Web3 business incubator KEY Difference receives license from UAE DMCC

Web3 business incubator KEY Difference receives license from UAE DMCC

Web3 KEY Difference has received from UAE Freezone DMCC its business incubator license, a move that signals the next chapter for the company as they launch KEY Difference Labs, their new accelerator.

Over the last decade, starting from 2013, the blockchain landscape witnessed the steadfast growth of KEY Difference Media, the precursor to KEY Difference DMCC. Founded by Mr. Karnika E. Yashwan To has a wide range of accomplishments ranging from marketing for several Fortune 100 companies to assisting in the monumental fundraising of over $550 million during the 2017 ICO phase, the firm’s trajectory is nothing short of remarkable.

KEY Difference Media’s emphasis on incubating promising enterprises, its hands-on involvement in establishing extensive blockchain ecosystems, and its advisory role for potential future unicorns showcase the company’s forward-thinking approach.

Yashwan To  explains, “The focus of the accelerator is to assist Web2 powerhouses in seamlessly transitioning to Web3 using the blockchain infrastructure. It’s disheartening to observe the crypto space riddled with scams and short-sighted strategies. My passion is about championing businesses that exemplify long-term, steady growth. This is achievable by harnessing the value ingrained in the Web2 sphere and appealing to its vast user base through simple, effective business use cases.”

The aim is to onboard the masses by introducing Web2 value-driven entrepreneurs to the transformative potential of Web3 technology. He adds, “We’re working towards building a brighter future.

He adds, “But what makes this business incubator license so great? Not every firm gets this nod. The DMCC reserves it for the best, those who’ve proven their mettle. This exclusive license isn’t just a feather in KEY Difference DMCC’s hat; it symbolizes their dedication and unmatched expertise in the field.”

Saudi Digital advisor discusses embracing DeFi at Ethereum Riyadh 2023

Saudi Digital advisor discusses embracing DeFi at Ethereum Riyadh 2023


The Ethereum Riyadh 2023 conference held on October 11th brought together an array of blockchain experts and entities, including Saudi Digital advisor for a Saudi governmental entity, who gave a presentation on embracing DeFi for business excellence. As per the press release, Abdulelah Aloshayni, digital transformation advisor at a Saudi Governmental entity provided a clear understanding of DeFi and discussed potential applications for large companies and government organizations.

This is no surprise given the work that for example SAMA ( Saudi Central Bank) is doing on CBDC, virtual assets and DeFi. Saudi Central Bank had hired Mohsen Al Zahrani to lead their digital assets and CBDC projects.

Abdulelah Aloshayni gave a presentation on “Embrace DeFi for Business Excellence.” He provided a clear understanding of DeFi and discussed potential applications for large companies and government organizations.

ETH Riyadh 2023 conference successfully took place at the CODE Lab of King Saud University at Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. ETH Riyadh 2023, Web3 technology summit, was dedicated to the Ethereum ecosystem and blockchain technology, aiming to gather developers and builders from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and other regions in the Middle East.

ETH Riyadh emphasized a strong technical focus and aimed to provide insights from industry experts, fostering discussions on blockchain and Web3 cutting-edge technologies.

The ETH Riyadh organizing committee was composed of Tharawat Technology, Studio1727, ChainIDE, Coffee with Crypto, and Mask Network. The event received guidance and support from the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Internet Association, and the KACST Digital Entrepreneurship Center. It was generously sponsored by Ankr (Title Sponsor), with presenting sponsorship from Chiliz, as well as support from Zilliqa, Adaverse, SAO Network, Onekey, Matrix World, and more than ten other Web3 projects.

Over 150 participants attended the event.  The ETH Riyadh 2023 conference kicked off with a keynote address by Tim Beiko, a representative of the Ethereum Foundation, who presented “Ethereum Governance Overview.” Tim Beiko outlined various ways to engage in Ethereum technology development and contributions, along with collaboration opportunities.

In the first roundtable discussion, Anton Agafonov, Product Lead at Zilliqa, Arpit Sharma, Managing Partner for the Middle East, India, and East Asia at the Near Foundation, and Aqeel Mohammad from the Ethereum Foundation discussed “L1/L2: Web3 Infrastructures and Innovations  from various perspectives, sharing their insights on Web3 infrastructure and innovation.

