GCEX crypto broker in UK reports lower revenues in 2023

GCEX crypto broker in UK reports lower revenues in 2023

GC Exchange GCEX a licensed crypto broker in Dubai UAE announced that its GCEX’s UK entity a crypto broker has submitted its accounts for y/e 31 December 2023, reporting a turnover of £2.30 million equivalent to $2.8 million. This is a decline in volume from £4.46m ($5.58 million) the previous year.

As per the press release, this is largely attributed to the crypto winter and follows an exceptional growth year for GCEX y/e 2022. However, despite the drop in turnover for y/e 2023, the company has steadily increased revenue on a monthly basis since the beginning of 2023, a trend that has continued into the current year.

The UK entity reported a loss before tax of £387,429 but remained committed to its growth objectives, as evidenced by its ongoing development of technology solutions and the distribution of £1.80m during the year to its parent company, GCEX Holding Limited, aimed at supporting the international expansion of the GCEX Group.

Lars Holst, Founder and CEO, GCEX added, “The crypto winter had a huge impact across the industry, and GCEX was no exception. However, in response to the decline in revenue, we have been resilient and adaptive, navigating our costs effectively and diversifying revenue streams such as introducing staking services for institutional and professional clients.

“We don’t run risk and don’t do lending or borrowing and we continue to have significant excess Tier 1 capital in our UK entity. Following a successful Q1 2024, We are now back to profitability and continue to execute on our long-term plans, investing and expanding in our global business.”

Over the last financial year, GCEX Group, with headquarters in London, has broadened its product offering, enhanced its technology and strengthened partnerships with Tier 1, trusted Liquidity Providers as well as digital asset custody solutions. The Group secured two additional regulatory licenses: an investment firm in Denmark regulated by the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority and a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license in Dubai, UAE regulated by VARA.

GCEX Group enables institutional and professional clients to access deep liquidity in FX and CFDs on digital assets, as well as digital assets spot trading and conversion, and offers a broad range of Forex brokerage and crypto-native technology solutions – XplorDigital.

Binance the biggest crypto exchange in the world receives UAE license

Binance the biggest crypto exchange in the world receives UAE license

Binance FZE, the Dubai entity of the biggest global virtual assets services provider and crypto exchange, has received the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This license, subsequent to the previous issuance of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) License in July 2023, marks a significant milestone for Binance.


Binance CEO Richard Teng stated, “As we secure the esteemed full market VASP License, it notably amplifies our unwavering commitment to advancing the financial landscape through compliance and innovation. This achievement embodies our dedication to transparency, regulatory compliance, and responsible growth in the dynamic digital assets domain.


Furthermore, it bears testimony to the innovative spirit of the UAE, as it continues to embrace the transformative economic implications of blockchain technology for its residents.”


The transition from an MVP License to a VASP License allows Binance FZE to extend its product offering and expand its services to the retail market, in addition to qualified and institutional investors. Binance FZE can now offer individual customers a broad portfolio of virtual asset products that includes spot trading, margin trading (for qualified users), and staking products.


Binance FZE General Manager Alex Chehade said, “This is a major milestone that validates our commitment to providing secure, compliant, and top-tier services to our users. It underlines Dubai’s position as a forward-thinking city – acknowledging and embracing the
financial potential that blockchain technology brings.”


Upon initiating operations under the new VASP License, Binance FZE will significantly enhance its current services beyond spot trading and fiat services. This license allows diversifying trading services exclusively for qualified and institutional investors only, where these segments are eligible to engage in margin and derivatives products, including futures and options. Presently, these services are strictly restricted to those that meet the qualified investor criteria.

Binance already has a license in Bahrain. Its license in UAE, follows the licensing of several other crypto exchanges including international players such as OKX, and Crypto.com. The competition just got fiercer in the UAE.

This announcement also comes as Binance sets to return to India.

QCP Capital crypto trading firm opens office in UAE and partners with Further Ventures

QCP Capital crypto trading firm opens office in UAE and partners with Further Ventures

on the eve of Token2049 Dubai, QCP, a global digital asset trading firm and market maker with close to $60b in annual trading volumes
in 2023, and Further Ventures, a leading venture building and investment firm backed by Lunate and Mastercard, jointly announced a strategic partnership aimed at expanding digital asset innovation.

Tapping into the immense growth potential in Abu Dhabi, QCP and Further Ventures are partnering to launch new financial and Derivatives product offerings combining QCP’s considerable experience in digital asset trading and Further Ventures’ licensed broker-dealer and custodial platforms. On the back of this partnership, QCP is expanding to Abu Dhabi with plans to establish a presence in Abu Dhabi Global Markets as its jurisdiction of choice.

