UAE Central Bank licenses Relm and Liva insurance to offer insurance for Web3 businesses

UAE Central Bank licenses Relm and Liva insurance to offer insurance for Web3 businesses

UAE Central Bank has licensed Relm Insurance a dedicated insurer to emerging sectors – and Liva Insurance, a GCC insurance provider to offer their dedicated multi-line insurance solution for WEB3 businesses – SIGMAWEB3, and its tailored version for Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority VARA-regulated companies, SIGMAWEB3 VARA.

As per the press release, this follows the signing of Relm and Liva’s strategic partnership in February 2025, aimed at empowering innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging sectors such as digital assets, biotech and AI.

The UAE Central Bank approval reinforces Relm and Liva’s commitment to deliver tailored insurance solutions that address the unique

SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA will help create the confidence and resiliency that WEB3 innovators require to tackle complex challenges and seize new opportunities, while meeting the necessary regulatory requirements. Both products are designed specifically for digital asset companies, blockchain startups, crypto exchanges, and fintech innovators, addressing the unique and complex financial, professional, crime, and cyber exposures inherent in their operations.

SIGMAWEB3 VARA is specifically tailored to meet the requirements of Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), ensuring that crypto companies can operate with compliant insurance cover.

“Securing Central Bank approval for SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA is a significant step for brokers and clients in the UAE. This milestone facilitates more comprehensive coverage tailored to the unique risks of the Web3 space. By closing the insurance gap, we’re empowering businesses with the protection they need to innovate confidently in a rapidly evolving market” said Joseph Ziolkowski, CEO of Relm Insurance.

“SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA represent a significant step in our commitment to supporting growth and evolution of innovation within the insurance industry. This approval from Central Bank affirms both Liva Group’s deep market insight and Relm’s expertise in specialised insurance as well as reinforcing the vital role that regulatory collaboration plays in fostering a secure and thriving digital economy. Together, we aim to provide customers with solutions that meet their evolving needs, while strengthening our commitment to scale and diversify our business.” Martin Rueegg, Group CEO of Liva Group.

A year earlier OneDegree, Asia’s licensed insurer for digital assets and Dubai Insurance Company announced the issuance of digital assets custodial risk insurance to their customers in UAE. The Central Bank of UAE approved issuance of the digital asset insurance offering.

OneDegree and Dubai Insurance partnered in 2023. Custodial risk insurance completes the product portfolio and allows the partners to offer a one-stop-shop for digital asset companies in the UAE, under the brand “OneInfinity”.

VARA, Dubai’s dedicated regulator for digital assets, requires such coverage along with professional indemnity and directors & officers insurance. With this latest approval, specialized custodial risk insurance can be offered directly in UAE for the first time. Custodial risk insurance protects companies against the risk of losing access to digital assets including through third party hacks and theft, internal fraud and physical damage to the storage media.

UAE Cequire Capital invests half a million in crypto trading platform TX24

UAE Cequire Capital invests half a million in crypto trading platform TX24

Cequire Capital, a UAE-based investment firm specializing in blockchain and digital asset ventures, has announced a capital injection of $500,000 into digital asset platform TX24.

As per the press release, this capital injection is part of Cequire’s mission to empower cutting edge crypto ventures. The investment will support TX24’s global expansion to offer secure and accessible digital asset services.

TX24 is a secure and scalable cryptocurrency platform offering fast, low-fee digital asset transactions for users around the globe. Designed for both beginners and advanced traders. It provides tools for buying, selling, storing, and managing cryptocurrencies delivered through a simple and powerful interface.

“We invest in platforms that are building tomorrow’s crypto experience–not just riding hype cycles,” said the CEO of Cequire Capital. “TX24 demonstrates a rare mix of usability, innovation, and readiness to scale. Our investment reflects our belief in their long-term potential and our shared commitment to a decentralized financial future.”

