BitPanda has secured a crypto broker license in UAE

BitPanda has secured a crypto broker license in UAE

Bitpanda, A European virtual asset platform, has secured a crypto broker-Dealer license from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

As per the press release, the license will allow Bitpanda to make its virtual assets platform available to investors in the UAE including access to over 500 virtual assets – the most extensive virtual assets offering available on the market.

Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad, Deputy CEO at Bitpanda Group, noted, “Bitpanda is built on the principle that virtual assets should be secure and accessible. With our VARA license, we are bringing that vision to the UAE, ensuring investors and financial institutions have access to a fully compliant digital asset platform. This is just the beginning of our expansion beyond Europe. We are ready to grow in a region that embraces innovation and regulation equally.”

Bitpanda has already established a permanent office in Dubai at the DMCC Crypto Centre and has a team of regional experts in place who will now work to develop products tailored to the UAE market. Onboarding for UAE investors will begin in the coming months.

Fabian Reinisch, General Counsel at Bitpanda Group, commented: “We obtained approval in record time and I believe that is a testament to the decade experience of our teams working in the digital asset space and our commitment to the highest regulatory standards.”

BitPanda had received preliminary approval back in December 2024, which means it took only four months to get its full license.

BitPanda holds several licenses including a MiCAR license from the German regulator BaFin, registration with the UK’s FCA, a PSD2 E-money license, a MiFID II license, and VASP registrations across multiple markets.

Chainlink supports UAE’s tokenization projects registered in ADGM

Chainlink supports UAE’s tokenization projects registered in ADGM

UAE ADGM, the leading International Financial Centre (IFC) of the UAE’s capital, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chainlink, the standard for onchain finance, to help advance tokenization frameworks by supporting innovative projects under ADGM’s Registration Authority. Leveraging Chainlink’s technical expertise, industry insights, and a suite of advanced services the entities will maximize the utility of tokenized assets while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Chainlink’s market-leading services, including blockchain interoperability and verifiable data solutions, are facilitating liquidity across global markets, enabling over $19 trillion in transaction value.

Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADGM Registration Authority said, “This strategic alliance is a significant step in further solidifying ADGM’s leadership in enabling blockchain innovation and enhancing alignment in the regulatory approach globally. By collaborating with Chainlink, we are aiming to set a global benchmark that spearheads transparency, security, and trust across the blockchain space.

Under the MoU, ADGM and Chainlink will foster a dialogue on regulatory matters in blockchain, AI, and other emerging technologies. The agreement also outlines a series of events and workshops aimed at educating the UAE ecosystem on key topics related to blockchain and AI, such as tokenization, cross-chain interoperability, proof of reserves, and emerging blockchain standards.

Angie Walker, Global Head of Banking and Capital Markets at Chainlink Labs and Senior Executive Officer at Chainlink Labs Abu Dhabi said, “ADGM has developed a robust environment where tokenisation projects can thrive. Our alliance will elevate the blockchain ecosystem in the UAE, driving greater innovation and adoption. We are excited to see projects under the purview of ADGM Registration Authority adopt the Chainlink standard, enabling seamless compliance, enhanced connectivity across markets, and highly secure on-chain services.

Chainlink has been active in the MENA region. In February 2025 Saudi based Oumla, a Layer 1 blockchain platform that allows applications to be built on any blockchain with ease, as well as offers a secure vault infrastructure for storing digital assets announced its partnership with Chainlink.

Major financial market infrastructures and institutions, such as Swift, Fidelity International, and ANZ Bank, as well as top DeFi protocols including Aave, GMX, and Lido, use Chainlink to power next-generation applications for banking, asset management, and other major sectors.

In December 2024, Chainlink Labs, 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.

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.

