BitGo receives crypto custodial in-principle approval from Dubai regulator

BitGo receives crypto custodial in-principle approval from Dubai regulator

BitGo, a digital asset solutions provider offering crypto custody, and trading services has received its crypto custodial license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). BitGo Custody MENA FZE, has received an in-principle approval (IPA) for a Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) license to provide custody services. This IPA marks a significant expansion of BitGo’s world-class suite of regulatory compliant custody services to leading financial markets around the world.

As per the press release, once fully approved and licensed, BitGo Custody MENA FZE will be able to offer its secure and efficient cold storage custody services to qualified and institutional investors in Dubai. 

Ben Choy, General Manager of BitGo MENA, said, “Dubai has cemented itself as a central hub within the digital asset ecosystem and we are excited to play an important role in its growth.This IPA marks a significant milestone in our journey and we are confident that BitGo’s innovative custody services will address the sophisticated needs of the market and will help deliver meaningful value to our clients.”

BitGo’s commitment to security and compliance aligns with VARA’s comprehensive regulatory framework, which is designed to protect investors and ensure market integrity. VARA’s forward thinking and innovative frameworks have positioned Dubai as the ideal choice for BitGo’s expansion into the region. 

Bitgo is one of eight virtual asset service providers currently holding in-principle approvals from Dubai’s regulator. Currently Zand Bank, Komainu, and HexTrust hold regulated licenses.

Klickl and IMKAN Properties to convert crypto into AED for real estate transactions

Klickl and IMKAN Properties to convert crypto into AED for real estate transactions

While the UAE Central Bank has made it clear that crypto cannot be used as a legal tender for the purchase of goods and services inside the country, while AED stablecoins can be, real estate investors and buyers can still utilize cryptocurrencies for real estate purchases with Klickl and IMKAN Properties which has 26 properties across two continents.

Klickl, the Web3 financial platform out of the UAE, will be able to help IMKAN offer international investors with secure, fast and flaxible options of alternative payments in high value sector such as real estate. Klickl will offer cryptocurrency payment processing system.

“Our collaboration with IMKAN aligns with our mission to extend the benefits of Web3 technologies into everyday business transactions,” said Michael Zhao, CEO of Klickl. “From cross-border remittances to real estate investments, digital currencies offer an unmatched level of convenience, transparency, and efficiency. By supporting IMKAN’s customers with both crypto payment acceptance and fiat conversion, we are creating a model that other real estate companies can adopt to attract a new generation of buyers.” He went on to say.

The collaboration will allow IMKAN to offer its clients the option of converting cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like USDT for use to invest in premium real estate . With these options, both local and international buyers gain greater flexibility, avoiding the complexities and delays that often come with cross-border bank conversions.

One of the key drivers behind this initiative is the increasing number of international investors in UAE real estate. The ability to use digital currencies for conversion will streamline transactions for overseas buyers, especially those in emerging markets or regions with less-developed banking infrastructure.

“Crypto is more than a payment method—it’s a financial tool that enables us to operate more efficiently across borders,” Zhao explained. “Our goal with IMKAN is to offer this technology to its customers in a way that enhances liquidity and supports business continuity, providing real estate developers with the financial stability they need to grow.”

Klickl’s platform will be offered seamlessly with IMKAN’s existing sales and payment systems. Buyers will experience a straightforward process where cryptocurrency payments can be made through a secure platform, and all necessary regulatory checks will be conducted automatically.

Klickl will ensure that all transactions are compliant with UAE regulations. From Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols to anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, the platform incorporates best-in-class security features to protect both IMKAN and its clients.

“We are committed to maintaining the highest levels of security and compliance,” Zhao emphasized. “Every transaction will go through rigorous checks to ensure it meets regulatory standards, so our partners and their customers can transact with confidence.”

The long-term vision includes expanding the use of digital finance tools across IMKAN’s full range of projects, from luxury residential developments to large-scale commercial properties.

“The UAE is rapidly emerging as a major crypto hub driven by the region’s welcoming regulatory environment and its proactive approach to supporting the digital asset sector. As one of the nation’s leading real estate developers, IMKAN is proud to play a decisive role in revolutionizing real estate transactions by embracing cryptocurrency for property investments. Together with Klickl, we are helping to ensure that the UAE will remain a leader and not a follower in digital currency proliferation,” said Engineer Suwaidan Al Dhaheri, CEO of IMKAN Properties.

