UAE Haifin offers blockchain trade finance solution in Bahrain with BENEFIT

UAE Haifin offers blockchain trade finance solution in Bahrain with BENEFIT

Bahrain based BENEFIT, aFintech and electronic financial transactions service, has partnered with haifin, an e& enterprise company (part of e&) formerly known as UAE Trade Connect offering Blockchain enabled trade financing platform,to revolutionize Bahrain’s banking sector by fostering innovation, and enhancing financial resilience across the industry.

With a proven track record in de-risking trade finance lending, haifin—live in UAE since 2021—has leveraged cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain and advanced analytics to prevent fraud in real-time, saving over $150 million for its consortium members.

As per the press release, the partnership is set to enhance the ability of Bahrain’s banking industry to mitigate risks and prevent fraud, particularly in trade finance. By improving risk management, the collaboration is expected to boost banks’ lending confidence, increase revenues, and improve access to liquidity for SMEs and corporate borrowers.

Abdulwahed AlJanahi, Chief Executive of BENEFIT, commented that this partnership marks a significant step in strengthening Bahrain’s financial ecosystem through advanced technology. He added, “By equipping banks with cutting-edge tools to proactively combat fraud and streamline trade finance, we are empowering the sector to operate with unparalleled efficiency and confidence. By uniting our expertise, we are reinforcing trust, security, and innovation at the heart of the industry’s future, setting the stage for a more resilient and digitally advanced banking landscape in Bahrain.”

Zul Javaid, Chief Executive of haifin, highlighted the importance of this partnership added, “After our success in the UAE and our ambition to address similar challenges across the MEA region this collaboration with BENEFIT marks a major milestone. Together, we aim to deliver advanced technology solutions that enhance risk management which ultimately drives growth for banks.”

The members of Haifin platform include UAE Banks Federation, Al Masraf, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Commercial Bank International, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Habib Bank AG Zurich, Invest Bank, Mashreq Corporate & Investment Banking Group, National Bank of Fujairah, RAKBANK, Sharjah Islamic Bank, United Arab Bank, Beehive Fintech, CredibleX, DP World, and Finneva.

Prior to the recent agreement with Bahrain’s BENEFIT, Zul Javaid expressed his interest in expanding Haifan offering to countries across the GCC and MENA regions, including KSA hiring Wissam Massud to lead their international expansion in 2023.

Allo XYZ tokenization platform accepted into Qatar Digital Assets Lab

Allo XYZ tokenization platform accepted into Qatar Digital Assets Lab

UAE based Allo.xyz, a blockchain platform for AI Agent Funds and Real World Assets with $2 billion+ in tokenized assets, which received a $100M credit facility backed by Bitcoin has been accepted into Qatar’s Digital Assets Lab, bolstering its presence in the crypto lending sector.

Allo xyz has participated in Binance Labs and BNB Chain’s MVB Accelerator program and tokenized $2.2B in assets on BNB Chain. The company seeks to tokenize $1 trillion assets by 2030.

RWA tokenization is the process of converting rights to a real-world asset into a digital token on a blockchain. These assets can include real estate, art, commodities, or even intellectual property. By tokenizing these assets, we bridge the physical world and the digital realm, enabling fractional ownership, increased liquidity, and more efficient trading.

In 2025, the concept of tokenization has seen remarkable growth, the growth trajectory suggests that the RWA tokenization market could potentially reach a staggering $30.1 trillion by 2034.

“We’re projecting a very strong Q4 this year. Stablecoins are about $200 billion. In TVL, we have treasuries at about a few billion dollars. Private credit at about $10 billion. Treasuries, stablecoins, and private credit are early movers in the space, and we’ll see a continuation of that,” said Kingsley Advani, Founder and CEO of Allo XYZ told BeInCrypto in a recent article.

So far the Qatar Digital Assets Labs has accepted, Accelerated Sustainable Materials Discovery, Alt DRX a Digital Real Estate Exchange, ArcaX, Asset Share, Audteye, Blade Labs, BlockStead, FinRock, DMZ, evergon, FalconNest Labs, iTOO technologies, mintus, oori, partier, Polygon, Proptech, Scie NFT, SettleMint, SeedraChain, Skarguard Taurus, xALTs, Verity, SurferMonkey, Ryzer Doha Digits, Hacken, Root VX, DAVID and Stobox.

