XBTO graduate of Abu Dhabi Hub71 receives crypto license in UAE

XBTO graduate of Abu Dhabi Hub71 receives crypto license in UAE

XBTO, an institutional digital asset management and graduate of Abu Dhabi Hub71 cohort has received full approval for its Financial Services Permission (FSP) under the 3A license category from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in the UAE to offer crypto custody, investment, and deal services.

The approval authorises XBTO to provide a range of financial services in and from ADGM, including custody, dealing in investments as matched principal, advising on investments, and arranging deals in investments.

“The UAE is a leading market in digital assets, and the 3A licence enables us to be a part of a positive digital movement in the region. This licence also serves to reinforce our long-term commitment to institutional integrity, regulatory transparency, and financial innovation in the UAE,” said Philippe Bekhazi, CEO and Founder of XBTO Group. “ADGM has built one of the most respected regulatory frameworks in the digital asset space globally, and we are honoured to be recognised under its jurisdiction.”

The licence enables XBTO to operate as a regulated counterparty to institutional investors, including sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and regional financial institutions. It also allows the company to actively market its services across the UAE, bolstering its ability to engage directly with local stakeholders and deepen its presence in the region.

“This approval gives XBTO the strategic footing to engage more actively with regional partners and demonstrates our alignment with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for digital finance,” said Karl Naim, Chief Commercial Officer and General Manager for UAE at XBTO. “ADGM has created a forward-thinking environment that balances innovation with robust oversight – a model we are proud to be part of.”

The licence approval complements XBTO’s existing regulatory footprint in Bermuda and is part of its broader global expansion strategy, with the next regulatory milestone being its anticipated entry into the UK market.

The company was an active participant in Hub71’s specialized digital assets cohort before receiving their in principle license approval back in 2024. Peter Abou Hachem, Head of Growth and Strategy, Hub71, said, “We’re proud to see XBTO, a global leader in digital assets, secure their 3A license and scale from Hub71 to serve the world. Their move to Abu Dhabi reflects a clear shift toward the Middle East – one of the fastest-growing and most liquid markets globally. XBTO’s focus on regulatory excellence and innovation embodies the caliber of founders we back. As more startups choose our ecosystem to launch and grow, we remain committed to helping them scale with speed and impact.”

After selection by Abu Dhabi Hub71, XBTO receives in principle approval from ADGM

After selection by Abu Dhabi Hub71, XBTO receives in principle approval from ADGM

XBTO, a global institutional digital assets company, have received In-Principle Approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to operate in the UAE, after being selected by Hub71 Digital assets lab.

Philippe Bekhazi, Founder & CEO, XBTO said, “Receiving an In Principle Approval is a significant step forward for XBTO in establishing a strong presence in the rapidly growing Gulf region. We believe the UAE has the potential to become the global hub for digital asset businesses worldwide, so it is important that XBTO as one of the world’s leading digital assets companies has a foothold here. I’m excited to see this area of the business develop in the coming months and years.”

The IPA marks a significant milestone in XBTO’s journey and commitment towards becoming a regulated digital assets business in the different jurisdiction they are presently in, having been regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) since 2019 and currently applying for licenses in the UK and France.

A major reason XBTO has chosen ADGM as a base for its expansion is that the FSRA is one of the first regulators globally to introduce and implement a comprehensive and bespoke regulatory framework for the regulation of exchanges, custodians, brokers, and other intermediaries engaged in virtual asset activities and ADGM being the fastest growing financial centre in the region, with a 211% increase in assets under management (AUM) in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023.

In addition, with notable financial institutions launching in Abu Dhabi last year, Abu Dhabi is rapidly attracting its target segment of clients including family offices, traditional and crypto native macro hedge funds, high net worth individuals, blockchain protocols, VC funds, brokerages and more.

Karl Naïm, Global Head of Business Development & General Manager XBTO Middle East added, “This is an exciting time for digital assets, the UAE and surrounding countries. There is strong interest in the growth of the sector here. XBTO is working with organizations across the region and we look forward to working hand in hand with the regulator, decision makers and institutions to help build a thriving and leading digital assets ecosystem from Abu Dhabi.”

XBTO will continue to have its main company headquarters in Bermuda, and European offices in Paris and London, while leveraging Abu Dhabi as a base to better locally serve the Middle East. In line with XBTO’s long term commitment to the UAE and regulatory frameworks, and subject to the regulatory approval for the grant of the FSP, the company plans on making further investments to invest in their presence in the UAE.

XBTO for digital assets investments sets up in ADGM UAE

XBTO for digital assets investments sets up in ADGM UAE

XBTO a platform for digital assets and tailored crypto investment solutions, has been selected to join Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 Digital assets, Web3 ecosystem as it seeks regulatory license from ADGM ( Abu Dhabi Global Market) FSRA authority XBTO has also appointed former Mubadala executive, Karl Naïm as General Manager of XBTO.

Karl, is a seasoned serial technology startup entrepreneur and former positions at Mubadala, UBS, and Goldman Sachs, will lead XBTO’s strategic expansion in the Middle East. 

XBTO has established a new office in ADGM which will provide a suite of digital assets products, solutions, and investment management strategies to institutional and qualified clients within the region.

Prior to joining XBTO, Karl co-founded Hub71 startup, Purpl, a digital wallet and remittance aggregator for Lebanon, and served as its CEO until November 2023. He was recognized by MEA Markets as the “Most Transformational Financial Inclusion CEO 2023” in the Middle East.

Commenting on the Hub71 selection and Abu Dhabi expansion, Philippe Bekhazi, Founder & CEO of XBTO, said, “We are excited to be selected by Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, and to welcome Karl Naïm to our team. His expertise positions us strongly for our expansion in the Middle East. Our new Abu Dhabi office will enable us to bridge traditional finance and digital assets, reflecting XBTO’s commitment to innovation in this space.”

Peter Abou Hachem, Head of Growth and Strategy, Hub71, added, “The addition of XBTO to Hub71+ Digital Assets is a reflection of the founding team’s strong leadership, robust business model and its commitment to transforming the digital asset landscape from Abu Dhabi. As we continue attracting the most promising startups to our specialist ecosystems, we remain focused on our mission to transform the UAE capital into a world leading tech hub for Web3 and digital assets. XBTO is poised to unlock the immense potential of being part of an ecosystem, propelling Abu Dhabi to the forefront of innovation not only in the UAE but globally.”

Karl noted, “I am excited to introduce XBTO’s unparalleled expertise in digital assets to institutions and family offices in the region. My focus will be on building a high-performing team and collaborating closely with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, positioning XBTO as the provider of choice for all digital asset-related services in the region.”