Blade Labs joins Qatar’s digital assets lab partnering with The Hashgraph Association

Blade Labs joins Qatar’s digital assets lab partnering with The Hashgraph Association

Blade Labs is a financial technology that tokenizes financial productions and services secure a fintech license at Qatar Financial Center, and admittance to the Digital Asset Lab, as it partners with The Hashgraph Association, a Swiss digital enabler of the Hedera Network, to utilize DLT ( distributed ledger technology) to foster and advance financial services to the masses of the MENA region.

In addition Blade Labs is registering for a Financial Services Regulatory Association (FSRA) license in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

Kamal Youssefi, President of The Hashgraph Association, said, “The Hashgraph Association is actively invested in ensuring digital enablement and inclusion, particularly, in the Middle East. Our strategic investment in Blade Labs, which provides innovative fintech solutions in the region, is testimony to our commitment to empowering enterprises with Web3-compliant solutions.

The partnership comes at the heels of two major government-backed Venture Studio initiatives being undertaken by The Hashgraph Association in the region; together, these co-investment ventures are valued at $300 million over the next 5-years.

As part of the collaboration, Blade Labs will provide both a conventional and Shariah compliant Digital Securities Platform to support these investments. The strategic investment and partnership address the growing need for digital transformation solutions required by enterprises to participate in the digital economy, effectively.

Blade Labs is currently focused on providing non-custodial fintech APIs that distribute tokenized funds across multiple jurisdictions in a compliant and user-friendly manner. Tokenizing funds enhances liquidity with real-time settlement, reduces operational costs, and improves collateral management by allowing these funds to be used as collateral across various platforms. These benefits make tokenized funds an attractive option for both traditional and digital-native investors, offering better returns, capital efficiency, and advanced risk management.

“As an investor and strategic ecosystem partner of Blade Labs, The Hashgraph Association’s deep multi-level relationship will enable us to integrate our cutting-edge digital asset solutions with more businesses in the Middle East and beyond. We are also well placed to support the execution of strategic initiatives in the region to grow and empower ecosystems that will help us drive digital transformation.” said Sami Mian, CEO of Blade Labs.

The Hashgraph Association has been at the forefront of key ventures in the Middle East and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region. The first in Saudi Arabia has already commenced this year to build a $250 million DeepTech Venture Studio in Riyadh, in close partnership with the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA), and the second in Qatar aims to build a $50 million Digital Assets Venture Studio in Doha, in collaboration with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), with both these partnerships considered long-term and spanning over the next five years. 

UAE regulated AMINA crypto bank launches payment network

UAE regulated AMINA crypto bank launches payment network

AMINA Bank, an authorized digital assets bank regulated by FINMA and within ADGM in UAE, unveiled the AMINA Payment Network (APN). Tailored for crypto banking, APN streamlines real-time payments among its members, fostering seamless financial transaction

As per the press release, APN supports CHF, EUR, and USD payments between APN members, providing flexibility and efficiency for individuals and businesses. Additional currencies will be added in the near future. The launch of the APN further solidifies AMINA Bank’s role as a prominent player in crypto banking.

Members can join with an introductory offer of zero membership and transaction fees. The APN is currently available to existing AMINA Bank clients. Members must have an AMINA current account to access the network.

Officials from AMINA Bank said that in an age where 24/7 cryptocurrency asset markets are normalised, and wider global crypto adoption continues to grow at pace, the demand for faster transactions is no longer a want, but a need. With the introduction of the AMINA Payment Network, the facilitation of seamless cross-border transactions between network members across the globe is realised, and the required efficiency of money markets can meet the demands of the current financial landscape.

AMINA Bank has a Swiss banking and securities dealer license from FINMA, as well as hubs in Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong allowing it to offer fiat and crypto services to progressive investors.

Blockchain Life Conference returns to Dubai for 13th edition

Blockchain Life Conference returns to Dubai for 13th edition

The legendary Blockchain Life 2024 will return for its 13th edition on October 22-23. As Dubai gains a reputation as a global crypto hub, the forum is set to be the central event of this year.

With the highly anticipated peak of the crypto market growth still ahead, the forum presents an excellent opportunity for attendees to maximize their earnings. More than 10,000 people from 120 countries are expected to gather at the forum, to gain valuable knowledge, forge new connections, and explore potential investment opportunities.

The two-day event will feature a lineup of industry experts, thought leaders, and innovators who will share their insights and strategies in the fast-growing market.

In addition to the insightful panel discussions, Blockchain Life 2024 will feature an innovative expo area where leading industry companies will showcase their latest products, services, and technologies.

VIP ticket holders and speakers will also experience the hours of informal networking at the legendary AfterParty.

