UAE MBS invests $8 billion for Maldives Financial center

UAE MBS invests $8 billion for Maldives Financial center

The Maldives Government and UAE based MBS Global Investments, the investment arm of the Private Office of Sheikh Nayef Bin Eid Al Thani, have agreed to build a financial freezone in Maldives with an investment of $8.8bn. Dubbed the Maldives International Financial Centre (MIFC), the center will be designed for and created to attract global financial institutions, fintech pioneers, and global digital Nomads with support for digital assets.

As per the press release, The MIFC free zone will offer no corporate tax, tax-free inheritance, ownership as per the constitution of the Maldives, and privacy. Combined with no residency requirements, it’s set to attract digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and wealth creators seeking freedom without borders. Residents will benefit from multi-currency banking and access to offshore private banking. Future-ready regulations will support digital assets, and green finance – making MIFC not just a financial hub, but a destination for those investing in the legacy of future generations.

Due to be completed by 2030, it will be easily accessible from any part of the world and the aim is to notably increase the country’s GDP within four years with projected revenue to be well over US $1bn by the fifth year.

The centrepiece of MIFC is a state-of-the-art conference centre with capacity for 3,500 people. The multi-purpose convention venue will host leading global conferences, cultural events and innovation-driven hackathons establishing Male as leading assembly hub, driving all year round engagement in the Maldives and further supporting the wider, already established hospitality industry

The plan includes three iconic residential and office towers designed for international HQs and regional offices, high-end, sea front branded residences, world-renowned hotel brands, vibrant and one-of-a-kind retail experience, Oceanographic Museum, Mosque, and leading education facilities including an International School.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said, “With the MIFC, we are shaping the Maldives of tomorrow, a beacon of innovation and national pride that will thrive in harmony with nature. The financial centre will be a symbol of economic resilience and will set a new global benchmark that will massively benefit the people of the Maldives for generations to come.”

Minister of Finance for the Maldives said, “This is a momentous project. It offers a great opportunity to diversify our economy beyond tourism in line with our ambitions and will attract the best businesses and visionary entrepreneurs in the world.”

Nadeem Hussain, CEO of MBS Global Investments said, “The financial centre will set a new global benchmark, advancing financial innovation by at least two decades. It is the next evolution of what has been happening in other financial centres around the globe.”

This dynamic mixed-use development has been designed by master planner Architect Gianni Ranaulo, every structure from the overarching master plan to the individual buildings are inspired by the local fauna and marine eco-system. Ranaulo incorporates environmentally conscious practices in all projects. The total size of the development is 780,000 sqm where more than 6,500 people can reside, and an expected daily footfall of 35,000.

While the press release itself does not mention blockchain or crypto hub, a report from the Financial Times, noted that the agreement, which was signed on May 4, was done in the hopes of moving the Maldives away from reliance on tourism and fisheries by attracting foreign direct investment into blockchain and Web3 technologies.

MBS has previously investment in Blockchain entities

MBS Global Investments, through one of its portfolio entities UAE Varys Capital had previously invested in Movement Labs, an L2 Blockchain platform.

At the time, MBS Global Investments had noted on LinkedIn, “MBS Global Investments proudly congratulates our partner, Varys Capital on their successful pre-seed investment in Movement Labs (MOVE), a pioneering project that has just achieved a major milestone. The recent Token Generation Event (TGE) for MOVE was a resounding success, with the token reaching an extraordinary fully diluted valuation surpassing $6 billion. This remarkable achievement has already captured the attention of the global crypto community, with MOVE being listed on all major exchanges, including Binance.”

MBS also noted that they would continue to support this venture. They stated, “We are excited to continue supporting this transformative venture and looks forward to the significant impact MOVE will have on the future of decentralized finance and blockchain technology.”

In UAE’s SCA first meeting of the year the topic was blockchain

In UAE’s SCA first meeting of the year the topic was blockchain

The UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) held its first meeting for 2025 and the main topic being dished was leveraging advancements in fintech, blockchain and digital finance by developing innovative regulatory frameworks to facilitate digital transformation and attract international investors.

The first meeting of the year presided over by HE. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Board saw the participation of esteemed Board members, including HE. Faisal Yousuf Selaitin (Vice Chairman), HE. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, HE. Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Rumaithi, HE. Arif Mohammed Amiri, HE. Rashed Abdul Karim Al Blooshi, and HE. Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei.

