Ripple stablecoin approved by Dubai DIFC regulator

Ripple stablecoin approved by Dubai DIFC regulator

Ripple, an enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions, RLUSD stablecoin has been approved as a recognized crypto token by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) for use within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).


As per the press release, this approval reinforces RLUSD’s position as a trusted, enterprise-grade stablecoin, built with regulatory compliance, utility, and transparency at its core. Alongside today’s approval under the DFSA’s crypto token regime, RLUSD is one of the few stablecoins globally to be issued under a New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) Trust Company Charter.

“The DFSA’s approval of RLUSD is proof of our commitment to building a stablecoin that meets the highest standards of trust, transparency and utility,” said Jack McDonald, Senior Vice President of Stablecoins at Ripple. “With regulation-first design and enterprise-grade features, RLUSD is uniquely positioned to drive enterprise utility of blockchain technology across global markets, starting with cross-border payments.”

RLUSD has been purpose-built for global enterprise utility, particularly in improving the speed, cost and efficiency of cross-border payments. This recognition allows Ripple to integrate RLUSD into its DFSA-licensed flagship payments solution, combining the stability of a trusted digital dollar with a scalable, blockchain-based infrastructure and Ripple’s extensive global payout network.

This approval also enables other DFSA-licensed firms in the fast-growing DIFC to incorporate RLUSD into their virtual assets services. With almost 7,000 firms active at the end of 2024, this further supports the integration of high-quality stablecoins into Dubai’s burgeoning digital assets and fintech ecosystem.

Stablecoin adoption in the UAE is accelerating. According to market data, 2024 saw a 55% year-on-year increase in stablecoin transactions in the region, signalling strong demand for blockchain solutions that address the inefficiencies of traditional payment rails. With a $400BN+ market for international trade and one of the world’s most progressive regulatory frameworks for digital assets, the UAE is well-positioned to become a global hub for stablecoin innovation and utility.

“The UAE continues to set a global benchmark for forward-thinking digital asset regulation and innovation,” said Reece Merrick, Managing Director Middle East and Africa (MEA) at Ripple. “The DFSA’s approval of RLUSD is yet another step forward for Ripple’s operations in the region, and we’re seeing huge interest from businesses of all sizes for cross-border payments and digital asset custody solutions. The UAE’s digital economy is vibrant and incredibly dynamic, and we’re looking forward to working with our regional partners, customers and regulators to supercharge that growth.”

Earlier this month Ripple onboarded UAE Zand Digital bank and Mamo, while it also was used in Dubai Land Department tokenization of property platform.

96 firms want to get into UAE DFSA tokenization sandbox

96 firms want to get into UAE DFSA tokenization sandbox

 96 firms have shown interest in participating in UAE’s Dubai Financial Services Authority ( DFSA) tokenization regulatory sandbox. As per the DFSA announcement, the launch of the sandbox is part of DFSA’s strategy to support responsible financial innovation within the Dubai International Free Center.

The Tokenization Regulatory Sandbox forms part of the DFSA’s Innovation Testing License program and supports the regulator’s broader commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining market integrity and protecting investors. Expressions of interest came from a diverse range of sectors that are exploring the tokenization of financial assets and instruments, including those associated with the tokenization of shares, bonds (including Islamic bonds (sukuk)), units in a fund, and the trading and safe custody of those assets – reflecting the broad potential of tokenization across the financial ecosystem.

Interest came from both financial institutions and startups.

Justin Baldacchino, Managing Director, Supervision, DFSA, said, “We are excited to see such strong interest in the DFSA’s Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox and to talk about it at the Dubai FinTech Summit. This momentum supports the DFSA’s strategic commitment – and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 goal – to position Dubai among the world’s top four global financial hubs by 2033. The sandbox marks a new chapter in our engagement with innovative financial technologies, enabling firms to safely test tokenized solutions in a transparent, measured, and responsible manner, within a well-regulated environment, without being subject to the full suite of regulatory requirements that would otherwise apply.”

The DFSA’s themed sandbox approach enables targeted supervision, constructive regulatory dialogue, and the development of tailored policy responses to emerging financial technologies while fostering responsible innovation in the market.

Following the Expressions of Interest stage, selected firms will be invited to apply for an Innovation Testing License and enter a live testing phase under DFSA oversight, where they can refine their offerings while addressing critical areas such as investor protection, transparency, and financial stability. Upon successful completion of the program, firms may apply to transition to a full, unrestricted license, or withdraw their Innovation Testing License.