TX24 isn’t just a trading venue, it’s a flexible digital finance ecosystem. Funding options include credit cards, bank transfers, and instant deposit methods, making it easy for first-timers to get started. Once funded, users can buy, sell, and manage assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a wide range of altcoins. For advanced users and institutional traders, TX24 Pro unlocks a host of additional features: customizable dashboards, API access, low latency for high-volume execution, and transparent, flat-fee pricing structures.

Using the investment TX24 will make major platform enhancements, such as additional trading pairs streamlined performance, and improved mobile capabilities. It will also expand its liquidity to enable more stable trading markets as well as focus on growing its footprint in emerging markets.


Abu Dhabi Inovartic to launch tokenized real estate investment platform with Brikyland

Abu Dhabi Inovartic to launch tokenized real estate investment platform with Brikyland

Brikyland Technologies, a blockchain-based real estate tokenization platform, and Abu Dhabi based Inovartic Investments, an innovation and technologies driven investment firm, have signed joint venture partnership aimed at jointly exploring, developing, and implementing tokenized real estate and green asset backed investment technologies in UAE. The venture is expected to roll out projects in key real estate developments and green asset backed initiatives across the UAE, with further announcements to follow in the coming months.

As per the press release, the collaboration is set to leverage blockchain, smart contract infrastructure, and digital asset frameworks to unlock new models of fractional ownership, liquidity, and transparency in the real estate and sustainable investment space. The joint venture will operate in full compliance with ADGM’s evolving regulatory environment governing virtual assets and digital finance.

The two parties seek to develop a UAE based tokenization platform for premium real estate and green assets that will enable compliant fractional ownership structures using blockchain and smart contracts. They will also work to introduce innovative investment vehicles aligned with ESG principles and sustainability mandates and collaborate with regulatory bodies to ensure alignment with national digital asset policies.

The agreement follows the UAE–Vietnam Business Forum held on April 10, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, where both entities reaffirmed their commitment to advancing technology cooperation. This partnership reflects that vision by strengthening cross-border collaboration in emerging technologies and green finance.

“This partnership with Brikyland Technologies is a natural extension of our vision to drive the next generation of asset backed investment solutions rooted in transparency, sustainability, and technological advancement,” said Anwar Hussein, Managing Partner and Co Founder of Inovartic Investments. “Together, we are laying the foundation for a new era of real estate investment and green asset monetization in the UAE.”

Dr. Dang Ha Lam, Founder Chairman and CEO of Brikyland Technologies, added, “Our technology is designed to make real estate and green assets more accessible and tradable. Partnering with Inovartic opens up strategic opportunities to expand our footprint in the UAE with a focus on institutional grade solutions and compliance-first innovation.”

Saif Aldarmaki Chairman and Co Founder of Inovartic Investments, also noted that the partnership reflects the share commitment to advancing cross-border innovation and sustainable investment. He notes, “By integrating Brikyland’s blockchain technology, we aim to pioneer next-generation asset-backed financial solutions that align with the UAE’s digital economy vision and deepen our commercial ties with Vietnam.”

Founding Advisor of Brikyland Technologies Dr Phillip Thai Pham (BA MIT, Dr. Standford) commented, “We welcome this strategic joint venture as a timely and progressive step that aligns with Vietnam’s commitment to fostering global partnerships in innovation and sustainable development. The collaboration between Brickyland and Inovartic reflects the spirit of cooperation highlighted during the UAE–Vietnam Business Forum. We believe this initiative will open new investment channels, create high impact technological applications, and strengthen the economic bridge between our two nations.”

The Hayvn digital asset saga ends with $8.85 million in fines

The Hayvn digital asset saga ends with $8.85 million in fines

The saga that has engrossed UAE based HAYVN, a digital asset focused financial institution, providing trading, asset Management, custody, and payments previously regulated in ADGM UAE, has ended after more than a year with fines of over $8 million.

