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

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

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

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


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

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


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


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

HTX crypto exchange receives provisional approval for a license in UAE

HTX crypto exchange receives provisional approval for a license in UAE

HTX, a crypto exchange, during the Bitcoin MENA 2024 event in Abu Dhabi announced that it has received a provisional approval from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulator (VARA) as it seeks to expand to the MENA region. Charmain Lim, Head of VIP Clients Services at HTX made these statements during one of the panels.

During the session, “The Great Debate: Bitcoin vs. Crypto” session, Justin Sun, Global Advisor of HTX and Founder of TRON, attributed Bitcoin’s breakthrough of the $100,000 mark to advancements in cryptocurrency technology. He explained, “Tether once issued stablecoins on the Bitcoin Omni Layer, but the platform’s slow transaction speeds hindered its growth. However, USDT on TRON enables instant transactions, meeting the needs of users. Technological advancements have also benefited Bitcoin. The growing popularity of stablecoins has led to increased capital flowing into Bitcoin, further solidifying its role as a store of value.”

While Charmaine Lim, during a roundtable discussion titled “Improving Access to Bitcoin in the UAE” stated that despite advancements in UAE when it comes to cryptocurrencies, challenges persist, such as the cautious approach of certain banks toward cryptocurrency transactions, insufficient public education about cryptocurrencies, and regulatory uncertainties. These factors hinder the growth of the crypto sector in the UAE.

Charmaine noted that HTX secured the Provisional Approval for the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s VARA and is currently applying to upgrade it to a full VASP license.

He emphasized HTX’s strong focus on the UAE market, noting the platform’s ongoing efforts to connect with regulatory bodies and its proactive steps to collaborate with local banks in establishing a streamlined fiat-to-cryptocurrency transaction channel. Charmaine added that HTX will provide global users with learning opportunities on subjects such as crypto trading, storage, and security through HTX Live and online workshops. The platform will also continue to expand language options, including offering Arabic support, to enhance the user experience.”

Xchain crypto forensic monitor rolls out its services across MENA

Xchain crypto forensic monitor rolls out its services across MENA

Global digital assets/crypto risk monitoring provider XChain, which has been working with Dubai’s VARA since 2022 as its exclusive forensic transaction monitoring partner, is rolling out its services for institutional and retail Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) in the region.

The public launch of XChain’s transaction monitoring services will benefit VASPs, and eventually traditional financial institutions venturing into digital assets, offering much needed lifecycle support in areas of crypto oversight, compliance frameworks and transaction monitoring forensics.

By providing the region’s VASPs full visibility on the necessary regulatory and compliance frameworks, XChain aims to solve for key risk factors in on-chain transactions, enabling service providers to ultimately gain real-time insights into their risk metrics.

Haydn Jones, the newly appointed Managing Director of XChain, stated, “With an increasing number of companies looking to tap into UAE’s digital assets industry, we are privileged to continue our work streamlining access to on-chain transaction risk-based analytics. It is therefore imperative for the compliance functions within VASPs to have access to the latest thinking, and we are proud to be at the forefront of blockchain forensics and asset monitoring to build a trusted and reliable framework that offers end-to-end support.”

Matthew White, CEO of VARA commented, “At VARA, we are committed to fostering innovation while ensuring robust regulatory standards for the virtual asset ecosystem. XChain’s rollout of its transaction monitoring services represents a significant step forward in enabling VASPs to operate with enhanced transparency and confidence. We are pleased to collaborate with XChain in setting new benchmarks for regulatory technology, which will not only benefit the digital asset sector but also build bridges with traditional financial institutions exploring this space.”

VARA and XChain are also working on a regulatory dashboard tool to advance the existing on-chain transaction monitoring standards for the region’s digital assets ecosystem. The dashboard, expected to be launched in beta later this year, will offer real-time on-chain data and open-source intelligence derived from VASPs, enabling such institutions, as well as TradFi and professional services companies dealing with digital assets, to integrate a unified risk monitoring tool that adheres to the gold standard in Virtual Assets Regulatory Technology.

