LIV Bank in UAE launches first crypto trading campaign

LIV Bank in UAE launches first crypto trading campaign

Liv Bank, the first digital bank in UAE, and a subsidiary of Emirates NBD on its website, has launched its first crypto trading campaign in the UAE, spurring the first outright competition between UAE banking sector and crypto exchanges.

While Liv Bank announced their foray into the crypto trading arena back in March 2025, it is only now that they outrightly showcased it on their website and announced their first campaign.

Utilizing services of both Aquanow crypto exchange in the UAE, as well as Zodia Custody services, UAE Liv Bank have showcased themselves as a trusted partner to invest in crypto. UAE Liv Bank, explains how users in the UAE can trade securely with the Liv app for fees as low as 0.5% with guided modules and the security that Emirates NBD Bank brings.

In its crypto trading campaign, Liv Bank is offering every trade placed of order value USD 50 or more one entry into each of the draws. As they noted, “The more the trades, the better your chances to win! Offering prizes of 100,000 AED during the months of May and June 2025.

Users will be able to trade crypto assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Ripple and others.

According to Liv Bank they have simplified the crypto trading process. There are no seed phrases or downloading digital wallets, all users need to to is use the Liv app, As they note, “With Liv, you can begin with small denominations, learning and growing as you go through guided modules that are designed to help you make informed decisions.”

All users have to do is sign up or log in to the Liv X app, Click on the Wealth tab then simply click Apply on the Crypto tile, and fill out the requested details, and submit. Then users can start accessing all their crypto investments.

In March 2025, Liv digital bank a part of Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, announced the launch of their cryptocurrency offering within its mobile banking app – Liv X allowing users to buy sell custody and trade cryptocurrencies in partnership with Aquanow, a UAE regulated crypto asset exchange and Zodia Custody also regulated in the UAE.

At the time Liv digital bank noted that it was committed to introducing innovative products to its customers and this new cryptocurrency offering, with crypto infrastructure operated by Aquanow and custody services performed by Zodia Custody.

UAE Digital Bank implements Infosys Finacle on Microsoft Azure to integrate TradFi and DeFi

UAE Digital Bank implements Infosys Finacle on Microsoft Azure to integrate TradFi and DeFi

Infosys an Indian multinational technology company that offers business consulting, information technology, and outsourcing services, utilizing its Finacle product offering on Microsoft Azure has provided the first digital bank in UAE (they did not name the bank), which could be Liv Bank, a subsidiary of Emirates NBD, given it has publicized itself as being the first digital bank in the UAE, with Finacle on Cloud, a cloud-native solution that accelerates cloud adoption which works to toward digital banking, integrate decentralized finance (DeFi) into their operations.

As per a Microsoft blog post, the first licensed digital bank in the UAE, aimed to tap into the power of advanced data capabilities to simplify and upgrade the customer experience and provide secure, reliable, and innovative solutions through blockchain and AI technologies. After evaluating various technology platforms, looking for capabilities that would help them successfully integrate traditional finance (TradFi) and DeFi. Their ultimate goal being to redefine the banking landscape by streamlining financial services and integrating AI and blockchain technologies into their operations. To accomplish this, they were seeking a composable architectural design and event-driven API on a cloud-native platform that offered agility and security.

The blog adds, ” Ultimately, after comparing many solutions, they decided they wanted to go beyond the traditionally defined core systems so many financial institutions rely on, and they instead adopted Finacle on Microsoft Azure, thanks to its functional richness, market-specific experience, long-term viability, operational performance, total cost of ownership (TCO), and flexibility.”

“A customer-centric revolution is reshaping corporate banking,” said Sriranga N. Sampathkumar, VP and GM – Middle East and Africa, at Infosys. “This bank is spearheading this change with AI, actively shaping the future of banking through innovation and the strategic integration of digital assets.”


Sampathkumar explained, “The bank’s swift evolution from a digital to an AI-driven bank was made possible by the seamless deployment of the Finacle on Azure.”

Using Finacle the bank can process a vast amount of data and perform sophisticated analytics—all resulting in the ability to innovate and integrate emergent technologies like AI, blockchain, and digital asset management and sit at the forefront of the digital banking evolution.

