UAE and USA based C1 Investmet advisors launch $500 million Crypto, blockchain, digital assets fund

UAE and USA based C1 Investmet advisors launch $500 million Crypto, blockchain, digital assets fund

UAE and USA based C1 Secondary’s Fund managed by C1 Investment Advisors LLC, a team of international entrepreneurs and investors, have announced a $500 million investment fund targeting secondary’s in blockchain, crypto, Web3, and Fintech entities.

Secondary funds, commonly referred to as secondaries or continuation transactions, purchase existing interests or assets from primary private equity fund investors. For example, a primary private equity fund may purchase a stake in a private company, and then sell that interest to a secondary buyer.

The C1 Secondary’s Fund is a regulated private investment fund formed for the purpose of investing in secondary’s asset acquisition – the purchase of shares in existing private growth companies. 

 The C1 Fund portfolio focuses on digital assets, blockchain technology and applications, cryptocurrency services (not direct investment in cryptocurrencies), Web3 financial applications, and advanced FinTech.  Sample target company applications include digital assets and cryptocurrency exchanges, payment systems and/or related financial services companies, including wallets, custodian-services, lending, and decentralized finance.

The Fund will invest across multiple geographies but with a focus on secondary’s investments in international markets, especially those with strong and/or growing regulatory regimes.

The C1 Secondary’s Fund is led by Dr. Najamul Kidwai, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Michael Lempres, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Michael (Xu) Zhao, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, David Hytha, Co-Founder and Partner, and Cheriyl Lakshmy, Co-Founder, Director of Research and Operations.

The C1 team recently founded and led the successful initial public offering of Crypto 1 Acquisition Corp $230M raise.

C1 Secondary’s Fund Co-Founder and Managing Partner Dr. Najam Kidwai stated, “Despite the so-called Crypto reset, investment in Digital Assets and Crypto-related services continues to grow rapidly.  At its core this is the next digitization of finance”.

The C1 Secondary’s Fund will focus on companies operating under significant regulatory frameworks. Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Michael Zhao stated “the regulated route is the only route for any crypto company’s growth if it wants to be a serious player for the long run. Long gone are the days when digital asset players enjoyed an early-mover advantage and benefited from a fast-growing bull market. Recent crypto market turbulence is just another example that shows why the market needs proper risk control and compliance; we are focused on these companies.”

Bahrain first country in MENA to launch onshore security token regulations

Bahrain first country in MENA to launch onshore security token regulations

Bahrain Central Bank has announced the issuance of regulation for security tokens as amendments to its current crypto asset module.

The Central Bank has expanded the crypto asset regulations to include digital token offerings, in specific those with the characteristics of security tokens.

In determining whether a digital token qualifies as a security, the CBB will examine the underlying economic purpose of the digital token, its structure, characteristics, as well as the rights attached to the digital token.

The new amendments also outline new requirements to enhance safeguarding clients’ assets to provide high levels of protection for investors.

In addition the Central Bank of Bahrain will allow crypto-assets licensees (after obtaining the CBB’s approval) to engage in additional activities, which are not within the stipulated regulated crypto-asset services.

 Commenting on the new amendments, Director of the Capital Markets Supervision Directorate – Mrs. Abeer Al Saad, stated,  “We at the CBB are delighted to issue the new amendments to our regulatory framework for crypto-assets and to specifically introduce new regulatory requirements for the digital tokens offerings, in order to regulate the crypto-assets market in a fair and transparent manner. Therefore, the CBB has adopted a risk-based regulatory approach towards requirements, which are proportionate and commensurate to the regulated activity undertaken by a licensee. We endeavour to provide adequate safeguards to investors without inhibiting innovation adoption at the CBB, as we continue to monitor market trends and review the regulatory framework to keep up with the latest developments in the field, as well as maintain the competitiveness of the sector. This milestone is a reflection of the pioneering role the CBB continues to play in regulating crypto-assets.”

Bahrain was the first country in the GCC region to regulate crypto allowing for the launch of crypto exchange brokers such as RAIN, CoinMENA, and most recently Binance. It is also one of the leading GCC and MENA countries when it comes to crypto payments.

The new amendments are also a first in the region, no other country has regulated security tokens onshore yet!

KSA working on policy decision to define different virtual asset types

KSA working on policy decision to define different virtual asset types

During the Financial sector conference 2023 in Riyadh KSA, Mohsen Al Zahrani, Virtual assets and CBDC Program Director at Saudi Arabia’s Central Bank, told Anna Tutova, CEO of Coinstelegram media platform when asked about the regulation of cryptocurrencies in the country, that there is a current forum looking into  that, yet no policy decision has been made yet on different virtual asset types.

