Fuze, a digital asset Blockchain enabled financial infrastructure providers, subsidiary Niobe Payment Services has been licensed to offer digital assets payments by the Central Bank of the UAE. The company now holds a Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes (RPSCS) license.

Fuze Group, through its subsidiary Niobe Payment Services LLC SPC, is now both a fully licensed operator for digital assets infrastructure and, through its payments infrastructure division, a regulated payment services provider for the region.

As per the press release, the new license will enable businesses to benefit from faster, more secure payment options, reduced transaction times and end-to-end compliance.

Mohammed Ali Yusuf (Mo Ali Yusuf), CEO and Co-Founder of Fuze said, “This license is the launchpad for the next generation of payments. It marks a key step in our mission to provide digital and AI-enabled infrastructure that will drive the future of finance and transform payments. We are privileged to be granted this license from the Central Bank and look forward to providing cutting-edge, compliant payment infrastructure and novel solutions – like virtual IBANs – for a range of businesses.”

Fuze’s technology will enhance digital payments, supporting the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to double the contribution of the digital economy to the UAE’s GDP to 19.4 per cent by 2032.

Through its strong regulatory foundation, Fuze is now launching a new payment platform that combines AI-driven technology, user-friendly design, and integrated compliance features, to simplify and support modern business needs.

With the license in place, Fuze will soon roll out a comprehensive, compliant suite of payment products with features that include digital payments and settlements through real-time infrastructure, AI-enhanced compliance and fraud detection engine, virtual IBANs to make it easier to collect payments and manage funds, and merchant tools to help UAE-based businesses to manage payments and grow

UAE Central Bank has licensed Relm Insurance a dedicated insurer to emerging sectors – and Liva Insurance, a GCC insurance provider to offer their dedicated multi-line insurance solution for WEB3 businesses – SIGMAWEB3, and its tailored version for Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority VARA-regulated companies, SIGMAWEB3 VARA.

As per the press release, this follows the signing of Relm and Liva’s strategic partnership in February 2025, aimed at empowering innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging sectors such as digital assets, biotech and AI.

The UAE Central Bank approval reinforces Relm and Liva’s commitment to deliver tailored insurance solutions that address the unique

SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA will help create the confidence and resiliency that WEB3 innovators require to tackle complex challenges and seize new opportunities, while meeting the necessary regulatory requirements. Both products are designed specifically for digital asset companies, blockchain startups, crypto exchanges, and fintech innovators, addressing the unique and complex financial, professional, crime, and cyber exposures inherent in their operations.

SIGMAWEB3 VARA is specifically tailored to meet the requirements of Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), ensuring that crypto companies can operate with compliant insurance cover.

“Securing Central Bank approval for SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA is a significant step for brokers and clients in the UAE. This milestone facilitates more comprehensive coverage tailored to the unique risks of the Web3 space. By closing the insurance gap, we’re empowering businesses with the protection they need to innovate confidently in a rapidly evolving market” said Joseph Ziolkowski, CEO of Relm Insurance.

“SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA represent a significant step in our commitment to supporting growth and evolution of innovation within the insurance industry. This approval from Central Bank affirms both Liva Group’s deep market insight and Relm’s expertise in specialised insurance as well as reinforcing the vital role that regulatory collaboration plays in fostering a secure and thriving digital economy. Together, we aim to provide customers with solutions that meet their evolving needs, while strengthening our commitment to scale and diversify our business.” Martin Rueegg, Group CEO of Liva Group.

A year earlier OneDegree, Asia’s licensed insurer for digital assets and Dubai Insurance Company announced the issuance of digital assets custodial risk insurance to their customers in UAE. The Central Bank of UAE approved issuance of the digital asset insurance offering.

OneDegree and Dubai Insurance partnered in 2023. Custodial risk insurance completes the product portfolio and allows the partners to offer a one-stop-shop for digital asset companies in the UAE, under the brand “OneInfinity”.

VARA, Dubai’s dedicated regulator for digital assets, requires such coverage along with professional indemnity and directors & officers insurance. With this latest approval, specialized custodial risk insurance can be offered directly in UAE for the first time. Custodial risk insurance protects companies against the risk of losing access to digital assets including through third party hacks and theft, internal fraud and physical damage to the storage media.

