DeFi Technologies Expands Operations to UAE, Enhancing Digital Asset Accessibility

Introduction of DeFi Technologies in the MENA Region

DeFi Technologies, a company listed on the Nasdaq, has officially launched its operations in the UAE, marking a significant step in its mission to broaden decentralized financial services globally. This expansion highlights the company’s commitment to tapping into the burgeoning market in the MENA region.

Establishment of a Trading Desk in Dubai

Through its subsidiary Valour, DeFi Technologies has set up a trading desk at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). This initiative aims to bolster its operations and cater to the growing institutional interest in digital assets within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and specifically in the UAE.

Strategic Goals and Market Positioning

The team at DeFi Technologies, along with Valour, is focused on meeting the rising demand for digital assets among institutional investors in the region. This move is a crucial part of their strategy to diversify product offerings and enhance their global presence.

As a pioneering digital asset manager on Nasdaq, DeFi Technologies provides investors with a diversified approach to the decentralized economy through a scalable business model. Valour currently offers access to over 65 innovative digital assets via regulated exchange-traded products (ETPs), with plans to expand this number to 100 by the end of 2025. With the convergence of regulatory support, product innovation, and institutional trust, DeFi Technologies is positioning itself as a leader in the Web3 space.

Institutional Investment Trends in the Middle East

Globally, there is a surge in institutional investments in spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a trend that is also gaining traction in the UAE and the broader Middle East. Recently, the UAE sovereign wealth fund Mubadala increased its stake in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF, illustrating the growing interest among institutions in alternative investment vehicles like ETFs.

Benefits of Bitcoin ETPs for Investors

Bitcoin ETPs are providing a pathway for investors who are keen on cryptocurrencies but prefer a familiar and efficient investment structure. Currently, the total assets under management (AUM) in crypto ETPs have reached an impressive $176.3 billion.

Insights from DeFi Technologies Leadership

Andrew Forson, President of DeFi Technologies and Chief Growth Officer of Valour, expressed confidence in the increasing demand for digital asset ETPs, not just globally but particularly within the GCC and Middle East. He noted that various types of investors, including sovereign wealth funds and retail investors, are showing interest in cryptocurrencies but require reliable investment vehicles to gain exposure.

Forson emphasized that integrating digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum into regulated financial instruments such as ETPs will broaden the investor base and facilitate access to international investments for countries like the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. 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 and Future Plans

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

Looking ahead to 2024, DeFi Technologies, via Valour, has teamed up with GulfCap Investment Bank (GCIB) as its 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 access to leading digital assets through regulated investment options.

Current Offerings in Europe

In Europe, Valour currently provides over 65 fully hedged digital asset ETPs on major exchanges, including Xetra, Spotlight, and Euronext, further solidifying its position in the global market.

This expansion into the UAE and beyond underscores DeFi Technologies’ commitment to enhancing the accessibility and credibility of digital assets, paving the way for a more inclusive financial landscape.

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.