C1 Fund and Spartan group to drive innovation in digital assets secondaries

C1 Fund and Spartan group to drive innovation in digital assets secondaries

Cayman Island C1 Fund, a fund dedicated to the digital assets place, with a presence in the UAE and USA, has partnered with Asian based Spartan Group, a Web3 advisory and asset management firm.

As per the press release, the partnership with Spartan Group signifies a key milestone for C1 Fund, as Spartan Group brings unparalleled expertise and a proven history of success in advising on multi-billion-dollar M&A transactions and fundraises within the digital assets sector.

We are thrilled to join forces with Spartan Group, said Dr. Najam Kidwai, CEO & Co-Founder of C1 Fund. “Spartan deep understanding of the crypto, Web3 and blockchain landscape, coupled with a track record of successful engagements with industry leaders, aligns seamlessly with our vision for C1 Fund. The synergy between C1 Fund and Spartan Group is a testament to our shared commitment to driving innovation and growth in the digital assets sector. This collaboration significantly enhances our ability to identify and seize emerging opportunities, expanding our influence within the dynamic realm of digital assets secondaries.”

Spartan Group’s Co-Founder, Casper B. Johansen, expressed equal enthusiasm, stating, “Collaborating with C1 Fund opens up exciting avenues for both organizations. C1 Fund’s focus on digital assets secondaries complements our expertise, creating a synergy that will enhance our ability to drive value for our clients and the broader crypto community. We look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership that pioneers innovation and growth.”

Abu Dhabi based Blockchain Foundation merges with Klaytn to form new Blockchain

Abu Dhabi based Blockchain Foundation merges with Klaytn to form new Blockchain

Finschia, an Abu Dhabi based Blockchain Foundation has announced the merger with Klaytn Foundation, to form a new blockchain mainnet.

The two foundations have submitted their proposals to their respective governance members for open discussion, with voting scheduled from 26 January till 2 February. The governance proposal submitted by Klaytn Foundation can be viewed on the Klaytn Governance Forum.

The chain merge is designed to create a highly competitive mainnet ecosystem by integrating the capabilities of Klaytn and Finschia. The two foundations will form an integrated organization, sharing technologies, services, and business networks, working alongside Kakao, LINE, and other partners who have contributed to the development and ecosystem expansion of their respective mainnets.

As per Finschia blog,” By doing so, we plan to establish ourselves as Asia’s largest Web3 ecosystem, taking the lead to drive blockchain mass adoption in the region.”

Klaytn’s robust technical infrastructure and strong presence in South Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam, will be combined with Finschia’s comprehensive service network that is popular in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Abu Dhabi.

Post-merge, Klaytn’s DeFi and gaming services and Finschia’s NFT, payment, and AI services will come together to create a massive ecosystem of 420+ DApps and services, 45+ governance partners, and 450+ Web3 resources, the largest Web3 network in Asia. The merged blockchain will also inherit integration with both Kakao and LINE messengers, creating a powerful ecosystem with over 250 million potential Asian user touchpoints.

Post-merge, the unified foundation will continue to pursue ecosystem expansion in the RWA tokenization, GameFi and DeFi verticals through collaborations with Japanese, South Korean, and Southeast Asian partners, while continuing to develop messenger-based Web3 services and the digital commerce platform. With access to every Kakaotalk and LINE user, the new public blockchain will also act as a springboard for Asia’s IT and entertainment enterprises.

“We are excited to be taking the first step toward unlocking the enormous synergy of merging the public blockchains started by Kakao and LINE, which are both leading IT companies in Asia,” said Klaytn Foundation and Finschia Foundation. “We will give our best to make this merge an opportunity to innovate and lead the Asian blockchain industry in both technology and adoption.”

Genesis Tech and BRI launch Blockchain data project in Qatar

Genesis Tech and BRI launch Blockchain data project in Qatar

Qatar based BRI ( Blockchain Research Institute) Middle East and Genesis Technologies have announced the deployment of a Blockchain data storage system to a client in the country.

As per the press release, BRI Middle East and Genesis Technologies will utilize blockchain for distributed database backup. The new system will improve data availability and reliability, reducing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted access to critical information.