The saga which started in December 2023, when Hayvn announced the so called resignation of its CEO Christopher Flinos and the request to make its status inactive in Abu Dhabi ADGM ( Abu Dhabi Global Market), insinuated that the CEO had carried out a huge misconduct, has come to a conclusion with the The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (“FSRA”) regulatory arm of ADGM taking enforcement action following an investigation into serious regulatory breaches and misconduct related to the Hayvn Group of Companies, which operated under the name ‘HAYVN’, its former CEO, Christopher Flinos and related entities. 

In February 2024, Deus X Capital, a $1 billion family office agreed to buy out HAYVN and appointed Richard Crook as new CEO. Deus X Capital purchased the business brand, technology, clients and staff from other HAYVN shareholders.

Today, and as per ADGM FSRA press release, the FSRA’s investigation found serious breaches and misconduct concerning the operations of three related party companies and Christopher Flinos.  As part of its investigation, the FSRA took steps to ensure that no ADGM client assets or money were lost as a result of the relevant misconduct.  

The enforcement action has resulted in the cancellation of Hayvn ADGM’s Financial Services Permission (“FSP”), the prohibition of Christopher Flinos indefinitely from performing any function in a financial services business in ADGM, as well as financial penalties totalling $8.85 million being imposed across the four parties involved.  Details of the total fines imposed are as follows:

  • USD 3.6 million against AC Holding Limited registered in the Cayman Islands (“Hayvn Cayman”), the parent company of a group of entities operating under the name ‘HAYVN’ that provided financial services related to Virtual Assets.
  • USD 3 million against AC Limited (Hayvn) (“Hayvn ADGM”), an ADGM-based subsidiary of Hayvn Cayman, licensed and regulated by the FSRA to conduct specific financial services activities in relation to Virtual Assets.
  • USD 1.5 million against AC Holding Limited (“AC Holding”), a Special Purpose Vehicle (“SPV”) registered with the Registration Authority (“RA”) of ADGM and not licensed by the FSRA to carry out any form of financial services activity in ADGM; unconnected to Hayvn Cayman and Hayvn ADGM.
  • USD 750,000 against Christopher Flinos, the former Senior Executive Officer (“SEO”) of Hayvn ADGM, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Hayvn Cayman, sole owner and director of AC Holding.

The misconduct and breaches were related to Hayvn ADGM exceeding the scope of its FSP by allowing client transactions to be routed through accounts held by AC Holding, the unregulated SPV entity registered in ADGM, without any appropriate protections being in place.  It failed to establish and maintain adequate systems and controls to manage its operations and risks, as well as to recognize and record all of its client relationships, breaching the FSRA’s Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) requirements.

The company Hayvn Cayman and AC Holding also carried out significant unlicensed financial services activity in relation to Virtual Assets in ADGM from around October 2018 to around May 2024. 

Hayvn Cayman routed client transactions related to the conversion of Virtual Assets to fiat currency and vice versa through the accounts held and controlled by AC Holding, the SPV that was not licensed by the FSRA and therefore prohibited from conducting any form of financial services activity in ADGM.

 As a result, both Hayvn Cayman and AC Holding were found to have carried out unlicensed payments and arranging services in relation to Virtual Asset activities in ADGM.

 Christopher Flinos played a central role in directing and controlling the unlicensed activity in ADGM and as SEO of Hayvn ADGM and CEO of Hayvn Cayman and as the sole director of AC Holding was found to have been centrally involved in the breaches and misconduct. 

The report notes that Christopher Flinos lacked integrity and failed to take reasonable care to ensure that Hayvn ADGM operated in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of ADGM, for which he was ultimately responsible as SEO.

Hayvn Cayman, AC Holding and Christopher Flinos created and disseminated false and misleading information about the nature of the transactions related to Virtual Assets routed through AC Holding’s accounts.  This included the provision of over 200 false and misleading documents on AC Holding letterheads to AC Holding’s banking partners to open and then maintain the operation of these accounts.  These documents were produced under the direction of Christopher Flinos with the involvement of both Hayvn Cayman and AC Holding.