UAE venture studio Code & State raises $3 million to invest in stablecoin startups

UAE venture studio Code & State raises $3 million to invest in stablecoin startups

UAE venture studio, Code & State, specializing in stablecoin innovation, has raised $3 million to support the next wave of stablecoin startups. The funding round, backed by Warburg Serres and KR1, will be used to incubate projects focused on expanding real-world adoption of stablecoins.

Warburg Serres and KR1, both known for their early-stage investments in crypto and Web3, bring deep expertise and strategic networks to Code & State’s mission. Their backing reinforces the growing belief that stablecoins will play a pivotal role in global finance over the next decade.

Cédric Waldburger, a founding investor in Liquity (LUSD stablecoin), and Code & State sees stablecoins as a transformative force in global finance. “We believe that the total market cap of stablecoins will 10x in the next five years to over 1.5 trillion dollars,” said Waldburger, emphasizing the sector’s immense growth potential.

Artia Moghbel, former COO at Dfinity (Internet Computer Protocol) and Co-Founder at Code & State, who brings years of experience in scaling Web3 ventures highlights the unique advantage of the firm’s niche approach: “Our clear focus on stablecoin ventures creates network effects for all our in-house ventures.”

The studio provides capital, mentorship, and infrastructure to startups solving key challenges in the stablecoin space, from payment systems and remittances to compliance and security.

Code & State is now actively seeking entrepreneurs-in-residence (EIRs) to develop new stablecoin-focused ventures within the studio. Selected founders will receive hands-on support, funding, and access to a network of leading investors and industry experts. The program is designed to fast-track innovative projects from concept to market-ready solutions, ensuring that new startups have the best possible chance of success. Application details can be found on the Code & State website.

The UAE is witnessing a foray of stablecoin issuers as well as merchants who want to work with stablecoins, especially after the Central Bank of UAE passed its stablecoin regulation in 2024. Already AE Coin has received a license to offer an AED backed stablecoin, while Tether is still working on its license.

Entities such as the Arab Financial Services (AFS), regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain and Egypt, also holding a retail payment license in the UAE has partnered with Ternoa Blockchain to launch stablecoin and crypto payments across POS ( Point of Service) counters for UAE merchants. The partnership will expand across the GCC.

UAE Oro Labs, built on Solana raises $1.5 million

UAE Oro Labs, built on Solana raises $1.5 million

UAE based ORO Labs, a Solana based tokenization protocol, has raised $1.5 million in a pre-seed funding round, let by 468 Capital, with participation from UAE regulated Fasset tokenization exchange platform, as well as Phantom, Jupiter, Helium, Squads, Sanctum, Anza Labs, Perena, Bonk, and Forma.

As per the announcement the $1.5 million pre seed funding will help ORO Labs expand its product offerings and deepen integrations within both decentralized and traditional financial markets. The company is also partnering with Fasset to drive adoption across the UAE, Malaysia, Bahrain, Indonesia, and Turkey, and will launch on Fasset’s Layer 2 network later this year.

ORO aims to make gold a dynamic, income-generating asset by allowing users to earn a real yield on their gold holdings, borrow against their gold to unlock liquidity, and trade gold-backed assets with instant settlement.

The UAE currently facilitates over $100 billion in gold transactions annually, and in the past two years the price of Gold has increased by more than 50 percent.

ORO is also expanding tokenized gold adoption across the UAE, Malaysia, Bahrain, Indonesia, and Turkey. Fasset will be its partner, helping drive retail and institutional access through its regulated financial infrastructure. ORO will also launch on Own (Fasset’s Layer 2 network) later this year.

Usman Saleem, Co-Founder & CEO of ORO, said, “Gold shouldn’t just sit idle—it should generate wealth. With ORO, gold isn’t just something you hold; it’s something you can earn with, borrow against, and use seamlessly across markets. This is gold, but better.”

Guilherme Steinbruch, Partner at 468 Capital, added, “We see ORO as a crucial bridge between legacy commodities markets and the next generation of financial infrastructure. By creating a gold-backed financial asset with real utility, ORO is unlocking new opportunities for both crypto users and traditional gold investors.”

