UAE DWF Labs launch $250 million crypto projects Liquid Fund

UAE DWF Labs launch $250 million crypto projects Liquid Fund

UAE based DWF Labs, the new generation crypto market maker and investor announced the launch of their $250 million Liquid Fund to accelerate the adoption and expansion of mid and large cap crypto projects.

As per the announcement, the firm already invested over $11 million into promising blockchain projects and will sign two major investment deals worth $25 million and $10 million as part of this $250 million Liquid Fund, with more announcements coming up in the pipeline.

This initiative aligns with DWF Labs’ commitment to supercharge real growth in the wider crypto landscape, with investment sizes ranging from $10 million to $50 million per project. The fund will provide strategic crypto venture capital and ecosystem support, ensuring sustainable growth for projects that drive real-world adoption and help promote change in the industry.

Unlike traditional investments, each deal will also include a full-scale ecosystem growth strategy tailored to the needs of the project. This includes, stablecoin TVL and Ecosystem Expansion, Supporting liquidity and DeFi activity for L1/L2 networks. It will also include lending markets development, PR and Brand amplification, and comprehensive GTM strategy.

“Through this fund, we are doubling down on our mission to accelerate Web3 innovation and adoption,” said Andrei Grachev, Managing Partner at DWF Labs. “We believe that strategic capital, coupled with hands-on ecosystem development, is the key to unlocking the next wave of growth for the industry.”

UAE based Hoxton Wealth adds multiple crypto account feature

UAE based Hoxton Wealth adds multiple crypto account feature

UAE based financial advisory firm Hoxton Wealth has introduced new features to its Hoxton Wealth App, including multiple crypto accounts where users can organize their crypto holdings into separate accounts, enhancing visibility and streamlined management.

Additionally the new features will expand account linking supporting linking additional asset types, including crypto accounts, personal loans, vehicle loans, and mortgages, with automated updates for seamless financial tracking.

Users can also auto deduct for loans, set at set automatic monthly deductions, making it easier to track outstanding balances and manage repayments.

Currently, the Hoxton Wealth App tracks over £115 million in assets and liabilities through its open banking integrations.

The Hoxton Wealth App provides easy access to a consolidated view of users’ entire net worth on mobile or desktop—regardless of whether they are Hoxton clients.

Leveraging open banking technology, the app aggregates financial data from over 20,000 global sources, including bank accounts, brokerage accounts, crypto exchanges, pensions, and cash accounts.

Users can also track static assets like real estate and monitor investments in stocks, shares, and cryptocurrencies. Financial liabilities, including credit cards and mortgages, are seamlessly integrated for a holistic wealth overview. The platform is available on both web and mobile.

Amberdata digital asset analytics firm sets up office in UAE

Amberdata digital asset analytics firm sets up office in UAE

Amberdata, the US-based digital asset data and analytics for institutional customers, has expanded into the Middle East with a new office in Dubai. The office as per the press release will offer GCC current customers as well as new market entrants with sales and account management support including comprehensive, granular on-chain, DeFi, spot, and derivatives market data and market intelligence.

Amberdata chose the UAE due to its emergence as a crypto innovation center focused on creating a regulatory environment conducive to growth, attracting top talent, and fostering a robust ecosystem for the digital asset class.

“Dubai really has become a global hub of crypto innovation,” said Shawn Douglass, CEO of Amberdata. “Thanks to the growth of the DIFC (Dubai Financial International Centre) there are many institutions active in the region. This drives collaboration between traditional financial institutions and the crypto industry. We look forward to serving this growing market and providing more financial institutions with a competitive edge in the digital asset class.”

Amberdata delivers comprehensive data and insights into blockchain networks, crypto markets, and decentralized finance, empowering financial institutions with data for research, trading, risk, analytics, reporting, and compliance.

The announcement comes as financial institutions, and more VASPs enter the crypto space in the UAE and GCC region. One of the first digital asset data analytics firms to enter UAE was Chainalysis, and then Crystal Intelligence.

Amana UAE based neobroker now trades 450 cryptocurrencies

Amana UAE based neobroker now trades 450 cryptocurrencies

amana, UAE based neobroker with operations across the Middle East, has added 300 new cryptocurrencies to trade in, making the total available 450 cryptocurrencies. As per the press release this cements amana as the go-to platform for seamless digital and traditional asset trading in one powerful app.

