Yellow Card receives crypto asset provider license in South Africa

Yellow Card receives crypto asset provider license in South Africa

As stablecoin adoption surges in Africa, with sub Saharan Africa having the highest adoption rate in the world at 9.2%, Yellow Card, Africa’s leading stablecoin infrastructure provider has just been issued a crypto asset service provider in South Africa.

Commenting on the FSCA’s decision to issue the license to Yellow Card Financial South Africa, Chris Maurice, Yellow Card’s co-founder and CEO, said, “The CASP license underscores Yellow Card’s commitment to its customers in South Africa and regulatory compliance across the continent. This achievement reflects our dedication to providing secure, compliant and transformative solutions for our customers both in South Africa and across Africa.  

In South Africa alone, the number of total users of crypto assets is estimated to amount to 5.8 million people, and stablecoins have experienced growth of 50% month over month since October 2023, displacing bitcoin as the country’s most popular cryptocurrency.  Yellow Card is excited to play a pivotal role in this financial revolution in South Africa. 

Yellow Card, which launched in South Africa in 2020, has facilitated over US$3 billion in transactions in the last several years and now operates in 20 countries across the continent. The company recently completed a US$33 million Series C financing, led by Blockchain Capital and existing investors, including Polychain Capital, Valar Ventures, Third Prime Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and Block, Inc. (Square/Cash App), reflecting strong investor confidence in its mission.   

With the recent licensing and funding, the company plans to expand its B2B offerings by enhancing its stablecoin rails, upgrading infrastructure, and advancing its B2B API and Widget. These efforts will empower businesses with seamless solutions for liquidity management and their general operations. 

The UAE as well is also well on its way to growing stablecoin usage, after the Central Bank came out with the AED Stablecoin regulations, and regulations for global stablecoin usage.

ADGM regulatory authority releases consultation paper for security tokens, stablecoins and more

ADGM regulatory authority releases consultation paper for security tokens, stablecoins and more

UAE ADGM regulatory authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) has published a consultation paper No.10 to propose amendments on various regulations including those related to virtual assets. The amendments discuss, Digital security tokens, commodity tokens, stablecoins, and utility tokens.

As per the announcement, The proposed miscellaneous amendments result from the FSRA’s desire to simplify, clarify and correct certain requirements where appropriate and necessary, but are also in response to the FSRA’s experience of operating such legislation in practice.

The consultation period will close on 10 December 2024.

Digital Securities

In terms of virtual assets under the title “Regulation of Digital security offerings, virtual assets under the FSMR (ICO Guidance) and its Guidance on Regulation of Digital Securities activity in ADGM, it deals with the FSRA’s treatment of virtual assets and the financial activities that can be conducted in relation to them within ADGM.

The FSRA has defined Virtual Assets in the FSMR, as Digital Securities, which means digital or virtual tokens that have features and characteristics of a Security under the FSMR (such as Shares, Debentures and Units in a Collective Investment Fund).

As such all financial services activities in relation to Digital Securities, such as operating primary / secondary markets, dealing / trading / managing investments in or advising on Digital Securities, are subject to the relevant regulatory requirements under the FSMR.

Virtual assets as Commodities

In addition, market intermediaries and market operators dealing or managing investments in Digital Securities need to be licensed / approved by FSRA as FSP holders (including as Multilateral Trading Facilities), Recognised Investment Exchanges or Recognised Clearing Houses, as applicable “Virtual Assets” such as non-fiat virtual currencies, crypto ‘exchange tokens.

The Guidance also discusses virtual assets treated as commodities where only activities in Accepted Virtual Assets will be permitted.

In terms of capital formation activities, they are not within the virtual asset framework offered by FSRA in ADGM. While Derivatives and Collective Investment Funds of Virtual Assets, Digital Securities and Utility Tokens regulated as Specified Investments under the FSMR will need to be licensed by FSRA as FSP holders.

Utility Tokens

When it comes to Utility Tokens, which means tokens that can be redeemed for access to a specific product or service and are not for investment, they are also not regulated.

Stablecoins

Fiat tokens or stablecoins, which are fully backed by underlying fiat currencies which are used as a payments instrument for the purposes of money transmission will be licensed and regulated by the FSRA as providing money services.

