SettleMint announced on its website, that the Islamic Research and Training Institute, the research arm of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB), have embarked on a journey to build blockchain based Sharia compliant financial products.

SettleMint has more than 60 Enterprise blockchain implementations worldwide. It offers a full-fledged Blockchain-Platform-as-a-Service solution.

The first project will be concerned with Sharia compliant subsidy distribution aimed at creating an efficient and transparent system for Sharia-compliant subsidy distribution for its 57 member countries globally, encompassing 1.7 billion people.

According to SettleMint IsDB used the SettleMint blockchain platform for the tokenization of fiat currency to distribute the subsidies in a peer-to-peer manner allowing full transparency and control

Matthew Van Niekerk, Co-Founder and CEO of Settlemint stated, “One of the core values of SettleMint has always been to change the world for the better, and by using the blockchain technology to further financial inclusion and development of the 57 member countries, fits our ambitions to the letter.”

Using blockchain for subsidy distribution allows for full control of spend by subsidy purpose at any time, ensuring IsDB that the aid is being spent as intended. The entire contractual process for Islamic institutions was automated, alleviating the additional administrative and legal complexities and redundancies associated with Sharia-compliant financial products.

SettleMint partnered with Ateon, a Riyadh-based solution provider and systems integrator in the Fintech space.

IsDB automated the entire process of sharia-compliant subsidy distribution, resulting in full transparency and eliminated administrative complexity.

The IsDB said such features would allow for instantaneous clearing and settlement of transactions and asset exchanges, while helping eliminate counterparty risk.

IsDB and SettleMint along with Ateon first started working on the feasibility of the project back in 2017.

IsDB and SettleMint have also worked together to develop and showcase the innovative Smart Stabilization System, a patent pending algorithm designed to enhance stability in financial markets. This solution is being developed by IsDBI and implemented by SettleMint, the Blockchain Transformation company.

Co-Founder, Matthew Van Niekerk, together with Dr. Hilal Houssain, Ph.D., Associate Manager of the Knowledge Solutions Team at the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), delivered a key session at ISDB’s 50th anniversary!

The objective of the SSS is to help stabilize organized asset markets without compromising efficiency. This is done by managing the gap between supply and demand to reduce the volatility of the price while maintaining the role of the gap in equilibrating the market. The patent-pending Smart Stabilization System is unique in managing the pressure on price before the price changes. The System is forward-looking, while most other stabilization systems are backward-looking. Moreover, the SSS is self-financed, and investors’ rights are fully protected.

IsDBI and SettleMint are investigating the use of blockchain and smart contracts to provide autonomous and transparent execution of the SSS.

Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, the Institute’s Acting Director General, welcomed the collaboration on this project as a milestone in the progress of the Islamic fintech industry. He said: “The world is moving fast on the digitalization of financial transactions. This requires a robust stabilization system in place to minimize the instability associated with fast movements of funds, as has been proven by the recent banking crisis. I am pleased that my colleagues are capitalizing on the patent-pending Stabilization System to develop a practical solution to assist our Member Countries in achieving digital transformation with minimum financial instability.”

 Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s leading airline, and one of the fastest-growing global airline brands, has appointed innovative tech loyalty partner Blockchain enabled Loyyal to its Access Point flagship solution as a rewards management system within its loyalty offering. This collaboration leverages Finfare Connect’s market-leading rewards solution for payment-linked incentives, affiliate offers, and instant cashback, all powered by Loyyal’s advanced blockchain infrastructure for loyalty systems.

Ethiopian Airlines and Loyyal teamed up with Finfare Connect to seamlessly integrate world-class bank-linked offers (account-linked and card-linked) through an automated platform designed specifically for loyalty program owners. This makes them one of the first airline rewards programs powered by bank data in the world.

