DeFi Technologies expands into MENA to offer digital asset ETPs

DeFi Technologies expands into MENA to offer digital asset ETPs

DeFi Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “DeFi Technologies”) (Nasdaq: DEFT) (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B), a financial technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralized finance (“DeFi”), expands in the GCC and MENA region with the registration of DEFI DMCC (certification no DMCC199558) with offices in Jumeirah Lake Towers Dubai UAE, as well as its subsidiary Valour Digital Securities which operates a trading desk at DMCC ( Dubai Multi Commodities Center) in UAE.

The DeFi Technologies team and its subsidiary Valour, aim to support the increased institutional interest in digital assets in the GCC region and specifically in the UAE. This expansion into the Middle East is a key element of the strategy to increase product offerings and global footprint.

As the first Nasdaq-listed digital asset manager of its kind, DeFi Technologies offers equity investors diversified exposure to the broader decentralized economy through its integrated and scalable business model. This includes Valour, which offers access to more than 75 of the world’s most innovative digital assets via regulated ETPs with plans to offer 100 by the end of 2025.

The company DEFT is positioning itself as the BlackRock of Web3.

Globally, institutional capital is pouring into spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and in the Middle East and in the UAE in specific this is also becoming a trend. Recently, UAE sovereign wealth fund Mubadala announced it expanded its position in BlackRock’s bitcoin ETF showcasing the latest example of institutions increasingly turning to non-traditional exposures wrapped in an ETF.

Bitcoin ETPs are facilitating greater exposure for investors who had been interested in crypto but want a familiar and efficient wrapper. Currently, total assets under management (“AUM”) in crypto ETPs have reached $176.3 billion.

Andrew Forson, President of DeFi Technologies and Chief Growth Officer of Valour, stated, “ We believe the demand for digital asset ETPs will increase not only globally but in the GCC and Middle East. Investors whether sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, family offices and even retail investors are interested in crypto but require familiar and efficient vehicles to get exposure.”

He adds, “Wrapping digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum in regulated financial instruments such as ETPs will increase the number of crypto investors and offer countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia access to international foreign investment. Local and international get exposure to these assets through trusted providers like the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange, Dubai Financial Markets, and others.”

Already DeFi Technologies has expanded into Turkey through a collaboration with Misyon Bank, and Misyon Kripto to work to introduce ETPs. In Turkey currently over 50% of investor population are holding digital assets.

In 2024, DeFi Technologies through its subsidiary Valour partnered with GulfCap Investment Bank (“GCIB”), a licensed investment bank as its key Transaction Advisor for the proposed cross-listing of Valour’s ETPs on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (“NSE”) in Kenya. The proposed cross-listing will allow Valour’s ETPs to be traded in Kenyan Shillings on the NSE and provide investors in East Africa with exposure to leading digital assets through regulated investment vehicles.

In Europe DeFi Technologies subsidiary Valour currently offers 65+ fully hedged digital asset ETPs on leading European exchanges including Xetra, Spotlight, and Euronext and most recently Six Swiss Exchange in Switzerland.

Valour recently announced that it surpassed US$1 Billion in AUM: As of July 22, 2025, Valour’s AUM reached US$1.01 billion, a 31% increase since May 30, driven by strong investor demand and rising digital asset prices across its globally diversified ETP portfolio.

Valour offers access to digital asset ETPs in UAE

Valour offers access to digital asset ETPs in UAE

Valour, issuer of exchange trade products (ETP) simplifying the access to digital assets, and a subsidiary of DeFi Technologies Inc, a financial technology company that bridges the gap between traditional capital markets, Web3 and decentralized finance, has opened a trading desk in the UAE.

Valour issues exchange traded products (“ETPs”) that enable retail and institutional investors to access digital assets like Bitcoin in a simple and secure way via their traditional bank account

According to the press release, this initiative marks a significant stride in the Company’s mission to enhance global accessibility to regulated digital assets and underscores its commitment to global growth through Valour and Valour Digital Securities Limited’s exchange-traded products (“ETPs”).

This expansion into the Middle East is a key element of Valour’s strategy to increase its product offerings and global footprint. The UAE was specifically chosen for its progressive regulatory environment, high cryptocurrency adoption rate—where an estimated 27% of the population engages in crypto ownership — and its embrace of blockchain technology across multiple sectors. These factors make it an ideal location for fostering growth and extending Valour’s reach into new markets.

As part of this strategic initiative, Valour aims to expand its assets under management (“AUM”) by launching 15 new ETP products in 2024, in addition to the 17 already listed in Europe, followed by another 30 in 2025. This ambitious expansion plan capitalizes on the growth potential of the digital asset ecosystem, demonstrating Valour’s commitment to innovation and its leading role in the digital asset market.

Olivier Roussy Newton, CEO of DeFi Technologies, commented, “The launch of our trading desk in the UAE signifies a pivotal moment for both Valour and DeFi Technologies as we expand our global outreach. This is more than just entering a new market; it’s about integrating into a dynamic and evolving financial landscape that the Middle East represents. We are excited to embark on this journey, leveraging the UAE as a gateway to broader horizons and setting the stage for growth and opportunity.”

The establishment of a trading desk in the UAE represents the first phase of Valour’s plans for geographical expansion.  Valour is ideally positioned to leverage the increasing global demand for regulated and trusted access to digital assets and the rapidly expanding Web 3 ecosystem.

With a dedicated focus on industry-leading Web3 technologies, DeFi Technologies aims to provide widespread investor access to the future of finance.