The saga that has engrossed UAE based HAYVN, a digital asset focused financial institution, providing trading, asset Management, custody, and payments previously regulated in ADGM UAE, has ended after more than a year with fines of over $8 million.

The saga which started in December 2023, when Hayvn announced the so called resignation of its CEO Christopher Flinos and the request to make its status inactive in Abu Dhabi ADGM ( Abu Dhabi Global Market), insinuated that the CEO had carried out a huge misconduct, has come to a conclusion with the The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (“FSRA”) regulatory arm of ADGM taking enforcement action following an investigation into serious regulatory breaches and misconduct related to the Hayvn Group of Companies, which operated under the name ‘HAYVN’, its former CEO, Christopher Flinos and related entities. 

In February 2024, Deus X Capital, a $1 billion family office agreed to buy out HAYVN and appointed Richard Crook as new CEO. Deus X Capital purchased the business brand, technology, clients and staff from other HAYVN shareholders.

Today, and as per ADGM FSRA press release, the FSRA’s investigation found serious breaches and misconduct concerning the operations of three related party companies and Christopher Flinos.  As part of its investigation, the FSRA took steps to ensure that no ADGM client assets or money were lost as a result of the relevant misconduct.  

The enforcement action has resulted in the cancellation of Hayvn ADGM’s Financial Services Permission (“FSP”), the prohibition of Christopher Flinos indefinitely from performing any function in a financial services business in ADGM, as well as financial penalties totalling $8.85 million being imposed across the four parties involved.  Details of the total fines imposed are as follows:

  • USD 3.6 million against AC Holding Limited registered in the Cayman Islands (“Hayvn Cayman”), the parent company of a group of entities operating under the name ‘HAYVN’ that provided financial services related to Virtual Assets.
  • USD 3 million against AC Limited (Hayvn) (“Hayvn ADGM”), an ADGM-based subsidiary of Hayvn Cayman, licensed and regulated by the FSRA to conduct specific financial services activities in relation to Virtual Assets.
  • USD 1.5 million against AC Holding Limited (“AC Holding”), a Special Purpose Vehicle (“SPV”) registered with the Registration Authority (“RA”) of ADGM and not licensed by the FSRA to carry out any form of financial services activity in ADGM; unconnected to Hayvn Cayman and Hayvn ADGM.
  • USD 750,000 against Christopher Flinos, the former Senior Executive Officer (“SEO”) of Hayvn ADGM, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Hayvn Cayman, sole owner and director of AC Holding.

The misconduct and breaches were related to Hayvn ADGM exceeding the scope of its FSP by allowing client transactions to be routed through accounts held by AC Holding, the unregulated SPV entity registered in ADGM, without any appropriate protections being in place.  It failed to establish and maintain adequate systems and controls to manage its operations and risks, as well as to recognize and record all of its client relationships, breaching the FSRA’s Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) requirements.

The company Hayvn Cayman and AC Holding also carried out significant unlicensed financial services activity in relation to Virtual Assets in ADGM from around October 2018 to around May 2024. 

Hayvn Cayman routed client transactions related to the conversion of Virtual Assets to fiat currency and vice versa through the accounts held and controlled by AC Holding, the SPV that was not licensed by the FSRA and therefore prohibited from conducting any form of financial services activity in ADGM.

 As a result, both Hayvn Cayman and AC Holding were found to have carried out unlicensed payments and arranging services in relation to Virtual Asset activities in ADGM.

 Christopher Flinos played a central role in directing and controlling the unlicensed activity in ADGM and as SEO of Hayvn ADGM and CEO of Hayvn Cayman and as the sole director of AC Holding was found to have been centrally involved in the breaches and misconduct. 

The report notes that Christopher Flinos lacked integrity and failed to take reasonable care to ensure that Hayvn ADGM operated in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of ADGM, for which he was ultimately responsible as SEO.

Hayvn Cayman, AC Holding and Christopher Flinos created and disseminated false and misleading information about the nature of the transactions related to Virtual Assets routed through AC Holding’s accounts.  This included the provision of over 200 false and misleading documents on AC Holding letterheads to AC Holding’s banking partners to open and then maintain the operation of these accounts.  These documents were produced under the direction of Christopher Flinos with the involvement of both Hayvn Cayman and AC Holding.

