity for AI’s growing demand, it now has invested in Binance.

MGX has now invested $2 billion into Binance

Now, after several huge investments into AI and datacenter projects, MGX has invested 2% or 2 billion of its 100 billion investment vehicle into Binance. Binance explained to Lara on the Block, ” This investment signifies a growing convergence of AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrency technologies. MGX, as an AI-focused investor, is leveraging Binance’s leadership in the crypto space to explore innovative solutions at the intersection of these fields.”

According to Binance the partnership could accelerate the development of AI-powered blockchain applications, decentralized finance (DeFi), and tokenized economies, further integrating these technologies into mainstream finance.

This is further exemplified in a recently commissioned report by Mubadala Investment Company and Abu Dhabi’s AI and advanced technology investor MGX. The whitepaper, titled Alpha Intelligence explored how investment funds are leveraging AI to drive alpha, improve operational efficiency, and redefine portfolio value creation.

Based on a 2024 Bain & Company survey of private equity firms representing over $3.2 trillion in assets under management, the report states that 93% of respondents anticipate moderate to substantial benefits from incorporating AI into their processes within three years, although just 2 % are expecting substantial returns this year.

Current AI usage in the industry remains in the augmentation phase and focused on enhancing existing processes rather than replacing them. However, the pace of AI adoption is accelerating, by deploying AI to automate deal-making, optimize portfolio management, and enhance decision-making processes.

Ahmed Yahia, Managing Director and CEO of MGX said noting the report, “More than any other technology in human history, AI will be pervasive across all aspects of our lives. It will enable greater and faster learning, innovation, technology breakthroughs, cheaper and faster production systems, unparalleled delivery of services. It will enable unprecedented prosperity. As an AI native investment company, we are leveraging AI in everything we do. Fusion with AI starts in MGX.”

Within three-to-five years, funds expect AI to unlock transformative capabilities, including real-time portfolio adjustments and unprecedented efficiencies in sourcing, diligence, and exit strategies.

Binance also adds in its comments to Lara on the Block, that the UAE has positioned itself as a global hub for innovation, particularly in crypto and blockchain. This investment aligns with the UAE’s strategy to foster technological advancement and regulatory clarity in digital assets. They add, “Binance, will likely play a pivotal role in driving adoption, innovation, and regulatory compliance in the region. The partnership reinforces the UAE’s ambition to lead in blockchain and AI driven financial ecosystems.”

Binance’s views on AI in crypto trading in 2025

Concurrently with the $2 billion investment from MGX, Binance published on its blog its views on how AI is revolutionizing multiple industries including crypto trading.

As the blog notes, in 2025, AI-driven trading bots, predictive analytics, and machine learning algorithms are reshaping the way traders analyze data, predict market trends, and execute trades. The blog looks into how AI is being used in crypto trading with AI powered trading Bots, and AI powered crypto projects to watch in 2025.

For example AI-based automated trading bots use machine learning to execute high-frequency trades with precision and speed. Platforms like 3Commas, Pionex, and Cryptohopper have gained popularity for their AI-driven trading algorithms that analyze market conditions in real time.

Additionally, AI can process massive amounts of historical price data to predict potential market movements. Sentiment analysis tools powered by AI also scan social media, news, and trading activity to determine market sentiment before price swings occur. An example: AI models analyzing Twitter & Reddit discussions to detect early crypto trends as well as how AI is being used to enhance risk management by identifying potential liquidation risks, stop-loss recommendations, and portfolio diversification strategies. AI-driven risk assessment helps traders minimize losses and maximize gains.

Binance also names what it calls the top Top AI-Powered Crypto Projects in 2025 such as Fetch.ai ($FET ) – Decentralized AI for automation, SingularityNET (AGIX) – AI marketplace for smart contracts, Ocean Protocol (OCEAN) – AI-driven data sharing network and Numerai ($NMR ) – AI-powered hedge fund model.

As for the future Binance believes that AI-powered trading is expected to grow even more in 2025, with advancements in AI-powered smart contracts for automated transactions, more sophisticated trading bots with deep learning capabilities and AI-enhanced decentralized exchanges (DEXs) for optimized liquidity.

So it would seem that MGX has invested in Binance at a time when AI is seen to be revolutionizing the future of crypto trading, and AI Crypto projects powering data sharing and hedge fund models.

Binance has already made investments in AI projects. Binance Labs, the venture capital and incubation arm of Binance, has already for invested in Sahara AI, a decentralized AI blockchain platform built for open and equitable AI. Sahara AI is building a collaborative AI economy that prioritizes the sovereignty and provenance of AI, ensuring security, equity, and accessibility for all.

It has also invested in MyShell a decentralized AI ecosystem designed to democratize the creation and distribution of AI applications.

Binance Headquarters in UAE? not yet…

Yet despite this huge investment, Binance has still not announced where it will put its headquarters. Binance tells Lara on the Block, ” We will not be disclosing any matters related to our HQ efforts. What we can say is that we have been engaged in a very thorough and comprehensive process as it relates to selecting the location of our headquarters, which has enormous implications with respect to how the company will operate going forward. We are focused on remaining disciplined and thoughtful as we explore our options.”

