UAE AYA Blockchain fundraising platform for sustainability partners with Blockpass

UAE AYA Blockchain fundraising platform for sustainability partners with Blockpass

UAE based AYA, a regulated fundraising platform focused on the intersection of Blockchain and sustainability has partnered with Blockpass, Web3 OG identity verifier, to strengthen AYA’s compliance procedures.

Through the partnership Blockpass will provide risk assessment and risk classification of onboarding customers, customized forms based on the customer’s and regulator’s requirements, regular rigorous wallet compliance checks to protect user transactions, and evaluation of risks associated with wallets to ensure the absence of fraudulent and suspicious transactions.

This will involve the gamut of Blockpass’ products, including KYC, KYB and AML solutions, the new Advanced KYC Bot™, ongoing monitoring, and Blockpass’ Unhosted Wallet KYC™.

Blockpass, has pioneered reusable identities and crypto-native KYC/AML solutions. Its turnkey suite of compliance tools is designed to lower onboarding costs, automate remediation, prove humanity and protect against malicious actors, fraudulent activities, bots, and AI.

Businesses can set up services quickly, test them for free, and start verifying users. With around one million verified identity profiles, Blockpass facilitates instant onboarding, and to date over a thousand businesses have taken advantage of this opportunity to benefit from Blockpass’ compliant network.

AYA is the Middle East and North Africa region’s first regulated Climate Finance Platform, regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in 2023. Built on blockchain technology, AYA focuses on helping climate tech projects raise capital from its community of investors, utilizing carbon and nature-based credits as assets. AYA will leverage its team’s experience from building and running Enjinstarter – an extensive crowdfunding platform focused on gaming, entertainment, and the metaverse – to curate a nurturing ecosystem of mentorship, funding and collaboration where trailblazers can leave a lasting legacy of sustainability for future generations.

“Through our strategic partnership with Blockpass, we at AYA reaffirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of AML and KYC practices in the industry. This collaboration underscores our dedication to fostering a secure, compliant, and trustworthy environment for our users, laying the foundation for a more responsible and sustainable future in the virtual asset space.” said Vasseh Ahmed, Managing Director of AYA.

“We’re delighted to be working with a company that is so focused on the future of both blockchain technology and the planet.” said Blockpass CEO Adam Vaziri. “We have previously worked with Enjinstarter and it’s an honor to be chosen once again to work with such a visionary team on such an important project.”

By working together, Blockpass and AYA will ensure that the sustainable futures of blockchain technology and the world are secured against identity fraud and money laundering. In ensuring regulatory compliance, Blockpass will help AYA grow and flourish as it seeks to nourish suitable projects and innovate in a responsible manner.

Stc Bahrain to offer Blockchain Web3 infrastructure services in Bahrain

Stc Bahrain to offer Blockchain Web3 infrastructure services in Bahrain

Stc Bahrain, the Saudi telecom subsidiary in Bahrain, announced that it will be offering Web3 infrastructure services using blockchain in partnership with LionsCraft for the Bahrain market. Lionscraft provides cutting-edge technology and business consulting in the thriving Web3 space.

This collaboration marks a significant step in integrating stc Bahrain’s telco capabilities into the blockchain industry facilitating the introduction of the most innovative products and services, and setting new benchmarks in regional digital evolution.

As per the release, the expansion is aimed at nurturing the advancement of the digital economy and improving the experience of internet users.

The signing ceremony was held in the metaverse in stc Bahrain tower while the agreement itself was deployed as an NFT ( Non Fungible token) on the Avalanche Blockchain.

. Additionally, the partnership agreement itself is deployed as an NFT (non-fungible token) on the Avalanche network. Within its metadata, there is hash linking to the signed contract, enabling users to authenticate the NFT’s origin and validity.

stc Bahrain chief wholesale officer Mr. Saad Odeh commented on the partnership, saying, “Web3 is progressively solidifying its form. While it may be perceived as another iteration of the internet, it represents a generational shift. stc BH will offer several Web3 infrastructure services, serving as a cornerstone to enable dynamic user experiences while ensuring greater data sovereignty and privacy to internet users. We are thrilled to contribute to establishing the groundwork for the future and spearheading the transformation of the digital experiences in MENA region.  We are committed to executing our mandate of empowering the next phase of digital transformation in alignment with the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.”