This milestone fills a major gap: most crypto platforms focus solely on digital assets, while traditional brokers offer little to no crypto access. amana bridges both worlds, giving traders everything they need in one place—no multiple accounts required.

With 450 plus cryptocurrencies this makes the widest selection from any broker in MENA, including majors like Bitcoin or Ethereum and XRP, gaming coins like Decentraland, meme coins like the Trump coin, L1/L2s, DeFi, and many more,


“Trading crypto has never been this effortless,” said Muhammad Rasoul, CEO of amana. “With over 450 coins and a seamless all-in-one platform, we’re making it easier than ever for our customers to trade digital assets alongside stocks, forex, and commodities—all in one place, with zero hassle.”

Avalanche Blockchain joins new Web3 ecosystem in UAE, TheBlock

Avalanche Blockchain joins new Web3 ecosystem in UAE, TheBlock

Avalanche Blockchain, has joined the new Web3 ecosystem in Dubai UAE, TheBlock, whose membership targets startups and enterprises alike. TheBlock is bringing together an array of experts, investors, and innovators to accelerate Web3 initiatives and foster industry-wide growth. As per their website their experts include regulators, innovators, and enterprises in a single collaborative framework to accelerate Web3 adoption.

Avalanche is not the first entity to join. So far members include Dubai World Trade Center, Realiz, Polymesh, Fuze, BlackLane, Crystal, Vero, and Black Manta Capital Partners.

Avalanche has become the first Apex member of TheBlock, marking a key development in the expansion of blockchain technology within the region.

TheBlock provides blockchain companies with the resources, regulatory guidance, and strategic partnerships necessary to establish and expand their presence in the UAE. By offering tailored membership programs and direct access to investors, developers, and regulators, TheBlock facilitates business growth within the Middle East’s evolving digital asset landscape.

Avalanche is recognized for its high-performance blockchain infrastructure, offering exceptional speed, scalability, and security. With near-instant transaction finality and cost-efficient solutions, Avalanche is enabling the development of real-world applications that scale effectively.

Prior to TheBlock, Dubai notably had Crypto Oasis as one of the pioneering Web3 ecosystems based out of DMCC. There is also the recent Blockchain Abu Dhabi Center in Abu Dhabi as well.

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.”

Ripple to offer crypto payments in UAE after receiving license

Ripple to offer crypto payments in UAE after receiving license

Ripple, which offers enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions can now offer crypto payment services in the UAE after receiving its license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Ripple will be the first blockchain-enabled payments provider licensed by the DFSA.

This is the first license for Ripple in MENA allowing it to offer seamless compliant crypto payments in UAE to financial institutions who want to utilize digital assets.

“We are entering an unprecedented period of growth for the crypto industry, driven by greater regulatory clarity around the world and increasing institutional adoption,” said Brad Garlinghouse, Chief Executive Officer of Ripple. “Thanks to its early leadership in creating a supportive environment for tech and crypto innovation, the UAE is exceptionally well-placed to benefit.”

According to a 2024 business survey carried out by Ripple, 64% of Middle East and Africa (MEA) finance leaders see faster payments and settlement times as the biggest value proposition for incorporating blockchain-based currencies into their cross-border payments business.

His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority commented, ”We are thrilled that Ripple is deepening their commitment to Dubai by securing a DFSA license that makes them the first blockchain-enabled payments provider in DIFC. This milestone not only highlights our commitment to fostering innovation, but also opens the door for Ripple to tap into new growth opportunities across the region and beyond. As the Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s leading global financial centre, DIFC is proud to support forward-thinking companies like Ripple as they shape the future of finance and accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology in the payments industry.”

Since establishing its Middle East headquarters in DIFC in 2020, Ripple has continued to deepen its presence in the region. With around 20% of its global customer base already operating in the Middle East, this latest regulatory approval positions Ripple to further accelerate growth and innovation in a high-potential market. The MEA region has one of highest levels of institutional readiness when it comes to crypto adoption, with over 82% of MEA finance leaders stating they are “very or extremely confident” when it comes to integrating blockchain solutions into their business.