As per the press release at the meeting, the Board articulated an ambitious strategic vision aimed at positioning the UAE as a global leader in financial markets. This vision focuses on the development of innovative regulatory frameworks designed to facilitate digital transformation and attract international investors. By leveraging advancements in fintech, blockchain technology, and digital finance, the SCA is committed to fostering a competitive and dynamic financial ecosystem that accelerates market growth.

“Our vision is to ensure the UAE leads in both financial innovation and regulatory excellence within the financial services sector, cultivating a dynamic and competitive financial ecosystem.” stated HE. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa.

HE. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, highlighted the organization’s commitment to positioning the UAE’s financial markets at the forefront of global financial innovation. “By prioritizing the establishment of a robust regulatory framework that emphasizes investor protection and enhances transparency, we aim to unlock new growth opportunities and reinforce the UAE’s status as a pivotal player in the global financial arena.” he affirmed.

The Board’s strategic framework is designed to adapt to evolving global trends in financial technology. This includes implementing comprehensive regulatory initiatives that enhance the SCA’s supervisory capacity and operational efficiency. By aligning regulatory practices with international standards, the SCA is poised to strengthen the resilience of the financial sector while ensuring robust investor protections. This proactive approach not only attracts increased global investments but also solidifies the UAE’s position as a leading global investment destination.

Earlier this year the UAE SCA invited feedback on its security tokens draft regulation using DLT technology to represent financial rights and tangible assets.

Qatar National Bank Group signs partnership with QFC for digital assets and tokenization

Qatar National Bank Group signs partnership with QFC for digital assets and tokenization

As the second edition of Web Summit Qatar 2025 concludes, Qatar National Bank (QNB Group,) signed agreements with Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Qatar Development Bank (QDB), and Rasmal Ventures. The agreement with QFC would allow fintech firms to access QNB banking infrastructure and support innovations in digital assets, tokenization, and embedded finance.

With QDB, the bank will collaborate on initiatives that promote Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including funding opportunities for fintech startups and alternative financing models.


With Rasmal Ventures, QNB is creating new pathways for venture capital investment, enhancing support for high-potential startups and driving the adoption of cutting-edge financial technologies.


Speaking about the partnerships, Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Group Chief Executive Officer of QNB, said, “Our strategic collaborations at Web Summit Qatar 2025 reflect our commitment to advancing digital finance and fostering a dynamic fintech ecosystem. By working closely with key financial and investment partners, QNB is strengthening Qatar’s role as a global financial hub and unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”

Powered by Qatar Central Bank, QFC launches its metaverse

Powered by Qatar Central Bank, QFC launches its metaverse

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) during the Web Summit event launched the QFC metaverse powered by Qatar Central Bank. The QFC metaverse builds on the success of the Digital Assets Lab and is designed to serve as an immersive digital platform for business engagement, collaboration and innovation.

QFC firms will be able to showcase their achievements, interact with global partners, and explore business opportunities. It will also act as a hub for virtual workshops, training sessions, and expert led discussion. Financial institutions, corporates, fintech firms, and startups will have the opportunity to connect, share insights, and drive innovation in an increasingly digitized world.

Addressing a press conference to announce the launch of QFC Metaverse, QFC CEO Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida emphasized the significance of the initiative. He explained, “We see the QFC Metaverse as a gateway to the future of finance, a space where borders fade, partnerships flourish, and ideas can grow beyond what we thought possible. Through this platform, we will build a financial district and fintech hub that can easily be accessed by anyone from anywhere in the world.”

Al Jaida further highlighted that the QFC Metaverse is a core element of Qatar’s broader vision to drive digital transformation in the financial sector. “By harnessing emerging technologies, we are driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and laying strong foundations for thriving financial and digital sectors, positioning Qatar as a leader in these domains,” he added.

In a LinkedIn post, Aditya Kumar SinhaAditya Kumar Sinha, Head of Fintech and Digital Innovation at QFC noted, “We are proud to share that at Web Summit Qatar 2025, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority officially launched the QFC Metaverse—a game-changing virtual platform designed to transform business engagement, collaboration, and innovation. He added that whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or innovator, the QFC Metaverse offers endless opportunities to collaborate and thrive.

B Capital establishes office in Qatar to support Fintech businesses

B Capital establishes office in Qatar to support Fintech businesses

B Capital today announced that it has established a new office in Doha as part of its expansion into the Middle East. A global multi-stage technology investment firm focused on enterprise, fintech, healthcare and climate sectors, B Capital plans to bring its global expertise to help advance innovation in the region. In addition, the firm will partner with Qatar Investment Authority (“QIA”), the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar, to help drive these efforts.