ADFW Unveils Top Finance speakers including founder of Circle

ADFW Unveils Top Finance speakers including founder of Circle

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Chairman of the Executive Council, Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), the flagship financial event of the MEASA region hosted by ADGM, has announced that its 2024 edition will gather more than 300 speakers from across the globe, including the CEOs and Chairs of 50 major global financial institutions.

Among the confirmed speakers are finance titans such as Sergio Ermotti – Group CEO of UBS, Bill Huffman – CEO of Nuveen, David Hunt – President & CEO of PGIM, Isabelle Scemama – Global Head of AXA IM, Bill Ford – Chairman & CEO of General Atlantic, Shayne Nelson – Group CEO of Emirates NBD, Ray Dalio – Founder of Bridgewater,Rajiv Jain – Chairman and CIO of GQG Partners, Mohammed Alaradhi – Executive Chairman of Investcorp, His Excellency Ambassador Majid AlSuwaidi – CEO of Alterra, Jeremy Allaire –Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Circle and Mohamed Abdelbary – CEO of ADIB.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said: “As Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its position as a global financial powerhouse, ADFW 2024 will be a pivotal moment for the financial industry. The rapidly increasing participation of CEOs from globally significant financial institutions underscores ADFW’s rising prominence and influence as a leading platform. At ADGM, we are committed to driving meaningful dialogue, fostering innovation, and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as the Capital of Capital.”

Local and regional government and government-affiliated leaders will also take centre stage at this year’s ADFW with prominent names such as Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan – President & CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), H.R.H. Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud – Founder and CEO of KBW Ventures, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq AlMarri – Minister of Economy of the UAE, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi – Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention at Ministry Of Economy of the UAE, H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak – Minister of Climate Change & Environment of the UAE, H.E. Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa Al Hammadi –Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).

Other speakers from world renowned organisations include Robert Salomon – Dean of Stern at NYUAD, Chi-Man Kwan – Group CEO and Founder of Raffles Family Office, Kim Fournais – CEO, Saxo Bank, Christian Angermeyer – Founder, Aperion Investments, Hatem Dowidar – Group CEO of E&, , Rishi Khosla – Co-Founder & CEO of Oaknorth, Javier Carranza – Global Head of Wealth of Grupo Santander, Shamsir Vayalil – Founder and Non-Executive Chairman & CEO of Burjeel Holdings and Andrew Sullivan – EVP & Head of International Businesses of Prudential.

ADFW is currently registering interests and will be open for registration in the coming weeks. For more information please visit: www.adfw.com

Central Bank of Qatar token regulations excludes crypto and stablecoins

Central Bank of Qatar token regulations excludes crypto and stablecoins

Qatar just announced its digital assets or token regulations. The Central Bank of Qatar, Qatar Financial Authority, as well as the QFC regulatory authority released the regulations that would allow for tokenization of real world assets not including cryptocurrencies or stablecoins. This comes after Qatar had announced its DLT regulations, as well as launched its Digital Assets Lab. Throughout this time Qatar had always made it clear especially through QFC that this pertained to tokenization of real world assets for financial and investment purposes.

On Sunday October 29th, Qatar announced one of the biggest digital assets initiatives in the country and the GCC region, the Qatar Innovation Dome for digital assets. The digital asset lab was aimed to develop tokenization platforms and ecosystems for everything that has value whether tangible assets or intangible assets including real estate assets, securities, Sukuk, bonds and others in the future utilizing DLT ( distributed ledger technologies), blockchain, and smart contracts.

Today the digital asset token regulations has provided the framework to implement this.

The regulations cover all activities related to permitted tokens

As per the framework the regulations apply to tokens meeting the criteria specified which are under permitted tokens. It also covers transactions involving permitted tokens, and the provisioning of these token services. It also covers token custodians, and token exchanges, token transfer providers, token validators as well as token issuers which they call token generators.

Token custody services means the service of holding or controlling tokens on behalf of clients; or holding or controlling the means by which clients’ tokens may be recorded and transacted on token infrastructure. A company that holds or safeguards the private keys for its clients’ tokens is providing custody services in relation to those tokens. An entity licensed to provide token custody services may be referred to as a token custodian.
Qatar regulations also discussed Operating a token exchange which means operating a system which brings together multiple third party buying and selling interests in tokens, in accordance with the system’s non-discretionary rules, in a way that results in a contract in respect of the tokens. As per the regulation a token exchange which operates a facility which is merely an order routing system where buying and selling interests in, or orders for, tokens are merely transmitted but do not interact is not operating a token exchange.