“This collaboration demonstrates how blockchain and digital assets can bring real value to traditional industries,” said Zhao. “It’s not just about following trends; it’s about using these technologies to solve real-world challenges and unlock new opportunities. We see the potential for this model to reshape not only real estate but also other sectors where high value transactions are common.”

WadzPay Blockchain crypto entity no longer licensed in UAE

WadzPay Blockchain crypto entity no longer licensed in UAE

WadzPay, a blockchain technology and financial services company that had applied and had received a VASP license pending further operational requirements in Dubai UAE, via the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, has been delisted from VARA’s public registry, which implies that WadzPay is no longer a regulated entity in Dubai UAE. Reasons behind this are not unclear given the efforts WadzPay had made over the years to received this license, yet on VARA website it shows that the license has been withdrawn.

This comes months after WadzPay in November of 2023, had announced it secured a capital commitment of $50 million SGD in the form of a Share Subscription facility from GEM Global Yield (GEM). The SSF as noted in that press release, was supposed to accelerate the company’s growth strategy via acquisitions, partnerships and organic initiatives.

The agreement established a Share Subscription Facility granting WadzPay the option to call upon GEM to subscribe for Ordinary Shares up to a total value of SGD 50 million (approximately USD 36.7 million) upon a successful public listing for a thirty-six-month period.

WadzPay had received a VASP license for crypto brokerage under pending status back in February 2024. Yet until now it was still pending. In November Anish Jain, Founder and CEO, noted that the company opened its Dubai offices back in 2022, citing that a main attraction of Dubai was its supportive regulatory environment.

WadzPay “bridges the gap between fiat currencies and virtual assets,” according to Anish Jain, founder and CEO.

Moreover Jain had described the license, – issuance of which is subject to meeting pre-operating requirements and qualifications – as a “pivotal advancement for WadzPay… enhancing trust and credibility among stakeholders viewing Dubai as a launchpad for global ambition.”

It would seem that this ambition has faded for WadzPay.

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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.

Kaia DLT Foundation registered in UAE integrates Fireblocks

Kaia DLT Foundation registered in UAE integrates Fireblocks

Kaia, the DLT Foundation registered in ADGM in Abu Dhabi UAE has integrated Fireblocks, an enterprise platform to manage digital asset operations and build innovative businesses on blockchain.

As per the press release, the collaboration enables institutions to securely manage and transfer assets on the Kaia blockchain network, offering enhanced capabilities in tokenization, DeFi, and blockchain-based financial products. Fireblocks brings improved operational efficiency, reduced asset management risk, and simplified regulatory compliance to the Kaia blockchain ecosystem.

Kaia utilizes Fireblocks’ institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure for secure asset management, including leveraging Fireblocks’ Multi Party Computation (MPC) wallet technology for distributed private key management and end-to-end security, minimizing hacking risks. Kaia also leverages Fireblocks for extensive digital asset support and its API integration capabilities.

Kaia was formed through the merger of the Klaytn and Finschia blockchains initially developed by Kakao and LINE respectively. It aims to bring Web3 to the fingertips of hundreds of millions across Asia.

Ledger crypto wallet now a validator for UAE based Mantra Blockchain

Ledger crypto wallet now a validator for UAE based Mantra Blockchain

Ledger, crypto wallet hardware provider, have joined UAE based Mantra Layer1 Blockchain as one of the validators.

As per the blog post, Mantra noted, “We’re thrilled to announce that Ledger has joined MANTRA as a Validator, strengthening our network security and further decentralizing our governance process. MANTRA has also integrated with Ledger Live, allowing Ledger to support MANTRA Chain natively for all Ledger devices and enable users to manage and stake their $OM directly through the platform.”

The MANTRA Mainnet for real world asset tokenization launched in October 2024 with validators playing a crucial role in operating a blockchain, ensuring efficient and secure transactions, and upholding sound governance.

MANTRA has already onboarded prominent validators such as Google Cloud, Twinstake, and Hex Trust.

As per the blog post, Ledger, renowned for its hardware security devices like the Ledger Nano, brings solid security expertise to the MANTRA Chain validator set. This collaboration not only strengthens network security but also paves the way for additional integrations, leading to improved user experiences and enhanced security features within the MANTRA Chain ecosystem.

