UAE based Bybit crypto exchange contributes $272,000 for American University of Sharjah scholarship fund

UAE based Bybit crypto exchange contributes $272,000 for American University of Sharjah scholarship fund

Once again Bybit is supporting the crypto and blockchain ecosystem in the UAE. Yesterday it was with DMCC crypto center, and today it is with the University of Sharjah. Bybit has contributed $272.000 equivalent to 1 million AE to establish a scholarship fund to support 20 students to accelerate their academic and research career into fintech and blockchain at the American University of Sharjah.

20 computer science and computer engineering students will benefit from the Bybit Scholarship as soon as this fall.

Bybit is also committed to broader initiatives including an extra AED 100,000 to sponsor a hackathon for the blockchain community in the UAE. The first AUS-Bybit Inter-College Hackathon will be held at the AUS College of Engineering in the 2023-2024 academic year.

“AUS’ reputation as a center for education excellence stems in part from its strong industry links that allows it to continuously bridge gaps between industry and academia. Through this partnership with Bybit, our students will have access to the technical knowledge that helps them keep up with all that is novel in the crypto and blockchain industry, enhance their skills and support their education through the establishment of the Bybit Scholarship. At AUS, we graduate professionals and lifelong learners who are capable of making a difference in an ever-evolving world,” said Dr. Susan Mumm, Chancellor of AUS.

“Younger generations hold the key in driving the blockchain revolution forward,” said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “We are pleased to create the Bybit Scholarship at AUS to help their talented students’ future-proof their knowledge and skills. We thank AUS for the opportunities to raise crypto awareness and share first-hand knowledge of the industry with students from one of the most prestigious universities in the region. I look forward to being inspired by the future engineers, blockchain scientists, and Web3 startup founders.”

Global crypto exchange ByBit to support crypto businesses in Dubai’s DMCC

Global crypto exchange ByBit to support crypto businesses in Dubai’s DMCC

Global crypto exchange ByBit has partnered with UAE’s DMCC freezone to offer financial support totaling $136,000 for new crypto businesses looking to set up in the DMCC crypto center. Bybit’s pledge of financial support in the amount of $136,000 will be used to kickstart the growth journeys of 15 new Web3 companies at the DMCC Crypto Centre. To qualify for this opportunity, start-ups must successfully pass the standard compliance and due diligence checks required by DMCC.

Bybit will become the listing partner for the Crypto Centre, with the company providing dedicated support for crypto firms looking to list digital assets on one of the top global exchanges. Additionally, the partnership will bring Bybit Services to Crypto Centre members.

Bybit currently has its headquarters in Dubai UAE and boasts of 15 million users. Bybit will also participate in the DMCC Crypto Centre’s educational initiatives by delivering webinars and educational courses about the digital assets industry and emerging trends, centralized exchanges and their impact in shaping the Web3 industry. 

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive of DMCC, stated, “Dubai has truly cemented its position as a global hub for crypto and Web3, with the DMCC Crypto Centre boasting the highest concentration of crypto firms in the region. This status has only been bolstered by Bybit’s presence, so we are excited to have them on board as an official ecosystem partner. Thanks to Bybit’s industry-leading expertise and financial contribution, this partnership will accelerate the impact that Dubai’s game-changing crypto and Web3 businesses are having on the industry.”

 

Ben Zhou, Co-Founder and CEO of Bybit, added “Through the efforts of entities such as DMCC, Dubai has certainly become a global focal point for the crypto industry. The emirate is full of high-potential Web3 businesses, so we are proud to be working with DMCC to facilitate their success and continue the evolution of the crypto industry and global digital economy. By bringing our standard of transparency, listing and custodial expertise and services to Crypto Centre members, we can have a tangible impact on Dubai’s future as the crypto capital and deliver on our aim to be the world’s ‘Crypto Ark’.”

Global crypto exchanges in first phase of Dubai’s regulator journey with Binance and Crypto.com a step further

Global crypto exchanges in first phase of Dubai’s regulator journey with Binance and Crypto.com a step further

Global Crypto exchanges, Huobi, Bybit, Equiti, and OKx have all made it to the MVP ( Minimum Viable Product) provisional phase of VARA’s regulatory journey, while crypto.com  and Binance have moved one step forward to the preparatory license phase. 

As per VARA the MVP License is a 3-stage process starting with a (1) Provisional Permit; graduating to a (2) Preparatory License and concluding with an (3) Operating License. Applicants that are already in the MVP process will be advised by VARA to either continue within the MVP licensing process and/or be transitioned to the FMP Licensing process, ensuring a seamless transition with a focus on efficiency.

So far as per VARA the only crypto exchanges in the second phase under preparatory license are Binance and crypto.com. Binance is also in preparatory phase for its payments offering. 

VARA recently announced that Crypto.com move to the preparatory phase of the license after graduating from the provisional phase. 

As per the release, Crypto.com  received this MVP preparatory license after a detailed review of its key personnel, governance procedures, Anti Money Laundering / Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML / CFT) capabilities, Know Your Customer (KYC) and Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) policies and procedures, cross-border safety and security measures, and best-in-class compliance practices. 

“We are pleased to welcome Crypto.com to the MVP Programme preparatory phase,” said Henson Orser, Chief Executive Officer of VARA. “VARA’s regulatory framework will be instrumental in creating and managing a unique, resilient and securely future-proofed ecosystem that delivers a sustainable and thriving global best-in-class VA market with secure cross-border interoperability. As such, participation from credible players like Crypto.com will further our mission of delivering a progressive and future-focused regulatory framework”.

“This achievement is the next significant step for Crypto.com in an incredibly important market for our business and industry,” said Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com. “With the MVP preparatory license, we look forward to continuing to work with regulators in providing customers the most comprehensive and secure crypto experience.”

Only VASPs that receive a final approval post review from VARA – and receive the FMP License, are in a position to undertake any regulated VA activities, or offer such services to and/or from the Emirate of Dubai.

The only entity in VARA that has reached one stage before a fully operational license is HexTrust which provides crypto custody and staking services.

During a recent interview by LaraontheBlock with the CEO of VARA, Orser explains how VARA will be offering more licenses in areas such as DAOs, DeFi, Crypto mining, and more. He also explains what is of most importance to VARA as a regulator.