Xiao Wu, the founder of ChainIDE, then spoke on “The Road to Mass Adoption: Web3 Ecosystem in East Asia x Middle East Africa Region.” He shared insights into the development of Web3 ecosystems in East Asia and the Middle East and Africa regions, discussed the digital economy’s opportunities, and analyzed attempts and cases of large-scale applications in different regions.

While Dr. Waleed Aloriny, Chairman of the Saudi Internet Association, delivered a welcome address and moderated a special roundtable discussion on “Opportunities of Web3 Technology in Saudi.” Yasser Alobaidan, CEO of Tharawat Technology, Xiao Wu, Founder of ChainIDE, Stanley Wu, CTO of Ankr, and Alex Dreyfus, CEO of Chiliz, participated in the discussion. Representatives from various sectors engaged in lively discussions on Saudi’s entrepreneurial environment, policy regulations, Web3 development, digital economic opportunities, and international cooperation. Web3 entrepreneurs present recognized Saudi Arabia as a significant opportunity and expressed their desire to deepen their business and collaborations in the region.

ETH Riyadh 2023 marked a significant milestone as the first dedicated Web3 developer and blockchain technology summit in the Saudi Arabian region, particularly in Riyadh. This event represents a major advancement in the Web3 developer ecosystem of Saudi Arabia. ETH Riyadh has contributed to the flourishing of the local blockchain developer community, providing a platform for learning and networking for local developers and entrepreneurs.

The event has not only attracted local participants but also garnered attention from experts and investors from around the world. It serves as a crucial role in driving the development of blockchain technology in Saudi Arabia, offering a pivotal opportunity for exploring and shaping the future of the blockchain field. Furthermore, it plays a role in promoting digital innovation and economic growth in Saudi Arabia.

Xiao Wu, Founder of ChainIDE and a member of the ETH Riyadh organizing committee, expressed, “ETH Riyadh is the first summit in the Saudi region that focuses on blockchain technology and Web3 developers. It serves as a superhub for the local technology community and ecosystem development. Saudi Arabia is currently experiencing a pivotal period of rapid growth in the digital economy, and blockchain and Web3 technologies are integral components of the next generation of digital economies. We look forward to ETH Riyadh 2024, expecting to attract more builders in blockchain technology and facilitate increased collaboration and exchange among developers in the East Asia and Middle East and Africa regions.”

Qatar Financial Centre Authority signs MOU with Asian Institute of Digital Finance for Web3 and digital assets projects

Qatar Financial Centre Authority signs MOU with Asian Institute of Digital Finance for Web3 and digital assets projects

The Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA), the legal and tax arm of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC have signed an MOU with the Asian Institute of Digital Finance (AIDF), a research institute of the National University of Singapore (NUS), to embark on projects encompassing ESG, Fintech, digital assets, Web3 and other emerging technologies.

In addition to these efforts, both partners will actively facilitate the exchange of knowledge and insights to further their common goals and objectives.

Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC, expressed his optimism about this partnership, stating, “We are excited to join forces with the Asian Institute of Digital Finance at the National University of Singapore to explore and capitalize on the numerous opportunities in the ever-evolving digital landscape. This partnership reflects our commitment to innovation and our belief in the power of collaboration to drive positive change. We see this collaboration as a significant step, not only in the direction of constructing a more inclusive financial sector but also in forging a path towards a more sustainable future.”

Likewise, Associate Professor Huang Ke Wei, Executive Director, NUS Asian Institute of Digital Finance expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “The NUS Asian Institute of Digital Finance empowers the future of finance through digital innovation and academic excellence, and provides thought leadership through a holistic blend of education, research, and business incubation. Our vision is to catalyse the evolution of the digital economy by fostering innovation and imparting knowledge. This collaboration with QFC marks a significant step towards fostering cross-regional knowledge exchange, setting the stage for a brighter, interconnected digital future.” The partnership between the QFC and NUS AIDF underscores their shared commitment to innovation and sustainability and catalysing positive global transformation by leveraging technology.

QFC has been moving forward with its digital asset strategy and framework.

U.S. based DTCC to acquire Abu Dhabi digital asset infrastructure provider Securrency

U.S. based DTCC to acquire Abu Dhabi digital asset infrastructure provider Securrency

The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, an American post-trade financial services company providing clearing and settlement services to the financial markets known as DTCC, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Abu Dhabi based Securrency Inc. (“Securrency”), a leading developer of institutional-grade, digital asset infrastructure invested in by Mubadala sovereign Fund.

