M2 registered in ADGM, a virtual asset custodian and a Multilateral Trading Facility regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) ADGM, has launched what it calls a simplified pathway for UAE residents to buy and sell Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) through a direct integration with their bank account.

As per the press release, the integration serves as a significant milestone both for the wider accessibility of virtual assets in the region, as well as M2 working to offer a best-in-class product offering within a rapidly evolving landscape.

The new solution will allow UAE residents with banking services to seamlessly convert United Arab Emirates’ Dirhams (AED) into BTC and ETH – and vice versa – via trading pairs listed on M2’s spot market.

The press release adds, that this new pathway, which leverages the strength and security of robust banking infrastructure, is the most recent milestone in M2’s continued work to build trust and industry leading compliance in providing both the safe custody of virtual assets, and the ability to trade Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) with UAE Dirham (AED).

CEO of M2 Stefan Kimmel said, “Through this compliant integration, UAE residents can enjoy the familiarity of their existing and trusted banking services, coupled with the cutting-edge security and functionality of our platform. This is all executed within one of the world’s strictest regulatory frameworks where consumer protection, technology, governance and custody are paramount. It is a significant step for M2 in ADGM as we work to expand our offering for the MENA region and reduce the friction in how clients can navigate between traditional finance and virtual assets.”

Sources close to the matter explained to Lara on the Block, that currently M2 is working with one major bank ( which prefers not to be named) and will expand this to other banks in the UAE in the future.

M2 registered in ADGM, which launched back in November 2023, announced that it was able to onboard retail and institutional clients and would be offering AED Fiat on and off ramp through its participation with a local bank. Eight months later, M2 is finally able to do this.

In a previous interview with Stefan Kimmel with Lara on the Block, Kimmel noted, that launching a fully regulated, transparent clean startup from Abu Dhabi ADGM ( Abu Dhabi Global Market) was because the FSRA ( Financial Services and Regulatory Authority) in ADGM is one of the oldest most respected and esteemed regulatory authorities when it comes to virtual assets and crypto. FSRA as Kimmel explained has been around for five years and has a comprehensive solid framework. He stated, “ After all that has happened in crypto over the past few years, everyone is looking for a safe protected transparent exchange, and this is what we are offering from ADGM.”

He also noted, M2 has is its strong liquidity which is essential for the success of any crypto exchange. M2 has an equity investment of $300 million with strategic partners being UAE based Phoenix Group and several Abu Dhabi family offices.