They also report that Microsoft Azure has been a crucial part of their solution; choosing Azure has reportedly provided them with a high-performing, scalable, and secure foundation upon which to build the bank of the future. The bank has active connectivity and immediate recovery from one site to another, due to the cloud footprint offered by Azure, including Microsoft datacenters in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“By using the combined strength of Finacle’s innovative solution suite and Microsoft Azure’s robust cloud platform, this digital bank delivers a distinct, world-class experience, showcasing the essential agility, flexibility, and resilience needed to transform banking,” Sampathkumar said.

This comes as the UAE Bank Federation showcases how UAE banks are moving into the smart banking era with AI and Blockchain technologies among others.

Zand Bank now a licensed crypto custodian in UAE

Zand Bank now a licensed crypto custodian in UAE

UAE based Zand Bank, an AI powered digital bank, has received a full VASP license from Dubai’s virtual assets regulatory authority (VARA) allowing it to offer crypto custodial services. The license allows Zand to offer crypto and digital asset custodial services to institutional investors and qualified investors.

Zand, the AI-powered bank for the digital economy and first fully licensed all-digital bank in the United Arab Emirates was founded to support the digital economy and bridge the gap between Traditional Finance (TradFi) and Decentralized Finance (DeFi).

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Zand, commented: “This approval from VARA is a milestone for Zand and the UAE’s digital economy. It reflects our commitment to bold innovation and sustainable growth. Our mission is to establish Zand as a cornerstone of the UAE’s evolving financial landscape, contributing to the nation’s ambition to be a global financial powerhouse.”

Michael Chan, CEO of Zand, added: “We would like to extend a heartfelt token of appreciation to VARA for their continued support of Zand. Our Digital Asset Custody service is a significant step in UAE banking. By providing institutional-grade security for digital assets, we are equipping our clients with the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy. The upcoming launch of Zand’s AED-backed stablecoin will further enhance our ability to integrate TradFi and DeFi, reinforcing our leadership in this space.”

Zand Bank has been chosen by several crypto exchanges and brokers who are working in the UAE as their digital banking partner. With Zand’s new crypto custodial license, VARA would have licensed three crypto custodians, Zand, Hex Trust, and Komainu.

Zand Bank has been growing its presence and offering within the UAE and GCC region. It has signed several partnerships over the past year, the last being with Paymentology.

Paymentology and Zand will enable fintech entities to thrive by offering a range of specialized services, including BIN-sponsorship, virtual IBANs, and Client Money Accounts. These services are designed to help fintech entities launch and scale faster, providing them with the infrastructure to bring their solutions to market efficiently.

The timing aligns with the UAE government’s push to establish a strong digital economy through the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to double the sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP from 9.7% (April 2022) to 19.4% over the next decade.

Additionally, IDA, a Hong Kong-based stablecoin issuer, also partnered with UAE Zand Bank, to offer cost-effective and efficient cross-border transactions across the Belt and Road regions and BRICS Plus. As per the press release both entities aim to provide businesses with streamlined 24/7 digital payments.

Updated Dec 14th with quotes

UAE based Al Maryah bank launches blockchain digital wallet

UAE based Al Maryah bank launches blockchain digital wallet

Al Maryah Community Bank, a digital bank in the UAE has announced the launch of what it calls the first UAE Blockchain enabled national digital wallet, called Mbank Wallet.

As per the X post, “Al Maryah bank Introducing Mbank Wallet: UAE’s first national digital wallet using decentralized blockchain technology, enhanced with QR technology, and linked to Jaywan.”

Jaywan is the UAE’s domestic card scheme. Users open an account with their Emirates ID and add a the Blockchain enabled digital wallet with an IBAN.

The post adds that the Mbank wallet will allow for better financial inclusion within the UAE.

The new digital wallet will allow seamless financial transactions; send, receive, request, and pay money effortlessly, as well as send funds globally.

The Mbank Wallet is already accepted in TAMM, Emarat, Select Market, and Air Arabia.

In May 2024 Al Maryah Community Bank (mBank) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). This collaboration aims to streamline the account opening process for businesses within DMCC through an Mbank integrated digital platform.

Utilizing Mbank’s Corporate Platform, companies seeking to establish themselves in DMCC can now digitally complete their business bank account opening in six steps, within 48 hours.

In November 2023 Al Maryah Community Bank chose to leverage the services of Ripple ODL partner LuLu to facilitate cross-border money transfers.