The decentralized nature of the network also provides scalability, allowing organizations to seamlessly expand their storage capacity as their needs evolve.

Genesis Technologies developed the DDS system which is the foundation of the project. By utilizing blockchain technology, the solution provides an unmatched level of security and privacy for critical files.

“This project represents a major leap forward in data protection, offering our client unparalleled security, reliability, and peace of mind. By harnessing the power of blockchain, we have transformed the landscape of database backup, setting a new standard for the industry” said Aline Daoud, Managing Partner at BRI Middle East.

“Our mission with the DDS System is to revolutionize the way sensitive data is stored,” said Dr. Mazen El-Masri, CEO of Genesis Technologies. “In this digital age, security and availability are paramount. The DDS System leverages blockchain technology not just as a buzzword but as a concrete solution to real-world data storage challenges.”

On LinkedIn Mazen El Masri explained that this was the second project they deliver after their first one in KSA. He states, ” We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of Genesis Technologies second project! While our first project exceeded the expectations of a key ministry in Riyadh, this second project with a private Qatari Based company clearly highlights the value of blockchain technology in revolutionizing data storage while offering unparalleled security.”

Genesis Technologies was launched in Qatar back in September 2022.

UAE to launch a $250 million blockchain seafood project

UAE to launch a $250 million blockchain seafood project

BoCG ventures and UAE Exim Finance collaborate on a $250 million investment on transparent and sustainable seafood ecosystem blockchain enabled seafood project in Abu Dhabi UAE.

The Aquaculture project includes the development of innovative infrastructure, such as a 10,000 metric ton salmon recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) farm, and an end-to-end seafood trading platform.

The project will utilize blockchain technology to bridge the gap between seafood products with supply chain and trade financing efficiencies. This initiative tackles difficult constraints in seafood production, trading and supply chain and proposes to scale the value proposition for buyers, sellers, seafood producers and supply chain players in a win-win scenario that grows the market through transparency and competition.

BoCG Ventures, has launched its newest project: a hybrid 10,000 MT RAS Farm located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. In addition to the land-based farm, the project features a blockchain enabled trading platform designed to simplify, fasten, and de-risk global seafood transactions.

“We believe that food security is a critical element of national security, and relying on imports for 70% of the region’s food poses a substantial risk. A land-based RAS farm is an innovative solution for serving the region in a carbon-effective way because it tackles regional challenges in trading efficiency, transparency and transaction financing. This initiative aligns with our firm’s commitment to efficiently and sustainably address the region’s food needs.” – Lyon Kassab, BoCG Ventures Managing General Partner

“The partnership between EXIM Finance and BoCG Ventures is built on compatibility. BoCG Ventures relies on our track record for creative solutions and strategic export/import relationships, while we trust them to excel in project development, operations, technology adoption, and financial returns. This collaboration aims for a long-term partnership based on shared expertise, aspirations, and forward-thinking leadership, ensuring project success through our combined operational models.” – Anshul Dawani, EXIM Managing Partner

The potential harbored by the venture has captivated sustainability-focused investors, leading to a $250 Million USD investment spearheaded by EXIM Finance through a combination of debt and equity financing. This capital infusion is anticipated to accelerate the growth trajectory of the joint venture, fostering a symbiotic ecosystem that ushers buyers and sellers into a new era of seafood markets in the digital epoch.

“BoCG Ventures’ Aquaculture Project is in direct relation to our mandate as an investment firm – as it intertwines and balances environmental and social impact investing, business scalability, and sustainability. We believe that over the next decade the venture’s trading and manufacturing ecosystem will become a mainstay across the world’s most competitive seafood markets. We support the vision behind the joint venture and bring depth to our global portfolio of infrastructure-led projects that place sustainability at the heart of our ethos.” – Salah Ibrahim Al Nasser, EXIM Chairman

“With the advent of the joint venture, more markets that need access to sustainable food sources can leverage our products, technology, partnership, and model. On the demand side, we will be able to provide more access to high-quality seafood to the region and compete on more than simply price. On the supply chain side, we can bring more efficiency between markets that need it most.” – Salim Makvana, Aquaculture Farm Lead

Commenting on the joint venture and fundraise, Board Director Saeed Al Darmaki adds, “As a former ADIA lead and early adopter of blockchain, I must say that BoCG Ventures addresses a crucial gap in the region and globally. Bringing the utility of blockchain in trading and financing platforms aims to bridge traditional business and finance needs using modern techniques while aligning with the GCC’s imperative for food security and a net-zero vision.”

