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UAE and Qatar VCs invest in securitization AI entity, Teamsec

UAE and Qatar VCs invest in securitization AI entity, Teamsec

Deniz Ventures, the venture capital fund of DenizBank, established under the Emirates NBD Innovation Fund—the Corporate Venture Capital arm of Emirates NBD Group—and Qatar based Rasmal Ventures, a venture capital firm, have invested in Turkish based TeamSec, an a AI-powered securitization platform, transforming the structured finance industry through its innovative Securitization-as-a-Service platform.

Securitization is the process in which certain types of assets are pooled so that they can be repackaged into interest-bearing securities.

With a total investment raise of 7.6 million USD, TeamSec aims to accelerate its growth operations, focusing on rapid expansion in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The company already has an innovation license in DIFC ( Dubai International Finance Center). Additionally, TeamSec also aims to diversify its product and service portfolio and enhance current service offerings.

TeamSec in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, TeamSec has taken a major leap forward by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SIMAH, the Saudi Credit Bureau. This collaboration is a key milestone in enhancing the securitization ecosystem in the Kingdom, enabling us to access critical credit data and analytics required to structure robust securitization solutions.

The partnership with SIMAH will provide data-driven securitization models that meet international standards. By leveraging SIMAH’s extensive credit information database, the company seeks to ensure that their securitization products are built on a foundation of trust, reliability, and precision—qualities that are vital for attracting investors and fostering confidence in the market.

Through its AI and data analytics-based solutions, TeamSec seeks to create critical value for investors and financial institutions.

Commenting on the investment, Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, said, “We recognize the immense potential securitization holds in supporting regional growth. Our recent strategic investment in TeamSec, a fintech innovator specializing in Securitization-as-a-Service, underscores our commitment to shaping this market and enabling its growth. We are the first investor in TeamSec, supporting the founder and team in their growth journey at an early stage.”

NEOHUB CEO Gürhan Çam highlighted that TeamSec’s technological infrastructure will lay the groundwork for stronger collaborations among financial institutions in the future and contribute significantly to the financial ecosystem. He stated: “Digital transformation in the fintech sector is no longer a luxury but a necessity. As DenizBank and NEOHUB, we aim to address the technological gaps in the field of securitization by collaborating with startups through our investment in TeamSec. We recognize that TeamSec’s innovations in securitization have the potential to set new industry standards.”

Emphasizing the collaborative approach, Rasmal Ventures’ Co-Managing Partner, Alexander Wiedmer, noted: “TeamSec’s bold vision to revolutionize the securitization industry across the Middle East and beyond resonates strongly with us. Their mission-driven, execution-focused team exemplifies the kind of ambition and innovation we are excited to support. Our investment, alongside Deniz Ventures, reflects our commitment to advance fintech solutions that redefine traditional financial processes. By backing teams like TeamSec, with deep expertise in their field, we aim to accelerate digital transformation and fortify the regional financial ecosystem.”

Emphasizing the role Emirates NBD’s Corporate Venture Capital arm played in driving this investment, Neeraj Makin, Group Head of Strategy, Analytics, and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD, added, “Emirates NBD’s Innovation Fund drives strategic investments in cutting-edge fintech startups like TeamSec, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions that align with our vision of being the most innovative bank for our customers. As the industry evolves, the fund ensures we stay ahead of disruptive trends while enhancing the digital experience for our clients.”

Esad Erkam Köroğlu, Founder and CEO of TeamSec, highlighted that this strategic investment from Deniz Ventures combined with the VC mindset and experience of the Rasmal Ventures’ team, is a key enabler in achieving the company’s vision: “The investment we received from ENBD and Rasmal Ventures demonstrates the trust placed in TeamSec’s vision and technological prowess by these renowned institutions. At the same time, this investment round supports our mission to revolutionize the securitization market, positioning TeamSec as a leader in the fintech sector as well as in the securitization market, particularly in the MENA region. With this investment, we endeavor to strengthen our position as a global game-changer in the field of securitization.”

Qatar based Rasmal Ventures, the first independent venture capital company within QFC authority, licensed to manage exempt funds domiciled in QFC, launched its Rasmal $100 million Fund I in 2023. The Fund was supported by key Qatari private investors and institutions.

KSA Bank to patent Blockchain system for CBDCs

KSA Bank to patent Blockchain system for CBDCs

The Saudi Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is working to patent a Blockchain system for smart stabilization for CBDCs and digital assets after receiving a positive evaluation for its Blockchain smart stabilization system patent. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is looking into the patentability of the system.

WIPO has acknowledged the Stabilization System as a novel, inventive, and industrially applicable solution. WIPO also noted its significant potential for international patent recognition.

The Blockchain smart stabilization system will work to enhance the stability of organized asset markets without compromising efficiency. The system will effectively manage the gap between supply and demand to mitigate price volatility while upholding the market-equilibrating role of this gap.