He noted in his reply during a panel discussion on CBDC, public money in the digital age, “We are working on a policy decision with the Saudi Central Bank and other relevant governmental agencies.”

KSA appointed AlZahrani in September 2022 to lead the virtual assets and digital currency program at the Central Bank.  In January 2023, The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) confirmed that the Central Bank is continuing to experiment on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC).  SAMA is currently working on a project that focuses on domestic or national wholesale CBDC use case in collaboration with local banks and FinTech’s. Experts explained to LaraontheBlock that this is a CBDC for local wholesale bank settlements.

During the 2023 World Economic Forum’s session on Financial Institutions innovating under pressure, the Saudi Arabian Minister of Finance Mohammed Al Jadaan states that while CBDCs have privacy issues they are fantastic tool in developing countries.

Prior to this KSA had engaged in a pilot with UAE on CBDC Aber project for cross border wholes sale CBDC transactions utilizing Hyper Ledger Fabric at the time.

Kucoin cryptocurrency exchange revealed in a report published in July 2022 “ Crypto Verse Report on adoption of digital currencies in Saudi Arabia” that 3 million Saudi Arabians are crypto investors who currently own cryptocurrencies or have traded in past six months. This means 3 million out of an adult population of 21 million or 14 percent currently own cryptocurrencies.

The survey also found that another 17 percent of adult population surveyed, was crypto curious and are likely to invest in crypto in the next six months. This would be imply that by the end of 2022, 31 percent of Saudi adult population or 6.6 million will be trading or owners of cryptocurrencies.

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.

UAE based WadzPay blockchain payment provider launches its 2.0 version built on Algorand blockchain

UAE based WadzPay blockchain payment provider launches its 2.0 version built on Algorand blockchain

UAE based WadzPay, an interoperable blockchain-based technology provider, has launched the WadzPay 2.0 which it believes will redefine the landscape of virtual asset-based transactions. WadzPay 2.0 provides a unique new architecture primarily based on the Algorand blockchain with inbuilt support for several others such as Ethereum, Tron, Avalanche and several others to be added. WadzPay 2.0 construct is designed in line with evolving regulations and needs of banks, financial institutions, telcos and central banks.

Anish Jain, founder and group CEO of WadzPay, stated, “Blockchain is already disrupting global finance, and with WadzPay 2.0, we are bringing a slew of capabilities that will transform digital currency payments. This enhanced product line encompasses issuance, acquiring, remittance, central bank digital currency (CBDC) and tokenization, providing a true one-stop solution for the industry. This is a leap forward in the blockchain payments ecosystem. WadzPay customers can rest assured of an elevated experience for its end users.”

Designed with an API-first approach, a robust compliance framework and customer-friendly dashboards, it enables payments in the metaverse, point of sale, in-app, e-commerce, etc. It also serves as the foundation for the future launch of the WadzPay Chain. It leverages the Algorand blockchain for transaction processing, standard assets for on-chain storage of funds, and a ledger for wallet management and bookkeeping. The platform also incorporates Gap 600’s expertise to manage transaction finality for Bitcoin and Ether -based transactions, and Bosonic to convert funds at the point of sale (POS).

WadzPay 2.0 boasts several integration options and features such as:

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E-Know Your Customer (KYC) solution with biometric verification for seamless user onboarding

Real-time fraud detection, customer screening and transaction monitoring

Multisignature custodial wallet with multiple-level hierarchy and password management

Internal and external wallet transfers

Push/pull payment options with transaction notifications

Customized reports in various formats

Issuer and merchant dashboard with seven layers of hierarchy control

Multicurrency acceptance at POS terminals and e-commerce portals with QR code support

Settlement in digital or fiat currency of choice, based on market regulation

On-chain refunds, including multiple refunds on a single transaction

Inbuilt volatility management solutions

Improved transaction speeds on Ethereum and Bitcoin blockchains

Bahrain Crypto trading platform partners with Open Banking platform for fiat crypto payments

Bahrain Crypto trading platform partners with Open Banking platform for fiat crypto payments

MENA Tarabut Gateway, an open banking platform has partnered with Bahrain’s crypto trading platform RAIN to bring faster, cost effective fiat to crypto transactions to Bahrain users, allowing crypto payments directly from user bank accounts all on RAIN platform.

