Search Results for: UAE

Russian entrepreneurs aim to use “digital assets” and a “unified digital currency” for trade with BRICS and other nations. The idea of utilizing digital financial assets (DFAs), which may encompass digitized commodities, CBDCs, digital securities, cryptoassets, and stablecoins, in international payments is garnering attention. The possibility of creating a unified digital currency for cross-border transactions is also being evaluated.

The recent Blockchain Expo in Amsterdam highlighted Europe as the key driver for institutional cryptocurrency adoption due to its favorable regulatory climate. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is implicated as a safety net, offering a regulatory framework for the emerging sector and ensuring user protection, which are lacking in countries like the United States.

“Laser Digital, the digital arm of the Japanese bank, Nomura, has received preliminary approval for operations in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant entry into broker-deal services and the management of digital and traditional assets. This approval, however, comes with unspecified conditions, and highlights the rapidly growing number of digital assets firms in the UAE.”

The mBridge Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) project, comprising members from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, UAE, and BISIH, is preparing for expansion. The project offers faster, cost-effective, and transparent cross-border transactions. Concerns rise from potential exploitation for sanctions evasion.

“Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, argues that the U.S. is the worst country for crypto start-ups due to its hesitance towards digital asset innovation. He highlights the UK, Singapore, UAE, and Switzerland as nations nurturing such innovation. Aggressive lawsuits by SEC and CFTC complicate the implementation of crypto regulations in the U.S., possibly inducing a mass exodus of blockchain startups to friendlier jurisdictions.”

“Cryptocurrency could significantly influence the 2024 United States elections, asserts Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase. Underestimating the crypto voting block could be risky for candidates given the increase in global crypto adoption and impending regulations. Armstrong highlighted that crypto-friendly legislation could pique the interest of mainstream voters, making crypto a hot-button issue in the presidential race.”

Zodia Markets, sponsored by Standard Chartered Ventures, has gained preliminary approval to operate as an over-the-counter crypto broker-dealer in Abu Dhabi. This is part of a custom-tailored approval process initiated by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), which aims to attract and regulate crypto-based businesses.

Singapore and the United Arab Emirates have emerged as top destinations for crypto millionaires due to their favorable tax policies on cryptocurrency-related ventures. The global cryptocurrency market is booming, with 425 million people owning some form of digital currencies, and certain individuals even possessing crypto fortunes surpassing the $100 million mark. This growth is prompting traders, investors, and entrepreneurs to seek secure locations to protect their digital assets.

“Komainu, a partnership between Nomura, Ledger, and CoinShares, has gained a license from the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority to offer full custody services to its Dubai-based clients. This marks a crucial step forward, considering Dubai’s nascent regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies.”

“Komainu, a joint venture between Nomura, CoinShares, and Ledger, has secured a full operating license from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). This achievement follows a rigorous three-stage approval process. Dubai’s recent pro-crypto regulations and support for blockchain innovations show its ambition to be a haven for crypto entrepreneurs.”

“Bittrex agreed to a $24 million settlement following SEC allegations of operating as an unregistered securities exchange, part of an acceleration of SEC’s enforcement on disruptive crypto firms. The aggressive regulation is critiqued for thwarting investment and innovation, pushing the industry to more amiable jurisdictions like UAE or UK.”

FTX has requested to exclude its Dubai entity from its ongoing U.S. bankruptcy proceedings, citing that it had not begun operating until after the bankruptcy. The company also highlighted the need to settle pre-bankruptcy wages and protective measures for debtors. FTX Dubai, which is solvent and planning system overhaul and exchange relaunch, believes a voluntary liquidation following UAE law would best serve its interests.

The bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX seeks to exclude its Dubai affiliate from U.S.-based bankruptcy proceedings. The Dubai unit, though financially stable, appears inactive before the bankruptcy and has no prospects of recovery. Its dismissal would protect creditors and expedite cash distribution, raising questions about companies protecting employees during bankruptcy. The global crypto community watches, wondering if such operations are reliable in crisis.

“Crypto platform, Binance, moved to dismiss a lawsuit by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), challenging its jurisdiction over non-US entities. Meanwhile, the US Senate sanctioned the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, targeting crypto mixers, trading bodies, and ‘anonymity-enhancing’ coins.”

The UK government has rejected proposals to regulate unbacked cryptoassets as gambling, voicing concerns about global misalignment. In contrast, Kuwait’s CMA has outright banned all crypto operations. Meanwhile, the FCA is launching a digital sandbox for crypto innovation. Globally, crypto-related crimes and regulations continue to evolve, with growing interest in Middle East expansion.

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority grants Bybit a restricted MVP license, enabling service to a limited set of accredited investors. The exchange aims to obtain a full market product license to expand its services across the UAE.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi excel in regulatory structure for cryptocurrency innovation, but low crypto adoption persists. The UAE’s proactive approach, diverse population, and strategic location foster blockchain use cases and attract major players, aiming to create a top metaverse economy and virtual jobs by 2030.

OKX Middle East receives an MVP Preparatory license from Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, preparing for its license to become operational. The exchange plans to offer spot, derivatives, and fiat services, and recognizes Dubai’s comprehensive regulation standards as crucial to their regional strategy.