Tokenization of assets has also been growing in the past year and especially in the UAE with announcements from MantraChain Blockchain and Damac, as well as Tokinvest, which implies the growing importance of tokenization in the UAE’s digital asset economy.

This announcement also comes at the backdrop of DFSA recent launch of its Tokenization sandbox.

Bybit crypto exchange hosts trading workshop with UAE University of Wollongong

Bybit crypto exchange hosts trading workshop with UAE University of Wollongong

Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, which has an in principle approval from VARA in Dubai, has partnered exclusively with the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) to host a Demo Trading Challenge & Workshop at UOWD campus. This initiative equipped students from Business Analysis, Finance, Accounting, and other business-related disciplines with practical trading knowledge, enhanced their understanding of cryptocurrency markets, and bridged the gap between academic theory and real-world trading strategies.

UOWD, the UAE’s first international Australian university, is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and industry collaboration. Accredited by both the UAE Ministry of Education and Australia’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), UOWD has played a key role in developing future business and finance leaders.

The workshop provided participants with hands-on experience using Bybit’s demo trading platform, allowing them to navigate market fluctuations in real time while learning key strategies from industry experts. The event culminated in a competitive trading challenge, where students applied their newly acquired knowledge in a dynamic, risk-free environment.

Attendees also gained insights from a lineup of distinguished speakers alongside Bybit’s senior product managers specializing in trading bots, copy trading, and demo trading. Their expertise gave students a deeper understanding of spot and contract trading processes, market data analysis, and risk management.

“At Bybit, we believe that financial literacy and hands-on experience are key to unlocking opportunities in the digital economy,” said Phoebe Peng, Head of Organization Development at Bybit. “Through this collaboration with UOWD, we empowered the next generation of professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the evolving world of cryptocurrency trading.”

OKX Ventures leads $7 million funding of UAE blockchain game startup PlaysOut

OKX Ventures leads $7 million funding of UAE blockchain game startup PlaysOut

OKX Ventures has led a $7 million of a seed funding into UAE based PlaysOut with additional participation from kbw Ventures and Pacific Century Group. This funding will be instrumental in expanding PlaysOut’s blockchain enabled mini-game ecosystem, fostering strategic partnerships, and enhancing its market presence.

PlaysOut is designed to assist developers in releasing mini-games on popular platforms such as Telegram, Discord, and YouTube. The platform integrates blockchain features and infrastructure, providing a seamless experience for developers and users alike. One of the key developments for PlaysOut is the upcoming launch of its embedded SDK in May, which is expected to further streamline the process of integrating mini-games with blockchain technology.

The participation of OKX Ventures underscores the growing interest in the mini-game sector and the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing gaming experiences.

KBW Ventures and Pacific Century Group, both known for their investments in innovative technologies, also bring valuable expertise and resources to the table. The funding will be used to expand the mini-game ecosystem, ensuring that PlaysOut can offer a diverse range of games and features to its users.

Overall, the $7 million seed funding round positions the platform for growth and innovation in the mini-game sector, leveraging blockchain technology to create a unique and engaging experience for developers and users. With the support of OKX Ventures, KBW Ventures, and Pacific Century Group, PlaysOut is well-equipped to achieve its goals and establish itself as a leader in the mini-game industry.

Amberdata digital asset analytics firm sets up office in UAE

Amberdata digital asset analytics firm sets up office in UAE

Amberdata, the US-based digital asset data and analytics for institutional customers, has expanded into the Middle East with a new office in Dubai. The office as per the press release will offer GCC current customers as well as new market entrants with sales and account management support including comprehensive, granular on-chain, DeFi, spot, and derivatives market data and market intelligence.

Amberdata chose the UAE due to its emergence as a crypto innovation center focused on creating a regulatory environment conducive to growth, attracting top talent, and fostering a robust ecosystem for the digital asset class.

