Hong Kong legislators pass stablecoin Bill

Hong Kong legislators pass stablecoin Bill

Hong Kong government, represented by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority has passed the Stablecoins Bill. The bill passed by the Legislative Council today (21 May) will establish a licensing regime for fiat-referenced stablecoins (FRS) issuers in Hong Kong, to further enhance Hong Kong’s regulatory framework on virtual-asset (VA) activities, thereby fostering financial stability and encouraging financial innovation.

Upon implementation of the Stablecoins Ordinance, any person who, in the course of business, issues an FRS in Hong Kong, or issues an FRS that purports to maintain a stable value with reference to Hong Kong dollars in or outside Hong Kong will need to obtain a licence from the Monetary Authority (MA).

The relevant persons must satisfy the requirements in areas such as reserve asset management and redemption, including proper segregation of client assets, maintaining a robust stabilization mechanism, and processing stablecoin holders’ requests for redemption at par value with reasonable conditions.

The relevant persons must also comply with a range of requirements, including those on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, risk management, disclosure and auditing, and fitness and propriety. The MA will conduct further consultations on the detailed regulatory requirements of the regime in due course.

FRS issued by a licensed issuer may be offered to a retail investor.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “The Ordinance adheres to the ‘same activity, same risks, same regulation’ principle, with a focus on a risk-based approach to promote a robust regulatory environment. This is not only in line with international regulatory requirements, but also lays a solid foundation for Hong Kong’s virtual asset market, which, in turn, promotes the sustainable development of the industry, protects users’ rights and interests, and strengthens Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.”

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue, added, “The Ordinance has established a risk-based, pragmatic, and flexible regulatory regime. We believe that a robust and fit-for-purpose regulatory environment would provide favourable conditions to support the healthy, responsible, and sustainable development of Hong Kong’s stablecoin and the broader digital asset ecosystem.”

The UAE Central Bank had passed its stablecoin Bill last year, while the USA is currently studying the Genius Act. the U.S.senate approved a procedural vote for the GENIUS Act for stablecoins, with 66 voting in favor, 32 against and two abstentions. Sixteen Democrats supported the vote, led by Senators Gillibrand, Alsobrooks, Gallego and Warner. The same vote failed on 8 May.

UAE NeosLegal launches UAE guide for Crypto Laws

UAE NeosLegal launches UAE guide for Crypto Laws

NeosLegal, a UAE crypto-native law firm, has launched the Founder’s Guide to UAE Crypto Laws created specifically for founders seeking to establish and scale their ventures in the UAE. It has already been shared with 300 UAE Web3 founders and policymakers in an event hosted by Solana.

As per the press release, in total, more than 2,700 founders pre-registered to receive a copy. While the UAE is widely regarded as one of the most progressive jurisdictions for virtual assets, its regulatory framework spans multiple authorities, each with specific mandates. These include the UAE Central Bank, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

For founders entering the market, understanding how these regulators operate, what their licensing paths involve, and how different economic zones compare is critical to making informed decisions.

Written in plain, founder-friendly language and updated in real time as new laws and regulations are introduced, the guide reflects the knowledge accumulated by NeosLegal over more than a decade of practice in crypto law and 300+ Web3 project engagements. It is a living online resource, not a static document, and will continue to grow in relevance as the UAE solidifies its position as a global crypto capital.

The guide includes, jurisdiction and entity structuring options for crypto projects in the UAE, VASP licensing requirements and ongoing compliance obligations, legal frameworks for fundraising and investor readiness, an overview of UAE venture capital hubs and financial free zones, key tax, IP, and regulatory considerations for Web3 business models, and expert commentary, practical checklists, and founder-focused tools.

The guide is led by Irina Heaver, Managing Partner at NeosLegal who stated, “Too many founders lose time and money navigating noise — wrong jurisdictions, missed VASP obligations, and unclear compliance paths. This guide cuts through it all, offering a living, practical resource built for real-world decisions.”

UAE Ministry of Interior and the FSRA regulatory arm of ADGM partner to fight virtual asset crimes

UAE Ministry of Interior and the FSRA regulatory arm of ADGM partner to fight virtual asset crimes

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM (FSRA) and the UAE Ministry of Interior, have partnered to coordinate and combat financial crimes in the virtual asset, crypto realm.

As per the press release, the agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of information, strengthen risk mitigation frameworks, and support the national strategy to safeguard the financial system against evolving threats in the digital asset landscape.