Hayvn ADGM, Hayvn Cayman and Christopher Flinos provided false and misleading information to the FSRA in response to requests for information including the nature and scope of the business operations associated with each entity above and specifically AC Holding undermining the integrity of the regulatory process. 

Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of the FSRA of ADGM, said, “The FSRA will take robust and appropriate enforcement action against individuals and entities that violate our regulatory framework.  In this case, the actions of the entities and individuals involved were particularly serious, as they conducted unauthorised Virtual Asset activities through an unregulated entity based in ADGM.  Furthermore, Christopher Flinos was found to have provided false and misleading information and statements during the investigation.  Such misconduct will not be tolerated and warrants strong regulatory penalties which send a strong message of deterrence. ”

Givanakis added, “To address this serious misconduct, the licence of Hayvn ADGM has been cancelled, significant fines have been imposed on the entities involved, and Christopher Flinos has been prohibited from holding any functions in relation to financial services in ADGM.  The FSRA remains ever-vigilant and committed to holding entities and individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring the integrity of the financial system in ADGM.”

The FSRA of ADGM acknowledges and thanks ADGM’s Registration Authority and the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (“CIMA”) for their cooperation during its investigation in relation to this matter.

UAE Zand Bank launches its crypto custodial services

UAE Zand Bank launches its crypto custodial services

UAE regulated digital Bank Zand has announced that it the first UAE bank to provide its institutional-grade Digital Asset Custody services under its banking license.

According to the LinkedIn post, “The groundbreaking offering which has been designed for corporate and institutional clients, ensures top-tier security, with private keys protected in onshore UAE Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) to meet the highest global standards.”

Zand is also offering the Zand Vault Cold Wallet crypto custody solution.

The digital Bank is also offering insurance coverage, multi signature and threshold signature schemes as well as regulatory oversight from the UAE Central Bank as well as Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority.

Zand is already well established in the UAE crypto ecosystem, as it offers crypto exchanges banking services.

In January 2025, Zand Bank partnered with Klickl after they announced they would be launching their digital asset custodial services. The Bank has also noted that it will be launching an AED stablecoin in the future while it enhances the bank’s ability to integrate TradFi and DeFi.

Other digital banks in the UAE are entering the crypto foray. Already Mbank has launched its first regulated AED stablecoin, while Liv Bank is now offering crypto trading services.

Mbank also launched Jaywan Cards, the UAE’s first National Debit Card, on its blockchain enabled Mbank Wallet platform.

LIV Bank in UAE launches first crypto trading campaign

LIV Bank in UAE launches first crypto trading campaign

Liv Bank, the first digital bank in UAE, and a subsidiary of Emirates NBD on its website, has launched its first crypto trading campaign in the UAE, spurring the first outright competition between UAE banking sector and crypto exchanges.

While Liv Bank announced their foray into the crypto trading arena back in March 2025, it is only now that they outrightly showcased it on their website and announced their first campaign.

Utilizing services of both Aquanow crypto exchange in the UAE, as well as Zodia Custody services, UAE Liv Bank have showcased themselves as a trusted partner to invest in crypto. UAE Liv Bank, explains how users in the UAE can trade securely with the Liv app for fees as low as 0.5% with guided modules and the security that Emirates NBD Bank brings.

In its crypto trading campaign, Liv Bank is offering every trade placed of order value USD 50 or more one entry into each of the draws. As they noted, “The more the trades, the better your chances to win! Offering prizes of 100,000 AED during the months of May and June 2025.

Users will be able to trade crypto assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Ripple and others.

According to Liv Bank they have simplified the crypto trading process. There are no seed phrases or downloading digital wallets, all users need to to is use the Liv app, As they note, “With Liv, you can begin with small denominations, learning and growing as you go through guided modules that are designed to help you make informed decisions.”

All users have to do is sign up or log in to the Liv X app, Click on the Wealth tab then simply click Apply on the Crypto tile, and fill out the requested details, and submit. Then users can start accessing all their crypto investments.