As per the press release, more details will be announced at a later stage.


Melvin Deng, CEO, QCP shared that, “Increased institutional adoption in digital assets combined with exponential growth of traditional AUM present a compelling and untapped opportunity for QCP to expand in Abu Dhabi, supported by our partnership with Further Ventures. We greatly value Further Ventures’ deep expertise and passion to develop the ecosystem as we grow our industry leadership in institutional digital assets.”

This collaboration brings together QCP’s market-leading and deep institutional capabilities in digital asset trading with Further Ventures’ investment expertise and extensive portfolio such as Tungsten and Fuze.

This article was updated on April 18th at 12:05 +3GMT

BitOasis aims for full VASP license after receiving operational go ahead from from Dubai’s VARA

BitOasis aims for full VASP license after receiving operational go ahead from from Dubai’s VARA

In a blog post, BitOasis acknowledged that while it has resumed its acceptance of new clients onto the platform as a crypto broker operating under Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority (VARA), it is working “towards securing a full virtual asset service provider license under the supervision of VARA”.

In the blog post, BitOasis announced that the crypto broker would resume accepting new registrations retail and institutional customers starting 12 April 2024.  New users would be able to create accounts on the platform and enjoy a safe, secure and convenient way to buy, sell and trade over 60 tokens with multiple currencies, including AED, SAR, and USD.

The blog post adds,” The reopening of our platform to new retail and institutional customers is a testament to our continued dedication to serving our users in full compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements.”

BitOasis had been working since July 2023 to fulfill select conditions associated with its Operational MVP License with respect to serving Institutional and Qualified Retail Investors.

In August 2023, BitOais received an investment from Indian crypto exchange CoinDCX. At the time, Ola Doudin, Co-Founder and CEO of BitOasis said: “We are delighted to be working with CoinDCX, India’s leading crypto platform. The investment will allow us to sharpen our focus on perfecting our existing products and expanding across our markets. We are very excited about the opportunities the funding will unlock for us.”

With VARA granting renewed active operational status to BitOasis, as well as the license to crypto.com, the UAE crypto exchange regulatory landscape is now one of the most competitive in the world.

Kindly note that this article has been updated on April 14th 2024 based on VARA’s website page which noted that BitOasis hasnt received a VASP license but has now become actively operational once again.

Fasset crypto exchange launches its app in UAE

Fasset crypto exchange launches its app in UAE

UAE regulated crypto digital asset exchange Fasset has launched its official application in the UAE. Fasset received a VARA (Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority) license in November 2023.

The app’s launch in the UAE is a strategic step for Fasset, following a successful launch in Indonesia last year, where it attracted over one million users within the first week. Fasset allows users to carry out spot trading and investment services in cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets.

On the educational front the application includes Fasset Play, designed to offer a risk-free learning environment for users to hone their investment skills. This initiative aligns with Fasset’s mission to democratize access to financial services, enabling a wider audience to explore and manage their wealth.

Fasset CEO Mohammad Raafi Hossain commented, “UAE is experiencing a surge in digital asset investment as the government promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. We are happy to extend our secure and transparent platform to customers in the UAE. Our goal is to empower people to have universal access to financial services, so they have more opportunities to build and manage their wealth.”

Fasset’s strategic partnerships have been instrumental in its rapid growth. In Indonesia, the company partnered with Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison to launch the world’s first embedded digital asset exchange in a telco app, reaching over 100 million users. Additionally, Fasset collaborated with Mastercard to introduce a crypto card for users in the region.

Fasset has raised a total of $26.7 million in funding. This includes a significant $22 million raised in a Series A funding round in April 2022, led by Liberty City Ventures from New York and Fatima Gobi Ventures from Pakistan, with additional participation from Soma Capital and MyAsiaVC. Before this, Fasset raised $4.7 million across two rounds, including seed funding from Dubai’s Ceras Ventures in May 2021.

CoinMENA and Network International to offer fiat to crypto onramp

CoinMENA and Network International to offer fiat to crypto onramp

Network International (Network), the leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, collaborated with virtual asset service provider CoinMENA FZE, to provide users with a seamless and secure onramp from fiat to crypto via card deposits.

The announcement was made at a signing ceremony led by Pankaj Kundra, Group Head of Products, Partnerships, and Enterprises at Network International, and Talal Tabbaa, CEO of CoinMENA.

CoinMENA is regulated and licensed by Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, and the Central Bank of Bahrain. CoinMENA enables investors to buy, sell, send, receive, and store digital assets safely and securely.