Prior to the launch of the tokenization regulatory sandbox, the DFSA has launched an explainer guide for its Innovation Testing License. The Innovation Testing License – the DFSA’s regulatory sandbox – is a restricted financial services license that allows eligible firms to test innovative financial products, services, and business models within a controlled environment with temporary modifications to existing regulatory requirements whilst being subject to close supervisory oversight. Launched in 2017, the Innovation Testing License remains a cornerstone of the DFSA’s approach to support the responsible development of financial technology solutions in the DIFC.

Designed as a practical tool for firms interested in applying for the license, the DFSA’s Innovation Testing License explainer guide offers clear and accessible information on how to engage with the DFSA’s regulatory sandbox, test innovative solutions, and navigate the path to full authorization. It outlines the purpose of the license, eligibility criteria, application process, and obligations firms must meet during the testing phase.

UAE financial center, DIFC, launches tokenization sandbox

UAE financial center, DIFC, launches tokenization sandbox

Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the regulatory arm of DIFC ( Dubai International Financial Centre) has announced the launch its tokenization regulatory sandbox.

The tokenization regulatory sandbox (TRS), which has two stages: the innovation testing license (ITL) under the tokenization cohort and a DFSA license to enter the program.

As per the press release, the regime asked firms to submit their expression of interest before April 24, 2025.


The tokenization regulatory sandbox will allow firms to test innovative products and services in a controlled environment. The sandbox will also provide an opportunity for firms to test tokenized financial solutions.

It will offer a regulatory pathway from experimentation to full authorization.

The DFSA’s innovation testing license has already been instrumental in supporting fintechs and digital finance pioneers in the DIFC. It will now expand its scope to tokenized investments.

As per the guidelines set by the DFSA, firms who are engaged in the tokenization of financial services such as trading, holding or settling tokenized investments like equities, bonds, sukuk, and collective investment fund units can express their interest in joining.

Additionally, existing DFSA-authorized firms who want to expand into the tokenization field can also apply.

Firms are required to have a strong understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements.

Interested firms will undergo an assessment process, and those that demonstrate strong business models and regulatory understanding may be invited to participate in the DFSA’s tokenization regulatory sandbox, where they will receive tailored regulatory support and structured testing opportunities, under what is called the ITL tokenization cohort.

The ITL tokenization cohort is the DFSA’s version of a regulatory “sandbox” focused on tokenization-related activities.

The announcement comes as more and more tokenization projects flourish in the UAE, with examples including Mantra Blockchain’s recent partnership with DAMAC Holdings to tokenize $1 billion worth of assets.

Additionally, other countries across the GCC and MENA region, such as Qatar have already made great strides with their tokenization and digital asset regulations and labs.

Stobox founder in a recent interview in Cryptopolitan noted that the MENA tokenization market could account for as much as 20% of the expected $30 trillion tokenization market by 2030. Stobox, was one of the 29 blockchain firms that have been accepted into Qatar Financial Centre’s Digital Assets Lab. Ross Shemeliak, the co-founder of the firm, noted that tokenization is taking the world and MENA region by storm.

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).

Circle’s USDC and EURC available to 600 entities in Dubai’s DIFC

Circle’s USDC and EURC available to 600 entities in Dubai’s DIFC

Dubai’s DIFC ( Dubai International Financial Centre) has officially approved Circle’s stablecoins USDC and EURC into its crypto token regime which will allow these stablecoins to be used by more than 600 entities in DIFC.

The USDC and EURC will be the first approved stablecoins in DIFC, after DIFC approved crypto tokens that included TON, XRP, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others.

Entities in DIFC will be able to use the stablecoins USDC and EURC to make payments, treasury management and other financial applications.

Circle in December 2024 incorporated its entity in ADGM in Abu Dhabi , as part of its strategic expansion into the Middle East and Africa. It also entered into a partnership with LuLu Financial Holdings (‘LuLuFin’), and its affiliates, one of the largest financial services conglomerates in the region, to facilitate remittances and cross-border payments with USDC, Circle’s fully-reserved digital dollar.

“The DFSA’s approval of USDC and EURC as recognized crypto tokens within the DIFC is yet another validation of our constructive approach to regulatory and policy engagement,” said Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy and Operations at Circle. “As the first stablecoins to receive this designation, USDC and EURC continue to set the global standard for transparency, compliance, and utility. This milestone aligns with our mission to make digital dollars and euros more accessible, interoperable, and useful for businesses, developers, and financial institutions worldwide.”