In March 2025, Liv digital bank a part of Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, announced the launch of their cryptocurrency offering within its mobile banking app – Liv X allowing users to buy sell custody and trade cryptocurrencies in partnership with Aquanow, a UAE regulated crypto asset exchange and Zodia Custody also regulated in the UAE.

At the time Liv digital bank noted that it was committed to introducing innovative products to its customers and this new cryptocurrency offering, with crypto infrastructure operated by Aquanow and custody services performed by Zodia Custody.

UAE Digital Bank implements Infosys Finacle on Microsoft Azure to integrate TradFi and DeFi

UAE Digital Bank implements Infosys Finacle on Microsoft Azure to integrate TradFi and DeFi

Infosys an Indian multinational technology company that offers business consulting, information technology, and outsourcing services, utilizing its Finacle product offering on Microsoft Azure has provided the first digital bank in UAE (they did not name the bank), which could be Liv Bank, a subsidiary of Emirates NBD, given it has publicized itself as being the first digital bank in the UAE, with Finacle on Cloud, a cloud-native solution that accelerates cloud adoption which works to toward digital banking, integrate decentralized finance (DeFi) into their operations.

As per a Microsoft blog post, the first licensed digital bank in the UAE, aimed to tap into the power of advanced data capabilities to simplify and upgrade the customer experience and provide secure, reliable, and innovative solutions through blockchain and AI technologies. After evaluating various technology platforms, looking for capabilities that would help them successfully integrate traditional finance (TradFi) and DeFi. Their ultimate goal being to redefine the banking landscape by streamlining financial services and integrating AI and blockchain technologies into their operations. To accomplish this, they were seeking a composable architectural design and event-driven API on a cloud-native platform that offered agility and security.

The blog adds, ” Ultimately, after comparing many solutions, they decided they wanted to go beyond the traditionally defined core systems so many financial institutions rely on, and they instead adopted Finacle on Microsoft Azure, thanks to its functional richness, market-specific experience, long-term viability, operational performance, total cost of ownership (TCO), and flexibility.”

“A customer-centric revolution is reshaping corporate banking,” said Sriranga N. Sampathkumar, VP and GM – Middle East and Africa, at Infosys. “This bank is spearheading this change with AI, actively shaping the future of banking through innovation and the strategic integration of digital assets.”


Sampathkumar explained, “The bank’s swift evolution from a digital to an AI-driven bank was made possible by the seamless deployment of the Finacle on Azure.”

Using Finacle the bank can process a vast amount of data and perform sophisticated analytics—all resulting in the ability to innovate and integrate emergent technologies like AI, blockchain, and digital asset management and sit at the forefront of the digital banking evolution.

They also report that Microsoft Azure has been a crucial part of their solution; choosing Azure has reportedly provided them with a high-performing, scalable, and secure foundation upon which to build the bank of the future. The bank has active connectivity and immediate recovery from one site to another, due to the cloud footprint offered by Azure, including Microsoft datacenters in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“By using the combined strength of Finacle’s innovative solution suite and Microsoft Azure’s robust cloud platform, this digital bank delivers a distinct, world-class experience, showcasing the essential agility, flexibility, and resilience needed to transform banking,” Sampathkumar said.

This comes as the UAE Bank Federation showcases how UAE banks are moving into the smart banking era with AI and Blockchain technologies among others.

Abu Dhabi Finstreet subsidiary of IHC Group signs MOU with Ninety One investment manager to integrate blockchain technology

Abu Dhabi Finstreet subsidiary of IHC Group signs MOU with Ninety One investment manager to integrate blockchain technology

Finstreet Limited, a subsidiary of IHC Group through Sirius International Holding a regulated subsidiary in Abu Dhabi ADGM, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ninety One, a global active investment manager with US$163 billion in assets under management (as of 31st December 2024) to explore innovative collaborations using blockchain technology.