CoinMENA Co-Founders Talal Tabbaa and Dina Sam’an said in a joint statement, “Partnering with Network International, the leading enabler of digital commerce in the MENA region, marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing our users in the UAE with seamless and secure onramps to crypto. With the ability to deposit fiat to their CoinMENA wallet instantly via cards, our users can now experience a streamlined and efficient process. This aligns with our mission to continually enhance the accessibility and convenience of crypto services. We look forward to leveraging Network International’s industry leadership in the UAE and providing the best experience possible for our users.”

Pankaj Kundra, Group Head of Products, Partnerships and Enterprises at Network International, said, “Network’s legacy of 30 years of providing cutting-edge payment solutions allows us to capitalise our experience and expertise across next-generation platforms such as crypto and digital asset financial services. Our collaboration with CoinMENA will provide UAE investors with an additional option to use their cards to fund their CoinMENA wallets.”

He added, “Deposits using cards is the most convenient way for users to fund their crypto wallets. We look forward to supporting CoinMENA by strengthening their onramp capabilities, through our best-in-class N-Genius payment gateway. Our partnership further reaffirms our commitment to streamline digital payments in the region in line with the UAE’s bid to become a financially inclusive and cashless economy.”

Recently CoinMENA expanded its family office, investor and institutional offering through a partnership with Onramp Bitcoin. Onramp is an international Bitcoin asset management company built on multi institutional custody.

Customers of M2 crypto exchange can win big with token loyalty campaign

Customers of M2 crypto exchange can win big with token loyalty campaign

M2, the UAE regulated crypto exchange has launched a token loyalty reward program. By simply holding MMX tokens, users win a guaranteed share of up to 300,000 USDT. The campaign aims to reward al MMX token holder on M2 exchange.

The campaign, which runs March 8th to April 19th, offers participants the chance to win their share of a 300,000 USDT simply by holding MMX tokens in their M2 wallet.

How does it work? It is simple, hold a minimum of 200 MMX tokens in a M2 wallet to qualify for entry into the draws. The more MMX tokens held, the greater your chances of winning. Existing MMX holders are automatically eligible for the draw from the campaign’s launch date. New customers can join the campaign by purchasing 200 MMX tokens during the campaign period.

Weekly Draws Schedule:

• 15th March: 20,000 USDT draw – top prize 2,000 USDT

• 22nd March: 30,000 USDT draw – top prize 3,000 USDT

• 29th March: 40,000 USDT draw – top prize 4,000 USDT

• 5th April: 50,000 USDT draw – top prize 5,000 USDT

• 12th April: 60,000 USDT draw – top prize 6,000 USDT

• 19th April: 100,000 USDT draw – top prize 10,000 USDT

The campaign will conclude with a final draw on April 19th at the Token2049 event in Dubai, featuring a top prize of 10,000 USDT from a guaranteed prize pool of 100,000 USDT.

“Our MMX token promotion campaign underscores our commitment to rewarding our loyal community members and driving engagement within the MMX ecosystem,” said Stefan Kimmel, CEO of M2. “We’re excited to offer this exclusive opportunity to our valued MMX holders and look forward to seeing the positive impact it has on our community.”

To qualify for the MMX Loyalty Rewards, participants are required to hold their MMX tokens within an M2 wallet. All M2, MMX holders, whether existing or new, are eligible to participate in the campaign from the day of its launch subject to the exclusions specified in the Terms and Conditions. This inclusive approach ensures that all members of the MMX community have the opportunity to take part and potentially win big.

To participate in the campaign, MMX holders simply need to ensure they hold a minimum of 200 MMX tokens in their M2 wallet. Existing holders are automatically entered into the draw, while new customers can join by purchasing 200 MMX tokens during the campaign period.

This offer is from M2 Global Wealth Limited, a registered Digital Asset Business regulated and authorized by the Securities Commission of The Bahamas. It is not a product offered by M2 Limited; M2 Custody Limited, which is regulated and licensed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market.

Crypto Oasis venture co-founder steps down and joins crypto conglomerate

Crypto Oasis venture co-founder steps down and joins crypto conglomerate

Stepping away from his operational role at UAE’s Crypto Oasis venture entity, the Middle East blockchain ecosystem, Saqr Ereiqat Co-founder of Crypto Oasis Ventures, has joined Indian headquartered, TDMM, crypto trading firm as CEO, and as a partner at TradeDog Group, a global crypto ventures conglomerate that carries out research, education, media, consulting, incubation, and trading.

TradeDog Group has grown to become one of the most prominent and diversified groups in the crypto space, with a presence in over 20 countries and a network of over 500 partners and collaborators. TradeDog Group’s mission is to empower and educate people and businesses about crypto and blockchain technology and to foster a vibrant and inclusive crypto community.