Commenting on the importance of proactive cooperation in combating financial crime, Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, said, “The FSRA is focused on collaboration with UAE authorities to proactively fight against financial crime. Financial crime is constantly evolving, and it is crucial that regulators stay ahead of potential threats. Our goal is to build long lasting partnerships across the UAE to ensure prevention of financial crime in financial services including the use of virtual assets. We aim to protect the financial ecosystem and lead regulatory efforts in line with international best practices and federal laws. We also seek to raise awareness internally and locally to ensure proper understanding of financial crime risks and assist actively in the efforts conducted on a national level”.

This MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the FSRA and the Ministry of Interior, supporting the exchange of information and coordination on matters related to financial crime and virtual assets. It also aims to bolster the security and efficacy of the UAE’s financial system while enabling knowledge-sharing initiatives, joint training programs, and strengthened investigative efforts.

This agreement comes at a time when Chainalysis recently reported that In 2024, crypto platforms experienced a 21% increase in stolen funds compared to last year, totaling an estimated $2.2 billion. This marks the fifth year on record with losses exceeding $1 billion.

Private key compromises were the leading method of theft, representing approximately 43.8% of stolen crypto.

Hex Trust crypto platform launches fiat on and off ramping services in UAE

Hex Trust crypto platform launches fiat on and off ramping services in UAE

Hex Trust, a regulated provider of virtual assets custody, staking and market services has officially opened HT Markets MENA offering fiat on/off-ramp services in Dubai UAE through its secure, institutional-grade platform.

These services are immediately available for institutional clients and accredited investors with a minimum on-ramp threshold of AED 368,000 (equivalent to USD $100K).


Hex Trust established a Dubai office in June 2022. It currently holds three Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licenses in Dubai, issued by the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). This includes a license to provide Virtual Asset Custodial Services, a second license for its VA Broker-Dealer and and a third for VA Management and Investment arm, HT Markets MENA FZE.

As per the announcement, these licenses allow Hex Trust to offer comprehensive Virtual Asset services covering Broker-Dealer and Management and Investment Services, which include regulated Staking Services.


“We are one of the first VA broker-dealers in the MENA region to offer an efficient and secure bridge between fiat and virtual assets. This unique offering caters to the huge appetite for on/off-ramp services in Dubai and is a significant achievement for HT Markets MENA.
We see enormous potential for virtual asset growth in Dubai given the progressive regulations, welcoming governments, and thriving crypto ecosystem. ” Filippo Buzzi, Hex Trust’s Regional Director MENA.


Hex Trust Markets offers safe access to the DeFi ecosystem, where clients can generate yield with native on-chain staking solutions and execute trades with the support of Hex Trust’s dedicated Markets team. It also brings secure access to crypto-fiat conversions through Hex Trust’s fully-licensed, institutional-grade custody platform. This enables investors in Dubai to seamlessly move their cryptocurrencies into fiat currencies, fostering a secure and compliant trading environment.

New crypto broker license on the way for DKK partners with initial approval from Dubai VARA

New crypto broker license on the way for DKK partners with initial approval from Dubai VARA

DKK Partners FZE, subsidiary of DKK Partners a fintech company, has announced that it has been granted an initial approval by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for crypto brokerage dealer services.

DKK Partners FZE will continue to work towards acquiring a full Virtual Asset Service Provider crypto broker license from VARA.

The VARA initial approval allows DKK FZE to move forward in the licensing process as they look to offer corporate and institutional customers in Dubai and the UAE access to stablecoin blockchain technology, utilizing USDT and USDC.

Khalid Talukder, Co-Founder and CEO of DKK Partners, stated, “It is an incredibly exciting time for DKK in the Middle East and securing the VARA Initial approval will enable us to continue making a splash in the region. Our expansion to Dubai last year was a huge success and we’re looking to extend our influence in the market by strengthening our compliance and innovation in the Virtual Asset space. This license is a game-changer for DKK and the digital asset landscape in Dubai empowering businesses to confidently engage in blockchain technology, benefiting from the stability of stablecoins and the regulatory framework.”

Victoria Albergini, Head of Partnerships for DKK Partners FZE in Dubai added, “Since our launch last year, DKK Dubai has gone from strength to strength and is now in a prime position in the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape. The VARA initial approval enhances our ability to serve the unique needs of corporate and institutional customers.”

cryptocurrency regulation could be out in months in Saudi Arabia

cryptocurrency regulation could be out in months in Saudi Arabia

According to a recent interview by Zawya, with, Bandar AlTunisi, Head of Development at Binance in Saudi Arabia, high level digital currency regulation could come out in Saudi Arabia tomorrow or in a month’s time.

He states, “With discussions on cryptocurrency ongoing at several Saudi government bodies, Saudi Arabia, is looking forward to possible “high-level” regulation for digital currencies in the country this year.”