Token is defined as digital representation of real property or rights

As per the regulation a token means a unique electronic data unit that is cryptographically secured. It is a digital representation of real or personal property rights including contractual rights and is capable of being issued, transferred or stored using DLT ( Distributed Ledger technology) or other similar technology.

DLT or blockchain technology will be used to transfer and store the permitted token.

Crypto and stablecoins not included in Digital asset regulation

The new digital asset regulations however are very clear on what they considered as not permitted tokens. In short, non permitted tokens are tokens that do not represent a right in a property. As such cryptocurrencies, and stablecoins are considered not permitted or excluded tokens from this regulation.

As noted in the regulation “ Excluded tokens include a currency that can otherwise be used as a means of payment. Examples: A cryptocurrency token that is used as an alternative to fiat currencies but is not issued or backed by any governmental authority and does not represent any ‘off-chain’ property, is an example of an excluded token.”

It goes on to add, “ A token commonly referred to as a stablecoin, is an example of an excluded token. This is because a stablecoin is regarded as a substitute for currency that can be used as a means of payment.”

Accepted tokens include for example a token representing a right to a commodity, such as a precious metal.

Investment tokens included in regulation

The regulation also allows investment tokens under what it calls tokenized schemes or token investing schemes or tokenized funds.
As per the regulations, “ A QFC scheme, or a sub scheme of a QFC umbrella scheme, is a tokenized scheme if any of the units in the scheme or sub scheme are investment tokens. A QFC scheme, or a sub scheme of a QFC umbrella scheme, is a token investing scheme if the scheme’s, or sub scheme’s, constitutional document states that it is an object of the scheme to invest in tokens.”
The regulation notes that tokenized investment schemes could cover Islamic funds, money market funds, feeder funds or property fund schemes.
In addition the regulation discusses tokenized investment funds and notes that, “ a professional investor fund is a tokenized fund if any of the units in the fund are investment tokens; a token investing fund if the fund’s constitutional document states that it is an object of the fund to invest in tokens.

 H.E. Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani, Qatar Central Bank Governor, stated, “Launching the 2024 Digital Assets Regulations marks a significant milestone in our journey towards realizing the Third Financial Sector Strategy.” He noted that this framework will create significant opportunities and support establishing a robust regulatory environment within the financial sector. This will support Qatar’s digital transformation goals, in line with the Third National Development Strategy, the final phase of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC, added “The introduction of the Digital Assets Framework 2024 underscores our commitment to creating a robust regulatory regime aligned with international best practices. We are proud to set a blueprint for developing, applying, and operating digital assets, that promotes market trust and confidence. We anticipate that this regulatory clarity will attract both domestic and international players, boosting Qatar’s financial services sector competitiveness.”

UAE XRP oil sale deal is false and illegal in UAE

UAE XRP oil sale deal is false and illegal in UAE

The recent story that the UAE and India carried out an oil deal using XRP token over CFT (Crypto trading Fund) ledger, is not only unbacked and false but also illegal in the UAE.

The story which was first published in a media entity called Cryptoalert soon was copied and published as if it was real news.

The cryptoalert piece stated that “In a historic shift, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have completed their first-ever crude oil transaction using their local currencies, effectively bypassing the US dollar. This landmark trade signals a broader strategy, set in motion last July, aimed at promoting trade in native currencies and cutting down on dollar-conversion costs.”

It also stated that the trade was integrated with the XRP Ledger System CryptoTradingFund (CTF), allowing customers to earn cash back rewards in CTF tokens.

The piece did not mention which entities had transacted this crude oil transaction, nor where there any social media posts, press releases or confirmations from either CTF or Ripple on the topic. Yet this did not stop many media entities in the crypto and blockchain ecosystem from publishing the story.

Since then prominent blockchain pundits have noted how media publish false stories to push crypto users to purchase XRP and CFT token.

Ripple is not XRP

“XRP” and “Ripple” are often erroneously used interchangeably. Ripple (previously Ripple Labs) is a company, and XRP is the name of the native cryptocurrency for XRP Ledger, an open-source distributed ledger run by the XRPL foundation.