Pave Bank, digital bank seeks regulatory license in UAE

Pave Bank, digital bank seeks regulatory license in UAE

Pave Bank, digital bank for businesses to transact in stablecoins, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and tokenized Real World Assets (RWAs) is seeking regulatory license in UAE as it expands its operations to MENA.

Pave Bank, an approved digital banking license from Georgia and a US$5.2M seed funding round led by 468 Capital with participation from Quona Capital, FT Partners, BR Capital, w3.fund, Daedalus and angel investors has launched.

Pave Bank is the world’s first fully regulated commercial bank where clients can not only get the best in class business banking products (such as multi-currency operating accounts, global payment connectivity, and treasury management solutions) but will also have access to multi-asset custody, virtual IBANs, safeguarding accounts and PaveNet, which is a multi-asset, always instant and always on network of Pave Bank customers.

Salim Dhanani, Co-Founder & CEO of Pave Bank commented: “We have set out to address limitations of today’s financial system that lacks transparency, remains restricted to certain time-windows (clearing and settlement, for example) and is riddled with intermediaries. All of this increases costs, management complexity and also limits the products and services which can be accessed by the majority of businesses and especially, for those operating globally. In parallel, we have seen a number of innovative products that have been created in the digital asset space, but sometimes with a lack of regulation and safety for users. We are championing a new path where Pave Bank customers will get access to the financial products that they are used to, but also a range of digital asset enabled products which will help them bank more efficiently within a regulated and secure environment.”

As programmability in financial services takes off, Pave Bank offers a fresh, secure and regulated platform for businesses to transact in stablecoins, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and tokenized Real World Assets (RWAs). Salim Dhanani added: “There are two major trends that led us to create Pave Bank. Firstly, blockchain is being integrated into the traditional financial system – with stablecoins, CBDCs included, and tokenized RWAs. We are seeing the financial system be built on new operating languages for the first time in over fifty years. Secondly, regulation is here, it’s here to stay, and for the better. We are seeing this narrative evolve around the world – in Singapore, Hong Kong, Georgia, UAE, UK, across the EU and the green shoots in the USA, amongst many others. As a fully regulated digital bank with a proprietary technology stack, we are right at the swell of the programmable financial system wave.”

Pave Bank has started the regulatory journey with a digital commercial banking license in Georgia and plans to continue to build its regulatory infrastructure globally. Georgia is strategically positioned between Europe, the Middle East and Asia, with close ties to the European Union. Its robust and transparent regulatory architecture has attracted a large number of businesses as it seeks to become a financial services hub in the region.

Whampoa Group Web3 investment firm and digital bank to invest $50 million in Bahrain with Golden license

Whampoa Group Web3 investment firm and digital bank to invest $50 million in Bahrain with Golden license

In a recent press release, Bahrain has granted its first five Golden licenses and Whampoa Group, a multi-family office with investments in global tech firms, and its digital bank has received one of these licenses. The holders of Golden licenses are eligible if they will create more than 500 local jobs, or make an investment of over $50 million in their first years in the Kingdom while contributing to strengthening the Kingdom’s overall development.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has granted the first five Golden Licenses to projects presented by Citi, Eagle Hills Diyar W.L.L, Infracorp, Saudi Telecommunication Company (stc), and Whampoa Group. With a collective investment of upwards of USD 1.4 billion into Bahrain, the greenfield projects and expansions are expected to create more than 1,400 job opportunities within the next three years in support of the Kingdom’s Economic Recovery Plan goals.

The licenses were presented at the headquarters of each company to Michel Sawaya, Bahrain CEO for Citi; Dr. Maher Al Shaer, Managing Director of Eagle Hills Diyar W.L.L.; Majed AlKhan, CEO of Infracorp; Nezar Banabeela, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of stc Bahrain; and Shawn Chan, Group CEO of Whampoa Group. and a virtual signing event was organised for Singapore-based Whampoa Group.

The Bahrain Economic Development Board had welcomed Singapore based digital asset bank part of Whampoa Group to Bahrain earlier this year. The digital bank, which offers integrated financial solutions to serve institutions, innovators, and sophisticated investors globally, including digital banking services and the trading, custody, and asset management of digital assets, will open its operations in Bahrain by the end of year.