Zand Bank now a licensed crypto custodian in UAE

Zand Bank now a licensed crypto custodian in UAE

UAE based Zand Bank, an AI powered digital bank, has received a full VASP license from Dubai’s virtual assets regulatory authority (VARA) allowing it to offer crypto custodial services. The license allows Zand to offer crypto and digital asset custodial services to institutional investors and qualified investors.

Zand, the AI-powered bank for the digital economy and first fully licensed all-digital bank in the United Arab Emirates was founded to support the digital economy and bridge the gap between Traditional Finance (TradFi) and Decentralized Finance (DeFi).

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Zand, commented: “This approval from VARA is a milestone for Zand and the UAE’s digital economy. It reflects our commitment to bold innovation and sustainable growth. Our mission is to establish Zand as a cornerstone of the UAE’s evolving financial landscape, contributing to the nation’s ambition to be a global financial powerhouse.”

Michael Chan, CEO of Zand, added: “We would like to extend a heartfelt token of appreciation to VARA for their continued support of Zand. Our Digital Asset Custody service is a significant step in UAE banking. By providing institutional-grade security for digital assets, we are equipping our clients with the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy. The upcoming launch of Zand’s AED-backed stablecoin will further enhance our ability to integrate TradFi and DeFi, reinforcing our leadership in this space.”

Zand Bank has been chosen by several crypto exchanges and brokers who are working in the UAE as their digital banking partner. With Zand’s new crypto custodial license, VARA would have licensed three crypto custodians, Zand, Hex Trust, and Komainu.

Zand Bank has been growing its presence and offering within the UAE and GCC region. It has signed several partnerships over the past year, the last being with Paymentology.

Paymentology and Zand will enable fintech entities to thrive by offering a range of specialized services, including BIN-sponsorship, virtual IBANs, and Client Money Accounts. These services are designed to help fintech entities launch and scale faster, providing them with the infrastructure to bring their solutions to market efficiently.

The timing aligns with the UAE government’s push to establish a strong digital economy through the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to double the sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP from 9.7% (April 2022) to 19.4% over the next decade.

Additionally, IDA, a Hong Kong-based stablecoin issuer, also partnered with UAE Zand Bank, to offer cost-effective and efficient cross-border transactions across the Belt and Road regions and BRICS Plus. As per the press release both entities aim to provide businesses with streamlined 24/7 digital payments.

Updated Dec 14th with quotes

UAE based Shipfinex raises $1.5 million in seed round

UAE based Shipfinex raises $1.5 million in seed round

Shipfinex, which recently received preliminary approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, has secured $1.5 million in seed funding, led by Mr. Gaurav Mehta, Chairman of Best Oasis Limited and SPM Shipping DMCC.

As per the announcement, this investment signals a strategic partnership set to reshape access to maritime assets through blockchain technology.

Additional investors in the round include Mr. Vivek Seth, Senior Vice President at ADNOC Logistics & Services, and Mr. Yasovardhan Chinni, Founder of Nanlian Ship Management LLC.

Shipfinex aims to democratize maritime finance by enabling fractional ownership of maritime assets through blockchain. The funds will support the company’s growth, regulatory advancements with Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), and the development of a secure and compliant marketplace for Maritime Asset Tokens (MATs).

“Shipfinex represents the next era in maritime finance, expanding asset ownership and enhancing transparency and efficiency,” commented Mr. Mehta. “We’re excited to support this transformative journey and redefine how the world invests in maritime assets.”

The collaboration between Shipfinex and Mr. Mehta’s leadership in maritime operations and asset management brings unprecedented synergy. This partnership combines Mr. Mehta’s strategic expertise with Shipfinex’s advanced blockchain capabilities, setting the stage for accelerated growth and innovation.

