Crypto World
BTC Markets Targets RWA Trading License Amid Tokenization Wave
Australian crypto exchange BTC Markets has informed the country’s securities regulator, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, of its plan to apply for a markets license that would enable regulated tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) to be offered to the public. CEO Lucas Dobbins articulated a vision of licensing infrastructure that permits certain tokenized assets to trade in a regulated environment, with the aim of a future where tokenized equities, bonds and RWAs sit alongside cryptocurrencies, markets run continuously, and settlement happens near-instantly. Dobbins highlighted that the current on-chain universe of tokenized assets—roughly $26 billion—represents a proof of concept rather than the full potential. He pointed to forecasts that tokenized markets could reach around $2 trillion by 2030, while research from the Boston Consulting Group has suggested a possible opportunity as high as $16 trillion. The momentum here is reinforced by statements that the on-ramp to regulated, compliant markets is now a practical objective rather than speculative theory, with major banks moving from pilot projects to product launches.
Key takeaways
- Australian regulator-facing exchange BTC Markets intends to pursue a markets license with ASIC to offer regulated tokenized RWAs, signaling a formal regulatory pathway for asset tokenization in Australia.
- The on-chain value of tokenized RWAs sits at about $26.5 billion, with Ethereum commanding the largest share at 57.4% of the market, excluding layer-2 and EVM platforms.
- Analysts project a broad spectrum of potential size for tokenized markets: around $2 trillion by 2030, and up to $16 trillion per the Boston Consulting Group, underscoring the scale of the opportunity.
- Tokenized RWAs are moving from theory to practice as institutions like BlackRock, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan push real products into the market, while exchanges such as Kraken and Robinhood have begun offering tokenized RWAs in 2025.
- Australia’s regulatory environment, deep capital markets and one of the world’s largest pension systems position the country to play a meaningful role in a next wave of tokenized finance, particularly in private markets, infrastructure investments, and fund distribution.
- Broader activity in the space includes Kraken’s xStocks platform and the xChange engine for tokenized stock trading, Robinhood’s tokenized stock initiatives in Europe, and Coinbase’s announced Coinbase Tokenize platform for RWAs.
Tickers mentioned: $ETH, $COIN
Market context: The move by BTC Markets aligns with a wider push across crypto and traditional finance toward regulated tokenized assets, supported by ongoing infrastructure development, larger institutional involvement, and clearer regulatory guidance in key markets. The activity also aligns with a trend where major exchanges and banks are exploring, piloting, or launching tokenized instruments to improve liquidity and access to capital.
Why it matters
Tokenized RWAs promise to extend the reach of traditional assets into a digital, on-chain ecosystem, potentially reducing settlement times and widening access to markets for otherwise illiquid assets. The Australian project’s emphasis on licensing infrastructure reflects a maturation of the space—from early blockchain pilots to regulated offerings that require compliance frameworks, custody solutions, and robust participant protections. If Australia succeeds in creating a trusted, licensable pathway for tokenized RWAs, it could attract both domestic and foreign capital seeking regulated exposure to real-world assets such as private equity, infrastructure projects, and fixed income instruments.
The broader market context is equally instructive. On-chain visibility for tokenized RWAs remains strong despite broader crypto market headwinds, with RWA.xyz reporting an on-chain total value of about $26.5 billion. Ethereum dominates the space, illustrating how core smart contract platforms are shaping the structure and accessibility of tokenized assets. This backdrop helps explain why institutions like BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan have already moved beyond pilots and are actively launching products in tokenized finance. The evolution is not just about trading tokens; it encompasses on-chain settlement, regulatory-compliant issuance, and the integration of RWAs into traditional trading rails.
BTC Markets’ leadership in pursuing a regulated model underscores a practical shift: tokenization can be anchored in rigorous compliance and investor protection while still delivering the efficiency and openness promised by blockchain-based markets. The Australian context—strong regulatory oversight, deep capital markets, and a robust pension framework—could serve as a proving ground for tokenized structures that other jurisdictions may later adopt or adapt. As Dobbins notes, the opportunity is not merely theoretical; the question is how quickly licensed market infrastructure can scale to meet demand while maintaining appropriate safeguards.
“What’s changed is that this is no longer theoretical. Institutions like BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan are already launching real products.”
“As regulatory clarity improves and infrastructure develops, Australia has the potential to play a meaningful role in the next phase of tokenized financial markets.”
Looking ahead, the first tangible use cases are expected to emerge in areas where tokenization can deliver meaningful efficiency gains—private markets, infrastructure investments, and fund distribution—where compliance, transparency, and access are paramount. In the meantime, platforms already in motion—with Kraken’s tokenized stock initiative via xStocks and the xChange on-chain trading engine, Robinhood’s European tokenized stock plans, and Coinbase’s upcoming Tokenize platform—signal a broader shift toward institutional-grade tokenized RWAs that complement rather than replace traditional markets.