Central Bank of UAE released its stablecoin payments regulation in 2024

The importance of USDC being accepted into DIFC cannot be viewed without looking at the bigger picture of stablecoin regulation in the UAE. The Central Bank while noting that only AED backed stablecoins could be used for purchasing products and services within the UAE, it did note that UAE regulated stablecoins could be used for purchasing of virtual assets and that these stablecoins could be regulated by DIFC, ADGM or VARA.

Already AE Coin has been regulated in the UAE as an AED backed stablecoin and Tether is seeking to receive a license for its AED stablecoin.

DIFC Julius Baer and Euroclear prepare whitepaper on tokenization in wealth transfer

DIFC Julius Baer and Euroclear prepare whitepaper on tokenization in wealth transfer

DIFC Innovation Hub, the start-up and innovation hub operating out of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, is collaborating with global Swiss wealth management firm, Julius Baer, and the Financial Market Infrastructure Euroclear, to lead on tackling challenges in the digital asset estate planning space with tokenization of assets being studied for wealth transfer.

The collaborative innovation project, organised by DIFC Innovation Hub, will bring together innovators, investors, and subject matter experts from across the wealth management value chain to explore how families can best use technology to manage rapidly expanding portfolios of tokenized and digital assets.

DIFC’s Innovation Hub experts will work closely with Julius Baer’s global innovation team and Euroclear’s innovation centre of excellence for a three-month sprint that will result in a white paper detailing a future-oriented solution for succession planning relating tokenization applied to multi-generational inheritance. The analysis and subsequent findings will serve as a blueprint for other geographies looking to turn similar challenges into opportunities.

It is estimated that AED 3.67trn (USD 1trn) in assets will be transferred to the next generation in the Middle East over the coming decade. However, only 24 per cent of High-Net-Worth Individuals have a full estate plan in place. Fast adoption of various digital asset classes by individuals and businesses also poses potential complexities to a seamless execution of estate plans currently in place. The DIFC Innovation Hub, Julius Baer and Euroclear collaboration will help bring tangible solutions to this global challenge.

Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Innovation Hub, commented: “The region is witnessing a trend of generational wealth being deployed across a variety of digital asset classes to diversify and future-proof their portfolios. By bringing together global leading entities across wealth management, financial services providers, tech disruptors and regulators, this newly launched innovation project will help transform one of the largest, underserved markets in the region and open doors to a more inclusive and tech enabled future for family businesses and the wealth management industry.”

Alireza Valizadeh, CEO, Julius Baer (Middle East) Ltd, said, “Generational wealth transfer is gaining momentum in the UAE, and we, as Julius Baer, are in a unique position to advise our clients having had our origins as a family business. On the occasion of Julius Baer’s 20-year anniversary in Dubai, I am hoping that this innovation project will showcase how we can work together to stay relevant to our future clients and provide a vision highlighting the evolution of the private banking industry especially with the onset of digital assets.”

Philippe Laurensy, Head of Group Strategy, Product Management and Innovation at Euroclear, added, “As a trusted financial market infrastructure we have a strong commitment to collaborate with the market providing innovative solutions to our clients. We are extremely pleased to be working with DIFC Innovation Hub and Julius Baer on what we see as a transformative journey to address market gaps and create efficiencies by harnessing the power of tokenization. By validating and unlocking the benefits of smart contracts we have the potential to redefine the narrative of wealth management, creating solutions that could span generations.”

In October 2024, The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts in partnership with The Hashgraph Association and its partner in the UAE Deca4 Consultancy launched a DLT Hedera enabled Digital Assets Will solution.

The Digital Assets Will empowers individuals to distribute their digital assets using a non-custodial DIFC Courts wallet. A non-custodial wallet also allows an individual the freedom to reallocate the assets to the desired beneficiaries within their wallet, and for full control to mobilize in and out of the wallet in their lifetime, with assets finally distributed as ‘specific gifts’.

The Hashgraph Association and DIFC Courts launch digital assets Will built on Hedera

The Hashgraph Association and DIFC Courts launch digital assets Will built on Hedera

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts in partnership with The Hashgraph Association and its partner in the UAE Deca4 Consultancy have launched a DLT Hedera network enabled Digital Assets Will solution. Unveiled at GITEX Global 2024, live demonstrations showcased new service platforms, accessibility, functionality, and security protocol features.