Mantra Finance secures first DeFi license in UAE

Mantra Finance secures first DeFi license in UAE

Mantra Finance a decentralized Finance platform operated by MANTRA Group, has secured the first DeFi license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulator Authority (VARA).

Mantra Finance with the license will be able to operate as a Virtual Asset Exchange, as well as offer crypto broker dealer and management investment services.

As per the press release, this is significant milestone in MANTRA’s commitment to regulatory compliance, security, and innovation within the rapidly growing virtual assets ecosystem. The VARA license will support not just MANTRA’s global footprint as it introduces a range of innovative, regulatory-compliant financial products tailored to the evolving needs of investors around the world, but position it to further scale operations in the Middle East focused on the tokenization of real world assets (RWAs).

“By establishing the most timely, comprehensive and built from-the-ground-up framework for virtual assets and Web3, Dubai and VARA have become world leaders in crypto regulation. This license was a crucial step for MANTRA and a key step in our journey towards global expansion,” said John Patrick Mullin, CEO of MANTRA.

“The UAE and broader MENA region has fast become a progressive global hub and thriving ecosystem for Web3 and virtual assets owing to their regulatory initiatives and frameworks. This license not only strengthens our presence regionally, it positions us internationally to deliver unique DeFi products that bridge the gap between decentralized finance and traditional finance. Our goal is to build a future-focused financial ecosystem that benefits institutional and qualified investors globally.”

“By obtaining this license, MANTRA joins a growing community of regulated entities operating within the UAE, and we are excited to work alongside industry leaders to shape the future of virtual assets,” added Mullin. “Our regulatory compliance is fundamental to the trust we build with users, and it reflects our long-term vision of driving responsible growth in the digital asset space.”

As the platform continues to innovate, MANTRA will launch a variety of unique DeFi products designed to meet the dynamic needs of investors. Each product is developed with strict adherence to local regulations and international policy frameworks, ensuring that users benefit from both security and cutting-edge financial tools.

Mantra raised $11 million from Shorooq Partners in UAE

MANTRA Chain a Layer 1 blockchain for real world tokenization, raised $11 million led by UAE based Shorooq Partners with investors including Three-point capital, Forte Securities, VirtuZone, Hex Trust and GameFi Ventures. The news which was published in Coindesk stated, that Mantra Chain was in the final stages of receiving licenses from Dubai’s crypto regulator, VARA.

Mantra is already posed for success with its recent agreement with DAMAC Group to tokenize $1 billion worth of assets. In addition it has also signed an agreement to tokenize assets worth half a billion dollars with MAG Group.

Qatar Investment Authority funds Rasmal Ventures

Qatar Investment Authority funds Rasmal Ventures

Qatar Investment Authority has funded Rasmal Ventures LLC as part of its Fund of Funds Program. The funding is received into Rasmal Venture’s inaugural, home-grown venture capital fund, Rasmal Innovation Fund I LLC, which targets high-performance startups and scales up across a variety of innovative technology sectors, including fintech, B2B SaaS, HealthTech and AI.

Rasmal Innovation Fund I LLC is the first fund announcement as part of QIA’s $1 billion Fund of Funds program announced as open to applicants in February 2024.

To date, the Rasmal Innovation Fund I LLC has closed funding from QIA’s Fund of Funds, corporates, family offices and individual high-net-worth investors with an aim to reach $100 million in investment commitments. The fund is only open to professional investors as defined in QFCRA regulation.

Alexander Wiedmer, Co-Managing Partner of Rasmal Ventures, said, “As the first private VC fund based in Doha, we have forged strong partnerships with leading Qatari institutions to work closely with exceptional founders, stimulate innovation, and meet the region’s unique needs. While still in the early stages of capital deployment, we take pride in our first investments in proprietary tech startups. The trust QIA and our other investors placed in us is a testament to our team’s capabilities and dedication. We will continue to grow our presence across the region and execute our highly selective investment strategy to establish ourselves as a key player in the MENA VC landscape.”