Loyyal CEO Ashish Kumar Singh said, “Loyyal is thrilled to partner with Ethiopian Airlines for its Sheba Miles members to experience everyday earnings, driving further engagement and stickiness.”
“We’re excited to join forces with Loyyal and Ethiopian Airlines to help enrich their reward offering, generate incremental sales for our network of partner brands, and ultimately provide more value and personalized experiences for customers,” said Brad Blake, Chief Growth Officer at Finfare.

From a technical perspective, Access Point uses Smart Contract technology that streamlines and automates deals and agreements seamlessly, ensuring a hassle-free, self-administered experience for everyone. This enables program owners to efficiently onboard and collaborate with a wider range of merchants, including renowned brands like Nike, Marks & Spencer, and Boots, alongside popular independent hotels, restaurants, and top experience providers in the UK and US.

Gunjan Kumar, Chief Revenue Officer at Loyyal states, “My relationship with Ethiopian Airlines dates to its STAR Alliance induction. I’m thrilled to see its growth, particularly as the first African airline to offer daily earning opportunities in the US and UK markets through Loyyal-Access Point’s support.”

Mrs. Rahel Assefa, Group VP Marketing, Ethiopian Airlines said, “We are excited for the unique partnership we have established with Loyyal’s patented platform and Finfare’s extensive ecosystem to boost our members’ mile earning experience through everyday purchases from various leisure and lifestyle brands.”

This unique collaboration enables ShebaMiles members to earn miles through everyday purchases including categories such as fashion, health & beauty, entertainment, dining, experiences, retail, and travel, opening a wide spectrum of offers for members.

Zand Bank PJSC, the digital bank licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, and MANTRA, an RWA-focused Layer 1 blockchain, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to streamline the process of real-world asset tokenization, including the identification, listing and distribution of RWAs.

The collaboration between these two entities will also focus on developing frameworks to support tokenization and distribution of RWA, in compliance with the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority of Dubai (VARA). The frameworks aim to provide clear guidelines for the tokenization of RWAs, ensuring the process adheres to relevant compliance standards, investor protection measures, and regulatory requirements. In doing so, the collaboration seeks to foster trust, confidence, and widespread adoption of RWA tokenization across the UAE.

The agreement between Zand and MANTRA is a testament to both companies’ position at the vanguard of digital finance in the Middle East. The vision behind the collaboration aims to catapult both the custody and exchange of real world assets as a permanent fixture in the suite of retail banking services in the region, as well as to establish industry standards for tokenization,” stated John Patrick Mullin, CEO of MANTRA

“We are excited to leverage MANTRA’s blockchain, which is purpose-built for RWA to redefine the way we transact and manage ownership as well as transparency. This collaboration represents a step forward in our journey to amalgamate blockchain technology with our robust financial offerings to give our clients greater control over their investments, enhanced security, and more clarity into the lifecycle of their transactions. We aim to simplify operations, reinforce trust and authenticity in the assets’ legality, and broaden access to the wider market.” said Michael Chan, CEO of Zand.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)is planning for phase two implementation for domestic CBDC payments after the Central Bank with the Bank for International Settlements Innovation Hub Hong Kong Centre, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Bank of Thailand, and the Digital Currency Institute of the People’s Bank of China, launched the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) platform of the mBridge project. Mbridge is a multi-central bank digital currency (CBDC) common platform for wholesale cross-border payments and settlement.

CBUAE is planning for Phase 2 implementation, which includes domestic CBDC payments and further enhancements of cross-border fund transfers.

The CBUAE anticipates the growing use of the mBridge platform for cross-border payments among the participating jurisdictions. Ongoing reviews and enhancements are also underway as the platform progresses towards a full production launch. This is the first multi-CBDC platform which has reached the MVP phase, ready for use by early adopters.

In January 2024, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Board of the CBUAE, initiated the first cross-border payment of ‘Digital Dirham’, the CBUAE’s CBDC, to China worth AED50 million through mBridge. It also marked the first real-value cross-border CBDC payment between a MENA country and a country outside the region on an MVP-ready platform.