As such proponents of XRP are distributed across many entities and individuals and not only Ripple which uses XRP ledger in some of its products.

UAE Dirham backed stablecoin

In addition, the UAE Central Bank recently announced its payment token regulation which stipulates that stablecoins, and crypto cannot be considered as legal tender in the UAE. The only stablecoin that the UAE will allow for payments inside the UAE are digital dirham stablecoins.

To date no digital dirham stablecoin has been issued within the UAE. As such it would be not only impossible but also illegal for oil to be sold to another country using a digital asset, crypto other than the dirham stablecoin which is pegged to the UAE Dirham.

XRP recognized in DIFC

The only recognition for XRP in the UAE is within DIFC ( Dubai International Financial Center). In November 2023, two new crypto tokens TonCoin (TON), and XRP joined Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum, and Litecoin as recognized crypto tokens by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the financial regulatory agency of the special economic zone, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The announcement of XRP being accepted into DIFC as a crypto token was published in a Ripple press release.

The DFSA the crypto token regime now includes five crypto tokens that can be utilized by virtual asset firms within the DIFC. Licensed firms will be able to incorporate XRP and TON into their virtual asset services. XRP and TON will be available for use by institutions located in the DIFC to accelerate faster, more efficient global value exchange.

As such the only legal utility for XRP would be in a free zone DIFC to be specific.

Tether invests $3 million in Kuwait’s Kem fintech startup

Tether invests $3 million in Kuwait’s Kem fintech startup

Tether Operations Limited, a company in the digital assets domain, and creator of USDT stablecoin has announced a $3 million strategic investment in Kuwait based Kem app, a platform designed for money transfers and financial management.

As per the press release, the investment and collaboration will allow Kem App to introduce USDT on its platform to drive widespread adoption in the MENA region to revolutionize traditional payment systems.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has the sixth largest crypto economy of any region, with an estimated $389.8 billion in on-chain value received between July 2022 and June 2023. This represents nearly 7.2% of global transaction volume during this period.

The announcement notes that with the launch of USDT on Kem app, millions of expats in countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq will benefit from using USDT and accessible financial services.

The Kem app, enbles seamless cross-border transactions. Tether’s investment underscores its commitment to expanding accessibility and fostering global financial inclusion. This initiative also signifies a strategic expansion into the Middle East market, with Kem serving as a regional asset.

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, said, “This investment reinforces Tether’s commitment to promoting financial inclusion and stability. We believe that everyone should have the means to protect their families and businesses against inflation while enjoying unrestricted access to financial services. Our investment in Kem App is a testament to this belief, as the platform provides tools that simplify access to the financial system, perfectly aligning with our mission to advance financial freedom for all.”

Stablecoin Growth in MENA

In June 2024, the UAE Central Bank approved the issuance of a regulation for licensing and overseeing stablecoins and a series of policies aimed at supporting the banking, insurance, and financial services sectors. UAE Stablecoin Payment Token services regulation came out laying down the rules and conditions by the Central Bank of UAE for licenses pertaining to payment tokens, not allowing algorithmic tokens to be included and only allowing foreign stablecoins to be used to purchase virtual assets.

The UAE Central Bank made a clear distinction between the Dirham Payment token which can be issued by licensed payment token issuers used for any lawful purpose, and the foreign payment token issued by a Registered Foreign Payment Token Issuer which can only be used as a means of payment for purchasing virtual assets or derivatives of virtual assets.  

As reported by CoinMarketCap, the total market capitalization of stablecoins reached $174 billion as of August 2024 – with USDT (Tether), USDC (Circle), and DAI, together accounting for circa 93 percent of the market.

Tether is not the only stablecoin issuer that is trying to enhance its presence in the MENA region. In December 2023, Circle Internet Financial (Circle), and UAE based Fuze, MENA’s digital assets infrastructure provider, to expand adoption of USDC stablecoin in MENA region, after signing MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

Circle, the issuer of the US-dollar backed stablecoin USDC, will work with Fuze to expand the adoption of USDC amongst new customers in the region, such as banks, fintechs, traditional enterprises and Web3 firms. The scope of the agreement covers the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, paving the way for the expanded use of USDC in these regions and the piloting of new use cases relevant to these markets.