Buy a ticket at the lowest price using promo code ***  Presale right now: www.blockchain-life.com

Banner link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ElLphzdT6o4VsHcwUQtxjj1vwMviN4qY/view?usp=sharing 

Aspen Digital receives in principle approval to offer digital asset investment services in UAE

Aspen Digital receives in principle approval to offer digital asset investment services in UAE

Aspen Digital, aimed at helping to accelerate the continued adoption of digital assets, and offer technical solutions to asset managers, high net worth individuals, family officers and other financial institutions, has received an in principle approval (IPA) from the regulatory arm of Abu Dhabi ADGM ( Abu Dhabi Global Market). the FSRA.

Aspen Digital which is co-incubated by Everest Ventures Group, a venture studio specializing in digital assets and blockchain technologies and TTB Partners, a regulated, boutique advisory and asset management firm started by Sir John Bond’s family will act as a bridge between tradition finance and the digital assets industry.

Subject to final regulatory approval, Aspen Digital will be licensed to provide financial services out of ADGM and expand its product offering and presence within the rapidly growing digital asset ecosystem in the Middle East.

Aspen Digital’s unique offering as a one-stop solution for private wealth to build their allocation to the alternative digital asset class will play an important role in driving the local ecosystem and broader adoption within the region.

CEO of Aspen Digital, Elliot Andrews said, “The IPA is an important milestone for Aspen Digital as we look to expand both our global footprint and offering within the digital asset sector. With a deep understanding of the asset class, ADGM has built a very comprehensive and clear regulatory framework in which to operate. We are grateful for their support and look forward to working closely with them in driving the next wave of digital asset adoption. 

SettleMint and Saudi IsDB implement blockchain solution for subsidy distribution

SettleMint and Saudi IsDB implement blockchain solution for subsidy distribution

SettleMint announced on its website, that the Islamic Research and Training Institute, the research arm of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB), have embarked on a journey to build blockchain based Sharia compliant financial products.

SettleMint has more than 60 Enterprise blockchain implementations worldwide. It offers a full-fledged Blockchain-Platform-as-a-Service solution.

The first project will be concerned with Sharia compliant subsidy distribution aimed at creating an efficient and transparent system for Sharia-compliant subsidy distribution for its 57 member countries globally, encompassing 1.7 billion people.

According to SettleMint IsDB used the SettleMint blockchain platform for the tokenization of fiat currency to distribute the subsidies in a peer-to-peer manner allowing full transparency and control

Matthew Van Niekerk, Co-Founder and CEO of Settlemint stated, “One of the core values of SettleMint has always been to change the world for the better, and by using the blockchain technology to further financial inclusion and development of the 57 member countries, fits our ambitions to the letter.”

Using blockchain for subsidy distribution allows for full control of spend by subsidy purpose at any time, ensuring IsDB that the aid is being spent as intended. The entire contractual process for Islamic institutions was automated, alleviating the additional administrative and legal complexities and redundancies associated with Sharia-compliant financial products.

SettleMint partnered with Ateon, a Riyadh-based solution provider and systems integrator in the Fintech space.

IsDB automated the entire process of sharia-compliant subsidy distribution, resulting in full transparency and eliminated administrative complexity.

The IsDB said such features would allow for instantaneous clearing and settlement of transactions and asset exchanges, while helping eliminate counterparty risk.

IsDB and SettleMint along with Ateon first started working on the feasibility of the project back in 2017.

IsDB and SettleMint have also worked together to develop and showcase the innovative Smart Stabilization System, a patent pending algorithm designed to enhance stability in financial markets. This solution is being developed by IsDBI and implemented by SettleMint, the Blockchain Transformation company.

Co-Founder, Matthew Van Niekerk, together with Dr. Hilal Houssain, Ph.D., Associate Manager of the Knowledge Solutions Team at the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), delivered a key session at ISDB’s 50th anniversary!

The objective of the SSS is to help stabilize organized asset markets without compromising efficiency. This is done by managing the gap between supply and demand to reduce the volatility of the price while maintaining the role of the gap in equilibrating the market. The patent-pending Smart Stabilization System is unique in managing the pressure on price before the price changes. The System is forward-looking, while most other stabilization systems are backward-looking. Moreover, the SSS is self-financed, and investors’ rights are fully protected.

IsDBI and SettleMint are investigating the use of blockchain and smart contracts to provide autonomous and transparent execution of the SSS.

Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, the Institute’s Acting Director General, welcomed the collaboration on this project as a milestone in the progress of the Islamic fintech industry. He said: “The world is moving fast on the digitalization of financial transactions. This requires a robust stabilization system in place to minimize the instability associated with fast movements of funds, as has been proven by the recent banking crisis. I am pleased that my colleagues are capitalizing on the patent-pending Stabilization System to develop a practical solution to assist our Member Countries in achieving digital transformation with minimum financial instability.”