To date, a number of UAE licensed financial institutions (LFIs) have been onboarded onto the mBridge platform, with collaborative efforts underway for to accelerate its adoption. Onboarded LFIs are now ready to initiate and process cross-border CBDC payments with their counterparts of the participating jurisdictions.

According to the Central Bank of UAE press release, the mBridge platform is a key initiative under the CBUAE’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) programme which seeks to accelerate the digital transformation of the UAE’s financial services sector. The deployment, testing and launch of the mBridge MVP comes as part of the CBUAE’s Phase 1 implementation of its broader CBDC strategy, supported by the use of the Digital Dirham.

Presently, the CBUAE is planning for Phase 2 implementation, which includes domestic CBDC payments and further enhancements of cross-border fund transfers. Utilizing distributed ledger technology, the mBridge project aims to connect economies through a multi-CBDC platform to help support international trade and cooperation, whilst overcoming challenges of existing cross-border payment systems and offering efficient, low-cost, and instant cross-border payments settled in central bank money.

Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, said, “The CBUAE’s participation in mBridge aligns with our strategic objectives of promoting innovation, efficiency, and financial inclusion in the financial services sector. By collaborating with our international partners, we aim to contribute to the development of a more robust, efficient, economical, interconnected and instant global payments infrastructure that benefits all participants, while maintaining the highest security standards.”

A few days prior to this announcement, the Central Bank of UAE approved the issuance of a regulation for licensing and overseeing stablecoins and a series of policies aimed at supporting the banking, insurance, and financial services sectors.

As the BIS (Bank for International Settlements) announced that it had reached a minimum viable product stage, Saleh Algrayan, AI Advisor at Bank for International Settlements and an employee of Saudi Central Bank, announced that Saudi Central Bank had now joined mBridge. Saudi Arabia’s Central Bank becomes the second Arab central bank to join after the UAE Central Bank.

Saleh Algrayan noted on LinkedIn, “I am immensely proud to announce that the Saudi Central Bank – SAMA has joined Project mBridge as a full participant, coinciding with the project reaching its minimum viable product (MVP) stage! As a dedicated SAMA employee and Advisor at the Bank for International Settlements – BIS Innovation Hub (BISIH) – Hong Kong Centre, I am honoured to be part of this revolutionary journey.”

He adds, “Project mBridge, leveraging advanced distributed ledger technology (DLT), aims to transform cross-border payments by addressing high costs, slow speeds, and operational complexities. This collaborative effort, starting in 2021 with partners like the Bank of Thailand, UAE Central Bank, Digital Currency Institute of the People’s Bank of China, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, now includes over 26 observers.”

He added, that SAMA’s participation marks a significant step forward, demonstrating the kingdom’s leadership in global financial innovation. He concluded, “We are paving the way for efficient, cost-effective, and instant cross-border transactions, addressing financial inclusion and making payments universally accessible.”

The Saudi Central Bank had previously participated in a CBDC project with the UAE under the name of ABER.

The announcement followed BIS press release where it invited private sector participants to propose value-added solutions that can be connected to the mBridge MVP platform.

The press release noted, “Project mBridge is the result of extensive collaboration starting in 2021 between the BIS Innovation Hub, the Bank of Thailand, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, the Digital Currency Institute of the People’s Bank of China and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The Saudi Central Bank is joining mBridge as a full participant. There are also now more than 26 observing members. More central banks and commercial banks can join the platform through the mBridge MVP legal framework and perform real transactions on it. Project expands international cooperation with a new full member and observers.”

The project aims to explore a multi-central bank digital currency (CBDC) platform shared among participating central banks and commercial banks, built on distributed ledger technology (DLT) to enable instant cross-border payments and settlement.

Project mBridge was the result of extensive collaboration starting in 2021 between the BIS Innovation Hub, the Bank of Thailand, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, the Digital Currency Institute of the People’s Bank of China and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The Saudi Central Bank is joining mBridge as a full participant. There are also now more than 26 observing members.