The Digital Assets Will empowers individuals to distribute their digital assets using a non-custodial DIFC Courts wallet. A non-custodial wallet also allows an individual the freedom to reallocate the assets to the desired beneficiaries within their wallet, and for full control to mobilize in and out of the wallet in their lifetime, with assets finally distributed as ‘specific gifts’.

Digital format assets recognized by the wallet include ETH; BTC; MATIC; USDC; USDT; and HBAR. Future enhancements to the system will include supported NFT standards ERC 721; ERC 115; Ordinals; and HTS (Hedera Token Service).

The new Will template joins the extensive legacy Will types offered by the DIFC Courts, including the Full Will, the Property Will, the Financial Assets Will, the Business Owners Will and the Guardianship Will. An existing online automated Will drafting service, and a Virtual Registry reinforce a 360 digitally accessible service, allowing those living domestically and overseas to create and register a DIFC Courts Will. Investors and residents can access it from anywhere in the world and be connected, via video link, to a compliance officer sitting in Dubai.

Wills can also then be added to the global digital vault, tejouri. Launched in 2022, tejouri provides a unique platform that functions simultaneously as a cloud vault and an online safe for data, supported by a state-of-the-art onsite DIFC data centre and a secondary UAE-based backup data centre. Access to all data is restricted to the ‘vault holder’ and the listed intended recipients, guaranteeing zero knowledge proof privacy principles.

All uploaded life admin files are secured under the highest standards of security regulation, using multiple factors of authentication, encrypted data, personalized biometric information and safe-keeping ledgers through advanced cryptography. Using Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), tejouri can ensure the transmission of your entire portfolio to your designated stakeholders, or loved ones, at a key time.

Also announced as part of the new upcoming digital services is the Notary Service, which will be the notarizing English documents only and is the first-of-its-kind service in the UAE. The service will provide three (3) options for users; an automated self-service; a live virtual system; and an in-person service. Users of the service will also have the option to utilize an authentication service through primary source verification (PSV).

An electronic or physical stamp and seal will be issued with each document and notarized documents will be verified using advanced cryptographic methods, powered by Hedera Blockchain, by logging notarization events with a timestamp on the blockchain. Preservation and integrity of documents will be ensured using distributed ledger technology (DLT) by converting documents to NFTs, in compliance with ERC20 standards. User privacy will be maintained at all times through advanced encryption methods and privacy-preserving protocols, ensuring that sensitive information is fully protected throughout the entire process.

Document types accepted for attestation and notarization will include, but is not limited to, affidavits, witness statements, Wills, power of attorney, trade licenses, title deeds, health certificates, marriage certificates, and bank statements.

As part of the mission of the DIFC Courts to provide an effective portfolio of dispute resolution mechanisms, a new alternative dispute resolution avenue will also be provided. The Mediation Service Centre will enable parties to negotiate resolution of their dispute with the help of DIFC Courts Part III registered mediators.

Parties will be able to choose the mediators and agree fees and terms in advance, as well as the choice to conduct mediation meetings online using the newly upgraded and AI-enabled Court Management System (CMS), or in-person at the DIFC Courts premises.

His Excellency Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director, DIFC Courts, said: “In our new digitally driven societies, individuals and businesses are demonstrating increased desire for easily accessible public services. The strong growth momentum arising from the implementation of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Dubai Digital Strategy, has touched a diverse range of sectors, including government legal services. Our obligation is to deploy the latest emerging technologies to facilitate this growth and demand. Breaking down the boundaries of access to justice sits at the core of our operations and these new digital services provide ease of process across administrative tasks, such as notarisation, to more complex matters involving alternative dispute resolution and inheritance. The DIFC Courts, together with its public and private sector partners, is proud to spearhead some of the UAE’s most progressive government legal services, supported by smart technology implementations.”

The new suite of services were launched with the support of The Hashgraph Association, specialists in building Distributed Ledger Technology ecosystems, with Hedera technology utilised by the DIFC Courts to construct a bespoke DLT architecture and establish access to a decentralised trust application.

Kamal Youssefi, President, The Hashgraph Association, said: “We are proud to be part of this impactful journey and reaffirm our continued support to the DIFC Courts in launching both the Digital Assets Will, as well as the Notary Service, powered by Hedera DLT platform. This project underscores our commitment to strengthening decentralised infrastructures contributing to digital innovation across UAE. Through our partnerships and projects across the MENA region, with a focus on the GCC, we are committed to propelling the Web3 ecosystem and fostering the growth of Hedera network, with innovation programmes and strategic initiatives launched in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Morocco and beyond. Working with trusted partners such as Deca4 Advisory and the DIFC Courts is a testament to the strength of public-private sector cooperation.”