UAE and Morocco coordinate on AML and CTF offering UAE experience in virtual assets

UAE and Morocco coordinate on AML and CTF offering UAE experience in virtual assets

 

In a recent visit between UAE, Hamid AlZaabi, Director General of the Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (EO AML/CTF), hosted a Moroccan national delegation led by Dr. Jawhar Al Nafisi, Chairman of the Moroccan National Financial Intelligence Authority, coordinated on initiatives with regards to anti money laundering and counter terrorism financing, with DIFC giving presentation on UAE experience in virtual assets.

Members of the EO AML/CTF presented on topics such as the National Strategy and virtual assets, and the UAE’s experience using AI to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. A joint discussion resulted in the agreement on specific areas of cooperation to be included in follow-up steps to implement the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between the EO AML/CTF and the Moroccan National Financial Intelligence Authority.

In addition Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) discussed the UAE experience analyzing cases related to virtual assets.


Hamid AlZaabi highlighted the robust cooperation between the UAE and Morocco and its significant impact on raising standards of compliance within the MENA region.

He stated, “Our two countries are united in commitment to combating financial crime and collaborate effectively on multiple levels, both bilaterally and through the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF). I am pleased that through our regular meetings, we have developed a comprehensive framework for cooperation and have launched several joint initiatives that are already making a difference. By sharing expertise and best practices, the expertise developed by each country can be leveraged to mutual benefit, to ensure safeguarding our financial regional system.”


Dr. Jawhar Al Nafisi, Chairman of the Moroccan National Financial Intelligence Authority, commented, “This visit underscores the strong strategic ties between Morocco and the UAE, as both nations aim to align strategies and visions on bilateral, regional and international levels, and share expertise to prepare for the upcoming mutual evaluation round. To ensure the sustainability of the efforts made to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, I am pleased to invite Director General, Hamid Al Zaabi to Kingdom of Morocco for progress discussions and to measure the effectiveness of joint committees established during the meetings held over the past two days.”
During the two-day meeting, the parties discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation activities. To further enhance the coordination efforts, both parties have decided to establish several joint committees, including ones to monitor standards and developments, technical committees, and a supervisory committee to track progress and ensure goal attainment.

It is noteworthy that although Morocco leads in terms of the number of crypto holders, it has still not regulated crypto and virtual assets.

UAE Fasset crypto exchange wins Inc Arabia award

UAE Fasset crypto exchange wins Inc Arabia award

UAE-headquartered digital asset exchange Fasset gained recognition as the best crypto and blockchain company at Best in Business Awards by Inc Arabia. The annual prestigious award aims to celebrate outstanding achievements, innovation, and impactful contributions of GCC-based business platforms across 31 categories.

Inc. Arabia Best in Business Awards highlight businesses with significant contribution to the economic growth and development of the GCC region. It aims to showcase the best practices, leadership, and groundbreaking initiatives that shape the future of business across a number of categories from e-commerce and real estate, to AI and fintech. All nominees go through a rigorous selection process by Inc.’s judging committee made up of decision–makers and thought leaders from across industries.

Co-founded in 2019 by Mohammad Raafi Hossain (CEO) and Daniel Ahmed (COO), both ex-advisors to the UAE’s Prime Minister’s Office where they contributed to the UAE’s vision of technological excellence, Fasset is on a mission to democratize access to innovative financial management tools for the next billion people globally.

Mohammad Raafi Hossain, Co-Founder and CEO, commented: “Fasset’s recognition at the Best in Business Awards is testament to our company’s vision, as well as hard work of the 86 member team across our 3 offices to deliver the best possible product to our users and to empower them with innovative yet transparent and safe investment and money management solutions. We launched in the UAE earlier this year, and I can assure you that we are just getting started. I am excited for Fasset’s future plans across the region and beyond”.

Fasset’s platform allows secure and seamless transactions involving digital and tokenized real-world assets[1]from any location and in the user’s preferred currency. Users can buy and invest in digital and tokenized real-world assets, take part in spot exchange transactions, and transfer funds, all in a blockchain environment. Among available investment options are cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, as well as bundles.

Launched in the UAE in March 2024 after getting a fully operational VASP license from VARA in a rigorous multi-stage approval process, Fasset has been making rapid progress since then.

In April 2024, the company announced its plans to launch in Malaysia after signing a Letter of Intent with MBSB Bank Berhad at the KL20 Summit. The partnership was marked by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim as proof the country is ready for innovative transformation. The company plans to further expand its operations in the region and beyond in the near future, having accumulated a large digital assets licensing portfolio in emerging markets, connecting places like the UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Türkiye.

Web3 sustainability venture studio jointly launched by UAE Inacta ventures and The Hashgraph Association

Web3 sustainability venture studio jointly launched by UAE Inacta ventures and The Hashgraph Association

The Hashgraph Association, a Swiss-based association and leader at the forefront of digital enablement on the Hedera network, today announces the launch of a groundbreaking Sustainability Venture Studio for Enterprises, in collaboration with Inacta Ventures, a renowned Swiss and UAE Web3 venture builder. 