The project aims to tackle some of the key inefficiencies in cross-border payments, including high costs, low speed and operational complexities. It also addresses financial inclusion concerns, particularly in jurisdictions where correspondent banking (which connects countries to the global financial system) has been in retreat, causing additional costs and delays. Multi-CBDC arrangements that connect different jurisdictions in a single common technical infrastructure offer significant potential to improve the current system and allow cross-border payments to be immediate, cheap and universally accessible with final settlement.

A platform based on a new blockchain – the mBridge Ledger – was built to support real-time, peer-to-peer, cross-border payments and foreign exchange transactions. In 2022, a pilot with real-value transactions was conducted. Since then, the mBridge project team has been exploring whether the prototype platform could evolve to become an MVP – a stage now reached.

Four-founding participant central banks and monetary authorities have each deployed a validating node, while commercial banks have conducted more real-value transactions in preparation for the MVP release. In tandem, the project steering committee has created a bespoke governance and legal framework, including a rulebook, tailored to match the platform’s unique decentralized nature.

The MVP platform is enabled to undertake real-value transactions (subject to jurisdictional preparedness) and is also compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine. This allows it to be a testbed for add-on technology solutions, new use cases and interoperability with other platforms.

It is noteworthy that Qatar Central Bank recently launched its CBDC project for settling large payments with local and international banks.

Crystal a blockchain analytics, compliance and risk monitoring firm, has opened their new office at the Dubai World Trade Centre, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to supporting the more than 1,400 Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) in the region.

As per the press release, Crystal, which currently works with notable Dubai-based virtual asset firms, will leverage its new space to expand its operations and deliver high-touch service to the fast-growing crypto industry in Dubai and the Middle East.

Navin Gupta, CEO of Crystal, a previous executive at Ripple, who will be based in the new Dubai office, shared his vision for the new office: “UAE with its progressive regulations is poised to become the Crypto Capital of the world. With our blockchain intelligence expertise, we want to empower licensed firms to keep themselves and their customers safe. Hence, we have chosen DWTC as our home for the region and I have decided to be based in the UAE. Proximity with our customers enables us to undertake R&D and bring new and region-specific products to market.“

Currently, Crystal works with government regulators, crypto institutions, and law enforcement across the EU, APAC, Middle East and US regions. Crystal plans to work closely with licensed entities in the UAE abiding by VARA regulations, to enhance their market compliance infrastructure and promote a secure, regulated digital asset marketplace.

As the digital asset space evolves, regulation remains a central theme, especially in areas like anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing, and the stability of financial markets. Recent global shifts towards enhancing regulatory frameworks emphasizes the overarching interest in a harmonized approach to oversight. This initiative marks a significant step forward in aligning international standards with regional oversight capabilities, setting a precedent for future regulatory developments in the virtual assets space.

 The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has announced the completion of the development of the infrastructure for the Central Bank Digital Currency Project (CBDC) and the commencement of testing of CBDC for settlement of large payments with local banks. According to the press release, this initiative will serve as a proactive step to keep pace with the rapid global developments in this field.

Qatar Central Bank confirms that, after successfully completing the comprehensive study conducted in this field, it will proceed with testing and developing selected applications for the CBDC to settle large payments with a group of local and international banks in a trial environment designed according to the latest advanced technologies.

The project will focus on the applications of the CBDC to increase access to capital markets for operating banks in the country, enhance domestic settlement, and improve the efficiency of securities transactions.

This project, which will enter its first experimental phase extending to October 2024, aims to achieve a set of primary objectives, including leveraging artificial intelligence technologies, distributed ledger technology (DLT), and emerging technologies and establish a strong foundation to enhance liquidity by expanding participation in financial market facilities, considering the aspects related to information security during project implementation.

In line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy, the Fintech Strategy, and Qatar National Vision 2030, and based on Qatar Central Bank’s ongoing efforts to regulate and develop the financial sector in the country, Qatar Central Bank announced the completion of the development of the infrastructure for the Central Bank Digital Currency Project (CBDC), QCB said in a press release.