Lionscraft CEO Dr. Adilah Hussien added, “Lionscraft is delighted to partner with stc Bahrain, harnessing our collective expertise to forge the path for Web3 innovations. This collaboration represents a shared vision for a decentralized future, where empowerment and user-centric design lead the digital narrative. Together, we are laying the foundational stones for an ecosystem that prioritizes trust, autonomy, and the seamless integration of blockchain technologies into everyday digital interactions.”

In December 2022, stc Bahrain became the first telecom operator in Bahrain to accept cryptocurrencies through its partnership with Eazy Financial Services, a leading Bahraini Payment Services provider specializing in POS and online payment gateway. In addition stc Bahrain collaborated with AlephZero, a layer 1 blockchain that allows the deployment of Web3 applications quickly, securely and at low cost for its Hackathon called CTRL+Hack+ZK.

UAE Fuze to tokenize gold with UK’s Minted Connect

UAE Fuze to tokenize gold with UK’s Minted Connect

In a recent press release, UAE based Fuze, digital assets infrastructure provider, has partnered with UK based Minted Connect; an FCA licensed and regulated API services platform to tokenize precious metals such as gold. Both entities will explore the tokenization of Real World Assets (RWA).

Minted Connect offers a cutting-edge API service that empowers businesses to seamlessly offer their customers access to buying, selling, transferring, and tokenizing 100% asset-backed precious metals.

Fuze is a VC-backed startup specializing in digital asset infrastructure, providing businesses in the MENA region with embedded experiences for their customers, facilitating access to innovative crypto and digital asset products through a regulatory-compliant infrastructure.

Fuze has already established partnerships with leading global and regional banks, fintech firms, financial institutions, and super apps.

The Middle East currently holds a substantial portion of the world’s above-ground gold reserves, with a staggering 1,174 tonnes securely held within the region. This represents not just wealth, but also a historical testament to the region’s deep-rooted affinity for precious metals.

Minted Connect and Fuze want to digitize of 1% of this gold, opening up unprecedented opportunities for individuals to easily save and invest in precious metals, making it accessible to all in a fractionized and digitized form.

Together, Minted Connect and Fuze are poised to transform the tokenization of Real World Assets, leveraging Minted Connect’s expertise in asset-backed precious metals and Fuze’s robust digital asset infrastructure.

This strategic partnership represents a pivotal moment for enabling businesses to tap into the value of real world assets through tokenization, providing new avenues for investment and financial inclusion.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Fuze,” said Shahid Munir, Co-Founder of Minted Connect. “This collaboration truly showcases our commitment to providing innovative and secure solutions for businesses seeking to offer asset-backed precious metals transactions to their customers. The path forward in this collaboration will be exciting for both entities, and will deliver a tangible impact on the industry.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mohammed Ali Yusuf (Mo Ali Yusuf), Co-Founder and CEO of Fuze said; “We are excited to sign this agreement with Minted Connect, who have already made significant innovations in the way people can trade precious metals. Integration with digital assets infrastructure is a game changer for businesses who want to roll out asset-backed, tokenized products to their customers in a secure and compliant manner.”

Others including Aurus believe that Precious metal owners can generate earnings on their gold and make it work for them just by holding it in tokenized form. UAE based Aurus Technologies, offered family offices the opportunity to tokenize real world assets through its sustainable tokenization as a service solution (TAAS) platform.

In 2022 UAE became the home for gold-backed token providers.

Fils adds more payment providers to its blockchain enabled sustainable infrastructure

Fils adds more payment providers to its blockchain enabled sustainable infrastructure

UAE based Fils, agroundbreaking ESG-focused digital infrastructure fintech which utilizes blockchain technology, has partnered with Telr, the award-winning online payment gateway.