This comes weeks after UAE Conglomerate DAMAC Holdings announced it would be tokenizing $1 billion worth of assets on Mantra Blockchain. In an interview with CoinDesk, CEO of Mantra John Patrick Mullin, stated, ” The UAE will become the epicenter of where this all kicks off, as regulatory frameworks are critically supportive here.”

DAMAC’s Managing Partner Amira Sajwani also noted in the interview with CoinDesk, that it is the perfect time. She noted ” In the UAE, there is a massive spotlight on the country. Working with Mantra we are allowing people to enter lower entry point tokenizing properties, the timing is mature and there is an accurate regulatory framework coming in place, supporting innovation.”

She adds, ” We already had an entity regulated by DFSA and we already have experience fractionalizing real estate where the entry point is 500 AED equivalent to $150 and we have had huge traction. The average was much higher between $300-$10,000 investment tickets so we knew there was a market for it and a demand. Now we are moving it tokenized assets, tokenization allows more transparency and efficiency with the title deed of the property, and we chose Mantra because after exploring other chains, we chose them for their technology but the team was equally as important.”

At UAE AI and Blockchain Council meeting, Minister of AI says data is crucial to the future of UAE Economy

At UAE AI and Blockchain Council meeting, Minister of AI says data is crucial to the future of UAE Economy

In the 4th UAE AI and Blockchain Council meeting held in Ajman, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, stressed that the data sector will significantly contribute to the future of the UAE economy.

He believes that as the reliance on Artificial Intelligence, AI, technology increases, becoming a base for many vital activities of future societies. Promoting investment in this rapidly evolving global economic sector comes as part of UAE plans to celebrate the export of the last barrel of oil in 50 years.

“The Government of the UAE is working to achieve its future strategic objectives. It strives to employ the AI sector as the main source of a diversified and sustainable knowledge economy, through the development of innovative practices and scientific uses of AI technology tools and enhancing cooperation among all parties to employ them in the development of government services and private sector performance. This contributes to achieving the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021, and the establishment of the future model of the UAE 2071,” said Al Olama.

The Minister’s remarks came during the fourth meeting of the UAE Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Council, hosted by Ajman. The meeting was headed by Al Olama, in the presence of several officials and directors of federal and local government entities.

The meeting agenda covered key challenges and recommendations proposed to standardise data collection by the Data Committee within the Council. These included preparing qualified human resources, establishing a unified database, and defining data classification standards, as well the mechanism of coordination of efforts and the exchange of experiences between different entities by establishing a joint team. The participants also stressed the need to follow up the implementation of the recommendations of the Data Committee, by speeding up the development of data collection for AI technology and digital transactions, to promote the UAE as a leading center for data in the region.

UAE regulated GCEX partners with Fireblocks

UAE regulated GCEX partners with Fireblocks

GCEX a provider of digital assets and foreign exchange solutions regulated in Dubai UAE, has integrated with FireBlocks, an enterprise platform to manage digital asset operations and build innovative businesses on blockchain to enable its institutional clients to access Fireblocks’ digital asset platform and custody solutions.

This latest development enables GCEX’s institutional clients transacting through its Danish and Dubai entities to utilize Fireblocks’ robust Policy Engine and compliance toolkit, ensuring enhanced security and adherence to regulations. 

By accessing the Fireblocks Network, GCEX’s clients can connect and trade with over 2,000 liquidity partners, trading venues and counterparties, with the network facilitating instant settlement, rebalancing and payments.

Lars Holst, CEO at GCEX said, “By integrating Fireblocks’ world-leading technology, GCEX is reinforcing our commitment to providing institutional clients with a streamlined trading experience and the most secure, efficient and transparent trading environment in the digital asset space. As institutional adoption of digital securities accelerates and we continue to scale, Fireblocks’ multi-layer security protocols, regulatory toolkit and streamlined processes will support GCEX’s operations, underpinning our focus on ease of trading and asset protection.”

The announcements comes a week after GCEX launched its open API, created to give institutional and professional clients real-time access to their balances, trades, and positions. The open API will enable clients to integrate with the GCEX back office, which the company says will help make portfolio management and regulatory reporting more efficient as a result of automating manual processes.