The new feature will utilize Tarabut Gateway’s open banking payment solutions to facilitate on and off-ramp (fiat-crypto-fiat) transfers for users, dramatically increasing speed and reducing errors associated with traditional bank wire transfers. The introduction of this new feature is in line with Rain’s strategy to provide the most premium and seamless crypto wallet experience for its MENA users. 

Abdulla Almoayed, Founder and CEO of Tarabut Gateway, said, “We’re delighted to unveil a solution that aims to make fiat-to-crypto transfers quicker, more secure, and cost-effective – as well as enable such funding methods directly from bank accounts. Our partnership with Rain is a perfect cross-sector synergy, made possible by Bahrain’s advanced open banking ecosystem. Crypto trading, wallets, and other blockchain use cases are natural allies in opening up traditional banking and finance. We are proud to partner with Rain to provide a user-focused approach to crypto services by bringing the advantages of open banking digital solutions.”

Joseph Dallago, Chief Executive Officer of Rain, added, “Our partnership with Tarabut Gateway unlocks a new era for crypto assets adoption in the region. Through quick and efficient deposit mechanisms, crypto traders on Rain’s platform will now be able to seamlessly fund their accounts and capitalize on market movements. The integration with Tarabut Gateway cements Rain’s premium product offering in the region.”

Bahrain has been at the forefront of crypto payments in the region with examples of EazyPay and BinancePay partnership in Bahrain. 

UAE Al Nawwar Investments to purchase Sequoia Capital for $45 million from Alameda Research

UAE Al Nawwar Investments to purchase Sequoia Capital for $45 million from Alameda Research

Al Nawwar Investments RSC a Private Limited Company established in 2018 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, will be purchasing the remaining interest of Alameda research in Sequoia Capital venture capital firm, totaling $45 million.

Al Nawwar is an Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund according to a court document has entered into an agreement to execute a sale transaction within a short period of time. Al Nawwar according to the court document is already invested as well in Sequoia.

The deal, worth $45 million, has the potential to be closed by March 31. However, it is subject to approval by the Delaware bankruptcy judge John Dorsey. The attempt to sell off its remaining interest in Sequoia Capital is a part of FTX’s attempts to liquidate its investments to pay off its debt to creditors.

This is not the first time a sovereign Fund in Abu Dhabi purchases crypto related entities. Prior to this ADQ entered into an agreement to build a crypto mining entities in UAE. In an SEC Filing dated January 27th 2022, USA based Marathon digital Holdings, a digital asset mining entity, announced that it had entered into a shareholder’s agreement with FSI ( FS Innovation), the BTC mining subsidiary of UAE ADQ a sovereign fund,  to form an Abu Dhabi, ( ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Markets) based company.

UK Nexo crypto lender to hire a150 workforce in UAE as it expands its MENA presence

UK Nexo crypto lender to hire a150 workforce in UAE as it expands its MENA presence

In a recent article published by Arabian Gulf Business Insight, Nexo Co-Founder and MD Antoni Trenchev announced that the UK entity would be opening its offices in the UAE as it expands into the MENA region.

The MENA region will grow to account for 30 percent of its total global operations. NEXO as per the article which currently has 5 million users across 200 jurisdictions will set up under Dubai’s VARA regulations as well as DIFC.

As per comments made by Trenchev 150 people will be recruited. In the article he states, “We are seeking two lines of regulation,” Trenchev said. “One is for the crypto-related activities which will be at VARA, while DIFC will be for more traditional offerings associated with wealth management.

“There appears to be a political will to create a blockchain fintech financial hub in the region but more specifically Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which is always welcoming,” he said.

“In the Middle East the rules are being developed as we go, but there is the clear desire to have the business here, whereas in the US, when you deal with the various agencies and you assess their moves, you’re not really sure whether they want to have any crypto there apart from maybe Bitcoin,” he adds.

Binance invests more than $2 million to educate and mentor women on crypto and Web3

Binance invests more than $2 million to educate and mentor women on crypto and Web3

As part of Women’s Day, Binance cryptocurrency exchange, is investing more than $2 million in more than 10 countries globally to educate them and mentor them on crypto and Web3. Currently women comprise only 37% of crypto owners.

Binance Charity donated $2 million to fund over 36,000 dedicated Web3 scholarships for women in 2022, and will continue funding courses, programs and scholarships in 2023 with a focus on women and underrepresented communities.