Securrency will become a fully-owned subsidiary of DTCC and will operate under the name DTCC Digital Assets. Nadine Chakar, CEO of Securrency, will join DTCC as Managing Director, Global Head of DTCC Digital Assets, reporting to Lynn Bishop, DTCC Managing Director and Chief Information Officer. Chakar will also join the DTCC Management Committee. In addition, Dan Doney, CTO and founder of Securrency, John Hensel, COO and co-founder, and other members of the Securrency leadership team, as well as roughly 100 Securrency staff of full-time employees or contractors, will become DTCC employees.

Securrency is a blockchain-based financial and regulatory technology developer that raised $30 million in 2021 from State Street, US Bank, WisdomTree Investments and others. It has worked with WisdomTree to help the asset manager launch “blockchain-enabled” funds that keep a secondary record of share ownership on the Stellar or Ethereum blockchains.

Frank La Salla, President, CEO and Director, DTCC, said, “Securrency is an important strategic acquisition that will give us the technology to drive market-wide transformation by enabling end-to-end digital lifecycle processing for tokenized assets, digital currencies and other financial instruments. By bringing together DTCC’s commitment to providing market stability and our unparalleled network of financial market participants with the sophistication of the Securrency technology, we will be in a leading position to unlock the value of digital assets and help guide the industry through its digital transformation journey. We believe this next generation of financial market infrastructure will further reduce settlement times, facilitate market transparency and risk management, enhance regulatory oversight and controls, and unlock efficiency and innovation to create an improved investor experience.”

By combining DTCC’s digital capabilities and Securrency’s technology, DTCC will fast-track development of its enterprise digital asset platform to unlock the power of institutional DeFi. DTCC will leverage the technology over time to embed digital assets within its existing products and services, develop new, regulatory-compliant blockchain-based offerings and explore use cases with the industry, including buyside asset managers, broker-dealers and custodians, to collaborate on new DTCC blockchain-based solutions.

In addition, DTCC will lead the industry’s development of a robust, global digital infrastructure by licensing the Securrency technology and offering professional services. Firms will be able to leverage the technology to transform and evolve their operating models and to create innovative, new digital asset services alone or in collaboration with other market participants – similar to how WisdomTree licenses Securrency’s software as part of the infrastructure for its WisdomTree Prime™ offering that provides tokenized assets and funds via digital wallets for retail investors and consumers.

Chakar said, “As we join forces with DTCC, we are excited to bring together DTCC’s infrastructure capabilities with Securrency’s technology to embrace a future where the digitization of capital markets is at the forefront of innovation. These capabilities will allow DTCC to partner with the industry to build a resilient and scalable infrastructure critical to the mass adoption of digital assets. Together, we will unlock opportunities to reimagine compliance, liquidity, efficiency and interoperability in trading real-world assets on the blockchain.”

DTCC also plans to provide global leadership to foster industry-wide collaboration to help avoid fragmentation with different digital technologies and standards. Securrency’s technology can address this issue by acting as a DLT-agnostic harmonization layer that promotes interoperability, liquidity, transparency and security.

La Salla said, “We look forward to building on our past work to drive consensus around the standards, controls and frameworks necessary to support regulatory-compliant digital asset solutions and development of the right architecture and infrastructure to ensure widespread interoperability. We’re excited to welcome our new colleagues to the DTCC team and to begin collaborating as a group to strengthen market stability and resilience and drive greater efficiencies, productivity, risk mitigation and liquidity in the global financial markets.”

This announcement comes as John Hensel, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Officer, MENA, Securrency told IBS intelligence, “The UAE is ramping up its efforts to become a global blockchain hub.” In his interview he commented on why they chose UAE out of all the other countries globally including, USA, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore.

According to Hensel, SEC ( Securities and Exchange Commission) in the USA has portrayed a conservative approach to the regulation of digital assets, so exploring other regulatory jurisdictions they found that the UAE was a credible, well positioned young financial center that embraced technology with experienced regulatory experts from the USA, Australia, Singapore and others.

He explains, “ After being here for 6 years we have seen the landscape change and become more favorable for investors partnering under FSRA and who are benefiting from the protection of ADGM which will grow opportunities locally for us given we were first movers and have strong relations with sovereign wealth entities, broker dealers, fund managers as key stakeholders.”