Clients are also said to be able to integrate their data for tailored insights and compliance reporting. The launch comes as part of GCEX’s mission to enhance innovation and technology in the prime brokerage space.

At the time Lars Holst, CEO of GCEX, said, “The GCEX open API offers greater transparency, empowering clients to make more informed trading and portfolio decisions and respond on a timely basis to regulatory requirements. By providing instant access to key data through our open API, we are making it easier for our clients to optimize their trading operations and reporting capabilities.”

500 Global launches Saudi sovereign fund backed tech fund

500 Global launches Saudi sovereign fund backed tech fund

500 Global, a global venture capital firm, has launched the 500 MENA, L.P. (the “Fund”), a new fund dedicated to investing in high-growth technology startups across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region both from outside and inside the current 500 Global portfolio.

The Fund will invest primarily in startups with proven product-market fit and significant growth potential, addressing the critical funding gap MENA founders face, particularly in the expansion stage. 500 Global aims to actively support these companies through their extended international network and comprehensive platform, empowering them to build and scale innovative solutions regionally and globally.

Amjad Ahmad, managing partner, 500 Global MENA, and emerging market advisor, will lead the fund. A seasoned investor with over two decades of experience in emerging markets, Amjad has previously led venture and growth investments of over $1 billion in the MENA region in sectors ranging from technology and education to consumer products and financial services. He will be supported on the investment committee by Courtney Powell, chief operating officer and managing partner at 500 Global, who has been based in Riyadh since 2021.

“Amjad is a seasoned investor with a proven track record of helping founders scale their startups,” said Courtney Powell. “His leadership will be instrumental in driving the success of our Fund and portfolio companies.”

“We are thrilled to fuel the next wave of tech champions in the MENA region, driving innovation and economic growth as digital transformation accelerates across key economies,” said Amjad Ahmad. “Our partnership with talented founders aims to empower them to innovate, build, and scale.” The Fund is backed by prominent Saudi institutional investors, Jada Fund of Funds, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, and Saudi Venture Capital (SVC). It is also supported by Sanabil Investments alongside their ongoing strategic partnership with 500 Global.

The MENA region has witnessed a significant surge in startup activity in recent years. Funding in startups has soared from $990 million in 2019 to over $2.6 billion in 2023. 500 Global believes the growth is further evidenced by the return of international funds leading mega-rounds and successful tech IPOs in Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. However, that expansion capital beyond the seed stage remains challenging, with Series B funding at a 5-year low accounting for only 2% of deals. As regional governments continue to invest in the venture ecosystem, especially in the GCC, we think the MENA region is on track to achieve venture capital penetration levels comparable to robust economies like the U.S.

UAE Scintilla for tokenization appoints ex compliance officer of Midchains

UAE Scintilla for tokenization appoints ex compliance officer of Midchains

Scintilla, an institutional-grade tokenization solution provider, which recently acquired UAE regulated TOKO a crypto exchange has appointed the previous head of compliance at Midchains, Janey Schueller, as Chief Compliance Officer. Scintilla views this key leadership addition as the company continues to expand its innovative digital asset creation platform and strengthen its compliance framework.

Janey Schueller brings over 18 years of senior banking, wealth management, and regulatory compliance experience to her new role, with a specialization in fintech and RegTech. Her career includes leadership positions at global financial institutions such as UBS AG, where she managed wealth planning, compliance, and dispute resolution teams across Asia and the UAE. Most recently, Janey served as Head of Compliance at MidChains, where she implemented fintech-driven compliance frameworks and ensured regulatory alignment with authorities like the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

“Janey’s appointment is an exciting next step in Scintilla’s onward and upward journey to transform RWA tokenization,” commented Tim Popplewell, CEO of Scintilla. “Her extensive background in compliance and regulatory matters will be instrumental as we advance our mission of providing innovative, compliant digital asset solutions. Her leadership will help us navigate the evolving landscape of digital assets, ensuring we remain at the forefront of this dynamic industry.”

“Joining Scintilla feels like a natural step as they redefine compliance and innovation in finance,” shares Janey Schueller, Head of Compliance. “As regulatory frameworks evolve, the need for robust compliance is more critical than ever. I’m eager to contribute to Scintilla’s mission by ensuring our offerings meet the highest standards of compliance, paving the way for trusted and innovative tokenization solutions that empower our clients and support the future of finance.”