The 2022 scholarships to study blockchain and crypto-related courses at universities, schools and nonprofits were awarded to women in Germany, Nigeria, Kenya, Brazil, France, South Africa, Australia, and Ukraine. 

For Women’s Day, Binance Charity will also make an additional donation of $100,000 to Georgia’s Innovation & Technology Agency (GITA) to support web3 education and training for women. Binance Academy will provide educational content for GITA web3 courses.

With the objective of supporting women’s participation in the blockchain and Web3 industry in the Middle East, Binance held a Woman in Crypto event in Dubai. The event aimed to empower women with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the crypto space and featured a diverse line-up of female experts in key fields such as entrepreneurship, personal branding, and Web3 career advice. 

The event also covered crucial topics, including how to select the right company to work with and ways to create an empowering platform for women interested in entering the crypto industry.

Binance was co-founded in 2017 by Yi He, making the company one of the few female-founder crypto companies in the world. Less than 5% of crypto founders at top crypto companies are women2.  As of 2022, the number of female-founded cryptocurrency companies was approximately 292, out of more than 10,000 companies3.

In order to further address the gender gap, Binance has created its first formal internship and graduate programs, which offer more access to careers in crypto for diverse talent, including women. The company also offers guidance and career advice to women through female mentorship programs, talent workshops, educational courses and lectures to share industry experience and insights on how to break into a career in Web3.

“As one of the few female leaders in the industry, I believe that we have a mission, through Binance Charity and Binance Academy, to help more women understand web3 and blockchain technology — our education and internship programs aim to empower young women with knowledge and skills ready for industry disruption,” said Yi He, Binance co-founder and chief marketing officer. “We believe that anyone with ideas can change the world, regardless of gender. We hope these commitments will result in more women on the front line of innovation and bring change to our industry.”

FLUUS crypto payment startup founded by MENA crypto enthusiasts raises $600,000

FLUUS crypto payment startup founded by MENA crypto enthusiasts raises $600,000

Crypto payment startup FLUUS ( which means money in Arabic) founded by MENA crypto enthusiasts has raised $600,000 ahead of its beta launch. FHS Capital, Base 64 and a number of angel investors participated in the raise.

FLUUS is creating a fiat-crypto on- and off-ramp that will give consumers access to web3 services including token swapping and staking. Its payment solution is designed to eliminate friction and simplify the process of entering and exiting the crypto economy.

Funds raised from the seed round will be used to further develop products and roll out FLUUS’ services, bringing crypto-fiat payments to a global audience.

“We are excited to have the support of FHS Capital and Encryptus.io, two highly reputable investment firms,” said Tey El-Rjula, co-founder and CEO of FLUUS. “Their experience and resources will be invaluable as we continue to grow and scale our business to provide financial technology solutions to onboard the next billion into web3.”

Dr. Fady and Mr. Hesham Hannah-Shmouni, Managing Partners at FHS Capital, stated,“Our investment in FLUUS fits perfectly with our vision for empowering exceptional founders and technologies in the web3 space, enabling customers and partners across key industry verticals to benefit from using blockchain technology.”

More than $1 million in cryptocurrency has already been successfully off-ramped in a private trial of FLUUS’ payment gateway. Funds were used to provide aid in Ukraine with the support of an international NGO. The next development phase will see the beta version of FLUUS’ payment solution opened to a broader market segment.

A number of major partnerships are already in place that will see FLUUS’ payment solution rolled out to millions of web users. These include matchmaking platform Dua.com and the GD10 Ventures ecosystem. The FLUUS payment widget can be easily embedded into third party websites and applications, providing crypto-fiat changing on demand.

FLUUS at present features two flagship products, FLUUS Pay: A regulated and compliant crypto ramping service delivered in collaboration with fintech operators and money transfer networks, and FLUUS Auth: An SDK that allows developers to easily integrate secure and user-friendly sign-up and web3 onboarding into their own applications.

FLUUS was founded in March 2022 with the goal of building solutions that will enhance global access to web3, particularly in emerging markets.  To the FLUUS founders, interoperability between financial systems is vital. This is especially important in emerging markets. With FLUUS, users can seamlessly on and off ramp digital currencies using their most convenient payment methods including cash and mobile money. 

As a pioneer in digital payment solutions, FLUUS Pay with its public beta launch expected to handle 62.82% of all crypto ramping in Lebanon by Q4 2023. In January 2023, 30% of all ramping in Lebanon was already done through FLUUS Pay, highlighting the platform’s success in providing a user-friendly, secure, and efficient way to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.