As such Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, expressed his appreciation towards the team’s dedication and hard work, stating, “This recognition from WIPO not only validates our commitment to innovation but also positions IsDBI at the forefront of bolstering the financial stability of the digital and crypto-based economy.”

The Blockchain system for smart stabalization will be utilized in financial assets, digital currencies ad CBDCs using Blockchain technology.

The Blockchain system is self-financed, with no need for substantial capital to achieve its objectives. A prototype is under way after IsDBI signed an agreement with Settlemint. Saudi IsDBI bank started working on this project with Blockchain solution provider Settlemint in May 2023.

Qatar’s Financial Center Authority just signed a second MOU for blockchain and digital assets

Qatar’s Financial Center Authority just signed a second MOU for blockchain and digital assets

Once again the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) financial business center is on a sprint run with Blockchain, first with its MOU signed with Blockchain solution provider R3 and now with its MOU signed Blockchain SettleMint platform. The agreement with Settlemint will also as with R3 work on Blockchain and digital asset initiatives in the financial sector. 

The MoU aims to explore potential synergies with industry participants, including financial institutions, fintech firms, and corporate organisations, to accelerate the adoption of blockchain and digital asset business models and solutions.

Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC, stated “We are delighted to collaborate with SettleMint Blockchain LTD to explore use cases of blockchain technology and digital assets in Qatar’s financial industry. This partnership reflects the QFC’s commitment to supporting innovation and identifying new opportunities that benefit our stakeholders and Qatar’s wider financial ecosystem. To that end, we look forward to future joint initiatives with SettleMint.”

Matthew Van Niekerk, Founder & CEO, SettleMint, added, “At SettleMint, we are passionate about empowering developers to easily build on web3 infrastructure and enabling companies to unleash the full potential of blockchain technology for their clients and the ecosystems in which they operate. SettleMint has been supporting the financial industry for several years from experimentation to production application. We are thrilled to partner with the QFC and leverage their expertise and network to drive blockchain adoption and innovation in Qatar’s financial sector.”

Settlemint was one of the first blockchain companies to set up shop in the GCC region back in 2016. By 2021, Settlemint was in discussions in Bahrain and UAE with government and private sectors alongside their partners in the region. 

Settlemint was collaborating on projects in supplychain, finance and banking sectors. 

At the end of 2022, SettleMint raised $18 million in Series A funding led by Molten Ventures. The raised funds were to be used to solidify their position in Europe, Middle East, India and Singapore as well as expand into the Japanese market. 

Jordan on FATF grey list because of virtual assets risks

Jordan on FATF grey list because of virtual assets risks

On February 24th 2023 FAFT released its latest grey and black list. For those who are on the grey list it means that these jurisdictions are under increased monitoring and are actively working with the FATF to address strategic deficiencies in their regimes to counter money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.

As per the recent announcement by FATF, “When the FATF places a jurisdiction under increased monitoring, it means the country has committed to resolve swiftly the identified strategic deficiencies within agreed timeframes and is subject to increased monitoring. This list is often externally referred to as the “grey list”.”

Of the Arab countries on the grey list, was Jordan. It was on the list because of risks in virtual assets. As per FATF one of the reasons for it being on the list was because it needed to address strategic deficiencies including “completing and disseminating the money laundering and terrorist financing risk assessments of legal persons and virtual assets.”

It was interesting to see the term virtual assets in relation to Jordan because Jordan has not been on the list in terms of countries with high crypto ownership or transactions. Other countries such as Egypt, Morocco, and Lebanon are much more active in crypto. yet FATF chose to include the risks of virtual assets as one of the reasons it was one the grey list. 

According to Triple A crypto ownership report, the percentage of Jordanians who own crypto is just 1.5 percent equivalent to 170,000 people as of January 2023 an increase from 1.25 percent in 2022.

Concurrently, the IMF after its technical report on Jordan’s Central Bank feasibility for the launch of retail CBDC after a three month mission, recently released its report. IMF gave Jordan’s existing payment market a positive review calling it well integrated.

Nonetheless, The IMF stated that an rCBDC would enhance financial inclusion by providing services to residents without smartphones and could also improve the domestic payment system by making its infrastructure available to PSPs and lowering the cost of cross-border transfers.

The IMF however warned to avoid disintermediation in the Jordanian financial system, as it could contribute to instability in times of stress. The IMF found that an rCBDC could increase cybersecurity risks as an attractive target. “Sound legal underpinnings for an rCBDC should also be created,” the report said. 

In its report the IMF noted, “RCBDC may offer some benefits, but it does not necessarily address pain points. On the other hand, a cross-border rCBDC could add value, particularly if the authorities coordinate with other countries in the region.”

Jordan’s Central Bank had announced in February 2022 that it was researching a CBDC. Cointelegraph article noted that a central bank proposal to introduce crypto trading met with resistance in the parliament.

Whatever the case, Jordan being on FATF grey list because of virtual assets risks is another reminder of the need to regulate crypto assets.