Vikas Pandey, CEO and Co-Founder of Shipfinex, emphasized, “Mr. Mehta’s support and industry insights are invaluable as we strive to redefine access and expand investment opportunities within maritime finance.”

Prior to this, UAE based ShipFinex, announced a strategic partnership with Tokeny, an onchain finance operating system specializing in tokenized securities.

Dubai VARA asks VASPs to follow and comply with sanction alerts rigorously

Dubai VARA asks VASPs to follow and comply with sanction alerts rigorously

On September 18th 2024, Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority shared a circular addressed to VASPs ( Virtual Asset Service Providers) in UAE requiring them to continuously updated their sanction alerts by registering to the Mandatory registration on the Executive Office for Control & Non-Proliferation [EOCN] system for sanction alerts.

According to the announcement, “VARA is mandated to assure market stability that is in turn contingent on every participant’s financial robustness and responsible market conduct – that collectively allow for the industry to operate on par with best-in-class international standards. The Executive Office for Control & Non-Proliferation [EOCN] was established in the United Arab Emirates in 2009 as the National Leader in the UAE to ensure the implementations of Targeted Financial Sanctions [TFS] imposed by the UAE, UN and FATF standards.”

The Terrorist Financial Sanctions, are aimed at denying certain individuals, groups, organizations, and entities the means to support terrorism or finance the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and ensuring no access to funds, financial assets or economic resources of any kind as long as they remain subject to the sanction’s measures.

As such VARA requires that VASPs and LoP holders to screen their user databases without delay [within 24 hours] each time the TFS list is updated to identify any matches against the latest list, and to ensure designated entities on the TFS list are immediately prevented access to funds owned or controlled, wholly or jointly, directly or indirectly, by the designated entity or to funds owned or controlled, wholly or jointly, directly or indirectly, by a person or organization acting on behalf or at the direction of the designated entity; and report any activity involving designated entities to the Financial Information Unit [FIU] in line with Rule III.F of VARA’s Compliance and Risk Management.

According to the regulator, VASPs failure to comply might lead to substantial criminal and civil penalties which could include suspension, restriction, or prohibition of activity business or profession and even revocation of operational license.

Dubai Virtual asset regulator, VARA fines seven UAE VASPs

Dubai Virtual asset regulator, VARA fines seven UAE VASPs

The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) as part of its enforcement program has fined as well as issued cease and desist orders 7 VASP entities for operating without a license and for breaching marketing regulations. The fines reach up to $27,000 depending on severity of violation.

VARA has asked the public to avoid engaging with unlicensed VASP firms because this exposes them to significant financial and reputational risk.

The VARA message, clearly stated, “Only firms licensed by VARA are authorized to provide virtual asset services in/from Dubai, and the Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to protect consumers and investors, and to preserve market integrity. ”

The Regulatory Affairs and Enforcement at VARA also noted, “Our priority is to ensure that Dubai’s virtual assets ecosystem remains secure for consumers and investors while being a progressive environment for compliant entities. Market enforcement actions send a reinforcing message: VARA will not tolerate any attempts to operate without appropriate licenses, nor will we allow unauthorized marketing of virtual asset activities. Our marketing regulations further emphasize Dubai’s commitment to ensuring transparency and always protecting stakeholder interests.” 

The 7 un-named VASP has been asked to cease their activities and stop marketing or advertising their virtual asset services.


Fines issued in this round range from AED 50,000 ($13,000) to AED 100,000 ($27,000) per entity, depending on the nature and severity of the specific instance of such violation.

Few weeks prior the regulator published its marketing regulations which covers not only Dubai but the entire UAE and GCC region.

MultiBank receives crypto exchange license from Dubai’s regulator

MultiBank receives crypto exchange license from Dubai’s regulator

MultiBank Group, a financial traditional derivatives institution worldwide headquartered in Dubai, has received a full VASP license for broker and exchange services from VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority) through its UAE subsidiary MEX Digital FZE operating under the MultiBank.io brand.