In 2022, Singapore’s Whampoa Group deployed about $100 million through a venture capital fund in start-ups in the burgeoning digital assets segment in Web3, digital assets, stablecoins and NFT. 

Whampoa Digital, the group’s digital assets investment arm, will invest in and incubate early stage startups in Web3 – a utopian vision of the internet where users, rather than shareholders, own websites and other online services.

In recognition of the Golden licenses’ launch, HE Abdulla Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, said, “The Golden License is a pivotal step towards successfully achieving the objectives of Bahrain’s Economic Recovery Plan, which aims to attract $2.5 billion in foreign investment by the end of 2023.”

HE Khalid Humaidan, Chief Executive at the (Bahrain EDB), said, “The Golden License is a successful public-private partnership that has created bespoke solutions for investors and start-up companies. It has provided them with fast-tracked approvals and several features and facilities that have enabled them to secure a global footprint from Bahrain.”

Bahrain welcomes digital asset banking services provider Whampoa

Bahrain welcomes digital asset banking services provider Whampoa

The Bahrain Economic Development Board announced that it has welcomed Singapore Based digital asset bank Whampoa Group to Bahrain. Whampoa will be setting up its new digital bank headquarters in Bahrain.

The digital bank, which offers integrated financial solutions to serve institutions, innovators, and sophisticated investors globally, including digital banking services and the trading, custody, and asset management of digital assets, will open its operations in Bahrain by the end of year.

In 2022, Whampoa Group had announced plans to raise $50 million for a crypto hedge fund and had announced plans to set up a venture capital fund to invest in digital assets.

“We are delighted that Whampoa Group intends to set up the headquarters of their new digital bank in Bahrain as they would benefit from Bahrain’s pro-innovation environment and forward-looking regulatory framework. The establishment of these types of institutions is vital to further strengthen the existing digital assets industry and this milestone opportunity directly aligns with Bahrain’s Economic Recovery Plan, which prioritizes digitization across the financial services sector,” Khalid Humaidan, EDB CEO, said.

“We were impressed by Bahrain’s solid reputation in the financial services sector, transparent regulatory framework, and ongoing pledge to collaborate and innovate. We are committed to providing secure and innovative digital financial solutions in line with global best practices and are confident that our digital bank will set a new benchmark for the industry. Whampoa is grateful for the support from the Bahrain EDB and the broader Team Bahrain ecosystem throughout the entire process.” Shawn Chan, Group Chief Executive Officer of Whampoa Group commented.

UAE ADGM and Zand digital bank to offer preferential banking services to virtual asset entities

UAE ADGM and Zand digital bank to offer preferential banking services to virtual asset entities

UAE based Abu Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Zand Bank, the UAE’s all digital bank licensed by the UAE Central Bank, have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to offer preferential banking services and efficient bank account opening  for ADGM-licensed entities, including SMEs, virtual assets companies, funds, and corporations.

Zand Bank will be the sixth bank that ADGM has partnered with in addition to other prominent banks operating in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. As per the agreement, ADGM and Zand Bank will also support the placement of Emiratis and offer finance training programs, SME financing platforms, a FinTech sandbox, and corporate innovation programs.

Commenting on this partnership, Dhaher bin Dhaher Al Mheiri, CEO of ADGM, said, “We are pleased to partner with Zand Bank to collaborate on mutually beneficial initiatives and empower ADGM’s community with dedicated banking services. SMEs exist as one of the main pillars of economic diversification in the UAE and Abu Dhabi. They are important contributors to ADGM’s vibrant ecosystem. Enabling digital financial services through Zand bank in both the retail and corporate space for these SMEs is a testament to our continued efforts to support their growth and expansion in the global financial hub. We look forward to witnessing the long-term growth this impactful partnership presents to the ADGM community and the SMEs of the UAE.”

Michael Chan, CEO at Zand Bank, said, “We are delighted to partner with ADGM to support technology SMEs and start-ups across the UAE. As the international financial centre in Abu Dhabi, ADGM houses a number of diverse businesses, all looking to grow and expand their footprint in the region. We strive to financially empower these businesses in the ADGM community, through our innovative, customer-centric and superior digital banking offerings.”

More than 1,000 companies established operations within the center in the first six months of last year. According to Al Mheiri, there are over 5,400 companies registered and licensed at the ADGM, with the number expected to grow.