DeFi Technologies Expands Presence in GCC and MENA Regions

Introduction of DeFi DMCC in Dubai

DeFi Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: DEFT; CBOE CA: DeFi; GR: R9B), a pioneering financial technology firm that connects traditional capital markets with decentralized finance (DeFi), has officially registered DeFi DMCC in Dubai’s Jumeirah Lake Towers. This strategic move marks the company’s commitment to expanding its operations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions.

Establishment of a Trading Desk

Through its subsidiary, Valour, DeFi Technologies has launched a trading desk at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). Valour is recognized as a prominent issuer of exchange-traded products (ETPs), and this new trading facility aims to cater to the growing institutional interest in digital assets within the UAE.

Supporting Institutional Interest in Digital Assets

The DeFi Technologies team, alongside Valour, is focused on addressing the rising demand for digital asset investment in the GCC, particularly in the UAE. This expansion is a crucial part of their strategy to enhance their product offerings and broaden their global reach.

Unique Positioning in the Market

As the first digital asset manager listed on Nasdaq, DeFi Technologies provides equity investors with diversified access to the decentralized economy through a scalable business model. Valour currently offers over 65 innovative digital assets via regulated ETPs, with plans to increase this number to 100 by the end of 2025. With a convergence of regulatory support, product development, and institutional trust, DEFT aims to become a leading figure in the Web3 landscape.

Growing Trend of Institutional Investment

Globally, there is a significant influx of institutional capital into spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a trend that is also gaining traction in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE. Recently, the UAE sovereign wealth fund Mubadala expanded its investment in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF, highlighting the growing interest among institutions in non-traditional investment vehicles.

Benefits of Bitcoin ETPs for Investors

Bitcoin ETPs are providing a familiar and efficient way for investors interested in cryptocurrency to gain exposure. Currently, the total assets under management (AUM) in crypto ETPs have reached an impressive $176.3 billion.

Insights from Leadership

Andrew Forson, President of DeFi Technologies and Chief Growth Officer of Valour, expressed confidence in the increasing demand for digital asset ETPs, not only on a global scale but specifically within the GCC and Middle East. He noted that various investors, including sovereign wealth funds and family offices, are keen on crypto but prefer established and efficient investment vehicles.

Enhancing Access to Digital Assets

Forson emphasized that wrapping digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum in regulated financial instruments such as ETPs will broaden the investor base and provide countries like the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia with access to international investments. This will enable both local and international investors to engage with these assets through reputable platforms like the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange and Dubai Financial Markets.

Expansion into Turkey

DeFi Technologies has also made strides in Turkey by partnering with Misyon Bank and Misyon Kripto to introduce ETPs. Notably, over half of the investor population in Turkey currently holds digital assets.

Future Plans for Cross-Listing in Kenya

In 2024, DeFi Technologies, through Valour, will collaborate with GulfCap Investment Bank (GCIB) as the primary Transaction Advisor for the planned cross-listing of Valour’s ETPs on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in Kenya. This initiative will allow Valour’s ETPs to be traded in Kenyan Shillings, providing East African investors with regulated access to leading digital assets.

European Market Presence

In Europe, Valour currently offers more than 65 fully hedged digital asset ETPs across major exchanges, including Xetra, Spotlight, and Euronext, further solidifying DeFi Technologies’ position in the global market.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before making any investment decisions.