This project reflects Qatar Central Bank’s full commitment to contributing to digital transformation within the financial sector, noting in this context that the start of the CBDC project represents an important milestone and a strategic step towards building a digital economy in the country.

It was also noted that the results of this experiment will be the cornerstone towards identifying the different use cases that the Qatar Central Bank will adopt in the future, which will contribute to enhancing the efficiency of the current systems and instant settlement.

In April 2023 Qatar Financial Centre Authority and Blockchain solution provider R3 signed an MOU to develop and grow Qatar’s fintech industry using technologies such as DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology). Soon after, QFC announced one of the biggest digital assets initiatives in the country and the GCC region, the Qatar Innovation Dome for digital assets. The digital assets lab will develop tokenization platforms and ecosystems for everything that has value whether tangible assets or intangible assets including real estate assets, securities, Sukuk, bonds and others in the future utilizing DLT ( distributed ledger technologies), blockchain, and smart contracts.

In May 2024 The Hashgraph Association (THA), the Swiss-based organization at the forefront of global digital enablement, signed a strategic partnership with the Qatar Financial Centre to launch a Digital Assets Venture Studio, a platform to support local Qatari and international portfolio companies in the development of regulatory-compliant decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions and digital assets built on the Hedera Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) network.


The $50 million digital assets venture studio will focus on investments in Hedera-powered Web3 startups and enterprises building bankable DeFi solutions. The program will span over the next five years (2024-2028) with The Hashgraph Association investing $10million (20%).

Uniramp a fiat-to-crypto aggregator, has been selected by TDeFi accelerator program, a premier Web3 incubator and accelerator in collaboration with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and Elysium Chain, marking Uniramp’s strategic entry into the Middle East market.

The TDeFi accelerator program is renowned for supporting innovative Web3 startups and providing them with the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities needed to scale. Being part of this program will enable Uniramp to leverage the extensive network and expertise of DMCC and Elysium Chain, further enhancing its growth and impact in the region.

Uniramp’s entry into the Middle East represents a significant milestone in its mission to simplify Web3 access and fiat-crypto conversions. The region’s forward-thinking approach to blockchain technology and rapidly growing market make it an ideal environment for Uniramp’s innovative solutions.

“We are incredibly excited to join the TDeFi accelerator program and begin our journey in the Middle East,” said Salman Aljohar, CEO, Uniramp. “This opportunity allows us to tap into a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and collaboration, aligning perfectly with our vision to make Web3 accessible to all.”

Through its participation in the accelerator, Uniramp aims to forge meaningful connections with key stakeholders in the Middle East’s crypto and blockchain sectors. These collaborations are expected to enhance the liquidity and accessibility of crypto assets, providing users with a seamless and user-friendly experience.

“We believe that collaboration is at the heart of growth in the blockchain industry,” Salman Aljohar continued. “By engaging with the local ecosystem, we look forward to bringing more value to our users and contributing to the region’s blockchain advancements.”

Dubai Courts has announced today the launch of “Tanfeeth+” program. This program sets a groundbreaking standard for digital integration and efficiency in providing judgment enforcement services by establishing a seamless, transparent, and integrated ecosystem that benefits all parties involved.

His Excellency Prof. Dr. Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director General of Dubai Courts, said, “This program is part of a comprehensive digital initiative to enhance the efficiency of the judicial enforcement ecosystem, aligning with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for Dubai to become the world’s fastest, the best and the fairest in judicial services.” His Excellency underscored Dubai Court’s thorough examination of the challenges facing judicial enforcement services and processes, leading to the adoption of Tanfeeth+.

Tanfeeth+ operates across five key impact pillars: Efficiency and Digitalization, Speed and Agility, Transparency and Information Sharing, Collaboration with Partners, and Legal Compliance. This program exemplifies Dubai Courts’ commitment to improving service levels, supporting government directives, and enhancing the judicial system’s efficiency, transparency, and justice.