The Australian context also points to a broader regulatory and infrastructural arc that could influence global adoption. The Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre has highlighted a substantial potential to generate economic gains from tokenized markets in Australia, with estimates around AUD 24 billion per year (about USD 16.8 billion), representing roughly 1% of GDP. If current trajectories hold, the country could capture a fraction of that opportunity by 2030—but achieving scale will depend on licensed infrastructures that can trade tokenized assets within trusted, well-regulated frameworks. Dobbins emphasizes the need for these licensed pathways to unlock the full value of tokenization and to empower broader participation across private markets, infrastructure projects, and fund distribution channels.
What to watch next
- ASIC decisions and timetables on BTC Markets’ market license application, including interim licensing milestones and infrastructure requirements.
- Regulatory developments in Australia that outline the rulebook for tokenized RWAs, including custody, KYC/AML, and investor protections.
- Adoption milestones from major leaders in tokenized finance, including Kraken’s xStocks and xChange progress, and Coinbase Tokenize’s deployment plans for RWAs.
- Tracking on-chain RWAs total value as more assets tokenize, with Ethereum continuing to hold a large share of on-chain tokenized assets.
- Economic impact studies from Australia’s DFCRC and other market analyses that quantify uptake in private markets, infrastructure, and distribution channels as tokenized products mature.
Sources & verification
- BTC Markets’ tokenisation blog post outlining licensing plans: https://www.btcmarkets.net/blog/tokenisation-what-it-actually-means-for-australian-investors
- RWA on-chain value and share of Ethereum from RWA.xyz: https://app.rwa.xyz/ and tokenized RWAs article: https://cointelegraph.com/news/tokenized-rwas-climb-despite-crypto-market-rout
- Kraken’s tokenized stock initiatives (xStocks) and xChange platform: https://cointelegraph.com/news/kraken-xstocks-platform-xchange-engine-tokenized-stock-trading
- Intercontinental Exchange’s blockchain trading platform development for tokenized securities: https://cointelegraph.com/news/nyse-develops-blockchain-trading-platform-tokenized-stocks-etfs
- Coinbase Tokenize announcement: https://x.com/brian_armstrong/status/2001477102860931475
- Australia’s tokenization economic potential from the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre: https://cointelegraph.com/news/australia-digital-finance-17-billion-opportunity
Australia’s push toward tokenized RWAs could reshape regulated markets
BTC Markets’ move to seek a markets license with ASIC marks a pivotal step in the practical deployment of tokenized RWAs in a regulated environment. While tokenized assets have already demonstrated significant on-chain activity, the transition from proof of concept to regulated market infrastructure requires robust custody, compliance, and risk controls. The company’s statement suggests a strategic intent to align with investor protection standards while expanding the spectrum of tradable on-chain instruments beyond cryptocurrency, setting the stage for a future where tokenized equities, bonds, and real-world assets coexist with digital assets in a single, regulated marketplace.
The broader market context remains favorable for continued growth in tokenized finance, provided that regulatory clarity keeps pace with technology and market needs. Australia’s regulatory readiness, combined with deep capital markets and a large pension system, could attract both domestic and international participants seeking regulated exposure to RWAs. As the space evolves, institutional engagement—evidenced by BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan’s efforts—will likely drive further product development and liquidity, while on-chain tooling and platform interoperability will be critical to sustaining the momentum. In this dynamic landscape, Australia’s experiment may offer a blueprint for how licensed, compliant tokenized markets can scale responsibly, delivering the promised efficiency gains without compromising investor protection.
Crypto World
Crypto doesn’t belong in an AI portfolio as it’s ‘a different animal,’ says a tech investor
Tech investor Imran Khan says cryptocurrency does not play a meaningful role in his AI investment strategy, arguing the asset class operates on a fundamentally different thesis than the AI-driven productivity boom.
Despite the growing narrative that AI and crypto will converge, Khan said he largely views them as separate investment themes.
“Crypto is a different animal,” he said in an interview. “When it comes to AI, you are investing for productivity and economic growth.” That difference means crypto rarely fits the framework his firm uses, which focuses on businesses that benefit from structural technology shifts.
Khan is the founder and chair of the investment committee at Proem Asset Management, a technology-focused investment firm, with $450 million in assets under management. Before launching Proem, he served as chief strategy officer at Snap (formerly Snapchat), helping lead the company to its public listing, and previously ran global internet investment banking at Credit Suisse, where he worked on major deals including Alibaba’s record-breaking IPO.
However, he isn’t anti-crypto.
While direct token exposure has not typically fit within the firm’s investment thesis, which focuses on fundamental private equity, Proem held positions in Coinbase (COIN), Robinhood (HOOD), as well as bitcoin miner Iren (IREN) and spot bitcoin through the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), according to its latest 13F filing. Those positions are not part of the firm’s AI strategy, but rather a part of its broader focus on the tech sector, Khan said.
Crypto and AI intersection
While Khan argues that the two industries are completely different, some investors argue that an intersection of AI and crypto makes sense because both rely on decentralized computing networks and data infrastructure.
The argument is that blockchains can provide payment rails and coordination systems for AI services that operate across the internet without a central owner. In fact, last month, Citrini Research’s report that laid out AI bubble fear and caused a brief market meltdown, mentioned that autonomous AI agents will disrupt traditional payment systems by bypassing credit card networks in favor of stablecoins.