Hayvn ADGM, Hayvn Cayman and Christopher Flinos provided false and misleading information to the FSRA in response to requests for information including the nature and scope of the business operations associated with each entity above and specifically AC Holding undermining the integrity of the regulatory process. 

Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of the FSRA of ADGM, said, “The FSRA will take robust and appropriate enforcement action against individuals and entities that violate our regulatory framework.  In this case, the actions of the entities and individuals involved were particularly serious, as they conducted unauthorised Virtual Asset activities through an unregulated entity based in ADGM.  Furthermore, Christopher Flinos was found to have provided false and misleading information and statements during the investigation.  Such misconduct will not be tolerated and warrants strong regulatory penalties which send a strong message of deterrence. ”

Givanakis added, “To address this serious misconduct, the licence of Hayvn ADGM has been cancelled, significant fines have been imposed on the entities involved, and Christopher Flinos has been prohibited from holding any functions in relation to financial services in ADGM.  The FSRA remains ever-vigilant and committed to holding entities and individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring the integrity of the financial system in ADGM.

The FSRA of ADGM acknowledges and thanks ADGM’s Registration Authority and the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (“CIMA”) for their cooperation during its investigation in relation to this matter.

Finstreet Limited, a subsidiary of IHC Group through Sirius International Holding a regulated subsidiary in Abu Dhabi ADGM, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ninety One, a global active investment manager with US$163 billion in assets under management (as of 31st December 2024) to explore innovative collaborations using blockchain technology.

Finstreet Global Markets Limited is, subject to final regulatory approval licensed for the Regulated Activity of Operating a Multilateral Trading Facility; at ADGM as well as subject to final regulatory approval, licensed for the Regulated Activity of Providing Custody, as a Digital Settlement Facility and Central Securities Depository; and is licensed for the Regulated Activities of Operating a Private Financing Platform, Managing a Collective Investment Fund, Advising on Investments or Credit, Arranging Deals in Investments, and Arranging Custody.

This strategic agreement aims to explore innovative collaborations in the development of structured and exchange-traded products, as part of Finstreet’s vision to redefine financial market access by integrating blockchain technology with traditional financial infrastructure platforms.

As per the press release, by combining Ninety One’s global experience with Finstreet’s infrastructure, the collaboration aims to drive growth and innovation in the financial sector, while meeting rising investor demand for private debt instruments.

The partnership will focus on creating and trading structured products and private debt instruments on Finstreet Global Markets, addressing growing market demands for sophisticated investment solutions.

Sunidhi Pasan, Founder & CEO of Finstreet Limited, commented, “This partnership underscores Finstreet’s commitment to redefining financial market access through strategic collaborations. Ninety One’s global expertise complements our vision of delivering robust investment solutions to institutional and professional investors.”

Nicolaas Alberts, Co-Head of the Middle East, Ninety One, said, “Through this MoU, Finstreet and Ninety One are laying the cornerstone for a dynamic, long-term partnership that will create enduring value for stakeholders. Furthermore, this collaboration with Finstreet will allow us to develop liquidity for our private debt solutions, including infrastructure debt, while strategically addressing market needs. Moreover, it reflects our shared ambition to deliver innovative investment solutions and products that unlock long-term value for investors.”

The visit of the National Bank of Kazakhstan to the UAE will lead to exploration of cross border initiatives, collaboration with ADGM and DIFC on digital assets, and learnings from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority on developing bespoke regulations for digital assets. This comes as the UAE Central Bank launched its digital dirham CBDC which will be available for retail users at the end of 2025.

These comments were made by Binur Zhalenov, Chief Digital Officer of the National Bank of Kazakhstan in a LinkedIn post as he noted that the delegation’s visit was a productive one.

In an official press release, the National Bank of Kazakhstan noted that on March 26-27, the delegation of the National Bank of Kazakhstan and the Agency of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of Financial Market (ARDFM) made a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

During the visit, meetings were held with H.E. Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE; H.E. Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi, CEO of the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority; H.E. Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange; management of the Mubadala sovereign investment fund, administration of the UAE international financial centers, banking and fintech companies.

In the course of the meeting with the Central Bank of the UAE parties exchanged views on macroeconomic conditions, as well as experiences in financial flows management and digital financial assets regulation. Following the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed aimed at exchanging best practices in the development of financial markets and FinTech, ensuring cybersecurity, and promoting CBDCs.