Tether’s investment and collaboration is also setting the stage for Kem to enhance its offerings and better serve millions of underserved businesses throughout the Middle East. By incorporating cryptocurrencies into its platform, Kem aims to replicate the success of financial platforms offering cryptocurrencies in other markets, driving mass adoption and fostering a more inclusive banking landscape in the Gulf region.

Pravica Secures $250,000 Grant from Sui Foundation for stablecoin adoption

Pravica Secures $250,000 Grant from Sui Foundation for stablecoin adoption

Pravica, a blockchain infrastructure provider, has secured $250,000 grant from the renowned Sui Foundation. This substantial funding will drive Pravica’s mission to revolutionize payment systems and money movement by integrating stablecoin technology with traditional finance.

The Sui Foundation, recognized for its commitment to advancing blockchain technology, has provided this grant to support Pravica’s innovative projects. The funding will be instrumental in enhancing Pravica’s business operations by leveraging stablecoin technology, which offers secure, efficient, and cost-effective payment solutions.

“Our collaboration with the Sui Foundation is a significant milestone for Pravica,” said Mohamed Abdou, CEO of Pravica. “This grant will empower us to integrate stablecoin technology with existing financial systems, bridging the gap between decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional banking. This integration will enable faster, more secure transactions, benefiting both businesses and consumers.”

Pravica will utilize the grant to build and enhance two groundbreaking products on top of the Sui blockchain:

S3 (Stablecoin Studio on Sui) is a comprehensive stablecoin infrastructure enabling stablecoin issuers to issue and maintain stablecoins as digital money. S3 handles the issuance, distribution, and management of stablecoins, functioning similarly to traditional banks. It facilitates the relationship between stablecoin issuers and distributors, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.

While Walletify is an innovative payment app connected to the S3 infrastructure, designed to be the first of its kind. It allows retail customers to use stablecoins for daily payment activities across a wide network of merchants. Walletify wants to bring the advantages of blockchain technology to routine financial transactions by making local stablecoin (pegged by local currencies) transactions simple and accessible.
The integration of stablecoin technology into traditional financial systems is poised to transform the payments landscape. Stablecoins, known for their price stability, offer a reliable medium of exchange, making them ideal for cross-border payments and remittances. Pravica’s initiative aims to facilitate seamless, low-cost transactions, providing a competitive edge in the global digital economy.

Pravica’s expansion into stablecoin-powered payment solutions aligns with its broader vision of democratizing access to blockchain technology. By offering robust and scalable solutions, Pravica is set to enhance financial inclusion and drive economic growth.

“Pravica’s Stablecoin Studio on Sui removes an immense hurdle for stablecoin issuers and has the potential to transform the world’s payment processing industry,” said Gap Kim, Global Head of Marketing for Sui Foundation. “The innovative solution Pravica has built on Sui provides much-needed financial tooling that will benefit the entire Sui ecosystem.”

Pravica’s strategic move will position the company to gain, retain, and expand its market share in the competitive international digital economy. The company’s efforts are geared towards creating a thriving ecosystem that supports the growth of web3 technologies and enhances the overall financial landscape.

German DWS beats UAE Banks with stablecoin issuance announcement

German DWS beats UAE Banks with stablecoin issuance announcement

As the UAE Central Bank recently came out with its AED stablecoin regulation allowing UAE Banks to utilize a subsidiary or a fintech provider to offer AED Stablecoins, Deutsche Bank-owned DWS, which manages $1trln globally, beats UAE Banks to it announcing the eminent launch of their own Euro backed stablecoin. DWS plans to go live with the first euro-denominated stablecoin to be regulated by Germany’s BaFin watchdog in 2025.

European fund giant DWS has created a new company as part of its plans to launch the first German-regulated cryptocurrency next year, the firm’s CEO told Reuters. Deutsche Bank-owned DWS, which manages 941 billion euros ($1 trillion) globally, plans to go live with the first euro-denominated stablecoin to be regulated by Germany’s BaFin watchdog in 2025, Stefan Hoops said. BaFin declined to comment.

DWS had previously said the token would be launched by June next year. BaFin has yet to award an e-money license for a stablecoin, and DWS has set its sights on being first. “In the short term, we expect demand from investors in digital assets, but by the medium term we expect wider demand, for instance from industrial companies working with ‘internet of things’ continuous payments,” Hoops said.