“B Capital has been dedicated to identifying and supporting visionary entrepreneurs across North America and Asia, and we are attracted to the Middle East as a rapidly emerging hub for innovation,” said Raj Ganguly, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of B Capital. “With our deep global expertise, particularly in AI, and our commitment to backing transformative companies, we look forward to helping the region’s most innovative businesses shape the future of technology.”

B Capital invests globally in exceptional founders and businesses driving innovation through technology. With over $8 billion in assets under management, the firm targets seed to late-stage growth technology investments. B Capital’s value-add platform, as well as its strategic partnership with The Boston Consulting Group, equips entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to scale quickly, expand into new markets and build market-leading businesses.

UAE Fuze digital assets solutions in Turkey with Aktif ventures

UAE Fuze digital assets solutions in Turkey with Aktif ventures

UAE Fuze, a digital assets infrastructure provider has partnered with Turkish based Aktif Ventures, that invests, advices and offers Fintech technologies. Aktif Ventures will utilize the digital asset solutions offered by Fuze to its product portfolio.

With this partnership, Aktif Ventures will be able to provide OTC solutions to CMB intermediaries and banks in the field of large-scale corporate acquisitions and asset management, while also offering KYC and custody processes that comply with the legislation in cooperation with the institutions it is integrated with.

Yasemin Evsahibioğlu, General Manager of Aktif Ventures, said, “As Aktif Ventures, we continue to develop our fintech ecosystem with our leading API marketplace Apilion. I can say that we have developed our new term strategy by focusing on the financial technologies of the future and have achieved an important milestone in our sector with our partnership with Fuze Finance. I believe that with this partnership, we will take on a pioneering role in the crypto field, which is one of the new actors in the fintech world, and make a difference with our products.”

Fuze Finance CEO Mo Ali Yusuf added, “Fuze, has become one of the strongest financial institutions in the region, and it will continue its success in the Turkish market. With our unique DaaS (Digital Asset as a Service) infrastructure, high-volume crypto trading services, OTC services and advanced custody solutions that we offer to financial institutions, we aim to meet the most critical needs of the market with the most reliable and innovative infrastructures.”

The collaboration will leverage Fuze’s suite of offerings, making crypto trading, liquidity management, OTC solutions, wallet/custody services, and real-time portfolio management more accessible than ever.

Banks and intermediaries can now access a secure, fully compliant infrastructure for large-scale institutional transactions, all while seamlessly integrating KYC and custody processes. No hassle, no complexity – just fast, secure, and scalable solutions for the digital age.

Earlier in the year UAE regulated CoinMENA and Fuze were the first crypto exchanges in MENA to be onboarded onto Mastercard Crypto Credential platform that allows crypto exchange users to send and receive cryptocurrencies using simple aliases instead of complex blockchain addresses.

Morocco’s Central Bank forms the Morocco Fintech Center

Morocco’s Central Bank forms the Morocco Fintech Center

The Central Bank of Morocco, better known as Bank Al Maghrib has formed the Morocco Fintech Center (MFC). It includes governmental entities, private sector entities as founding members. The Center was founded during a general meeting on January 15th 2025 at the headquarters of Bank Al Maghrib.

The founding members of the Morocco Fintech Center (MFC), include Ministry of Economy and Finance, represented by Mrs. Nadia Fettah Alaoui; Ministry of Digital Transformation and Administration Reform, represented by Mrs. Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni; Bank Al-Maghrib, represented by Mr. Abdellatif Jouahri; Moroccan Capital Market Authority, represented by Ms. Nezha Hayat; Insurance and Social Security Control Authority, represented by Mr.Abderrahim Chaffai; Mohammed VI Fund for Investment, represented by Mr. Badr Belkadi; TAMWILCOM, represented by Mr. Hicham Zanati Serghini; Digital Development Agency, represented by Mr. Sidi Mohammed Drissi Melyani; Al Akhawayn University, represented by Mr. Amine Bensaid; Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, represented by Mr. Khalid Baddou; Attijariwafa Bank, represented by Mr. Mohamed El Kettani; Banque Centrale Populaire, represented by Mrs. Naziha Belkeziz; Bank of Africa, represented by Mr. Mounir Kabbaj; CDG Invest, represented by Mr. Yassine Haddaoui; and HPS, represented by Mr. Mohamed Horani.

The general assembly approved that other organizations could join the association.

