A $280 million diamond tokenization project in the UAE has launched using the XRP Ledger’s native on‑chain capabilities, marking a major real‑world asset move onto XRPL. The deal highlights growing institutional interest in tokenized commodities and fast settlement rails.
Emirates NBD — the UAE's second-largest bank — has allocated a portion of its investment portfolio to Bitcoin and says tokenization will be a key force in finance. The move signals growing institutional acceptance of crypto in the Gulf.
The Central Bank of the UAE has approved First Abu Dhabi Bank’s AED‑pegged stablecoin DDSC, which is now live on the ADI Chain blockchain.
Ripple is expanding its UAE partnership with Zand Bank to roll out dollar- and dirham-pegged stablecoins, boost cross-currency liquidity, and enable regulated on-chain asset issuance as institutions move tokens onto blockchain rails.
Maerki Baumann & Co. Ltd. has been authorized and will be supervised by the FSRA of Abu Dhabi Global Market in the UAE. The approval allows the Swiss private bank to operate its crypto unit under ADGM’s regulatory framework.
Senator Elizabeth Warren called for an investigation after reports linked the UAE intelligence chief to a covert investment in a U.S. crypto firm, a deal media labeled Trump’s 'Spy Sheikh' arrangement. She said the report raises urgent national-security and regulatory concerns about foreign influence in American crypto markets.
An Abu Dhabi firm backed by Sheikh Tahnoon reportedly agreed to acquire a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial for $500 million, days before Donald Trump returned to the White House, the WSJ reports. The deal injects significant capital into the Trump-linked crypto startup and raises political and regulatory questions.
The UAE Central Bank has approved USDU, a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin issued by Universal Digital and regulated by the FSRA of ADGM. The decision provides clearer regulatory footing for dollar-pegged tokens in the UAE financial system.
Dubai Insurance has launched a crypto wallet powered by Zodia Custody, allowing policyholders to pay premiums and receive claim payouts in digital assets. It’s the first UAE insurer to enable on‑chain premium and claims flows, aiming to boost transparency and settlement speed.
The ADGM Registration Authority has published Discussion Paper No. 1 of 2026 to gather stakeholder input on proposed guidance for crypto mining activities within or from ADGM. The move signals a push for clearer operational and compliance standards in the UAE's financial free zone.