MintLayer to tokenize realestate assets in UAE

MintLayer to tokenize realestate assets in UAE

UAE based MintLayer, a layer 2 blockchain that utilizes Dynamic Slot Allocation (DSA) consensus merging Proof-Of-Stake and Bitcoin technologies to make decentralized financial markets attack-proof,  will be launching its mainnet on January 29th 2024 and is planning tokenize real-estate assets starting from Dubai UAE.

Already MintLayer has received investments from a substantial number of venture capitalists including some residing in the UAE such as Phoenix crypto VC, Sheesha Finance, Varys Capital and others.

Zaid Ismail Chief Operations officer at MintLayer, based out of Dubai UAE, on LinkedIn states,“ 90% of the world’s millionaires made their fortunes through real estate, but it’s highly inaccessible, illiquid, and complicated – that’s where MintLayer comes in! Starting with Dubai, we are on a mission to fractionalize real estate ownership one country at a time.”

In an interview on Bitcoin News, he discussed how tokenized real-world assets are an appealing portfolio for modern investors.

He told Bitcoin News that despite recently garnering much of the world’s attention, traditional exchange-traded funds (ETFs), including spot Bitcoin ETFs, are still inferior to tokenized real-world assets (RWA).

He added,” Tokenized RWAs also come with increased transparency, reduced costs, and direct ownership making them a more versatile and appealing choice for modern investors seeking portfolio diversification.”

He notes in the interview that traditional finance institutions are also starting to get involved in tokenized RWAs. They are testing the waters and will need to work with regulators to adapt existing regulations to the changing landscape.

Ismail emphasizes that with MintLayer the process is simplified, reducing hassles for asset owners. With MintLayer, tokenization is embedded and simple, so non-technical users can issue tokens easily without having to use deployment contracts like on Ethereum.

Additionally, Mintlayer Institutional is building a SaaS platform for institutional clients that will help to simplify the process of issuing, monitoring and dealing with all the compliance aspects required for tokenization.

The MintLayer network, and its UTXO infrastructure, allows batching multiple transactions into a single one, saving space and lowering the fees. Furthermore, their HTLC smart contract embedded in MintLayer will allow atomic swaps and lightning network integration, allowing a way to route transactions on a peer-to-peer network that doesn’t require it to be permanently saved forever on the blockchain.

Mintlayer has a  low node requirements are pivotal in fostering a more inclusive and decentralized network allowing anyone with a standard PC, or even a Raspberry Pi, can run a node is a testament to the democratization of blockchain technology.

Binance and Blockchain center introduce Blockchain curriculum in Jordan

Binance and Blockchain center introduce Blockchain curriculum in Jordan

The Blockchain Center, which seeks to embed blockchain education into academic curricula across the globe by offering training programs for university educators, has partnered with Binance Academy; to expand its Global University Outreach program to included Jordan based Al Ahliyya Amman University.

The Blockchain Center and its initiatives across the glove aim to revolutionize blockchain education by integrating Blockchain Compliance and Blockchain Engineering into the curriculum of universities worldwide.

Al-Ahliyya Amman University, known for academic excellence, will now have access to a wealth of resources curated by Binance Academy and the Blockchain Center. In addition to providing training for university professors, the Blockchain Center will also offer expert-led workshops, seminars, and collaborative research opportunities. This program will provide students and faculty with firsthand experience in the dynamic landscape of blockchain technology.

Bandar Altunisi, Head of Development  Binance Academy in Saudi Arabia, “As a key player in the Global University Outreach Program, together with the Blockchain Center we are excited to welcome Al-Ahliyya Amman University to our network. This collaboration signifies our shared commitment to advancing blockchain education and empowering the next generation of industry leaders.”