“Dubai really has become a global hub of crypto innovation,” said Shawn Douglass, CEO of Amberdata. “Thanks to the growth of the DIFC (Dubai Financial International Centre) there are many institutions active in the region. This drives collaboration between traditional financial institutions and the crypto industry. We look forward to serving this growing market and providing more financial institutions with a competitive edge in the digital asset class.”

Amberdata delivers comprehensive data and insights into blockchain networks, crypto markets, and decentralized finance, empowering financial institutions with data for research, trading, risk, analytics, reporting, and compliance.

The announcement comes as financial institutions, and more VASPs enter the crypto space in the UAE and GCC region. One of the first digital asset data analytics firms to enter UAE was Chainalysis, and then Crystal Intelligence.

Doha Bank launches Fintech Innovation Hub

Doha Bank launches Fintech Innovation Hub

Qatar based Doha Bank proudly has launched it Fintech and Innovation Hub, as an initiative to advance Qatar’s financial services ecosystem and the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) aspirations for fintech excellence. The Fintech Hub will foster innovative fintech solutions using AI and digital payment solutions within a regulated framework.

Doha Bank Group Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal Al Thani, noted that the hub serves as a dynamic platform to nurture emerging technologies, support fintech entrepreneurs, and collaborate with stakeholders across the financial and regulatory landscape.

Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal Al Thani remarked: “The Doha Bank Fintech and Innovation Hub embodies our commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030, serving as a catalyst for transforming financial services and fostering economic diversification. Our goal is to position Doha Bank as a leader in fintech innovation by creating a vibrant ecosystem where ideas flourish, regulatory frameworks advance, and global partnerships thrive. We invite all stakeholders to join us in shaping a future of growth, collaboration, and excellence.”

By embracing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and digital payments, the hub accelerates digital transformation, enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the hub provides mentorship, funding opportunities, and resources for start-ups to scale their operations.

Baiju Samuel, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of Doha Bank commented, “As part of the Fintech and Innovation hub, our ambition is to actively partner with and co-create solutions alongside fintech innovators who offer bespoke solutions tailored to address evolving banking product needs. We aim to deliver next-generation financial solutions that are seamless, secure, and customer-centric, positioning Doha Bank as a leader in digital transformation and innovation.”

UAE ATS Travel to offer crypto payments to its luxury travel customers

UAE ATS Travel to offer crypto payments to its luxury travel customers

UAE based ATS Travel, a premier travel management company, and Payhound, a Malta based regulated provider of fully regulated crypto payment solutions, have partnered to enable ATS Travel to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment for all its services.

As per the announcement, this new development marks a significant milestone in the Middle East’s travel industry, making ATS Travel the first large-scale travel management company in the region to adopt cryptocurrency for both corporate and leisure travel transactions.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the Private Luxury Barcelona event by Saleem Sharif, Deputy Managing Director of ATS travel.

ATS Travel’s clients will now have the flexibility to pay for a wide range of travel services, including airline tickets, luxury travel, holiday packages, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Exhibitions, and Events) services, and more, using leading cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others, noted Sharif.

He stated, “This initiative is poised to be a game changer in the travel industry and reflects the region’s growing interest in digital currencies and blockchain technology.”

Payhound: Pioneering the Future of Payments

Payhound specializes in crypto payment processing, settlements, and large volume trading, offering businesses a secure and efficient way to accept digital currencies for their products and services.

Mellisa Lamb, Director of Sales, at Payhound added, “We are excited about the prospect of collaborating with ATS Travel to facilitate acceptance of Crypto Currency as a Form of Payment for ATS Travel.”

Khaled Ghubash, Managing Director at ATS Travel added, “By offering cryptocurrency payment options, we are not only meeting the demands of high-net-worth individuals and businesses but also positioning ourselves as leaders in an industry that is moving rapidly toward digitalization. We expect this to open new avenues for business and strengthen our relationships with our clients.”