BaFin has generally been critical of cryptocurrencies and has previously called for global regulation of the industry, but it has said it views stablecoins differently. European Union rules under MICA requiring stablecoins to be regulated kicked in last month.

In the first week of July Cryptocurrency firm Circle received a license, registered as an electronic money institution, or EMI, in France, The registration granted the firm a key license to become a compliant stablecoin issuer under the European Union’s crypto laws. Circle, which is primarily known for its USD Coin, or USDC, stablecoin, said in a statement that it was granted an e-money license by France’s banking industry regulator, Autorite de Controle Prudentiel et de Resolution, or ACPR.

As for the UAE the Central Bank, its stablecoin regulation noted that a Bank may not act as a Payment Token Issuer, but they can create a subsidiary or affiliate which can perform this activity. In addition crypto exchange platforms, can receive a non-objection registration to perform payment token conversions.

It also noted that both a bank or exchange house may apply for a Non-Objection Registration in order to perform Dirham Payment Token Conversion.  So the UAE has set its regulation into motion, what is needed is a bank that will endorse and take the first step either by setting up a subsidiary or affiliation.

80% of UAE freelancers prefer payments to be in stablecoins

80% of UAE freelancers prefer payments to be in stablecoins

Zero Hash, a global crypto and stablecoin infrastructure provider, in partnership with Lightspark, commissioned a study and surveyed 2,500 freelancers and contractors from the US, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and UAE with 80% of UAE freelancers saying they would prefer to receive payments in stablecoins. The survey findings also noted that 69% of those surveyed agree that receiving crypto or stablecoin payments would allow them to work with clients globally, with 95% of them wanting to receive a portion of their income in crypto or stablecoins.

According to the survey the main challenges facing freelancers is slow payments, currency volatility, payment delays and high fees. 48% of those surveyed noted that it takes too long to get paid, with 75% desiring payment within 24 hours.

Moreover, 49% felt the fees charged by payment platforms are too high, and 30% cited currency volatility as an issue.

Cryptocurrencies and stablecoins emerge as viable solutions to these challenges. A significant 93% of freelancers express interest in receiving at least a portion of their income in cryptocurrency or stablecoins.

According to 58% of freelancers and gig workers surveyed the current local banking and payment systems don’t work for them.

Globally 65% of freelancers say that they have lost money or left money on the table because they couldn’t accept work across borders due to a non-compatible currency that could not be easily exchanged. 69% agree or strongly agree that receiving crypto or stablecoin payouts would allow them to work with clients globally.

Interestingly 93% would like to receive a portion of their income in crypto or stablecoins, with 80% of UAE and Argentinian respondents preferring stablecoin payouts.

Edward Woodford, Founder and CEO of Zero Hash, commented, “We have long held the belief that fiat, crypto and stables cannot individually solve all of the world’s payment’s requirements by themselves. We believe Zero Hash will play a pivotal role in the future of payments with our ability to connect fiat, crypto and stables in one unified platform. This will enable freelancers and gig workers to move seamlessly between these rails for different use cases and needs”

Christian Catalini, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Lightspark, says, “We live in an increasingly connected world, but our payment infrastructure has not kept pace with the requirements that entrepreneurial and hard-working freelancers are looking for today. This survey shows that change is wanted and needed – we are pleased to be working with Zero Hash to provide solutions for their customers, and freelancers, everywhere!”

Zero Hash, in partnership with Lightspark, leveraged Centiment (the survey platform trusted by Fortune 100 companies) to survey 2,500 freelancers and gig workers in the US, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and UAE. The survey participants comprised 500 freelancers & gig workers across each jurisdiction. The majority of participants were full-time self-employed 66%, and 34% were part-time self-employed. 65% knew about cryptocurrencies, and 42% used freelance/gig platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Catch for at least 50% of their sourced work.

The survey comes at an interesting time given the recent announcement by UAE central Bank  approved the issuance of a regulation for licensing and overseeing stablecoins and a series of policies aimed at supporting the banking, insurance, and financial services sectors.

Dubai’s DIFC Regulatory authority now allows crypto asset investment and stablecoins

Dubai’s DIFC Regulatory authority now allows crypto asset investment and stablecoins

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) the regulatory arm of DIFC ( Dubai International Financial Center) has amended its crypto token regime. These changes stem from the proposals outlined in Consultation Paper 153 – Updates to the Crypto Token regime published in January 2024.