Tokinvest and HKVAX crypto exchange partner for tokenized investments

Tokinvest and HKVAX crypto exchange partner for tokenized investments

UAE regulated, Tokinvest, real-world asset tokenization marketplace, and HKVAX, a crypto asset trading platform, have partnered to transform the global digital asset markets by linking Hong Kong’s established financial infrastructure with Dubai’s rapidly expanding virtual asset ecosystem. The alliance seeks to pave the way for a new era of tokenized investments.

By bringing together HKVAX’s SFC-regulated platform in Hong Kong and Tokinvest’s VARA-licensed broker-dealer operations in Dubai, this collaboration establishes a cross-regional tokenization corridor. The alliance will enable seamless token offerings, asset structuring, and secondary market trading, providing institutional investors with greater market accessibility while ensuring regulatory compliance across jurisdictions.

The partnership is set to drive cross-border liquidity, enhance market efficiency, and unlock new investment opportunities in tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), such as real estate, private equity, and alternative assets. In an industry that is still in its early stages, this strategic collaboration marks a significant step towards mainstream adoption of regulated digital asset markets.

“This strategic bridge between Hong Kong and Dubai represents more than just a partnership – it’s a gateway to seamless digital asset flows between two of Asia’s most dynamic financial centers.” said Sam Fok, Co-founder and COO of HKVAX. “Through our collaboration with Tokinvest, we’re creating new pathways for institutional investors while upholding the highest regulatory standards in both markets.”

Scott Thiel, CEO of Tokinvest, added, “Tokenisation is the future of finance, but to reach its full potential, we need strong regulatory frameworks and seamless market connectivity. This partnership with HKVAX creates a vital link between two global financial powerhouses, enabling investors to access previously untapped opportunities with greater security, liquidity, and efficiency. The future of real-world asset tokenisation is borderless, and this is just the beginning.”

UAE based Brevan Howard Digital deploys $20 million of assets on Kinto DeFi L2 platform

UAE based Brevan Howard Digital deploys $20 million of assets on Kinto DeFi L2 platform

The UAE branch of Brevan Howard Digital has deployed $20M in assets on Kinto, a Blockchain DeFi financial portal which rewards active participants such as traditional financial entities who deposit assets on-chain with token emissions.

As per the press release, Kinto enables financial institutions to deploy capital on-chain while meeting their strict legal and compliance requirements. Kinto is the only L2 that has native KYC and AML at the blockchain level, default wallet insurance and extensive security features.

Kinto’s mining program rewards active participants who deposit assets on-chain with token emissions. The mining program will be active for 10 years, with rewards decreasing over time. Brevan Howard Digital, through its Abu Dhabi branch, became one of the first major traditional financial firms to leverage its digital assets to participate in Kinto’s mining program.

Kinto’s CEO and co-founder, Ramon Recuero, believes that digital asset management platforms like Brevan Howard Digital are ahead of the curve and that participation in on-chain in programs like Kinto’s mining program will steadily increase. He expects similar institutions to become more prominent within the ecosystem over the coming months: “Institutions have been waiting for two things: regulatory clarity and compliance features. Now, through Kinto, financial institutions don’t need to wait any longer.”

Regulated crypto exchanges and wallets can advertise on google targeting UAE

Regulated crypto exchanges and wallets can advertise on google targeting UAE

Google announced that it has updated the cryptocurrencies and related products policy to clarify the scope and requirements for the advertisement of complex speculative financial products specifically in UAE. The company is allowing regulated crypto exchange and wallets to target UAE customers.

As per Google, starting February 26, 2025, advertisers offering cryptocurrency exchanges and software wallets targeting the United Arab Emirates may advertise those products and services when they meet the following requirements and are certified by Google.

The requirements are that cryptocurrency exchanges and crypto wallets targeting UAE users will need to be licensed by either the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) out of ADGM in Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), or the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) out of DIFC. It adds that any other local legal requirements must also be complied with.

Interestingly crypto exchanges or crypto wallets license out of RAK DAO were not mentioned.

In the announcement Google notes, “As a reminder, we expect all advertisers to comply with the local laws for any area that their ads target. This policy will apply globally to all accounts that advertise these financial products.”

If advertisers violate the policy their accounts will be suspended without prior warning. A warning will be issued, at least 7 days, before any suspension of account.

This means that crypto exchanges such as Binance, OKX, CoinMENA, BitOasis, Crypto.com, M2 and others will be able to start advertising campaigns on Google targeting the UAE users. It also means that crypto wallets such as HexTrust, BackPack, Liminal, Komainu and others will also be able to.