Morocco Fintech Center to assist Fintech startups

The Morocco Fintech Center aims to constitute a common window for Fintech startups and companies, supporting their development through support, incubation, acceleration and training. The MFC hopes to facilitate their understanding of the regulatory environment as well as access to financing. It will promote a collaborative fintech ecosystem fostering partnerships and networking opportunities while encouraging research and development in financial innovation.
The MFC held its first Board of Directors meeting under the presidency of Mr. Abdellatif Jouahri, Wali of Bank Al-Maghrib. The Board appointed Mr. Mustapha Lahlali as Executive Director.

As per the press release, Council members are committed to working together to accelerate the national fintech ecosystem.

Morocco to announce crypto regulations

On December 20th 2024, the Central Bank of Morocco represented by its governor Abdellatif Jouahri announced in Rabat Morocco that the draft crypto bill to regulate the use of cryptocurrencies was ready. Jouahri stressed that the full draft is ready to put in place a proper regulatory framework.

Jouahri stated, “Discussions are to be held with all stakeholders, including the Moroccan Capital Markets Authority (AMMC) and the Insurance and Social Security Supervisory Authority (ACAPS). We proceeded to a specific definition of the cryptocurrency and prepared a general public survey that details the specifics and use of this virtual currency in Morocco.”

Chainalysis’s 2024 Geography of Cryptocurrency report covering the MENA region and noting that MENA is the seventh largest crypto market globally in 2024 with the biggest two crypto countries being Turkey and Morocco.

Morocco Digital 2030 strategy includes DLT, and AI

On September 25 2024, Morocco unveiled its Digital 2030 strategy which aims to transform Morocco into a digital leader and boost its digital economy using AI, DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology), cloud services, and an ecosystem that supports innovative startups.

As per the strategy, the country seeks to create 240,000 jobs in the digital sector by 2030, which it expects will contribute 100 billion dirhams ($10.36 billion dollars) to the country’s gross domestic product while increasing digital export revenues to 40 billion dirhams ($4.15 billion). The strategy also aims to improve Morocco’s ranking in the United Nations Online Services Index, moving from 100th to 50th place worldwide in addition to creating 3,000 startups and improving 5G coverage to 70% of the North African kingdom’s territory.

The Hashgraph Association, a Swiss non-profit, drives global adoption of Hedera-powered solutions by funding innovation, training, and venture programs. It promotes economic inclusion and a digital future with a positive ESG impact, will be working with Agency of Digital Development to strengthen citizen services using the Hedera DLT network and Web3 technologies. It will also be working with Moroccan UM6P Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm and the investment arm of UM6P (Mohammed VI Polytechnique University), will help to develop entrepreneurship and accelerate science innovation and co-investment opportunities in Morocco and the wider Africa region.

Siraj Finance and ASSNTURE in UAE partner to pilot tokenization solutions

Siraj Finance and ASSNTURE in UAE partner to pilot tokenization solutions

Siraj Finance PJSC, a private joint stock company based in Abu Dhabi and regulated by the UAE Central Bank, offering a multitude of financial products, designed in compliance with Islamic Shari’ah principles and ASSNTURE Limited a registered in Abu Dhabi ADGM ( Abu Dhabi Global Market) as a technology startup providing Asset Tokenization and Digital Assets Infrastructure Solutions signed a strategic partnership during ADWF ( Abu Dhabi Finance Week), to explore solutions in asset tokenization and digital assets.

As per the announcement, this collaboration represents a shared commitment to leveraging blockchain technology to redefine financial services, with a focus on enabling secure, efficient, and compliant tokenization of real-world assets.

Siraj Finance and ASSNTURE aim to combine their expertise to pilot and commercialize asset tokenization solutions that align with the regulatory frameworks of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). By integrating cutting-edge blockchain technology, the two entities intend to provide clients with alternative liquidity solutions and expand access to high-value assets for a broader range of investors.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Mohamed Rusan Fyroze, CEO of Siraj Finance said, “This collaboration highlights Siraj Finance’s vision to lead the adoption of next-generation financial solutions in the UAE, aligning with our mission to empower businesses and individuals with innovative and compliant tools.”

Mr. Ihsan Khelef, Founder and Managing Director of ASSNTURE Limited added, “Partnering with Siraj Finance during ADFW reflects ASSNTURE’s dedication to building a robust ecosystem for tokenized assets. Together, we are setting the foundation for a new era in financial services.”

In October 2024, ASSNTURE launched “TradeDesk,” a blockchain-based platform designed to revolutionize the management and settlement of trade finance transactions for finished goods, raw materials, and commodities.