The Global University Outreach Program, initially launched in 22 universities in Kazakhstan, plans to expand its reach to over 200 universities across more than 50 countries. With a focus on blockchain engineering and compliance, the initiative seeks to educate over one million students globally by 2026.

“Education is crucial in driving the adoption of blockchain technology into our daily lives,” remarked Aigerim Gilmanova, Head of Education Initiatives at the Blockchain Center. “By extending our program to Al-Ahliyya Amman University, we are fostering an environment where students can explore, experiment, and innovate within the field of blockchain technology.”

“This partnership aligns with our mission to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and provide our students with the skills they need for the future,” said Ahmad O. Hourani, Marketing and Communications Unit Director at Al-Ahliyya Amman University. “We look forward to contributing to the success of the Global University Outreach Program and advancing blockchain education globally.”

Oman Development Bank utilizes blockchain enabled solutions

Oman Development Bank utilizes blockchain enabled solutions

The Oman Development Bank will be digitizing its operations utilizing low code blockchain enabled solutions from NewGen Software.

Newgen Software, a global provider of low code digital transformation platform will streamline Oman Development Bank’s banking processes.

Oman Development Bank, the financing arm for the government to support SMEs based in Oman is dedicated to enhancing its banking processes, aiming for a seamless, secure, and omnichannel experience for its customers.

The bank has opted for Newgen’s intelligent process automation (BPM) and contextual content services (ECM) offerings, built on the NewgenONE low code platform. This project would be executed with the help of Newgen’s platinum implementation partner, Ikyam Technologies.

The Newgen Intelligent process automation and contextual content services are built on a low code platform that manages content, processes ad communication. It empowers  employees to easily develop applications, from automating small departmental functions to enterprise wide solutions

The platform helps leverage cutting-edge capabilities such as robotic process automation (RPA), digital sensing, mobility, analytics, and blockchain,

Leveraging Newgen’s solutions, the bank will oversee the entire content lifecycle, from origination to disposition. The solution provides efficient tools for capturing content from diverse sources and facilitates instant document uploads—managed within a secure, centralized repository. The bank can optimize processes and foster collaboration between front- and back-office teams through user-friendly workflow automation. Moreover, the solution will allow DB to mitigate business risks by ensuring compliance and securing business-critical information. The integration with core banking and third-party systems will provide a unified experience.

“With Newgen’s robust solution, we look forward to achieving a paperless work environment that will enhance efficiency, reduce overall costs, and eliminate process bottlenecks. This will help us meet the targeted growing demand and scale operations to handle high-volume transactions efficiently, leading to a better customer experience. With this implementation, we are poised to set new benchmarks in delivering innovative financial services, empowering SMEs financially, and aligning with the country’s economic development goals,” said Mahmood Al-Yafai, Digital Transformation Program Director, Development Bank.

“It brings us great pleasure to partner with DB, supporting and advancing their digital transformation program’s goals. DB’s trust enhances our standing as a robust, adaptable, and scalable platform meeting the diverse spectrum of banking customer needs. We look forward to helping the bank build a strong foundation with digital banking and supporting their future initiatives,” said Vivek Bhatnagar, VP – EMEA Sales, Newgen Software.

Blockchain and digital assets enter the insurance sector in UAE

Blockchain and digital assets enter the insurance sector in UAE

The DFSA ( Dubai Financial Services Authority) the regulatory arm of Dubai’s International Financial center recently announced that it would be updating its crypto assets regulatory framework with new amendments that would cover crypto assets, crypto custody DeFi, stablecoins, crypto investment funds money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as blockchain and crypto in insurance

It is asking for feedback on its consultation paper by March 3rd 2024. One of the most interesting topics mentioned by DFSA was utilization of Blockchain and crypto in insurance.

The DFSA noted in their consultation paper that given that crypto tokens are being discussed in the context of insurance including the utilization of DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology), for insurance, as well as crypto tokens for denominating policies, receiving premiums and paying out claims, even underwriting risks in crypto market, has prompted DFSA to seek feedback.

DFSA is seeking feedback on market trends regarding underwriting Crypto Token specific risks and associated regulatory risks; regulatory risks, and the prudential treatment of crypto exposures where Insurers receive premiums and pay out claims in Crypto Tokens.