Deca4 Advisory also supported the DIFC Courts with architecting the new digital services, as well as support from the DataFlow Group, who specialise in Primary Source Verification (PSV) solutions and background screening and provided a checkpoint for tamper-proof, verifiable credentials of documentation entering the DIFC Courts service systems.

Mohammed Mahfoudh, CEO, Deca4 Advisory, said: “The DIFC Courts is pioneering the integration of advanced technologies, setting a benchmark for government and semi-government entities in the UAE, the region, and globally. Our partnership with The Hashgraph Association and Hedera has been a key pillar in the success of this project, allowing us to build a deep architecture on Hedera and develop cutting-edge solutions. We are creating unique and practical use cases that will drive broader market adoption, especially with the Courts leading this transformative journey.”

Sunil Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, DataFlow Group, said: “At DataFlow, we are proud to collaborate with the DIFC Courts to introduce a new era of digital public services aligned with the UAE’s vision for digital transformation. By integrating our advanced AI-driven solution for document tampering detection and image forensics, we enhance the security and efficiency of these services, enabling fraud detection within seconds. This partnership strengthens our long-standing relationships with government authorities and represents a crucial step toward combating document fraud, reducing processing times, and increasing confidence in decision-making. As a leading verification and digital services organization, we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that promote trust, transparency, and convenience in public services.”

The DIFC Courts is currently operating on a new roadmap for the years 2022 – 2024, which includes a strategic work plan that brings more national cohesion to the Courts’ projects and initiatives in line with the ‘D33’ economic agenda and the Dubai Digital Strategy. This in turn is providing effective support for both the federal and local Dubai strategic goals.

Brevan Howard is first crypto custodian client of Standard Chartered out of DIFC

Brevan Howard is first crypto custodian client of Standard Chartered out of DIFC

Brevan Howard is the first client for Standard Chartered regulated crypto custody service out of DIFC. DIFC ( Dubai International Financial center) regulator DFSA ( Dubai Financial has granted a license to Standard Chartered for its digital asset custody service in the UAE. In May 2024, Standard Chartered has announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to collaborate on digital assets, including digital asset custody through its Zodia Custody entity.

The now licensed service will allow clients to safekeep their Ethereum and Bitcoin cryptocurrencies as a start. Brevan Howard Digital, the dedicated crypto and digital asset division of Brevan Howard, is confirmed as the inaugural client for the product.

Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank said, “The launch of our digital asset custody offering represents a pivotal moment not just for Standard Chartered, but for the financial services industry. We firmly believe that digital assets are not merely a passing trend, but a fundamental shift in the fabric of finance.”

Margaret Harwood-Jones, Global Head of Financing & Securities Services added, “After a period of intensive work and close collaboration with regulators both regionally and globally, we are thrilled to welcome Brevan Howard Digital as the first client of our digital asset custody offering. This announcement demonstrates the growing institutional interest in digital assets and the critical need for secure, regulated custody solutions. Our offering goes beyond simple wallet services – it is a comprehensive solution that addresses the unique challenges of digital asset custody from a regulatory, risk and prudential point of view. It is a game changer for institutional clients, as we can support them with our traditional expertise to navigate the complexities of the digital asset space, without compromising on the highest standards of security.”

Gautam Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Brevan Howard Digital commented, “This is a significant win for the UAE and the wider digital asset industry. Standard Chartered’s global reputation and demonstrated commitment to this space adds a layer of credibility that is meaningful for institutional adoption. The development of the institutional infrastructure within the asset class and region supports our established business within the ADGM in its continued expansion and our ongoing efforts toward improving and reinforcing standards in the digital asset ecosystem.” 

The Bank plans to broaden its scope in the coming months to encompass a wider range of digital assets, and is actively exploring opportunities to extend its custody services to other key financial hubs in its footprint markets.

Ripple and DIFC to accelerate blockchain in UAE

Ripple and DIFC to accelerate blockchain in UAE

Ripple, a provider of enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions, has partnered with the DIFC Innovation Hub to accelerate blockchain and digital assets innovation in the UAE.