An exchange of experiences on the digital financial assets regulation and the development of blockchain technologies took place with the management of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority of the UAE.

In cooperation with the AIFC management, a meeting was held with the administrations of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai Financial Centre Authority (DFSA) to discuss approaches to the regulation of the UAE’s international financial centers, as well as the conduct of transactions and mutual settlements within the jurisdictions of these centers.

Following the meeting with the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, the parties noted the importance of developing infrastructure in the capital markets and increasing the liquidity of trading products in the exchange market.

In addition, meetings were held with the Mubadala investment holding and First Abu Dhabi Bank on the prospects of expanding investment partnership with Kazakhstan, as well as with regional offices of leading international companies BCG and Microsoft on the creation of infrastructure for the proactive development of AI in the financial market of Kazakhstan.

Crypto Regulations in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan currently mandates that all crypto transactions occur through the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC), where regulated platforms such as Binance and Bybit operate. However, many transactions still take place outside this framework. More recently Azat Peruaşev, leader of the minority Aq Jol party and member of the Majilis, the lower house of the Kazakhstan parliament, proposed that the country’s central bank and private banks collaborate to create a “crypto bank” to provide a legal platform for operations with cryptocurrencies. Another MP, Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva, proposed legislative reform of digital asset regulations at the same time.

Peruaşev said 90% of crypto operations in Kazakhstan are currently carried out in a legal gray zone. That enables scams, illicit activities, and tax evasion.

The country through the Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA)also recently shut down 36 illegal crypto exchanges, seizing $4.8M in assets to combat money laundering. Authorities blocked 3,500 unlicensed platforms, returning $545K to victims and freezing $120K in assets. Additionally Kazakhstan plans to launch its Digital Tenge CBDC by 2025 integrating it with global payment platforms.

All this comes as Kazakhstan has put laws into place to encourage cryptocurrency miners to establish operations there. Kazakhstan currently produces around 6.17% of the world’s cryptocurrency mining, placing it among the top four nations in the world along with China, the US, and Russia.

ACET ($ACT), a blockchain-powered decentralized finance (DeFi) platform, has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal Office of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi, UAE Royal family member in Sharjah to offer digital payments in largest casino project.

As per the press release, this strategic alliance is set to drive blockchain adoption, accelerate regulatory advancements, and redefine financial innovation on a global scale, with the UAE leading the digital transformation revolution.

Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi noted that collaboration seeks to position ACET ($ACT) as part of the UAE’s national reserve and establish it as a key digital payment partner in the world’s largest casino resort project. The initiative will also enhance ACT’s real-world utility, facilitating its acceptance within the gaming, hospitality, and luxury resort sectors.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi expressed strong support for the initiative, stated, “We are now entering a new era of the digital economy. The collaboration with ACET ($ACT) marks a significant step toward establishing a modern, reliable, and internationally recognized financial system. ACET ($ACT) possesses immense potential to serve as the cornerstone of the digital payment infrastructure and stand as a stable financial asset for the future.”

This MOU grants ACET ($ACT) several strategic advantages, such as integration as an official payment partners for one of the largest casino resort projects globally. The MOU will seek to grant regulatory and licensing support for ACET assisting the company in seeking regulatory compliance within the UAE’s financial ecosystem.

Additionally the Royal Office will support ACET ($ACT) in blockchain-related projects and digital asset expansion.


Acme Worawat, the founder of ACET ($ACT), emphasized the significance of the agreement, “The backing of the Royal Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi marks a defining moment for ACET ($ACT). This partnership solidifies our legitimacy, expands our global reach, and paves the way for real-world adoption of blockchain technology. With this strategic alliance, we are aligning ourselves with influential stakeholders who share our vision for decentralized finance and blockchain-powered economic solutions.”

The Royal Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi has partnered with the world’s most successful luxury five-star resort and casino group to develop the first-ever casino resort in the Middle East. Located on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, this project, valued at over $3.9 billion, will become the UAE’s first legally sanctioned casino, surpassing investments in Las Vegas and setting new standards for luxury gaming and hospitality.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi is a key figure in the ruling families of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, playing a pivotal role in shaping the UAE’s economic policies and business expansion. He actively fosters strategic partnerships between the UAE and international markets, with extensive experience in trade, real estate, energy, construction, finance, and technology.