Reece Merrick, Ripple’s Managing Director for Middle East and Africa. “Securing this DFSA license is a major milestone that will enable us to better serve the growing demand for faster, cheaper and more transparent cross-border transactions in one of the world’s largest cross-border payments hubs. We’re grateful for the support of our partners at DIFC, and we’re ready to hit the ground running with a growing local team and strong customer pipeline.”

Ripple’s DFSA license adds to its growing list of over 60 regulatory approvals worldwide.

Prior to this license Ripple had partnered with the DIFC Innovation Hub to accelerate blockchain and digital assets innovation in the UAE, while in 2023 its token XRP was one of two new crypto tokens to join Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum, and Litecoin as recognized crypto tokens by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

UAE MGX enters crypto ecosystem with an investment of $2 billion into Binance

UAE MGX enters crypto ecosystem with an investment of $2 billion into Binance

UAE based MGX, an AI and advanced tech investor has invested $2 billion into Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange licensed in the UAE.

As per the blog post, the transaction, is the first institutional investment in Binance to date. They note that it marks a significant step in advancing digital asset adoption and reinforcing blockchain’s role in global finance. It is also the single largest investment into a crypto company and the largest investment ever paid in crypto more precisely a stablecoin.

This investment represents MGX’s first entry into the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors, securing a minority stake in Binance as part of a broader strategy to support blockchain’s transformative impact on society. By partnering with the leading industry player, MGX aims to enable innovation at the intersection of AI, blockchain technology and finance.

Binance is larger than the next several cryptocurrency exchanges combined by trading volume, boasting over 260 million registered users and surpassing $100 trillion in cumulative trading volume.

Ahmed Yahia, Managing Director & CEO, MGX, noted that MGX’s investment in Binance reflects their commitment to advancing blockchain’s transformative potential for digital finance. He stated, “As institutional adoption accelerates, the need for secure, compliant, and scalable blockchain infrastructure and solutions has never been greater. Binance has long been a driving force in cryptocurrency innovation, from exchange technology and tokenization to staking and payments. Together, we are committed to building a more inclusive and robust digital finance ecosystem.”

Binance CEO, Richard Teng, added, “This investment by MGX is a significant milestone for the crypto industry and for Binance. Together, we are shaping the future of digital finance. Our ongoing investments in security and compliance reinforce our mission to foster a secure and trusted digital financial ecosystem.”

UAE Klickl welcomes Mo Shaikh co founder of Aptos Labs as strategic advisor

UAE Klickl welcomes Mo Shaikh co founder of Aptos Labs as strategic advisor

Klickl, a UAE digital asset exchange and custodian with an in principle approval from ADGM in Abu Dhabi, and the KLK Foundation has welcomed Mo Shaikh, former CEO and co-founder of Aptos Labs, as a strategic advisor to support the company’s Web3 strategy and institutional expansion.

As per the press release, Mo’s guidance, Klickl aims to become the payment infrastructure of Open Finance, solidifying its position as a PayFi powerhouse.

A seasoned entrepreneur and blockchain visionary, Mo was instrumental in shaping Aptos into the most institutionally trusted Layer 1 blockchain. Under his leadership, Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC launched on Aptos, and he played a key role in securing institutional partnerships such as, BlackRock’s BUIDL via Securitize, Franklin Templeton’s Benji, HKMA’s eHKD+ pilot and Invesco-BCG whitepaper on digital assets.

Beyond Aptos, Mo brings extensive experience from Meta’s Diem Project, ConsenSys, BlackRock, Meridio (one of the first securities tokenization platforms in the US), and his advisory role to central banks on digital assets at BCG.

“Today’s Web3 payments are stuck—too fragmented for institutions to trust and too clunky for users to scale. Klickl solves this with a rare blend of regulatory licenses, Aptos-powered efficiency, and a vision for seamless Open Finance. I’ve bridged TradFi and Web3 before, and I’m here to help Klickl build the payment backbone that institutions and users can rely on. The shift starts now—keep an eye on us” — Mo Shaikh

Klickl CEO Michael Zhao on Mo’s Appointment, “We’re thrilled to have Mo on board. His insights and leadership will help us bridge the gap between Web2 TradFi and Web3 native finance. With his addition, we have assembled all the key pieces needed to build something truly groundbreaking.” — Michael Zhao, CEO of Klickl

With Mo’s strategic guidance, Klickl is positioned to reshape digital payments in Web3, unlocking new opportunities for institutions and users worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates as we build the future of compliant, scalable, and seamless crypto payments.