As per the press release, the new partnership will connect the next generation of developers with the DIFC Hub, the largest innovation community in the region and home to more than 1,000 growth-stage tech firms, innovation companies, digital labs, venture capital firms, regulators and educational entities. The partnership between Ripple and the DIFC Innovation Hub will provide the means to drive blockchain and crypto adoption amongst early-stage companies and scale-ups as well as to introduce and position the technology with traditional large strategic institutions and their use cases.

“The UAE is one of the most advanced jurisdictions globally when it comes to offering regulatory clarity for licensed firms to offer virtual asset services and fostering an environment in which the next generation of financial innovation can flourish,” said Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple Chief Executive Officer. “Our partnership with the DIFC Innovation Hub promises to drive the adoption of blockchain technology in the region as the XRPL continues to be a leading blockchain for the region’s start-ups and scaleups building real use cases.”

Ripple has committed one billion XRP to accelerate development and new global use cases on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), the decentralised, layer 1 blockchain. Through the commitment, Ripple will provide financial, technical, and business support to developers. Since announcing the 1B XRP Fund in late 2021, Ripple has funded over 160 teams building on the XRPL, reaching 47 countries to date, across a wide range of use cases spanning decentralised finance (DeFi), to Real World Assets (RWA), and other groundbreaking new solutions.

Arif Amiri, DIFC Chief Executive Officer, added, “Today marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s ongoing journey to accelerate its position as a leading international centre of excellence for business and finance. Our partnership with Ripple underscores the strength of our developer community and DIFC’s commitment to fostering technological advancements. The collaboration further cements DIFC’s role as a leading global hub for talent, tech and innovation, as we continue to enhance our ecosystem, powered by a world-class regulatory jurisdiction, to drive the future of finance.”

“The UAE’s progressive approach to fintech, coupled with Ripple’s billion XRP developer fund, creates a fertile ground for innovation in the UAE,” said Reece Merrick, Ripple Managing Director, Middle East and Africa. “Our new collaboration with the DIFC will empower regional talent to build the next generation of financial solutions on the XRP Ledger, solidifying the UAE’s position as a leading fintech hub globally.”

XRP as a digital asset was recently accepted as a recognized crypto in DIFC.

UAE and Morocco coordinate on AML and CTF offering UAE experience in virtual assets

UAE and Morocco coordinate on AML and CTF offering UAE experience in virtual assets

 

In a recent visit between UAE, Hamid AlZaabi, Director General of the Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (EO AML/CTF), hosted a Moroccan national delegation led by Dr. Jawhar Al Nafisi, Chairman of the Moroccan National Financial Intelligence Authority, coordinated on initiatives with regards to anti money laundering and counter terrorism financing, with DIFC giving presentation on UAE experience in virtual assets.

Members of the EO AML/CTF presented on topics such as the National Strategy and virtual assets, and the UAE’s experience using AI to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. A joint discussion resulted in the agreement on specific areas of cooperation to be included in follow-up steps to implement the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between the EO AML/CTF and the Moroccan National Financial Intelligence Authority.

In addition Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) discussed the UAE experience analyzing cases related to virtual assets.


Hamid AlZaabi highlighted the robust cooperation between the UAE and Morocco and its significant impact on raising standards of compliance within the MENA region.

He stated, “Our two countries are united in commitment to combating financial crime and collaborate effectively on multiple levels, both bilaterally and through the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF). I am pleased that through our regular meetings, we have developed a comprehensive framework for cooperation and have launched several joint initiatives that are already making a difference. By sharing expertise and best practices, the expertise developed by each country can be leveraged to mutual benefit, to ensure safeguarding our financial regional system.”


Dr. Jawhar Al Nafisi, Chairman of the Moroccan National Financial Intelligence Authority, commented, “This visit underscores the strong strategic ties between Morocco and the UAE, as both nations aim to align strategies and visions on bilateral, regional and international levels, and share expertise to prepare for the upcoming mutual evaluation round. To ensure the sustainability of the efforts made to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, I am pleased to invite Director General, Hamid Al Zaabi to Kingdom of Morocco for progress discussions and to measure the effectiveness of joint committees established during the meetings held over the past two days.”
During the two-day meeting, the parties discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation activities. To further enhance the coordination efforts, both parties have decided to establish several joint committees, including ones to monitor standards and developments, technical committees, and a supervisory committee to track progress and ensure goal attainment.

It is noteworthy that although Morocco leads in terms of the number of crypto holders, it has still not regulated crypto and virtual assets.