According to the press release, this marks a significant step in refining and advancing the regulatory environment for Crypto Tokens in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Amendments are related to the following areas, funds, custody, recognition of crypto tokens and financial crime

In terms of funds DFSRA now allows the offering of units of external and foreign funds investing in recognized crypto tokens, as well as the ability for domestic qualified investor funds to invest in unrecognized crypto tokens. Minimum individual investment in fund is $50,000. The Fund’s investment in Crypto Tokens is limited to Recognized Crypto Tokens and does not exceed 20% of the gross asset value of the Fund.

Firms can offer custodial and staking services as per the amendment but they cannot offer lending services. Cited in the document, ” An Authorized Firm must not offer or provide any facility or service that allows a Client to lend a Crypto Token to the Authorized Firm or to another person unless it is reasonably satisfied that:. (2) The restriction in (1) does not apply to: (a) an Authorized Firm that is authorized to Provide Custody, if: (i) the Crypto Token is not a Prohibited Token; (ii) the Authorized Firm is reasonably satisfied that: (a)(A) the Client is a Professional Client or Market Counterparty; and (b)(B) the lending is solely for the purpose of staking.; and (iii) the requirements in (3) have been met”

An Authorized Firm must be able to demonstrate to the DFSA’s satisfaction the grounds upon which the Authorized Firm considers the Third Party Agent or a non DIFC custodian to be suitable to hold Safe Custody Investments or Safe Custody Crypto Tokens.

In addition DFSA has replaced its previous Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing and Sanctions Module (AML) – (AML/VER25/05-24) is repealed and has been replaced by Appendix 1 to this instrument and may be identified by the following reference – (AML/VER26/06-24). VASPs will have to comply with Federal Cabinet Resolution No. 10 of 2019 requirements under Federal AML legislation to Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), in addition to Financial Institutions and DNFBPs. The DFSA’s AML regime applies in addition to the Federal AML legislation.

In terms of NFTs and utility tokens, the DFSA has excluded a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) and a Utility Token from its Crypto Token definition where such a Token meets specified criteria. However The DFSA has prescribed in AML Rule 3.2.1 that a person who carries on the business or profession of issuing or providing services related to a NFT or Utility Token is a DNFBP. An exclusion applies, in the case of an issuer, if the value of each NFT or Utility Token issued is less than $15,000 and, in the case of a service provider, if the service is IT support or advice to an issuer.

VASPs will have to adhere to AML requirements of the government of the U.A.E. or any government departments in the U.A.E.; the Central Bank of the U.A.E.; the FIU; the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism And Financing of Illegal Organizations Committee (NAMLCFTC); FATF; U.A.E. enforcement agencies; and the DFSA.

DFSA also recognized stablecoins which it called Fiat crypto tokens. DFSA does not consider privacy tokens or algorithmic tokens as recognized.

As noted, ” if Fiat Crypto Token, all of the requirements are met in respect of that Fiat Crypto Token including the matters referred to the regulatory status of the Crypto Token in other jurisdictions, including whether it has been assessed or approved for use by a Regulator in another Recognized Jurisdiction; whether there is adequate transparency relating to the Crypto Token, including sufficient detail about its purpose, protocols, consensus mechanism, governance arrangements, founders, key persons, miners and significant holders; the size, liquidity and volatility of the market for the Crypto Token globally; the adequacy and suitability of the technology used in connection with the Crypto Token and whether risks associated with the Crypto Token are adequately mitigated, including risks relating to governance, legal and regulatory issues, cybersecurity, money laundering, market abuse and other financial crime.

These changes are based on recent market developments, recommendations from international standard-setters and the DFSA’s supervisory experience.

Over the past two years, the DFSA has engaged with over 100 firms looking to be licensed, gaining valuable insights into the market dynamics and regulatory needs.

Ian Johnston, Chief Executive of the DFSA, said: “Our objective with the Crypto Token regime is to foster innovation in a responsible and transparent manner while ensuring we meet our regulatory objectives. At the DFSA, we have taken a balanced approach in the development of this regime and remain committed to evolving it in line with global best practices and standards.”

Noteworthy is that the amendments did not cover insurance which was mentioned in January in the consultation paper.