AlTunisi said there had been growth over the past seven years.  “It could be tomorrow, it could be in a month’s time, but once they’re ready, they will move quickly, which is what excites us about the Saudi market. I am hopeful about this year, but it is dependent on a lot of different factors,” he said.

Bader Al Kalooti, Head of Binance Middle East, Africa and Southern Asia (MEASA) and Turkey, said: “It is still very early. Relatively speaking, this is a nascent industry. The way these things tend to work, you will have disruptive technology roll out, then it takes a while to demonstrate that there is a product market fit, that people want this technology, then the regulations catch up.”

Dubai and Bahrain were early movers, he said, and other markets will catch up, although it will not happen overnight.

Bodies involved in studying potential crypto regulation include the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), which will be involved from a blockchain point of view, and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).

Saudi Arabia also launched the Financial Sector Development Programme in 2018, under which the development of cryptocurrency regulation could also fall.

The creation of such regulation would be followed by a period of understanding how the regulations will be applied, AlTunisi said. Saudi is a priority market for crypto in general as well as Binance, he said.

“There is no other major exchange that has boots on the ground in Saudi in the way Binance does,” he adds, “Saudi is one of those places where once they move, they move big/. We really anticipate that there is going to be movement soon, and once they do, it is going to be a huge catalyst for growth in the industry.”

LaraontheBlock spoke withNaquib Mohammed, Founder and CEO of MRHB Network, who recently started operations in KSA, explained, ” We have been in meeting with stakeholders from SAMA ( Saudi Central Bank) on a regular basis. SAMA is working on regulations, but there is nothing happening anytime this year.”

MENA is home to three of the top 30 countries receiving crypto in Chainalysis index: Turkey (12), Morocco (20), and Iran (28). However, Turkey dominates in terms of raw transaction volume, but interestingly Saudi Arabia comes in third in terms of crypto value received, with UAE coming in at number two and Turkey taking number one place.

Qatar’s digital asset regulations catches the eye of Notabene

Qatar’s digital asset regulations catches the eye of Notabene

Notabene, a crypto compliance firm that offers compliance solutions with FATF Travel Rule, has shown interest in Qatar’s proposed digital assets regulatory rules framework and has commented on Qatar’s consultation paper.

Notabene offers Safe Transact platform that helps financial institutions and crypto businesses unlock their full potential in the digital economy. With a focus on security, privacy, and end-user experience, Notabene customers use a multi-source data and software to automate real-time decision-making, perform counterparty sanctions screening, identify self-hosted wallets, and complete the smooth roll out of Travel Rule compliance, all in line with global and local regulations.

In a recent tweet on X Notabene welcomed the opportunity to comment on Qatar’s proposed digital assets regulatory rules consultation paper.

Notabene noted that they applaud the Qatar Financial Centre (“QFC”) Regulatory Authority (“Regulatory Authority”) and the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (“QFC Authority”) for taking the time to put together a comprehensive framework for digital assets.

Notabene added,” The process undertaken by both the QFC Regulatory Authority and QFC Authority to solicit public engagement on this important topic and welcome the opportunity to be part of the ongoing dialogue.”

Notabene, the crypto industry’s y pre-transaction authorization decision making platform, helps to identify and stop high-risk activity before it occurs. The platform offers a secure, holistic view of crypto transactions, enabling customers to automate real-time decision-making, perform counterparty sanctions screening, identify self-hosted wallets, conduct VASP Due Diligence, and complete the smooth rollout of Travel Rule compliance, in line with global regulations.

According to Notabene only Travel Rule compliance gives VASPs transaction-level counterparty and sanction insight, allowing them to recognize if their clients are sending transactions to sanctioned entities, wallets, or jurisdictions. VASPs worldwide are in different stages of compliance, which leaves many companies vulnerable to exposure to sanctioned individuals.

In its comment to Qatar’s consultation paper, Notabene states, “In particular, strict compliance with the Travel Rule is a prerequisite for VASPs to obtain licenses in these jurisdictions. We recommend that the QFC Regulatory Authority take the same approach. The ideal way to avoid dealing with non-compliance after settlement and its associated challenges is to ensure both TSPs assess and approve the
transaction before the Originator TSP executes it. This is in line with FATF’s recommendations.”

Qatar recently released its digital assets framework requesting feedback on it by January 2nd 2024.