Blockchain enabled, Fils is collaborating with Telr to integrate its end-to-end sustainable infrastructure to make finance and payments more sustainable and transparent. By Integrating Fils Technology, Telr will enable merchants to track their emissions and access voluntary carbon markets to mitigate the emissions’ harm to the environment. They will also be able to demonstrate their positive impact on the environment with robust reporting functionality, reduced greenwashing, and the encouragement of businesses to invest in sustainable initiatives through Fils’ marketplace.

The new capability adds to Telr’s existing suite of services, aiming to elevate e-commerce businesses seamlessly and efficiently with a one-stop-shop philosophy. This encompasses a variety of financial and business services, ranging from social commerce and QR codes to digital invoicing, Telr Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), and Telr Finance—a dedicated program for merchant financing.

Nameer Khan, CEO and Founder of Fils, said, “Today’s exciting partnership with Telr will make a real impact in tackling the issues of climate change, providing access to carbon markets via our robust and transparent infrastructure. Our technology-first approach to sustainable action enables SMEs, large corporates and other organizations to seamlessly embed sustainability throughout their global operations.”

Telr, the UAE-based award-winning payment gateway solutions provider, facilitates transactions in over 30 currencies and supports over 120 languages. Telr, as a leading payments aggregator, enables businesses to connect to all payment schemes and manage financial and business services as a one-stop shop for ecommerce solutions. Telr’s collaboration with Fils will enable organizations to track and mitigate emissions seamlessly, increasing the sustainability of payment operations across the globe.

Khalil Alami, Founder and CEO of Telr, added, “This partnership underscores our unwavering dedication to driving sustainable finance. By leveraging Telr’s expertise and partnering with exceptional entities like Fils, we aim to reshape transactions.This effort promotes a more sustainable economy, empowering our merchants with access to emissions calculators to monitor their carbon footprint and emissions-reduction tools. These initiatives align with the ‘Net Zero by 2050’ strategy and are synchronized with COP28, highlighting our commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future.” 

Fils’s alliance with Telr builds on an impressive year of high-profile partnerships for the fintech company,  with clients such as e& Enterprise, Magnati, Mashreq Bank, Flowcarbon and AFS. 

Prior to this announcement, Geidea, recognized as one of the 25 top Fintech companies by Forbes Middle East, partnered with Fils.

Conflux Network in UAE with RAK DAO digital assets Oasis

Conflux Network in UAE with RAK DAO digital assets Oasis

Conflux Blockchain, a Layer 1 Blockchain, enters the UAE and partners with UAE’s RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAKDAO) to develop the Blockchain and digital asset sector.

Conflux’s collaboration with RAK DAO represents a mutual commitment to leverage the strengths and expertise of both partners. This partnership is founded on shared goals and visions, including advocating for blockchain-friendly regulations to foster an environment instrumental to blockchain and digital asset development in the region.

Additionally, the collaboration will cultivate talent and provide valuable educational resources, nurturing a skilled workforce in the blockchain sector. Furthermore, we will facilitate opportunities for businesses and startups in the region to explore and integrate blockchain technologies, thereby amplifying prospects in the digital economy.

Both Conflux and RAK DAO will explore avenues of cooperation in sharing expertise and knowledge to achieve mutual benefits and foster collaboration  as well as incubation and acceleration programs, educational initiatives, and community-building events and workshops in blockchain technologies/

RAK DAO will help Conflux establish a presence in the UAE and the broader Middle East region, while Conflux will develop custom blockchain solutions for digital and virtual asset companies within RAK DAO.

RAK DAO, a strategic initiative by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, is dedicated to fostering the growth of digital assets and blockchain technology within the region. With its progressive policies and supportive ecosystem, RAK DAO is rapidly becoming a hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

This announcement comes shortly after the visit of Vitalik Buterin to RAK DAO Oasis.

Blockchain consulting firm enters MENA with ivolve technologies in UAE

Blockchain consulting firm enters MENA with ivolve technologies in UAE

Nisum is a global digital consulting firm based in Silicon Valley which leverages over 20 years of industry expertise in digital strategy and engineering, data-driven insights and analytics, blockchain solutions, customer-centric experiences, business agility, and software development, has entered the Middle East market through a partnership with iVolve.

