Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The UAE Central Bank has approved AEC Wallet to enable AE Coin top-ups via cryptocurrency settlement, integrating regulated stablecoin payments into mainstream retail transactions and advancing the nation’s digital payments infrastructure.
Fasset has partnered with ADI Foundation to deliver regulated onboarding and fiat connectivity for blockchain services built on ADI Chain, including future Dirham-backed stablecoin use cases. The collaboration supports institutional adoption of compliant digital asset infrastructure in line with the UAE’s evolving regulatory and digital finance framework.
Abu Dhabi has launched the FinTech, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Assets (FIDA) cluster to accelerate growth in next-generation financial services. Approved by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and unveiled at Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025, the initiative is projected to add AED56 billion to GDP by 2045, create 8,000 jobs, and attract AED17 billion in investment. The cluster will strengthen digital assets, fintech, insurance, ESG finance, and alternative investments while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global financial innovation hub.
Paribu has acquired MENA-based crypto exchange CoinMENA in a transaction valued at up to $240 million, marking Türkiye’s largest fintech deal and its first cross-border digital asset acquisition. The move gives Paribu access to key regulatory licenses in Bahrain and Dubai, expanding its footprint into high-adoption markets. CoinMENA serves over 1.5 million users across 45 countries. The acquisition strengthens Paribu’s position as a regional fintech leader and signals growing consolidation in the global crypto industry.
Paribu’s acquisition of CoinMENA reshapes the regional crypto landscape. It combines Türkiye’s leading digital asset platform with MENA’s most established regulated exchange, creating a powerful multi-market operator with deep compliance credentials, strong technology, and a wide user base—setting a new benchmark for digital asset growth across both regions.
Pakistan has emerged as South Asia’s fastest-rising fintech market, backed by a sharp funding rebound, supportive regulations and a shift toward formal digital-asset oversight. With nearly 450 startups, new digital banks, bank–fintech partnerships and global engagement in crypto governance, Pakistan now leads regional fintech momentum ahead of Bangladesh and Nepal.
ARP Digital Holdings has expanded its digital asset wealth management offering through a strategic partnership with DV Trading and Centaur Markets, alongside the appointment of Anestis Arampatzis as Group CIO. The collaboration enhances ARP’s ability to deliver regulated, institutional-grade structured products and strengthens its regional presence as demand for digital asset investment solutions grows across the Middle East.
du has marked the strong uptake of its Cloud Miner service and announced a second auction hosted on Online Auction. With high engagement from crypto-interested residents, the service continues to democratize access to Bitcoin mining through secure, telco-backed infrastructure. The new auction expands compute availability and reinforces growing demand for regulated digital asset participation in the UAE.
UNDP and FLock.io are launching an NFT- and AI-powered marketplace to help Moroccan artisans authenticate and sell their crafts globally, even as Morocco finalizes its digital asset law under Bill 42.25. The initiative bridges innovation and regulation in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
DeFi Technologies is establishing operations in Bahrain to drive decentralised finance growth across the MENA region. The Nasdaq-listed firm will leverage Bahrain’s advanced crypto regulation to introduce its DeFi product suite, aiming to position the Kingdom as a key hub for blockchain innovation and digital asset adoption.