Unchained Summit to feature prominent figures in Web3 in Dubai UAE

Unchained Summit to feature prominent figures in Web3 in Dubai UAE

As the world races toward a decentralized future, the Unchained Summit 2025 is set to take center stage in Dubai, hosting what promises to be a transformative gathering for the Web 3.0 ecosystem. Scheduled for April 28th and 29th at the luxurious Kempinski Central Avenue, this upcoming crypto conference in Dubai aims to redefine the global impact of blockchain technology, decentralized finance (DeFi), and the broader Web 3.0 landscape.

Tuesday, 11 March 2025, UAE: Organized by Aeternum, a rising B2B events company specializing in emerging tech, the Unchained Summit is poised to unite over 1,500 attendees, including visionaries, investors, developers, and policymakers; to spark meaningful dialogues, catalyze innovation with the help of curated topics and one-on-one networking.

The global momentum for crypto regulation and adoption is stronger than ever. Following major policy discussions, including the recent White House Crypto Summit featuring industry leaders, Unchained Summit will further drive the conversation by uniting the ecosystem’s top minds in Dubai.

The summit’s lineup features prominent figures from the Web 3.0 ecosystem, including:

• Greg Scanlon, VP Quantitative Blockchain, Franklin Templeton Digital Assets
• May Zabaneh, VP of Product – Blockchain, Crypto & Digital Currencies, PayPal
• Richard Muirhead, Chairman & Managing Partner, Fabric Ventures
• Rushi Manche, Co-Founder and Lead Architect, Movement Labs
• Jack Platts, Co-Founder, Hypersphere Ventures
• Shuyao Kong, Co-Founder, MegaETH, among others.

Martin de Rijke, one of the speakers attending the event, said, “Maple Finance is transforming institutional credit in crypto, providing a scalable on-chain infrastructure for transparent and efficient lending. As Head of Growth, I lead Maple’s expansion by forging strategic partnerships and scaling adoption among institutional borrowers and lenders. At Unchained Summit Dubai, I will share insights on the evolving credit landscape in crypto, the role of on-chain finance in institutional markets, and what’s next for decentralized lending.”

Among the attending organizations is Mesh, a platform that facilitates crypto transactions by integrating with over 300 exchanges and wallets. Bam Azizi, CEO and Founder of Mesh, commented, “Just as the internet transformed communication and commerce, crypto is shaping the future of payments. I look forward to engaging with the industry leaders, investors, and companies that will shape the financial system of our future. This is the time to create scalable, consumer-ready solutions and I can’t think of many places better than the Unchained Summit to have these discussions.”

The event’s structure prioritizes networking, with dedicated lounges, curated topics, fireside chats led by Founders and Investors, and an exclusive afterparty where attendees can unwind and forge partnerships. Over 300 investors are expected to attend, representing venture capital firms and funds eager to back Web 3.0 projects. For startups, the summit offers a rare chance to secure funding and mentorship in a single setting. For seasoned professionals, the event provides a platform to explore reconnect with the Crypto community, alongside learn from trends like asset tokenization, decentralized AI, and the intersection of Web 3.0 with traditional finance.

Sharath Kumar, Founder and CEO of Aeternum, organizer of Unchained Summit, said: “Unchained Summit distinguishes itself with a highly curated attendee profile, ensuring the presence of key decision-makers from across the Web 3.0 ecosystem. With a strategic focus on connecting VCs, crypto-focused hedge funds, and institutional investors with the most promising emerging projects, the summit aims to facilitate meaningful engagement beyond conventional networking. This will be achieved through pre-arranged one-on-one meetings, targeted investor introductions conducted in the lead-up to the event, and continued engagement opportunities post-event, positioning Unchained as a premier platform for high-value connections and strategic partnerships.”