Finstreet Global Markets Limited is, subject to final regulatory approval licensed for the Regulated Activity of Operating a Multilateral Trading Facility; at ADGM as well as subject to final regulatory approval, licensed for the Regulated Activity of Providing Custody, as a Digital Settlement Facility and Central Securities Depository; and is licensed for the Regulated Activities of Operating a Private Financing Platform, Managing a Collective Investment Fund, Advising on Investments or Credit, Arranging Deals in Investments, and Arranging Custody.

This strategic agreement aims to explore innovative collaborations in the development of structured and exchange-traded products, as part of Finstreet’s vision to redefine financial market access by integrating blockchain technology with traditional financial infrastructure platforms.

As per the press release, by combining Ninety One’s global experience with Finstreet’s infrastructure, the collaboration aims to drive growth and innovation in the financial sector, while meeting rising investor demand for private debt instruments.

The partnership will focus on creating and trading structured products and private debt instruments on Finstreet Global Markets, addressing growing market demands for sophisticated investment solutions.

Sunidhi Pasan, Founder & CEO of Finstreet Limited, commented, “This partnership underscores Finstreet’s commitment to redefining financial market access through strategic collaborations. Ninety One’s global expertise complements our vision of delivering robust investment solutions to institutional and professional investors.”

Nicolaas Alberts, Co-Head of the Middle East, Ninety One, said, “Through this MoU, Finstreet and Ninety One are laying the cornerstone for a dynamic, long-term partnership that will create enduring value for stakeholders. Furthermore, this collaboration with Finstreet will allow us to develop liquidity for our private debt solutions, including infrastructure debt, while strategically addressing market needs. Moreover, it reflects our shared ambition to deliver innovative investment solutions and products that unlock long-term value for investors.”

The Hashgraph Group invests in AgNext to offer food traceability in MENA using blockchain

The Hashgraph Group invests in AgNext to offer food traceability in MENA using blockchain

The Hashgraph Group (THG), a Swiss-based global business, venture capital, and technology firm dedicated to the Hedera ecosystem, has strategically invested in AgNext Technologies, a leading agritech company driving innovation in food quality and transparency. With operations spanning India, Europe, the Middle East, and the USA. AgNext leverages AI-driven quality assessment and blockchain-enabled traceability to enhance food safety and efficiency across the supply chain.

With this investment, THG joins AgNext’s recent financing round led by Novo Holdings, a holding and investment company headquartered in Denmark, with over US$150 billion in assets under management. Novo Holdings manages the wealth and assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Following its Series A funding in 2021, of $21 million led by Alpha Wave Incubation (AWI), AgNext opened its first international office in Abu Dhabi, UAE. AWI is backed by DisruptAD, which is managed by Falcon Edge and serves as the venture capital arm of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, ADQ. The funding at the time supported the view that AgNext is uniquely positioned to drive the digitization of quality-based food trade in the MENA region with its pioneering technologies.

Approximately a third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted annually, leading to severe environmental, economic, and social consequences. This not only exacerbates food insecurity but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, waste of resources, and economic losses. Boston Consulting Group estimates global food wastage at $230 billion annually.

Traditional quality checks are slow, error prone, and costly which leads to recalls and loss of trust. AgNext solves this with its patented AI powered solutions, replacing subjective assessments and lab delays with instant on the spot analysis. The solution brings digitized trust to global food supply chains.

Following this strategic investment by THG, AgNext will integrate Hedera’s cutting-edge distributed ledger technology (DLT) into its assurance and traceability platforms and devices – ensuring 100% traceability, transparency, immutability, and efficiency through self-executing smart contracts, eliminating the need for multiple intermediaries that currently populate the supply chains and drive-up end prices. Hedera being the most scalable, cost-efficient, and energy-efficient among blockchain protocols is especially well-suited for food supply chains.

Taranjeet Bhamra, Founder and CEO of AgNext, commented on the investment, saying: “We are excited to welcome The Hashgraph Group as a valued partner in our mission to revolutionize food supply chains. With THG’s expertise and technology, we are poised to enhance our quality assurance frameworks and create robust transaction assurance systems that will foster transparency and trust in the global agriculture and food sectors. This partnership marks a pivotal step in delivering innovative, cutting-edge solutions to our clients.”

