OKX Secures Derivatives VASP License from VARA

In a significant achievement for OKX, the global cryptocurrency exchange has secured its full Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This announcement was made by OKX Middle East General Manager Rifad Mahasneh during the company’s gala event at the Museum of the Future, titled “A New Alternative for […]

VARA Cracks Down on Seven Unlicensed Firms to Safeguard Dubai’s Virtual Asset Ecosystem

The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) is continuing its enforcement actions to protect Dubai’s virtual asset ecosystem by targeting unlicensed firms operating within its jurisdiction. As part of a broader enforcement initiative, VARA has issued cease-and-desist orders and fines to seven entities for operating without the required licenses and violating marketing regulations. Additional investigations are […]

Binance Partners with TOKEN2049 to Elevate Blockchain Innovation in UAE

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and users, has announced a strategic partnership with TOKEN2049, a leading global events platform for digital asset professionals and enthusiasts. TOKEN2049 is renowned for hosting premier events centered around cryptocurrency, blockchain, and decentralized technologies in both Dubai and Singapore, where industry founders and executives share their […]

MultiBank Receives a VASP License from Vara

MultiBank Group, a leading financial traditional derivatives institution based in Dubai, has officially launched its UAE operations through its subsidiary MEX Digital FZE. The subsidiary has secured a Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) license under the MultiBank.io brand. MultiBank.io is the regulated cryptocurrency exchange under MultiBank Group, offering a user-friendly platform for instant, secure trading […]

National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) Launches GCC’s First Bitcoin-Linked Structured Investment

The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has unveiled the GCC’s first Bitcoin-linked Structured Investment, in partnership with ARP Digital. The announcement was made during a special ceremony at Fintech Forward 2024, marking a significant milestone for Bahrain’s financial sector and the wider region. This innovative investment product is tailored exclusively for accredited investors, allowing them […]

DMCC and CV VC Partner to Enhance Regional Web3 Ecosystems

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has formed a new strategic collaboration with CV VC, one of Switzerland’s top early-stage blockchain venture capital firms. This agreement was signed at the annual CV Summit 2024, Switzerland’s premier blockchain and Web3 event, which brought together thousands of industry leaders and entrepreneurs in Zug this week. The partnership […]

Bitcoin Drops Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions: Investors Seek Safe Havens

Cryptocurrencies experienced a significant drop during the U.S. session on Tuesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East prompted investors to move away from riskier assets. Bitcoin (BTC), the largest digital asset by market cap, initially rose to around $64,000 during European trading before quickly falling to $62,500 after Axios reported indications from the White […]

DFSA Releases a Detailed Explainer on the Regulation of Crypto Tokens

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has released a detailed explainer on the Regulation of Crypto Tokens, originally established in 2022. The DFSA set out to regulate crypto businesses with the intention of fostering innovation in a measured, responsible, and transparent manner, all while meeting regulatory objectives. The DFSA’s Crypto Token regime provides a clear […]

UAE Emerges as AI Hub Amid U.S.-China Tech Race

As the competition between U.S. and Chinese tech giants heats up in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), Arab nations, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are positioning themselves to attract these companies and benefit from their advanced expertise in this critical sector. The technology landscape is evolving rapidly, with global companies racing to develop […]