Securrency entered the ADGM FSRA regulatory sandbox in 2017 and secured a Financial Services Permission (FSP) from ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to deal in investments as a matched principal and provide custody for those investments in 2022. The license enabled Securrency Capital to provide trading of digital assets to a variety of clients, including retail clients.

Securrency had raised $30 million in its latest funding round. The funds were used to roll out the company’s expansion plans. The Series B funding round included existing investor WisdomTree Investment along with Abu Dhabi state fund Mubadala-backed Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, State Street and U.S. Bank. Prior to that in 202, The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) had invested in Securrency, a US-based developer of blockchain-based financial and regulatory technology through its ventures fund.

The company also signed a strategic partnership with leading investment management and banking firm, Musharaka Capital in KSA, to develop a compliant platform for issuing digital securities in Saudi Arabia in 2020.

Blockchain AI entity Humansai and UAE RAK digital asset Oasis launch first AI freezone in UAE

Blockchain AI entity Humansai and UAE RAK digital asset Oasis launch first AI freezone in UAE

Romanian startup Blockchain and AI enabled Humans.ai and UAE RAK, DAO ( Digital Assets Oasis) launched the world’s first AI Freezone, during the official launch of RAK Digital Assets Oasis in Ras al Khaimah, UAE.

The First Free Zone for AI will serve as a sanctuary for AI innovators, providing them with an environment where groundbreaking ideas can flourish without the shackles of bureaucracy or the uncertainties of data privacy. Within this oasis of innovation, AI startups can experiment, collaborate, and thrive, knowing that the robust security measures of blockchain technology protect their ideas.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the launch event assembled an impressive roster of visionaries, pioneers, industry experts, and government representatives from the UAE. Their objective is to deliberate on emerging technologies’ future and seize valuable networking opportunities in the AI sector.

A significant event highlight  was the panel discussion titled “The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Assets,” featuring the Founder & CEO of Humans.ai, Sabin Dima, and ION robot, the world’s first AI governmental advisor.

The collaborative synergy between Humans.ai and RAK DAO transcends mere technological integration. It is about creating an ecosystem that not only nurtures entrepreneurship but also champions the adoption of AI. By providing specialized services and tailored support to AI companies, RAK DAO lays the groundwork for Ras Al Khaimah to emerge as a regional and global leader in AI technology adoption. The partnership between these two entities is poised to revolutionize the way industries operate, enhancing security, transparency, and overall efficiency.

At the heart of this transformative initiative lies a unique blockchain ecosystem developed by Humans.ai, which empowers AI companies within RAK DAO. This innovative environment allows them to govern and execute their AI models with unparalleled transparency and reliability. This blockchain for AI promises to be a game-changer in artificial intelligence.

As AI continues to transform industries and societies, the First Free Zone for Artificial Intelligence in Ras Al Khaimah stands as a beacon of progress, inviting the world to participate in the creation of a brighter, more technologically advanced future. This launch event symbolizes the onset of a new era, where AI innovation and entrepreneurship will flourish in an environment designed for success. It is an initiative that promises to shape the trajectory of AI development, setting the stage for Ras Al Khaimah to shine as a global AI leader.

Prior to this Humans.AI had signed an agreement with RAK DAO to bring AI to the ecosystem.

The MENA Fintech Association establishes digital assets working group

The MENA Fintech Association establishes digital assets working group

The MENA Fintech association, a nonprofit organization that serves fintech startups and established players in the sector has established its Digital Assets Working Group which will be co-chaired by Miriam Kiwan and Mo Ali Yusuf.

The Digital Assets Working Group will champion a transparent regulatory framework, while propelling the adoption and extensive use of digital assets across MENA.

Founded in 2018, the MENA Fintech Association has earned recognition as one of the top 4 fintech bodies globally. With a strong presence in the Middle East and Africa, the association has been at the forefront of driving innovation and fostering collaboration in the fintech industry.

The newly established Digital Assets Working Group takes on a pivotal role as the leading advocate and catalyst for the advancement of clear, progressive, and sustainable regulations governing digital assets across the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. This dynamic group will spearhead endeavors aimed at shaping and enhancing a comprehensive regulatory framework, cultivating an ecosystem conducive to digital asset innovation, all while upholding stability and security as paramount priorities.

