Animoca Brands Secures VARA VASP License to Expand Dubai Operations

Animoca Brands obtains a Virtual Asset Service Provider license from VARA to offer regulated crypto services from Dubai. Animoca Brands announced on February 16, 2026 that it has received a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) License from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), authorizing the company to provide virtual asset Broker‑Dealer Services and virtual asset … Read more

Ripple Deepens UAE Bank Relationship With Zand to Explore Stablecoin Initiatives

Ripple is expanding its Middle East push by deepening ties with UAE bank Zand, integrating stablecoins, cross-currency liquidity, and on-chain issuance as regulated institutions move dollar- and dirham-linked assets onto blockchain rails. Ripple and Zand Expand Stablecoin and On-Chain Strategy in UAE Ripple Senior Executive Officer and Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa … Read more

XRPL Powers $280M Diamond Tokenization as Ripple Expands Gulf Infrastructure

Ripple-backed blockchain infrastructure is pushing commodities onchain in the Gulf, with over $280 million in certified diamonds tokenized in the UAE, highlighting how institutional-grade asset tokenization is rapidly moving from concept to execution. Ripple Technology Powers Diamond Tokenization at Institutional Scale Tokenization of high-value physical assets is accelerating in the Gulf, with Ripple technology underpinning … Read more

Report: Iranian Elite Shift $1.5 Billion to Dubai Using Banks and Crypto Amid Strike Fears

U.S. Treasury says Iran’s ruling elite are shifting large sums abroad, with reports of $1.5 billion routed to Dubai amid unrest and strike fears. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington is tracking a surge of capital flight by Iran’s ruling class as nationwide protests and threats of U.S. military action create alarm. According … Read more

Universal Launches UAE Central Bank‑Registered USD Stablecoin

Universal announces USDU as the first USD‑backed stablecoin registered by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates for compliant digital‑asset settlement. Universal Digital Intl Limited, regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), announces in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 29, 2026, that USDU is registered by the Central … Read more

Dubai Insurance Launches Crypto‑Enabled Insurance Wallet With Zodia Custody

Dubai Insurance launches the UAE insurance sector’s first crypto‑enabled digital wallet in partnership with Zodia Custody. Dubai Insurance announces the launch in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Jan. 28, 2026, of a digital wallet for crypto assets developed with Zodia Custody that enables secure receipt of premiums and payment of insurance claims in digital assets; … Read more

From Surge to Shutdown: Dubai Blocks Privacy Coins in 2026

Dubai authorities have unified regulations banning privacy coins and anonymity-enhanced tools across all jurisdictions, effective Jan. 12, 2026. Jurisdictional Unity on Privacy The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) have finalized a comprehensive regulatory environment that leaves no room for anonymity-enhanced digital assets. As of Jan. 12, 2026, new … Read more

From Seizures to Mining Rigs: How Governments Built Massive Bitcoin Holdings

In 2025, the roster of nation-states holding BTC quietly shifted, and what follows is a look at the top five countries sitting on large caches of the world’s leading crypto asset. Seized, Mined, Stockpiled: How Governments Became Major Bitcoin Holders in 2025 Early this year, in May, estimates put the United States’ bitcoin stash at … Read more

Fasset Teams up With ADI Foundation to Enable Dirham‑backed Stablecoin Infrastructure

Fasset will provide regulated onboarding, KYC and on‑/off‑ramp services for ADI Foundation’s Dirham‑backed stablecoin infrastructure in Abu Dhabi. On 24 December 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Fasset announced a strategic partnership with ADI Foundation, the Abu Dhabi‑based non‑profit founded by Sirius International Holding (a subsidiary of IHC). The agreement gives Fasset responsibility for compliant onboarding, KYC and on‑/off‑ramp infrastructure to … Read more

Dubai Charities Begin Accepting Crypto Donations Under IACAD Initiative

Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has launched a new service enabling charities in the emirate to accept cryptocurrency and virtual asset donations. Establishing a Regulated Framework The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) has introduced a new service allowing charitable associations and institutions in the emirate to accept donations in cryptocurrency and … Read more