The Group has robust net assets of over US$583 million with over 1 million traders across 90 countries. Multibank Group boasts daily trading volumes averaging in excess of US$15.6 Billion per day and is one of the most regulated financial institutions worldwide with over 15 regulators, in 5 continents, with an unblemished record since its inception in 2005 now holds 15 regulatory licenses worldwide.

Naser Taher, Chairman of MultiBank Group, said, “Our vision at MultiBank Group is to create an ecosystem to facilitate integration between the financial derivatives markets and the crypto markets. We are happy to have been awarded dual licenses, affirming our steadfast commitment to regulatory compliance and excellence worldwide. This milestone strengthens our dedication to creating a secure and transparent environment for the global cryptocurrency community and marks a significant chapter in our evolution from Forex to the forefront of the crypto economy.”

With a VASP License from VARA for exchange and broker-dealer activities, MultiBank.io is set to accelerate its growth as a premier digital asset exchange, contributing significantly to Dubai’s burgeoning blockchain ecosystem. The company’s expansion strategy includes bolstering its team, elevating its service offerings, and forging strategic partnerships, all aimed at driving the advancement of the cryptocurrency industry in the region.

OKX crypto exchange license in UAE is now fully active

OKX crypto exchange license in UAE is now fully active

OKX crypto exchange now has a fully active crypto exchange license from Dubai’s regulator VARA ( Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority), published on VARA website today.

OKX with this active license is now authorised to serve Institutional Investors, Qualified Investors and Retail Investors. It can also offer virtual asset margin Trading Services permitted to Institutional Investors and Qualified Investors under the VA Exchange License.

OKX can also offer crypto derivatives Trading Restricted to Institutional Investors and Qualified Investors for VA Derivatives Limited License.

In February 2024 OKX received its crypto exchange VASP license from Dubai UAE through VARA ( Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority), and then a license in Turkey. OKX TR, will provide Turkish users with a trusted, compliant and transparent gateway to crypto trading and decentralized finance. The OKX Web3 Wallet is currently available in Türkiye through OKX’s global platform.

Earlier this week, Bybit received its VASP license from VARA, which is currently not active until all requirements are met. Already global players like Binance, Crypto.com have received licenses in UAE as well.

UAE Phoenix Group sponsors CNBC Arabia Crypto show

UAE Phoenix Group sponsors CNBC Arabia Crypto show

UAE Phoenix Group, the blockchain and crypto holding group, the first UAE bitcoin mining entity has announced that it will be sponsoring the new CNBC Arabia show called Crypto Weekly Show.

As per their X post, Phoenix Group stated, “Phoenix Group is excited to sponsor “Crypto Weekly” on CNBCArabia as we look to advance understanding and knowledge around digital assets. Catch Henri Arslanian and May Ben Khadra every Monday at 6:30 PM KSA / 7:30 PM UAE for insightful discussions on the latest crypto trends and more, featuring special guests each week.”

During the first week of September, Henri Arslanian, Co-Founder and Managing Partner Nine Blocks Capital Management and a well-known blockchain and crypto podcaster, investor and analyst announced that he would be launching his first TV show on CNBCArabia.

He noted at the time that it would be co-hosted by May Khadra a well-seasoned business presenter and that it would include interviews with CEOs, regulators or investors, a crypto educational segment and my point of view on recent developments in the industry.

The first episode aired on Monday Sept 9 at 6:30pm KSA/7:30pm UAE on CNBC Arabia. It hosted Mathew White the CEO of Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority.

He stated on X in a post, “This show would have never been possible without the support of each one of you who have supported my educational content since 2016. A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Having such a show on digital assets aired prime time four times a week to 50 million households across the Mideast/GCC and globally via my social media channels is another milestone for our industry as we continue to educate both institutional and retail investors on the future of finance and money.”