Saudi Ministry of IT partners with Blockchain accelerator Adaverse

Saudi Ministry of IT partners with Blockchain accelerator Adaverse

Adaverse, Venture Fund and Cardano Blockchain accelerator has partnered The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

As per the press release, the partnership aims to accelerate the development of Web 3 technologies and promote innovation in blockchains in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This collaboration will leverage the Ministry’s leadership in national digital transformation and Adaverse’s expertise in blockchain investments and technology infrastructure. It aims to equip local talent with access to the latest global advancements in this field.

Vincent Li, CEO of Adaverse Saudi Arabia, stated, “We take pride in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation by sharing our global expertise and resources. This partnership will help build a strong Web3 community in the Kingdom and drive innovation in blockchain technology.”

The partnership will include training and awareness programs to help local talent gain expertise in Web3 and Blockchain. It will also foster innovation with community meetups and hackathons and provide access to cutting edge technologies to support KSA’s tech ecosystem.

Additionally Adaverse will work with the Minsitry to establish startup accelerators in Web3 sector.

This announcement coincides with the new Web3 alliance that has been formed in KSA . Animoca Brands, SandBox, and Outlier Ventures announced that they have united key Blockchain and digital innovation players towards to goal of driving adoption and Web3 technologies aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

UAE Phoenix Group announces crypto mining revenues of $107 million

UAE Phoenix Group announces crypto mining revenues of $107 million

Phoenix Group PLC (ADX:PHX), ADX-listed blockchain and crypto mining entity saw crypto mining revenues of $107 million in 2024, compared to $32 million in 2023 and $5.4 million in 2022. This represents a1852% increase over two years.

The company’s total gross revenue across all verticals reached $206 million. Phoenix Group’s proactive operational efficiencies and strategic initiatives, including global expansion and diversification, have paved the way for sustained profitability and growth.

Commenting on the 2024 results, Munaf Ali, CEO & Co-Founder, stated, “These results are a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and strategic growth on a global scale. The past year has been pivotal for Phoenix Group, marked by significant expansion and enhanced profitability. We are not simply navigating the digital asset revolution – we are shaping it. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, we are confident in delivering continued value to our shareholders and stakeholders worldwide.”

The company achieved a total comprehensive income of $ 219 million and a net profit after tax of USD 167 million. Total assets stood at $962 million, along with earnings per share (EPS) recorded at $0.028, reinforcing Phoenix Group’s continued profitability and shareholder value growth.

Some of the reasons for the increase include improved profitability from self-mining. Gross margins rose to 24% in Q4 2024, up from just 5% in Q3 2024, driven by an average 37% increase in Bitcoin price and a 6% improvement in efficiency improvement mainly coming from sites in the US and Canada. In addition Phoenix Group also advanced its crypto mining operations to Ehtiopia.

In addition, processing power maintained a robust contribution of 15.0 EH/s to the Bitcoin network, with its market share holding steady at 1.9%. The company’s preliminary results remain subject to external audit, with audited consolidated financial statements expected by February 14, 2024.

UAE investors and consumers warned about memecoins by Dubai regulator VARA

UAE investors and consumers warned about memecoins by Dubai regulator VARA

UAE investors and consumers were officially warned about investing in memecoins by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) given the risks associated with advertisements promoting subscriptions to memecoins.

The UAE virtual asset regulator noted that memecoins are unregulated and highly risky in nature. The crypto regulator noted memecoins are highly speculative and volatile assets, frequently subject to market manipulation.

The regulator also stated that these memecoins lack intrinsic value and derive their pricing from social media trends, hype or misleading promotional strategies.

As such investors should exercise caution when presented with claims of unrealistic returns, as these often indicate fraudulent schemes.
There is a risk of significant financial loss within short timeframes due to price collapses, liquidity shortages, or scams.

Moreover VARA added that any virtual asset issuance from Dubai must ensure adherence with VARA Regulations and Rulebooks.
Any promotion, advertising, or solicitation of virtual assets must adhere to VARA’s Marketing Regulations.
Entities engaging in unauthorized virtual asset activities may be subject to enforcement action.

These memecoin platform may also be restricted without prior notice.