AgNext and THG will also collaborate on joint go-to-market initiatives, including co-branded, Hedera-powered embedded devices, which will be offered to clients globally through a new Web3-centric joint venture established in Switzerland.

Stefan Deiss, Co-Founder & CEO of The Hashgraph Group, said: “THG brings deep expertise in designing, developing, and deploying enterprise-grade solutions on the Hedera network, delivered by our team of highly skilled, Hedera-certified engineers. With this strategic co-investment alongside Novo Holdings, we look forward to embarking on the tech-enablement journey with AgNext to drive the convergence of AI and Blockchain/DLT, while jointly bringing to market Hedera-powered AgriTech solutions that will enhance AgNext’s competitive edge in the Web3 era.”

Hedera leverages its unique Hashgraph consensus algorithm to achieve unmatched speed, security, and scalability. With low, predictable fees and a carbon-negative footprint, Hedera is governed by over 30 Council Members from the world’s leading organizations such as Abrdn, Dell, EDF, Hitachi, Google, IBM, Mondelēz, Standard Bank, and TATA, Hedera provides a trusted, quantum-resistant infrastructure for businesses and institutions worldwide.

Anindya Roychowdhury, Head of Global Partnerships at The Hashgraph Group, stated: “I’ve been closely following AgNext’s remarkable growth since its inception, and I’m thrilled that THG is now partnering with them to leverage Hedera as the foundation for their assurance and traceability platforms. With Taranjeet’s visionary leadership and the capabilities of Hedera, we are confident in creating world-leading, Web3-enabled solutions for the AgriTech industry.”

UAE Crypto exchange M2 appoints new CEO

UAE Crypto exchange M2 appoints new CEO

UAE M2, crypto exchange has appointed James Greenwood as Chief Executive Officer, Bill Qian as Managing Director, while Bijan Alizadeh remains as Board Member and Shareholder Representative all committed to expanding their global userbase.

M2 is refocusing their strategy with consolidation driven by their earn product and the increasing demand for yield-oriented and financing solutions. As per the press release the company is doubling down on regulated financial services.
The crypto exchange has ambitions of building a one-stop digital asset financial service platform, serving global users from the Middle East. M2 has transformed its treasury division to cater to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), family offices, and institutional clients, offering bespoke digital assets solutions tailored to their needs. The M2 team has also been bolstered with specialized expertise, further enhancing M2’s ability to deliver innovative investment options.

James Greenwood is an award-winning leader, with a proven track record in digital technology and financial services. He joins M2 from Bitstamp, the world’s longest-running cryptocurrency exchange, where he served as Chief Technology and Operations Officer. With an impressive career spanning Europe and the Middle East.

James has held several C-suite roles of pivotal importance, such as Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Tandem Bank. Previously, he spearheaded digital transformation initiatives at organizations including Commercial Bank International and Zand Bank, bringing a deep understanding of fintech innovation to his leadership. In addition to his accomplishments in finance, James is a published author, the founder of an award-winning mobile games studio, and a sought-after speaker on digital disruption and innovation.

Bill Qian: Managing Director, M2, a seasoned investor and strategic leader in digital assets, AI, and financial technology, having overseen more than $30 billion in investments across the sector, previously served as Global Head of M&A and Binance Labs at Binance. Now, as Managing Director at M2, he is focused on enhancing the platform’s institutional offering, shaping bespoke investment products, structured yield opportunities, and advanced risk management solutions to serve the evolving needs of family offices, UHNWIs, and enterprises.

“This is a transformative time for M2, and we cannot wait to take on the opportunity,” said Bijan Alizadeh, Board member and Shareholder Representative. “Together with James and Bill, I look forward to re-energizing M2’s mission, while equipping the business with the tools and structures needed to drive innovation and deliver unmatched value to our customers. With a clear vision for sustainable growth and a strong foundation, M2 is poised to lead the next wave of digital asset transformation.”