Qatar Fintech Hub advance digital assets startups in acceleration program

Qatar Fintech Hub advance digital assets startups in acceleration program

Qatar Fintech Hub announced that Fintech and digital startups from 7countries showcased their solutions during the Demo Day which is the final milestone of the Wave 6 Incubation & Acceleration Program. These startups have advanced through the flagship program to develop their innovative solutions in line with the National FinTech Strategy focusing on two key themes of Islamic FinTech and Digital Assets.

The startups include names such as Alt DRX a B2B real Estate Marketplace for Indians to buy & sell tokenized properties 1 SQFT at a time; powered by algorithmic pricing, instant settlements & Blockchain ledgers.

The second startup to be pitching is ARCA X LLC which is building the bridge between Centralized Finance (CeFi) & Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Through Hard-Blockchain (HBC)™ our proprietary blockchain hardware infrastructure & software end-to-end solution.

The third is Blade Labs which combines AI, blockchain, and smart contracts to help financial institutions deploy Shariah-compliant capital more efficiently. Our embedded Islamic finance platform automates compliance, enhances transparency, and reduces processing time from weeks to minutes, providing secure and scalable solutions for the $3.9T Islamic finance market.

Also pitching is Credit Plus which is empowering SMEs by providing innovative supply chain finance solutions that enhance cash flow, promote financial inclusion, and drive economic growth, with a vision to be the leading digital platform for seamless collaboration between banks, buyers, and suppliers across the MENA region.

Other startups include

Dhahaby facilitates loans against gold, gold jewellery and luxury timepieces removing the friction in collateralized lending for borrowers and lenders.

Ehmini is a digital platform offering embedded Takaful insurance solutions tailored for low and middle income expatriates in Qatar and the GCC. We simplify access to affordable retirement and insurance products by integrating seamlessly with financial institutions and payment platforms.

Finrock is a B2B platform allowing any asset to be identified, verified, and transferred to the blockchain unlocking liquidity and creating a secondary market.

GreenVycto, which is a Carbon Credit Tokenization platform designed to accelerate sustainability through incentivizing eco-friendly actions and supporting a green economy.

Hemaayah is an Insuretech platform bringing insurance protection to 30 Million GCC employed blue-collar workers. Their remittance linked insurance product provides health and income protection benefit to 150 Million family members of migrant workers.

Kredflo is a Shariah-compliant anchor led supply chain finance which enhances cash flow for anchors/sellers by offering immediate payments, while providing buyers/borrowers with a cost-free credit line.

Sidra a tokenisation infrastructure service provider and finally Wafir which transforms traditional lending circles into a modern, digital experience, ensuring secure, transparent, and efficient community financing.

ChainLink Labs sets up office in ADGM to serve DeFi in MENA

ChainLink Labs sets up office in ADGM to serve DeFi in MENA

Chainlink Labs, one of the primary contributing developers of Chainlink, the standard for DeFi and onchain finance, has expanded its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and set up an office and an entity in Abu Dhabi under the Registration Authority of ADGM.

Global finance is moving onchain. Chainlink Labs is at the center of this massive shift, working with everyone from financial market infrastructures to asset managers to top DeFi protocols. As per their website they offer a world-class team of over 600 developers, researchers, and capital markets experts with deep experience in cryptography and decentralized systems and a singular vision to build Chainlink into the global standard for onchain finance.

Chainlink Labs plans to utilize its local presence in ADGM to expand its network of strategic partnerships with financial market infrastructures and financial institutions, better serve its global ecosystem, and continue to build key relationships in the region as demand for tokenized assets surges.

Angie Walker, Global Head of Banking and Capital Markets at Chainlink Labs. Senior Executive Officer at Chainlink Labs Abu Dhabi said, “The MENA region has become a global destination for innovators from around the world and a hub for the adoption of onchain finance. We are excited to expand the global footprint of the Chainlink standard by establishing a presence in Abu Dhabi and working closely with key financial market infrastructures and financial institutions in the region to bring tokenized assets to production.”

Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Registration Authority CEO at ADGM noted, “We welcome Chainlink Labs, one of the primary contributing developers of Chainlink—the standard for onchain finance—on its recent expansion with a dedicated presence within ADGM. Chainlink Labs’ increased presence in the region underscores the growing demand for blockchain-based onchain finance solutions and tokenized assets, with Abu Dhabi, the ‘Capital of Capital’, providing the ideal environment for further expanding the global footprint of the Chainlink standard. We look forward to the innovative solutions that the Chainlink standard will enable in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”