This strategic partnership between Nisum and iVolve unites a strong duo of global technology firms offering their clients access to a wide array of industry-leading services, including private and public cloud consulting, Kubernetes and OpenShift consulting, DevOps and application modernization, cyber security services, and more.

iVolve Technologies is a UAE cloud consulting company specializing in a wide range of cutting-edge cloud-native technologies. With a focus on Application Modernization, Automation, Kubernetes, Red Hat OpenShift, DevOps, GitOps, DR, Migrations, and Public Cloud solutions.

“iVolve’s established regional footprint and offices in the UAE and KSA align seamlessly with Nisum’s goals, fostering collaboration and innovation tailored to local needs. iVolve’s advanced cloud capabilities enhance Nisum’s technological landscape, providing a competitive edge. In return, Nisum contributes specialized expertise, particularly in application development. The partnership creates a robust value proposition for both entities,” said Salman Kassim Mohammady, Pakistan Country Head at Nisum.

“At iVolve Technologies, we’re thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with Nisum. This collaboration propels us to provide clients with cutting-edge technology to deliver business applications, amplified software development services, and the unmatched expertise of Nisum’s seasoned architect team. We eagerly anticipate the growth of our partnership and the collective impact on our clients,” said Mr. Amin Ali Amin, COO & MD of iVolve Technologies.

This strategic partnership marks a new era for Nisum and iVolve as they join forces to contribute to the growth and technological advancement of the Saudi Arabian and Middle Eastern markets.

C1 Fund and Spartan group to drive innovation in digital assets secondaries

C1 Fund and Spartan group to drive innovation in digital assets secondaries

Cayman Island C1 Fund, a fund dedicated to the digital assets place, with a presence in the UAE and USA, has partnered with Asian based Spartan Group, a Web3 advisory and asset management firm.

As per the press release, the partnership with Spartan Group signifies a key milestone for C1 Fund, as Spartan Group brings unparalleled expertise and a proven history of success in advising on multi-billion-dollar M&A transactions and fundraises within the digital assets sector.

We are thrilled to join forces with Spartan Group, said Dr. Najam Kidwai, CEO & Co-Founder of C1 Fund. “Spartan deep understanding of the crypto, Web3 and blockchain landscape, coupled with a track record of successful engagements with industry leaders, aligns seamlessly with our vision for C1 Fund. The synergy between C1 Fund and Spartan Group is a testament to our shared commitment to driving innovation and growth in the digital assets sector. This collaboration significantly enhances our ability to identify and seize emerging opportunities, expanding our influence within the dynamic realm of digital assets secondaries.”

Spartan Group’s Co-Founder, Casper B. Johansen, expressed equal enthusiasm, stating, “Collaborating with C1 Fund opens up exciting avenues for both organizations. C1 Fund’s focus on digital assets secondaries complements our expertise, creating a synergy that will enhance our ability to drive value for our clients and the broader crypto community. We look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership that pioneers innovation and growth.”

Binance and Blockchain center introduce Blockchain curriculum in Jordan

Binance and Blockchain center introduce Blockchain curriculum in Jordan

The Blockchain Center, which seeks to embed blockchain education into academic curricula across the globe by offering training programs for university educators, has partnered with Binance Academy; to expand its Global University Outreach program to included Jordan based Al Ahliyya Amman University.

The Blockchain Center and its initiatives across the glove aim to revolutionize blockchain education by integrating Blockchain Compliance and Blockchain Engineering into the curriculum of universities worldwide.

Al-Ahliyya Amman University, known for academic excellence, will now have access to a wealth of resources curated by Binance Academy and the Blockchain Center. In addition to providing training for university professors, the Blockchain Center will also offer expert-led workshops, seminars, and collaborative research opportunities. This program will provide students and faculty with firsthand experience in the dynamic landscape of blockchain technology.

Bandar Altunisi, Head of Development  Binance Academy in Saudi Arabia, “As a key player in the Global University Outreach Program, together with the Blockchain Center we are excited to welcome Al-Ahliyya Amman University to our network. This collaboration signifies our shared commitment to advancing blockchain education and empowering the next generation of industry leaders.”

The Global University Outreach Program, initially launched in 22 universities in Kazakhstan, plans to expand its reach to over 200 universities across more than 50 countries. With a focus on blockchain engineering and compliance, the initiative seeks to educate over one million students globally by 2026.