American, Armenian Mom of detained Binance Employee Tigran, pleads, “Just take me”

American, Armenian Mom of detained Binance Employee Tigran, pleads, “Just take me”

After more than 207 days, Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, is slowly deteriorating after the government of Nigeria imprisoned him with no formal accusations or trial.

His mother in an interview on KMPH Fox26 News, pleaded asking the U.S government to intervene. He’s innocent, that’s all. But I can ask and I’m begging everybody who can help my son. Just please bring my son home. That’s all what we need,” said Gambaryan. “Just take me, exchange me with my son just let my son go home! I don’t care what will happen to me, just let my son go home!

At Token 2049 in Singapore, Richard Teng, the CEO of Binance, announced that the company is working tirelessly to free Tigran Gambaryan, the crypto exchange’s head of financial crime compliance, who has been detained in Nigeria since February 2024.

Gambaryan’s health has been deteriorating while in custody, and Teng emphasized that Binance has repeatedly asked the Nigerian government to release him for necessary medical care.

“There’s no need to hold our staff,” Teng said on the sidelines at the Token2049 conference in Singapore.

Gambaryan travelled to Nigeria in late February this year at the invitation of the Nigerian government to discuss Binance’s compliance practices in the country. However, after two meetings, he was detained and has since been held at Kuje Prison, a facility known for its harsh conditions.

Aron Akbiyikian, Tigran Gambaryan’s friend and co-worker, said to KMPH Fox 26, “He hasn’t been given a fair trial. He hasn’t been personally accused of anything. At no point in time has he ever been accused of doing anything, only for the fact that the company he works for is being accused of crimes, so they’re charging him for it.”

Binance’s internal team has reportedly been working on various approaches to secure Gambaryan’s release, including urging the US government to officially classify Gambaryan as unlawfully detained and appealing to the Nigerian government on humanitarian grounds.

“Every single day, day in and day out, he catches the bad guys, and now he’s being accused of being one of them without ever directly saying that he did anything,” said Aron Akbiyikian, Tigran Gambaryan’s Friend and coworker.

Tigran Gambaryan was born in Armenia and moved to Fresno, California, with his family when he was in middle school.  

On March 25th, Nigerian officials charged Binance with money laundering, tax evasion, and other crimes.

Binance is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in Nigeria, processing about 32% of crypto transactions by Nigerians, according to a November 2023 CoinGecko report, citing Statistica data.

Binance appoints female General Manager for Dubai operation

Binance appoints female General Manager for Dubai operation

Binance, crypto exchange in the UAE has appointed a female General Manager for its Dubai operation. Stephanie Emile who assumed the role in August 2024 has an extensive background in the financial sector, including BNP Paribas, Barclays Capital and others.

According to the press release she was instrumental in Binance’s regulatory compliance and in securing the VASP license from Dubai’s virtual asset regulator VARA.

Within the past two years, Emile has contributed in cementing Binance’s reputation as a leader in compliance and innovation. The VASP license, secured in June, has expanded Binance’s service offerings to include margin, futures, and options trading for qualified investors and users, as well as lending, borrowing, and investment products.

Emile’s strategic priorities will include institutional adoption, enhancing regulatory compliance, and promoting educational initiatives, such as Binance Academy. Her vision ensures that current users have access to a wider spectrum of services while
lowering the barriers for new virtual assets users and enthusiasts.


“I am honored to step into this new role at such a pivotal time for Binance. As we navigate the ever-evolving regulatory landscape, I look forward to leading our team of experts in driving innovation, exploring new growth opportunities, and expanding our
offering in Dubai” said Stephanie Emile, General Manager, Binance Dubai.


Stephanie’s appointment underscores her exceptional ability to navigate complex challenges and drive transformation, positioning her as a key player in the future of Binance’s digital finance endeavors. Under her guidance, the company is poised to redefine the future of virtual assets and set new benchmarks for excellence in the industry.

Binance announces to UAE users update your KYC

Binance announces to UAE users update your KYC

Binance crypto exchange announced to its UAE users, that after receiving its VASP license from Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority for their local crypto exchange in Dubai, users in UAE need to transition their accounts to Binance FZE in UAE.

Part of the onboarding requirements is that all UAE resident users will need to update their KYC information by 15th December 2024.  

As per the blog post affected users will receive continuous updates and communications regarding the process at different stages from now until all UAE resident accounts have been successfully transitioned. The transition process will not affect users’ current account access and they can continue to use products and services already available on Binance’s Global Exchange until 2024-12-15. After this date, the user’s account will transition to Binance FZE, but the login credentials (email & password) and UID number will remain the same. Users are reminded to update their KYC information at the earliest to avoid the restriction of their account to withdrawal only. 