Under “The Green Block” Iinitiative, a global think tank and launchpad for sustainability projects launched during COP28 in UAE, the joint Sustainability Venture Studio aims at empowering sustainable projects around the globe, leveraging the Hedera Guardian as the balance sheet of the planet that enables fair carbon markets with industry leading trust and transparency. 

The Hedera Guardian is an open-source platform that uses the Hedera distributed ledger technology (DLT) network to enable digital sustainability policies and requirements-based dMRV (Digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) tokenization for carbon credits and reduces fraud in the ESG market. 

The $50 million Sustainability Venture Studio will focus on enabling auditable climate finance transactions that are easily verifiable, publicly transparent, and accurate. This global co-investment sustainability program will span over the next five years, with The Hashgraph Association investing $25 million, contributing to 50%, while the remaining $25m co-investment reserved for enterprises interested in developing sustainability use cases on the Hedera Guardian.

By combining resources and specialist expertise in sustainability and Web3, this unique partnership is set to revolutionize the way sustainability projects are funded and executed around the world, ensuring a long-term positive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact.

Kamal Youssefi, President of The Hashgraph Association stated, “With The Green Block Sustainability Venture Studio, we are creating standards for reporting sustainability assets to ensure credibility and accuracy using the Hedera Guardian platform as the balance sheet of the planet, while leveraging the Hedera network as the world’s most greenest distributed ledger network.” 

He added, “We look forward to further growing the global ESG ecosystem that is being built on the Hedera Guardian, introducing certainty, credibility, and comparability of data.”

Ralf Glabischnig, Founder of Inacta Ventures, noted, “We are thrilled to integrate the Sustainability Venture Studio into The Green Block Initiative. This collaboration with The Hashgraph Association will accelerate the development and implementation of sustainable projects in The Green Block ecosystem worldwide.”

Hedera, known and proven as the greenest DLT in the market, according to the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies research paper, continues to uphold its promise of sustainability. This new venture studio focused entirely on sustainability use cases not only reflects its commitment through developing various projects but also paves the way for innovative solutions in the sustainability sector. 

Over the past months The Hashgraph Association has announced two major venture studios one in KSA, and one in Qatar. The venture studio in KSA is aimed for deep tech development, while the one in Qatar is for digital assets.

Ethiopian airlines uses blockchain for loyalty rewards

Ethiopian airlines uses blockchain for loyalty rewards

 Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s leading airline, and one of the fastest-growing global airline brands, has appointed innovative tech loyalty partner Blockchain enabled Loyyal to its Access Point flagship solution as a rewards management system within its loyalty offering. This collaboration leverages Finfare Connect’s market-leading rewards solution for payment-linked incentives, affiliate offers, and instant cashback, all powered by Loyyal’s advanced blockchain infrastructure for loyalty systems.

Ethiopian Airlines and Loyyal teamed up with Finfare Connect to seamlessly integrate world-class bank-linked offers (account-linked and card-linked) through an automated platform designed specifically for loyalty program owners. This makes them one of the first airline rewards programs powered by bank data in the world.

Loyyal CEO Ashish Kumar Singh said, “Loyyal is thrilled to partner with Ethiopian Airlines for its Sheba Miles members to experience everyday earnings, driving further engagement and stickiness.”
“We’re excited to join forces with Loyyal and Ethiopian Airlines to help enrich their reward offering, generate incremental sales for our network of partner brands, and ultimately provide more value and personalized experiences for customers,” said Brad Blake, Chief Growth Officer at Finfare.

From a technical perspective, Access Point uses Smart Contract technology that streamlines and automates deals and agreements seamlessly, ensuring a hassle-free, self-administered experience for everyone. This enables program owners to efficiently onboard and collaborate with a wider range of merchants, including renowned brands like Nike, Marks & Spencer, and Boots, alongside popular independent hotels, restaurants, and top experience providers in the UK and US.

Gunjan Kumar, Chief Revenue Officer at Loyyal states, “My relationship with Ethiopian Airlines dates to its STAR Alliance induction. I’m thrilled to see its growth, particularly as the first African airline to offer daily earning opportunities in the US and UK markets through Loyyal-Access Point’s support.”

Mrs. Rahel Assefa, Group VP Marketing, Ethiopian Airlines said, “We are excited for the unique partnership we have established with Loyyal’s patented platform and Finfare’s extensive ecosystem to boost our members’ mile earning experience through everyday purchases from various leisure and lifestyle brands.”

This unique collaboration enables ShebaMiles members to earn miles through everyday purchases including categories such as fashion, health & beauty, entertainment, dining, experiences, retail, and travel, opening a wide spectrum of offers for members.

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.