“Education is crucial in driving the adoption of blockchain technology into our daily lives,” remarked Aigerim Gilmanova, Head of Education Initiatives at the Blockchain Center. “By extending our program to Al-Ahliyya Amman University, we are fostering an environment where students can explore, experiment, and innovate within the field of blockchain technology.”

“This partnership aligns with our mission to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and provide our students with the skills they need for the future,” said Ahmad O. Hourani, Marketing and Communications Unit Director at Al-Ahliyya Amman University. “We look forward to contributing to the success of the Global University Outreach Program and advancing blockchain education globally.”

CoinMENA expands investor offering with Onramp Bitcoin

CoinMENA expands investor offering with Onramp Bitcoin

UAE and Bahrain regulated crypto exchange CoinMENA expands its family office, investor and institutional offering through a partnership with Onramp Bitcoin. Onramp is an international Bitcoin asset management company built on multi institutional custody.

Onramp’s platform provides best-in-class products and solutions for HNWI, Family Offices, and Institutions to onboard Bitcoin.

In addition the partnership aims to empower MENA investors with high-quality Bitcoin educational resources such as proprietary written research, rich video content and analytic tools.

Both companies are poised to explore innovative custody solutions designed specifically for institutional investors. The collaboration comes on the heels of Onramp’s recent announcement of a partnership with BitGo, CoinMENA’s current custody partner.

In a joint statement, CoinMENA’s founders, Talal Tabbaa and Dina Sam’an said, “We are excited because this partnership fills a market gap for premium Bitcoin market research, and aligns with our educational approach to empower regional investors to invest in Bitcoin based on sound logic and a deep understanding of its unique and fundamental properties. As Bitcoin evolves into a mainstream international asset class, providing insightful analysis becomes essential for investors and asset managers, guiding them in making confident, long-term investment decisions.”

Onramp Co-Founder and CEO Michael Tanguma added “Onramp recognizes that Bitcoin is a global asset, necessitating the broad dissemination of valuable Bitcoin-focused educational resources across the world – research, podcasts, webinars, data-driven tools like the Onramp Terminal – access to these types of high-quality materials, combined with a first principles approach to custody, is the recipe for successful long-term Bitcoin ownership. We are excited to partner with the team to provide tools and education to one of the fastest-growing regions in the digital asset space.”

This comes just after the USA regulators allowed the launch of Bitcoin ETFs.

Moroccan advisory firm to offer blockchain cyber security solutions

Moroccan advisory firm to offer blockchain cyber security solutions

Moroccan BDO advisory has partnered with Naoris Consulting to integrate Naoris’s solutions including their blockchain based security protocol into their service offerings.

According to the announcement the integration is specifically designed to meet the unique challenges of the French-speaking African market.

The synergy between BDO Advisory and Naoris will make it possible to develop tailor-made digital transformation strategies, with a particular emphasis on cybersecurity. The objective is to use Naoris’ advanced technology to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of African organizations and businesses, explains BDO Advisory.

On LinkedIn, Zakaria Fahim Managing Partner of BDO Morocco, stated, “We are excited to promote our strategic partnership for advancing decentralized cybersecurity using blockchain technology. This collaboration is key to providing innovative, secure solutions for Morocco and Africa.”

He added, “Our shared goal is to develop advanced cybersecurity systems leveraging blockchain’ s decentralization and transparency. This partnership will enable us to offer robust solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by our enterprises in Africa and globally.”

Naoris Consulting on LinkedIN noted, “We are excited to share a pivotal chapter in our story. We’re embarking on a strategic partnership with BDO Morocco, a union of vision and expertise to revolutionize digital transformation with cybersecurity as a backbone in Francophone Africa. Envision a landscape where every organization in Francophone Africa is empowered to thrive digitally, bolstered by unyielding cybersecurity. This partnership is our stride towards turning that collective dream into a tangible reality, ensuring a safer and more innovative future for all.”

More and more Blockchain companies are moving to Morocco to serve the African region, including entities such as The Hashgraph Association, IR4Labs and others.