Nameer Khan, Chairman, MENA Fintech Association, expressed his enthusiastic support for the establishment of the Digital Assets Working Group, stating, “In our journey toward shaping the future of finance, we believe that clear and innovative digital asset regulation is the cornerstone. This group will be instrumental in fostering a dynamic and secure digital asset ecosystem across MENA. We are committed to embracing technological advancements while safeguarding the integrity of our financial landscape, and the Digital Assets Working Group is a vital step in that direction.”

Miriam Kiwan, Vice President of Middle East and Africa at Circle and Co-Chair of the Digital Assets Working Group, emphasized the group’s mission by stating, ‘Our vision is to drive innovation with responsibility, and our commitment to building a regulatory framework that supports the dynamic digital asset landscape is unwavering. As we take the lead in shaping the future of digital assets across MENA, we aim to create an environment that encourages innovation, ensures compliance, and promotes trust within this transformative ecosystem.’

Miriam’s professional journey has seen her excel across diverse sectors, ranging from financial services and Web 3 / digital assets to technology, higher education, and entrepreneurship. Her forward-thinking approach and multifaceted skill set have consistently driven innovation and growth, making her a prominent figure in these dynamic industries with a global impact.

Mo Ali Yusuf, CEO of Fuze and Co-Chair of the Digital Assets Working Group, underscored the group’s mission, stating, “We believe that digital assets represent the future of finance, and our goal is to facilitate their responsible growth and adoption. The Digital Assets Working Group is dedicated to developing robust regulations that foster innovation, security, and transparency. Together, we aim to shape MENA’s digital asset landscape into a trusted and flourishing ecosystem, benefiting both businesses and consumers alike.”

Mo’s career is marked by a track record of securing licenses, fostering key collaborations, and ensuring top-tier operational efficiency. He stands as a visionary at the forefront of innovation in these dynamic industries, shaping their future on a global scale.

Ronit Ghose is a distinguished figure in the tech and venture capital landscape, serving as an Advisory Board member for various prominent firms and a leading university in diverse global hubs such as Dubai, London, and Cape Town. His illustrious career includes a background in policy work, even having served as a bag carrier for a former UK Prime Minister, reflecting his deep involvement in the political sphere. Ronit’s expertise and influence extend into the realm of fintech, where he will play an integral role as a member of the MENA Fintech Association Digital Assets Working Group, further contributing to the evolution of this dynamic sector.

The MENA Fintech Association has partnered up with various companies such as Fuze, Circle, Binance, Meta, Circle, ADGM, DIFC, and other trailblazers across the spectrum of regulators, innovators, academia, legal firms, and venture capitalists.

UAE M2 crypto exchange,custodian and investment platform launches Bitcoin Ethereum yield product

UAE M2 crypto exchange,custodian and investment platform launches Bitcoin Ethereum yield product

UAE base M2, a crypto exchange, custodian, and investment platform for crypto investors has officially launched its international platform, and is offering its first product M2 Earn, that provides yields of up to 10.5% on Bitcoin and Ethereum.

The M2 Earn product available at launch by M2, provides up to 10.5% yield on Bitcoin and Ethereum and investors can calculate their investment yields over a preferred timeframe by using the Earn calculator featured in the app.  M2 investment products and the app have been inspired by extensive industry benchmarking and mirror the rigorous systems of investment banking which are now being applied to the digital asset sector.

Stefan Kimmel, M2, CEO, said: “The arrival of M2 group gives institutional investors, family wealth offices and retail investors the invitation they have been looking for to confidently and securely invest in the fast-growing digital asset sector. The first decade of crypto was marked by the introduction of Bitcoin and the highs and lows of a volatile asset class with a heavy focus on speculation. M2 has been built to give experienced investors exposure to the digital asset sector by offering market leading yields that are based on real returns.”

As per the press release, M2 has to date obtained a license from The Securities Commission of Bahamas (SCB) as a Digital Assets Business and M2 Limited and M2 Custody Limited (M2 ADGM) a Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the ADGM as a Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF) and for Providing Custody.  Combined, the regulatory bodies offer the most comprehensive and progressive regulatory frameworks for digital assets in the world. Additionally, M2 has initiated licenses in several jurisdictions globally.