In parrallel BCG recently published an article on how insurance firms are utilizing metaverse and blockchain in their operations, and how this trend will grow.

According to BCG some firms use blockchain records to process claims and detect fraud, while others deploy the technology to offer customized insurance products. It is noteworthy that UAE’s Ministry of Health has utilized blockchain technology for some time now.

BCG believes there are six strategic opportunities for the insurance industry after BCG evaluated leading insurance companies on 43 relevant dimensions and found that insurance companies were not only willing but it was feasible for them to do so.

According to BCG, insurance companies can increase revenues by using blockchain technologies.

Blockchain technology-related revenues for the insurance industry are expected to rise from their 2022 level of $425 million to about $37 billion by 2030. This represents revenue growth of 70% per year.

BCG’s analysis found that 60% of insurance companies are already investing in blockchain, and 80% of their C-suite executives believe that blockchain can enable efficiencies. The increase in revenues is expected to develop within the broader context of a $708 billion revenue gain across all industries and regions from metaverse and blockchain technologies.

The many use cases for metaverse and blockchain technologies fall into six broad strategic opportunities that can unlock substantial business value.

Insure Digital assets

First it can create new revenue streams. Firms can underwrite policies that insure digital assets, such as non-fungible tokens (NFT) cryptocurrency investments, and cryptocurrency keys. Firms can also commercialize the assessment tools used to underwrite emerging risks.

Insurers can also create new revenue streams by developing offerings to address risks related to metaverse technologies. For example, virtual-asset policies can insure against risks such as cyber-attacks and data loses, which are inherent to virtual environments.

Smart Contracts for transactions

The second opportunity is smart contracts, programs stored in a blockchain that run when certain conditions are met and that keep a verified record of all related transactions, which can particularly help insurers expand their product portfolio.

Firms can use smart contracts to create new types of policies that can be activated and deactivated on demand. Specialized underwriters can pool their knowledge to write multiparty insurance policies, each underwriting the risks with which they feel comfortable, and use smart contracts to manage the complexity. And carriers can use smart contracts to offer inexpensive contingency-based insurance for many small risks that would otherwise be difficult to insure. For example, companies could cover short-term work engagements for freelancers, one-time events for commercial venues, seasonal residential rentals for homeowners, and transactions by drivers working with ride-sharing services.

Improved underwriting

Insurers can also improve Underwriting and Claims Processes. Insurers can use blockchain and metaverse technologies to improve some underwriting and claims processes. In doing so, companies can improve the reliability of customer data, reducing existing loss ratios and decreasing the risk profile of the entire portfolio.

By implementing blockchain, an insurer can access the end-to-end record of an insured object’s life cycle, enabling more accurate underwriting and preventing fraud. An insurer can not only store the current value of the insured object but also trace back its provenance, seeing the object’s value whenever it was bought and sold. The insurer will also be able to see its value at the time of all subsequent transactions.

Detect frauds, settle claims

In addition Blockchain systems can help detect fraud by assessing data reliability, thereby avoiding settlement costs for false claims. The systems can also reduce the costs associated with high-volume, low-value claims by making it easier to manage them. Additionally, the automated ledger and tracking inherent in blockchain systems can streamline operational inefficiencies and reduce delays in settling claims. The latter two benefits are possible given the immutability of a blockchain ledger and blockchain’s capability to monitor policyholders’ digital identities using digital identity wallets.

OneDegree in UAE to insure digital assets

The announcement made by DIFC comes just after Hong Kong based digital asset insurance provider, OneDegree, announced it was expanding its offering to the UAE through a local partnership with Dubai Insurance Company.

Both UAE local entity and OneDegree will insure digital asset firms in the UAE using its OneInFinity product offering.

OneDegree is in the process of setting up its entity in Dubai UAE. The company will offer several types of insurance required by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority’s (VARA) new cryptocurrency regulatory regime in Dubai, including commercial crime insurance, professional indemnity insurance, and directors and officers insurance.