His Excellency Judge Khalid Al Mansouri, Head of the Execution Court at Dubai Courts, emphasized that Tanfeeth+ reflects Dubai Courts’ vision to be pioneering and internationally distinguished, fostering efficient legislation implementation and offering advanced judicial services.

The strategic plan aims to achieve swift justice, enhance confidence in the judicial system, promote social and economic stability, and improve enforcement efficiency. It establishes a digitally integrated environment to streamline operations, improve service quality, and save time and effort.

Initiatives under Tanfeeth+ include:
• Digital Writ of Execution Seal: Facilitates the enforcement of court rulings, enabling the petitioner to initiate procedures without the need to visit service centres.
• Disclosure Platform: Allows the enforcement judge to directly inquire about the respondent’s assets and seize them for sale if necessary.
• Integration with MOI: Ensures the enforcement of liberty-restricting orders, travel bans, and asset seizures by integrating with the MOI’s programme.
• Digital Requests: Optimises execution procedures and automates administrative decisions.
• Sale Notification System: Notifies officials about confiscated items for timely sale.
• Automated Cancellation of Enforcement: Cancels enforcement procedures and lifts seizures once payments are completed.
• Automated Disbursement System: Automatically disburses amounts deposited in the enforcement file to the petitioner’s registered bank account.
• Virtual Bank Accounts: Enables direct deposits of seized assets into virtual accounts for automatic disbursement to each party.

USA based Marvion Inc., (OTC:MVNC), a blockchain technology firm has announced the application of its blockchain Halal projects within the UAE utilizing their Digital Ownership Token (DOT) technology framework. The Halal solution includes artificial intelligent modules (AI) to enhance the security framework of the solution.

As per the press release, this initiative marks a major milestone in Marvion’s commitment to utilizing its proprietary technology to create new intangible assets, beginning with Halal certification.

Marvion signed an agreement with a prominent Halal certification provider, marking the first step in its ambitious plan to revolutionize the certification process through blockchain technology. This partnership aims to enhance the transparency, efficiency, and security of Halal certifications, ensuring authenticity and trustworthiness in the market. Halal, which means “permissible” or “lawful” in Arabic, refers to a broad range of regulations that specify what foods Muslims are allowed to eat. These regulations cover not just ingredient lists but also production processes and handling techniques. Certification agencies in this industry evaluate and certify that food items, ingredients, and production processes meet Halal requirements.

“We are thrilled to be breaking new grounds with our blockchain Halal projects,” said Dr Edmond Chan, CEO of Marvion Inc. “Our collaboration with a leading Halal certification provider is just the beginning. By leveraging our cutting-edge blockchain technology, we aim to create a robust and secure system for Halal certification that can be extended to various sectors beyond food. During the past year we have proven and ground tested our blockchain DOT technologies in practical business usage and applications within the movie media industry.”

The introduction of blockchain technology into Halal certification processes is poised to bring numerous benefits, including:

  1. Enhanced Transparency: Blockchain’s immutable ledger ensures that all transactions and certifications are recorded transparently, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring the integrity of Halal certifications.
  2. Increased Efficiency: By automating certification processes and reducing the need for manual intervention, blockchain technology can significantly streamline operations, saving time and resources for certification bodies and businesses alike.
  3. Improved Security: Blockchain technology provides a highly secure platform for storing and verifying certification data, protecting it from tampering and unauthorized access. By adding artificial intelligent module into our security layer, it can highly prevent anyone trying to breach through our Halal certification, ensuring the highest level of genuine certification provided.

“According to Verified Market Reports, Halal Food Certification Market size was valued at USD 2,339.3 Billion in 2023, and is projected to reach USD 5284.98 Billion by 2030.

As we continue to make inroads in the UAE region, our focus remains on expanding our Halal certification capabilities to include a wider range of businesses,” added Dr Chan. “Our proprietary technology will serve as a foundation for creating new intangible assets, fostering innovation, and driving growth in the Halal market.”