While TDMM is an established crypto trading firm builds scalable liquidity on digital assets, generating over $5 billion in trading volume. With a team of 30+ professionals across 20+ countries, TDMM serves 40+ clients across Defi, GameFi, and Infrastructure.

Under Ereiqat’s leadership, both TDMM and TradeDog Group are set to expand their reach and influence in the blockchain and digital assets market.

Reflecting on his new position, Ereiqat shared his enthusiasm and vision for the future stating, “I am thrilled and honoured to join TDMM as its new CEO and the TradeDog Group as a partner. I look forward to working with the team to build scalable liquidity on digital assets, position ourselves as global leaders, and create value for our clients, partners, and stakeholders.”

Gaurav Dubey, the founder and chairman of TradeDog Group, expressed his enthusiasm about Ereiqat’s appointment added, “We are delighted to welcome Saqr Ereiqat as our new CEO and partner. After all, the TradeDog group is nothing but a few distinguished leaders like Saqr, who are determined to add value to the world and make finance as accessible as food to the 8 Billion people of the world. We are excited to have him and empowered now, more than ever, to achieve greater heights.”

Dubai regulator grants WadzPay a crypto broker license but not a payment one

Dubai regulator grants WadzPay a crypto broker license but not a payment one

The Dubai based entity of WadzPay, WPME Technology, which specializes in blockchain based technology for virtual assets has been granted a Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) Licence for Virtual Asset Broker-Dealer service activities, better known as crypto broker license, by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

The crypto broker licence remains non-operational until the company fully satisfies all remaining conditions and select localisation requirements defined by VARA, following which it will be able to commence operations, subject to regulatory reverification and approval.

As per the press release, WadzPay is excited to deliver its innovative and industry-leading solutions to customers across Middle East while working closely with regulators in contributing to build a compliant and robust fintech ecosystem.

Mr. Anish Jain, Founder & CEO, WadzPay stated “This licence showcases WadzPay’s dedication in promoting innovation in the field of virtual assets domain and blockchain technology bringing us a step closer to delivering world class solutions to businesses in Middle East.”

WadzPay aims to revolutionise the way people in the Middle East transact and manage virtual assets. WadzPay’s commitment to compliance ensures that financial institutions and their customers can confidently embrace the benefits of blockchain technology while adhering to regulatory standards, ultimately contributing to the growth and sustainability of the fintech ecosystem in the Middle East.

Mr. Ram Chari, Board Member and Group Director, WadzPay quoted “This will further solidify WadzPay’s position as a trusted and reliable blockchain technology based financial service provider in the region. With the broker-dealer services, WadzPay will provide the technology to its clients to enhance the experience of their customers by enabling virtual assets transactions in a seamless and secure manner. “

To which Mr. Khaled Moharem, President – MENA & Europe at WadzPay, emphasised, “This cements our hard work and sets the stage for transformative blockchain solutions, promoting compliance and customer confidence in the Virtual Assets Industry.”

WadzPay received its initial approval for a license back in October 2023.

In 2022, KSA based Geidea, a leading fintech company in Saudi Arabia and Blockchain based payments solutions, WadzPay Middle East Technology forged a new strategic partnership to power the transformation of pilgrimage payments.

WadzPay had been strivign to obtain a Blockchain settlement and payment license from VARA in Dubai, yet this will need further framework and direction from the Central Bank of UAE.

Fastex crypto exchange gets initial approval from VARA in Dubai

Fastex crypto exchange gets initial approval from VARA in Dubai

Fastex, a crypto exchange, payments gateway and ecommerce platform, has set up an office in Dubai World Trade Center, as it seeks a license from Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority (VARA). Fastex has already received initial approval from VARA.

As per the press release, Fastex chose the office because of its proximity to VARA. As stated, “This proximity enhances Fastex’s ability to work closely with the authority and expedite the licensing process as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP). In addition to the office opening, Fastex has received initial approval from VARA to conduct Broker-Dealer and Exchange operations, highlighting its commitment to regulatory compliance.”

Vardan Khachatryan, the Chief Legal Officer and Member of the Board of Directors at Fastex, stated, “Opening our new Dubai World Trade Center office is a noteworthy step in Fastex’s growth strategy. This move underscores our commitment to adhering to industry standards and maintaining high-quality service in the digital asset field. Being located in the DWTC, close to VARA and other key industry participants, positions us well to offer reliable and regulated services to our clients.”

Fastex will be participating at the AIBC Summit in Dubai UAE. They announced on X platform that they were nominated for best exchange of the year award.

This comes as DKK Partners FZE, subsidiary of DKK Partners a fintech company also announced that it has been granted an initial approval by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for crypto brokerage dealer services.

So far more than 11 crypto exchanges have received licenses in UAE.