Blockchain and digital assets enter the insurance sector in UAE

Blockchain and digital assets enter the insurance sector in UAE

The DFSA ( Dubai Financial Services Authority) the regulatory arm of Dubai’s International Financial center recently announced that it would be updating its crypto assets regulatory framework with new amendments that would cover crypto assets, crypto custody DeFi, stablecoins, crypto investment funds money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as blockchain and crypto in insurance

It is asking for feedback on its consultation paper by March 3rd 2024. One of the most interesting topics mentioned by DFSA was utilization of Blockchain and crypto in insurance.

The DFSA noted in their consultation paper that given that crypto tokens are being discussed in the context of insurance including the utilization of DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology), for insurance, as well as crypto tokens for denominating policies, receiving premiums and paying out claims, even underwriting risks in crypto market, has prompted DFSA to seek feedback.

DFSA is seeking feedback on market trends regarding underwriting Crypto Token specific risks and associated regulatory risks; regulatory risks, and the prudential treatment of crypto exposures where Insurers receive premiums and pay out claims in Crypto Tokens.

In parrallel BCG recently published an article on how insurance firms are utilizing metaverse and blockchain in their operations, and how this trend will grow.

According to BCG some firms use blockchain records to process claims and detect fraud, while others deploy the technology to offer customized insurance products. It is noteworthy that UAE’s Ministry of Health has utilized blockchain technology for some time now.

BCG believes there are six strategic opportunities for the insurance industry after BCG evaluated leading insurance companies on 43 relevant dimensions and found that insurance companies were not only willing but it was feasible for them to do so.

According to BCG, insurance companies can increase revenues by using blockchain technologies.

Blockchain technology-related revenues for the insurance industry are expected to rise from their 2022 level of $425 million to about $37 billion by 2030. This represents revenue growth of 70% per year.

BCG’s analysis found that 60% of insurance companies are already investing in blockchain, and 80% of their C-suite executives believe that blockchain can enable efficiencies. The increase in revenues is expected to develop within the broader context of a $708 billion revenue gain across all industries and regions from metaverse and blockchain technologies.

The many use cases for metaverse and blockchain technologies fall into six broad strategic opportunities that can unlock substantial business value.

Insure Digital assets

First it can create new revenue streams. Firms can underwrite policies that insure digital assets, such as non-fungible tokens (NFT) cryptocurrency investments, and cryptocurrency keys. Firms can also commercialize the assessment tools used to underwrite emerging risks.

Insurers can also create new revenue streams by developing offerings to address risks related to metaverse technologies. For example, virtual-asset policies can insure against risks such as cyber-attacks and data loses, which are inherent to virtual environments.

Smart Contracts for transactions

The second opportunity is smart contracts, programs stored in a blockchain that run when certain conditions are met and that keep a verified record of all related transactions, which can particularly help insurers expand their product portfolio.

Firms can use smart contracts to create new types of policies that can be activated and deactivated on demand. Specialized underwriters can pool their knowledge to write multiparty insurance policies, each underwriting the risks with which they feel comfortable, and use smart contracts to manage the complexity. And carriers can use smart contracts to offer inexpensive contingency-based insurance for many small risks that would otherwise be difficult to insure. For example, companies could cover short-term work engagements for freelancers, one-time events for commercial venues, seasonal residential rentals for homeowners, and transactions by drivers working with ride-sharing services.

Improved underwriting

Insurers can also improve Underwriting and Claims Processes. Insurers can use blockchain and metaverse technologies to improve some underwriting and claims processes. In doing so, companies can improve the reliability of customer data, reducing existing loss ratios and decreasing the risk profile of the entire portfolio.

By implementing blockchain, an insurer can access the end-to-end record of an insured object’s life cycle, enabling more accurate underwriting and preventing fraud. An insurer can not only store the current value of the insured object but also trace back its provenance, seeing the object’s value whenever it was bought and sold. The insurer will also be able to see its value at the time of all subsequent transactions.

Detect frauds, settle claims

In addition Blockchain systems can help detect fraud by assessing data reliability, thereby avoiding settlement costs for false claims. The systems can also reduce the costs associated with high-volume, low-value claims by making it easier to manage them. Additionally, the automated ledger and tracking inherent in blockchain systems can streamline operational inefficiencies and reduce delays in settling claims. The latter two benefits are possible given the immutability of a blockchain ledger and blockchain’s capability to monitor policyholders’ digital identities using digital identity wallets.

OneDegree in UAE to insure digital assets

The announcement made by DIFC comes just after Hong Kong based digital asset insurance provider, OneDegree, announced it was expanding its offering to the UAE through a local partnership with Dubai Insurance Company.

Both UAE local entity and OneDegree will insure digital asset firms in the UAE using its OneInFinity product offering.