The M2 user experience has been designed by investors for investors and aims to eliminate the barriers slowing them down, features available on M2 at launch include:

  • Calculate the Real Yield – the M2 Earn calculator allows investors to easily evaluate what level of returns they can anticipate over 30, 60, 90 days. The Earn calculation you see is the real yield.
  • Set and Earn– The institutional grade Smart Trading features on M2 allows users to execute large buy and sell orders seamlessly, reducing transaction costs and saving users time.
  • Security beyond banking benchmarks – M2 security systems have been designed by cybersecurity experts who operate at the highest-level and all protocols are externally audited.
  • Global Community Support – The M2 support team provides coverage across multiple time zones ensuring 24-hour support for customers.

Marking the arrival of M2, the MMX token (ERC20) will be available to users and feature at the core of the M2 experience. The MMX token is designed to provide onboarded clients with specialized access to specific products and services within the M2 ecosystem that will include the ability to boost yields for M2 earn products (MMX tokens used to boost yields will be burned by M2, making it deflationary). The MMX token will also provide advanced access to new yield products and new digital asset listings. 

M2 plans to make the MMX token available on both centralized and decentralized secondary marketplaces. The token’s primary purpose is to enhance users’ experience of the M2 ecosystem and is not intended to serve as an investment vehicle or represent an ownership stake in M2. 

MMX will be freely transferable on the Ethereum blockchain. Provided users meet the M2 onboarding requirements, MMX tokens can be exchanged for other virtual assets and fiat currency, depending on the user’s needs. The M2 platform enables fast and secure trading of digital assets for fiat, fiat for digital assets, and digital assets for other digital assets, as well as offering high yield earn products. Visit M2.com.

UAE HAYVN crypto trading platform processes 22,000 crypto transactions in 2023

UAE HAYVN crypto trading platform processes 22,000 crypto transactions in 2023

UAE based HAYVN Pay an AC Holding Limited Dubai, offering,  digital asset-focused financial institution delivering Trading, Custody, Asset Management and Research services has processed over 22 000 cryptocurrency transactions to date in 2023.

As per HAYVN linkedIn post, “The market demands a payment platform that is accessible, regulated, affordable and efficient.”

The post adds, “HAYVN Pay is a regulation and technology-led business. We currently meet and exceed the requirements of several payment regulators and will continue to lead the integration of cryptocurrency into the traditional payments ecosystem.”

Prior to this announcement, HAYVN announced that it had received obtained initial approval from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai. HAYVN will now undertake the in-depth process of applying for a Virtual Asset Service Provider License, in accordance with VARA requirements.

The initial approval affirms HAYVN’s commitment to strengthening its presence throughout the by ensuring firm commitment to regulatory compliance in the region, which remains a core territory for HAYVN.

At the time CEO of HAYVN, Christopher Flinos stated, “We are delighted to have met the requirements for our initial approval from VARA and look forward to being part of VARA’s regulatory framework. VARA regulation solidifies our position as the trusted cryptocurrency provider regionally. This is a core market of ours, and our regulatory strength here further supports our broader GCC business. We are proud to be a regulation-led firm, committed to upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance, as we continue to expand our presence and contribute to the growth of the digital asset ecosystem here in the UAE.”

Qatar public consultations for its digital assets and investment tokens legislation

Qatar public consultations for its digital assets and investment tokens legislation

As expected The Qatar Financial Centre (“QFC”) Regulatory Authority (“Regulatory Authority”) and the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (“QFC Authority”) have published a consultation paper for their digital assets framework which seeks to regulate investment tokens.

QFC is seeking feedback for the proposed digital assets legislation at a date no later than January 2nd 2024 which means the final legislation will not be available until the first or second quarter of 2024. This comes at the heels of QFC’s launch of its digital assets Lab which will be launched on October 29th.

Aditya Kumar Sinha,  Head Fintech & Digital Innovation at Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority · states on LinkediN, “ The Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) and the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority have jointly released a Consultation Paper, and we’re seeking your insights and feedback on our proposals to introduce a QFC Digital Assets Framework. This comprehensive framework is being developed in phases, with phase one dedicated to establishing legislation for a QFC tokenization framework. To make this vision a reality, the QFC Regulatory Authority and QFC Authority have meticulously prepared a range of draft legislative instruments.”

As part of the digital assets legislation is rulebook for Investment Tokens. These rules define the treatment of investment tokens representing specified products, making their activity subject to authorization and supervision, and amendments to existing rules to accommodate investment tokens.”