All UAE resident users who update their KYC information before 2024-10-30 will be automatically entered into a Prize Draw to share $500,000 in BTC rewards, with the ultimate prize being 1 BTC! Winners will be selected through the BNB Smart Chain hash value on 2025-01-01 23:59 (UTC) and announced via email. 

Binance UAE users will be able to access t bank deposits and withdrawals in local fiat currency (AED) and more than 300+ virtual assets, UAE resident users can rest assured knowing that all products already available on the Binance Global Exchange will also be available on Binance FZE.

DWF Labs and Binance refute any claims of crypto market manipulation or cover up

DWF Labs and Binance refute any claims of crypto market manipulation or cover up

DWF Labs, a proprietary high frequency trading firm with offices in UAE, China, Singapore, and Hongkong as well as Binance the biggest crypto exchange globally have vehemently denied all accusations made in a recent article in the Wall Street Journal that there was market manipulation and an ensuing cover up.

The WSJ article discussed accusations that DWF Labs had carried out market manipulation allegedly discovered by a now ex-employee of Binance.

As per the article the fired employee, along with his team, was tasked with identifying and investigating suspicious trading activities. They reported that certain “VIP” clients, including those trading over $100 million per month, were engaged in prohibited practices such as pump-and-dump schemes and wash trading.

Wash trading is a type of market manipulation that can artificially inflate prices and lead investors to believe there is greater market liquidity than there actually is. Widespread crypto wash trading profoundly distorts markets, erodes investor trust, and skews financial market indices

The unnamed former Binance insider claimed that the exchange’s investigators identified $300 million worth of wash trading by DWF Labs in 2023, involving cryptocurrencies including the Yield Guild Game (YGG) token.

Binance concluded that the evidence of market abuse by DWF Labs was insufficient. As per WSJ article shortly after the report was submitted, the head of the surveillance team was dismissed.

The allegations against DWF Labs first surfaced in September 2023 after unusual on-chain activity was noted by the cryptocurrency community. Wintermute, another algorithmic trading firm, accused DWF Labs of misrepresenting their market activities. Yoann Turpin, co-founder of Wintermute, criticized DWF Labs during an interview at Token2049, arguing that they mislabel what are essentially over-the-counter trades as investments

In reply to these accusations both Binance and Dubai based DWF Labs have come out with statements denying these charges and defending their practices.

In a blog post on DWF Labs website, the firm noted, “DWF is a proprietary high-frequency trading firm founded in 2018 by a collective of academically distinguished researchers and professional quantitative traders from a top proprietary trading firm. Our organisation has deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced statistical methods, all of which we harness to execute high-frequency trading strategies across a vast array of digital asset products, including spot, perpetual contracts, and options markets. Our trading activities span over 60 centralised and decentralised venues, making DWF a prominent player in the financial technology landscape.”

The blog adds,” From day one, our goal has been to always uphold the highest standards of transparency, trust, and integrity.”

DWF Labs is trusted by over 700 companies, platforms, and institutions. The company states that it provides liquidity to markets for more than a quarter of the 100 largest crypto-native projects and our reach spans across the entire crypto ecosystem. They note that they are committed to supporting bold entrepreneurs by providing liquidity, contributing to Total Value Locked (TVL), operating validator nodes, and making venture investments.

DWF Labs cooperated with DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities centre) to support crypto startups and was named most active lead investor in 2023. It is also Bybit’s top liquidity provider according to their statements.

DWF Labs claims in its blog post that it has supported the integration to institutional wallets: TON <> Fireblocks , Conflux <> Fordefi, as well as Hackathons: TON, Viction, Conflux (U-Hack), Bybit x DMCC x DWF Labs including ecosystem funds and grants: Airdao, ZigCHAIN, TON, Theta, Algorand, Flare, EOS, Floki, API3, Kava, Gala Chain, Klaytn.

In a strong worded sentence, DWF Labs stated, “Establishments and fake media will not root the movement that Bitcoin started in 2009. We are in crypto for the very reasons why the establishments want to get rid of us.”

On another front Binance also faced the allegations with their own statement saying “Binance emphatically rejects any assertion that its market surveillance program has permitted market manipulation on our platform. We have a robust market surveillance framework that identifies and takes action against market abuse. Any users that breach our terms of use are off-boarded; we do not tolerate market abuse.”

Binance notes that over the last three years its team has offboarded nearly 355,000 users with transaction volumes of more than $2.5 trillion for violating their terms of use.

The crypto exchange added, “We have 190 million users. They can rest assured we do not favour any individual user, no matter how big, over the safety of the platform.  That said, these are not decisions we take lightly. We do deep investigations, using multiple tools, and only offboard clients when there is sufficient evidence, they have violated our terms of use. A recent independent investigation from Inca Digital into Binance’s market surveillance practices validates the effectiveness of our approach, finding “minimal signs of anomalous trading activities.”

Whether these allegations are part of a wider 21st century witch hunt or whether these are true representation of reality, what is for sure is that the crypto ecosystem as it grows is coming under increased pressure from the establishment!