OneDegree is in the process of setting up its entity in Dubai UAE. The company will offer several types of insurance required by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority’s (VARA) new cryptocurrency regulatory regime in Dubai, including commercial crime insurance, professional indemnity insurance, and directors and officers insurance.

Conclusion

The discussion both on a regulatory level, as well as in terms of partnerships on the ground in UAE for implementing blockchain and crypto in the insurance industry, is a reflection of the readiness the UAE is at in terms of digital asset adoption.

For many when insurance companies start ensuring crypto, NFTs, and digital assets that means the technology and the regulations around it have become mature, and is a pre-requisite for the onbaording of institutional investors.

Qatar to attract Blockchain and digital asset entities

Qatar to attract Blockchain and digital asset entities

The Qatar Central Bank( QCB)  sets to attract Big Tech and Fintech entities in the fields of Blockchain, AI, Tokenization, Digital assets and crypto to the country.

As per its third financial sector strategy launched by HE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani, the Qatar Central Bank recommended enhancing financial inclusion, measures to facilitate building a world-class shared market infrastructure and establishing a financial technology talent center of excellence.

The third financial sector strategy is to make Qatar a leading ecosystem embracing emerging technologies to accelerate digital transformation supported by adaptable and consistent regulatory frameworks and trusted market infrastructure. The regulatory framework is one of the key initiatives and aims to develop framework for DLT ( Distributed Ledger Technology), Blockchain, Crypto and digital assets as well as Decentralized Finance (DeFi). The regulations will ensure a trusted, legal and economic environment for AML, IP rights, and KYC KYT.

Growth areas include payments ecosystem specifically retails, as well as introduction of solutions such as robo advisory, Blockchain, artificial intelligence, digital assets and tokenization.  It also includes digitization in Islamic Finance and ESG (Environmental Social Governance).

The strategy contains 48 actionable items with 20 high priority ones as per the strategy.

The Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority and QFC Authority have jointly developed a QFC digital assets framework, as well as launched their digital assets lab which will work as a sandbox for incubating startups.

QCB governor Sheikh Bandar bin Mohamed bin Saoud al-Thani. Stated,”We believe in the importance of digital finance ecosystem in supporting the development process. As a result, we have adopted this ecosystem as a third pillar within our strategy to lead the digital financial transformation for the sector to be pioneer in the adoption of modern technologies.”

Coinbase, Kraken, Ripple support US PAC for a president that supports crypto and blockchain

Coinbase, Kraken, Ripple support US PAC for a president that supports crypto and blockchain

In a recent twist of events, and while the United States gears towards its presidential elections, a new political action Committee (PAC) called Fairshake and its network which includes names such as CoinBase, Kraken and Ripple, have announced that they will be reporting $78 million raised and in the bank at the end of the 2023 to support leaders who support US crypto and Blockchain innovation and responsible regulation in 2024 elections.

Fairshake is dedicated to advancing leaders who are poised to champion innovation and navigate the complexities of responsible regulation in the digital age.

It has already garnered support from Andreessen Horowitz,  Ark, Brian Armstrong, Blockchain Capital, Wences Casares, Circle, CoinBase, Ron Conway, Cumberland, Framework Ventures, Hunter Horsley, Jump Crypto, Kraken, Lightspark, Messari, Multicoin Capital, Paradigm, Potter Ventures, Ripple, Fred Wilson, Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss.

Interestingly Binance and other prominent players are still not on this list.

In a reccent Coinbase blog post the company noted, “The US’s current crypto regulatory standards are sub-par, ultimately driving innovation and financial freedom offshore. Given the stakes, crypto’s superpower of grassroots support will now be amplified through significant spending. Fairshake Super PAC and its affiliates representing the nation’s crypto community, have raised over $78 million – and counting – from 20 companies and leading industry voices to support bipartisan, crypto-forward candidates in 2024. That’s over $78 million to support the 52 million Americans who own digital assets and want a fair shake at the American Dream.”

Fairshake and its affiliates remain steadfast in their mission to support leaders who champion the interests of progressive innovation, including blockchain technology and the crypto industry, through independent advertising efforts.

In the  press release, Fairshake stated,”  In order for the blockchain economy to realize its full potential, a clear regulatory and legal framework for success is needed. The crypto community continues to advance initiatives to promote stability, tech innovation, and growth of the blockchain economy in the U.S., positioning it as a hub for blockchain technology development and adoption.”

Fairshake is a federal independent expenditure-only committee (super PAC) registered with the FEC and supports candidates solely through its independent activities. Protect Progress and Defend American Jobs are also federal super PACs registered with the FEC and are affiliated with Fairshake.

So could we soon be seeing a US president that will foster the crypto blockchain ecosystem in the United States?