The Regulatory Authority and the QFC Authority has developed a QFC digital assets framework designed to achieve the following objectives,  develop a legal and regulatory framework for digital assets through the establishment of a tokenization framework in the QFC that will provide legal certainty and a trusted technology environment for digital assets;  provide legal recognition of digital assets and address issues such as ownership of the underlying assets, custody arrangements, the transfer of ownership, trading and exchange of digital assets, smart contracts, among other relevant matters.

It also seeks to develop a trusted technology infrastructure that embeds the standards necessary to ensure trust and confidence among consumers and support for the framework from high quality service providers; and develop a framework that delivers certainty and promotes trust and confidence in digital assets, the market, and the service providers.

QFC authority as mentioned based their proposed framework on benchmarks in Lichtenstein, Switzerland, the European Union, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, various states, and offshore financial Center frameworks in the GCC and other benchmark regulatory jurisdictions.

Henk Jan HoogendoornHenk Chief Financial Sector Officer at Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority added in a post on LinkedIn, Our ambition is to have a solid Digital Asset Framework where real Asset can be tokenized with trusted tokenization partner and supervised by Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority and Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) .”

As per the documents the proposed digital assets framework is being developed on a phased basis with phase one focusing on the establishment of legislation to provide for a QFC tokenization framework.

In terms of investment tokens, they are tokens that represent underlying’s that are Specified Products under the QFC Financial Services Regulations (“FSR”). They provide for any person who carries out an activity in relation to such a token to be conducting a regulated activity, requiring authorization and supervision by the Regulatory Authority.

So what is the Investment Tokens Rules 2023? It introduces enabling provisions for tokenizing rights (described as investment tokens), in specified products under the QFC Financial Services Regulations (“FSR”) and certain derivatives and Islamic financial contracts declared to be specified products in Regulatory Rules.

Stablecoins, CBDCs, and crypto are not under the regulatory guidelines and as such are prohibited. As per the legislation framework, “

As noted a cryptocurrency token that is used as an alternative to fiat currencies but is not issued or backed by any governmental authority and does not represent any ‘off-chain’ property, is an example of an excluded token. This includes tokens commonly referred to as fully backed stablecoins, as these are regarded as substitutes for currency but are not themselves fiat currency or monetary instruments.”

Yet regulated token services include token validators, token generation services, token custody services, operation of a token exchange, and token transfer services fall under the activities within the digital asset framework.

In addition the proposed amendments to the Special Company Regulations enable Special Companies to conduct the additional activity of issuing certificates, receipts, or other instruments, which would include tokenized instruments. This amendment is proposed on the basis that parties conducting a transaction in digital assets from the QFC (i.e., by way of example, a sukuk or bond Token issuance) may use a Special Company for this purpose.

This comes after QFC has commenced working with blockchain, DLT, and consultancies to develop their digital asset and DLT framework infrastructure.

This week Dubai’s DIFC (Dubai International Financial Center) also released its digital assets consultation paper.

Global Blockchain Congress is back to Dubai in December 2023

Global Blockchain Congress is back to Dubai in December 2023

After a very successful first European Edition Global Blockchain Congress, Agora Group is coming back to Dubai for its 12th GBC on December 11 and 12, 2023!

The Global Blockchain Congress leverages the experience gained through the hosting of the first 11 editions of the event in Dubai and the international editions in Vietnam and the UK to ensure maximum return on investment for all our sponsors. The previous editions of the Global Blockchain Congress were a tremendous success and we were able to host 1,500+ investors and 300+ blockchain startups and were able to raise millions in funds for our participating projects

The theme of this edition is: “Will the Next Bull Market Be Different?”
Topics of the Congress:
• Land of Decentralized Milk and Honey? Why Crypto
• Companies Are Warming to the United Arab Emirates.
• Digital Assets Outlook 2024.
• Web3 Gaming and the Path to Open Metaverse.
• DeFI, CeFi and ReFi – What’s Next?
• Blockchain Marketing: Shaking Up the Game with Trending Strategies

The event is a closed-door, exclusive congress that can be attended by invitation only where the format of the event is focused on pre-arranged one-on-one meetings between projects and investors.
Agora will be hosting more than 150 Investors, 25 Projects, 60 A-list Speakers & 30 Media Partners from all over the world.

Learn more about the event: gbc-uae.com

Register here: bit.ly/12th-GBC