As Chairman and senior executive in multiple global organizations, he co-founded the Al Qassimi Group of Companies and Investment Co., overseeing multi-sector business operations across manufacturing, tourism, hospitality, and financial services. He is a driving force in attracting international investment to the UAE, further solidifying the nation’s position as a leading global investment hub.

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 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.”

Fayafi Investment Holding, the first UAE firm made available through a bankable certificate issued under the SIX Swiss Exchange framework, listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange and featured on Bloomberg, has announced a strategic expansion of its investment portfolio to capture emerging opportunities. 22 percent of the portfolio is geared towards digital assets including Web3, tokenized finance and blockchain.

Fayafi has deployed USD 1.2 billion in investments towards diversified and high-growth opportunities in strategic industries. The firm is currently the highest-value UAE publicly listed company on foreign stock exchanges. It also ranks number 4 GCC-wide, reinforcing Dubai and the UAE’s credibility as a global financial hub. The move aligns Fayafi’s long-term investment strategy with key financial, technological, and green finance opportunities. Fayafi Investment Holding’s diversified portfolio allocation across key industries, including digital assets, biotech, defense, and sustainability.

15.5% of the portfolio is allocated to medical and biotechnology, in line with Fayafi Investment Holding’s mission of advancing human well-being and scientific innovation. The investments will power next-generation advances in genomics, AI-driven healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.

Aerospace and Defence allocations constitute another 15.5%, funding satellite technologies, defence AI, and next-generation aerospace materials as the firm looks to capitalize on increased long-term defence spending globally.

Quantum Computing & Advanced Electronics has a 14% allocation, with investments targeted towards AI hardware, and cryptographic quantum technology.

AI-Driven Financial Markets & Algorithmic Trading account for another 14%, with investments aimed at enhancing market prediction models, automated trading, and AI-powered hedge funds, to strengthen financial market efficiency.

7.5% is given over to real estate with a Dubai focus. Fayafi will strengthen its commercial and luxury real estate investments in Dubai, capitalizing on a stable and appreciating market.

8% is set aside for carbon credits and forestation programs, aligning with Fayafi Investment Holding’s mission of creating a sustainable and secure future for humankind. The investment will create carbon offsets and monetized environmental impact investments that benefit local communities through job creation and upskilling

“At Fayafi, we recognize both the evolving financial landscape and the growing importance of sustainability in investment. Our investment expansion integrates advanced financial technologies with environmental responsibility, ensuring both profitability and long-term value creation for our stakeholders. We seek to take advantage of exciting global trends while positioning ourselves as a driving force for innovation across finance, technology, science and sustainability,” said Dr. Patrick Pilati, Executive President, Fayafi Investment Holding Limited

In the short term, Fayafi Investment Holding is seeking increased market positioning, with liquidity generated through digital assets and AI-driven investments. In the longer term, Fayafi is banking on exponential growth in AI, quantum computing and biotechnology.

Fayafi Investment Holding Limited is a global leader in strategic commodity investments, with a presence on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Vienna Stock Exchange. The company specializes in advanced financial markets, digital assets, and sustainable investments, shaping the future of global finance through innovation and ESG-driven strategies.

Bahrain regulated digital assets exchange platform ATME, has issued gold-backed tokens with the support of the Central Bank of Bahrain marking it as the first case of its kind in the Kingdom of Bahrain.


ATME issued two tokens, designed for accredited investors, which were acquired by an eligible investor. Each token is backed by one kilogram of gold to provide a modern and secure way to invest in one of the most trusted assets for wealth preservation.


The company’s tokenized gold offering allows ownership of the physical metal without the complexities of storage or transportation. The tokens represent gold that is securely held in custody until its redemption or trade in ATME’s secondary market.


Commenting on the milestone, Alex Lola, Chief Executive Officer of ATME remarked, “Today marks a defining moment for ATME as we launch our first tokenized gold issuance. By combining the timeless value of gold with the transformative potential of blockchain technology, we are unlocking new ways for investors to access and trade high-value assets. This achievement highlights our team’s tireless dedication and our collective vision of building. We are excited about the possibilities ahead as we plan to expand our offerings to include more asset classes on our platform.”


The announcement also notes that future issuances will provide investors with access to a wider range of alternative assets. ATME remains focused on driving financial inclusivity and efficiency in the capital markets of Bahrain and the wider region.