Conclusion

The discussion both on a regulatory level, as well as in terms of partnerships on the ground in UAE for implementing blockchain and crypto in the insurance industry, is a reflection of the readiness the UAE is at in terms of digital asset adoption.

For many when insurance companies start ensuring crypto, NFTs, and digital assets that means the technology and the regulations around it have become mature, and is a pre-requisite for the onbaording of institutional investors.

Moroccan advisory firm to offer blockchain cyber security solutions

Moroccan advisory firm to offer blockchain cyber security solutions

Moroccan BDO advisory has partnered with Naoris Consulting to integrate Naoris’s solutions including their blockchain based security protocol into their service offerings.

According to the announcement the integration is specifically designed to meet the unique challenges of the French-speaking African market.

The synergy between BDO Advisory and Naoris will make it possible to develop tailor-made digital transformation strategies, with a particular emphasis on cybersecurity. The objective is to use Naoris’ advanced technology to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of African organizations and businesses, explains BDO Advisory.

On LinkedIn, Zakaria Fahim Managing Partner of BDO Morocco, stated, “We are excited to promote our strategic partnership for advancing decentralized cybersecurity using blockchain technology. This collaboration is key to providing innovative, secure solutions for Morocco and Africa.”

He added, “Our shared goal is to develop advanced cybersecurity systems leveraging blockchain’ s decentralization and transparency. This partnership will enable us to offer robust solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by our enterprises in Africa and globally.”

Naoris Consulting on LinkedIN noted, “We are excited to share a pivotal chapter in our story. We’re embarking on a strategic partnership with BDO Morocco, a union of vision and expertise to revolutionize digital transformation with cybersecurity as a backbone in Francophone Africa. Envision a landscape where every organization in Francophone Africa is empowered to thrive digitally, bolstered by unyielding cybersecurity. This partnership is our stride towards turning that collective dream into a tangible reality, ensuring a safer and more innovative future for all.”

More and more Blockchain companies are moving to Morocco to serve the African region, including entities such as The Hashgraph Association, IR4Labs and others.

Blockchain DeFi Finance platform receives a license in Saudi Arabia

Blockchain DeFi Finance platform receives a license in Saudi Arabia

MRHB a halal, decentralized finance (DeFi) platform built for Ethical and Inclusive DeFi has expanded into the Saudi market after receiving a license from the Ministry of Investment.

MRHB plans to relocate its research and development team to Riyadh KSA.

According to the press release, “At $830bn Saudi Arabia has the largest Islamic Banking market globally and as such it was inevitable for MRHB.Network – the world’s most mature halal web3 ecosystem – to come onshore. By securing the license, MRHB.Network is now better able to partner with local, regulated institutions to drive its vision of a more inclusive, ethical, and halal approach to the world of decentralized finance and digital assets.”

The relocation of MRHB.Network’s R&D team to Riyadh is a strategic decision to tap into the vibrant and innovative fintech and venture capital ecosystem in the region. Riyadh’s dynamic, tech-forward environment offers the perfect backdrop for MRHB.Network to spearhead research and development efforts to bring the six trillion dollar Islamic economy into the digital assets era.

On LinkedIn Founder of MRHB Naquib Mohammed stated, “With great pleasure, I am excited to announce that MRHB.Network has received the local license from The Ministry of Investment, Saudi Arabia and has now expanded to the Kingdom. Our R&D team will soon relocate to Riyadh, where we will begin the next phase of our research and development. We are committed to providing empowering fintech solutions to the GCC, MENA region, and beyond.”

Prior to the move to KSA, MRHB Network partnered up with Shari’ah Review Bureau (“SRB”), a Bahrain-based Shari’ah advisory firm, to independently assess and review its new product EMPLIFAI (Earnings Amplified with Algorithms & AI) which aims to provide Sharia-compliant passive income.  

At the time Mohammed stated, “The MRHB ecosystem aims for a wide array of crypto-based DeFi solutions. After a successful launch of the Sahal Wallet app, a multichain self-custodial digital wallet, we are pleased to present our new product to the Muslim community – a liquidity harvester product, EMPLIFAI which incorporates a Sharia-compliant mechanism and structure for users to invest and generate passive income.”