Others say blockchain-based systems could also help track how AI models use data, verify outputs or manage digital identities for autonomous software agents.
While the idea of convergence of the two industries remains largely experimental, it has fueled a wave of startups trying to link AI development with crypto-based networks. Meanwhile, many bitcoin miners have already pivoted into the AI boom by repurposing their data centers and power infrastructure to support artificial intelligence computing
Even bitcoin could benefit from AI’s growth, NYDIG, a financial services and infrastructure firm, said. The firm’s analyst argued that if AI cuts jobs and wages, weakening consumer demand, it could force policymakers to cut rates to stabilize the economy, and adding a wave of liquidity could support the bitcoin price.
AI bubble fear
Khan’s comments come as the AI investment boom that surged after ChatGPT’s launch is beginning to show signs of strain.
Nvidia (NVDA) — the dominant supplier of chips used to train AI models — and networking and custom AI chip maker Broadcom (AVGO) are both down roughly 5% year-to-date, reflecting growing questions about the pace of returns from massive AI spending.
Meanwhile, the Citrini report that caused the AI scare outlined a hypothetical 2028 scenario in which rapid AI adoption leads to widespread white-collar job losses and a sharp drop in consumer spending.
While it is a concerning scenario, Khan is looking at the bigger picture, saying that similar fears have accompanied nearly every technological revolution.
“If you read Karl Marx, he said the same thing about machines 200 years ago,” Khan said. “Now we’re having an AI revolution that could be as big as the Industrial Revolution, and people are making the same arguments.”
He added that new technologies have historically reshaped labor markets rather than eliminating jobs entirely.
“When there is new technology, you create new kinds of jobs,” Khan said.
BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR), the largest Ethereum-focused treasury firm, purchased 60,976 ether (ETH) through last week, increasing the pace of accumulation as the firm bets crypto prices are nearing the end of what it calls a “mini winter.”
The latest purchase, worth some $120 million at current prices, lifted BitMine’s ETH holdings to over 4.5 million tokens, worth more than $9 billion, according to a Monday update from the company. This was the company’s largest weekly purchase in token terms in 2026 so far.
The firm has steadily added to its treasury throughout the market downturn, even as unrealized losses on its position now is estimated at around $7.8 billion, according to data from DropsTab.
Chairman Thomas Lee said the company stepped up buying from the recent weekly average of roughly 45,000 to 50,000 ETH as market signals suggest a potential bottom may be forming.
“We continue to believe that crypto prices are in the late/final stages of the ‘mini-crypto winter,’” Lee said in a statement.
“As the adage goes, nobody rings the bell at the bottom.” he said. “Therefore BitMine’s strategy is to slightly increase its pace of ETH accumulation.”
The firm said it now earns $174 million annual revenue from staking more than 3 million of its ether token holdings, which could grow to $259 million once all tokens are locked to earn a yield.
The Bitcoin network has just reached 20 million mined coins, leaving just one million Bitcoin to be mined over the next century.
“The market is about to experience something new: A global asset with almost no new supply left,” Energy Co managing partner David Eng said in an X post on Sunday.
On average, about 450 new Bitcoins are mined each day at current rates. This rate halves roughly every four years as a result of the Bitcoin halving. With just 1 million Bitcoin supply left, the last Bitcoin is set to be mined around 2140.
Bitcoin’s finite supply offers “predictable rules”
Bitcoin mining company Elektron Energy CEO Raphael Zagury told Cointelegraph the level of clarity around Bitcoin’s supply is “unprecedented.”
“The issuance schedule is transparent decades into the future. Humans value predictable rules, especially when it comes to money,” Zagury said.
“The one million countdown reinforces everything that’s unique about Bitcoin,” added crypto exchange Swyftx portfolio manager Tommy Rogulj.
“It is a hard-capped, permissionless, and neutral bearer asset operating on a transparent supply curve that cannot be expanded like fiat currencies. This matters in a world that is increasingly succumbing to conflict and tech-driven uncertainty.”
In December, asset management firm Grayscale Investments said that a “digital money system with transparent, predictable, and ultimately scarce supply is a simple idea, but it has rising appeal in today’s economy due to fiat currency tail risks.”
“Non-event, no impact” on BTC’s price: Crypto exec
However, crypto analysts were not convinced the recent milestone would affect Bitcoin’s price.
“Already priced in, markets know the supply growth rate (inflation rate) of BTC with certainty, and it’s already lower than gold,” Capriole Investments founder Charles Edwards told Cointelegraph. “I think it’s a non-event, no impact.”
Zagury shares a similar view to Edwards. “I don’t think the milestone alone moves price in the short term,” Zagury said, adding that “liquidity and macro still dominate.”
Related: Bitcoin drops 2% as oil prices surge on energy shortage fears
“But long term, scarcity plus predictable policy is a powerful combination. Over time, markets tend to reward systems people can trust,” he said.
Bitcoin traded at $68,670 at the time of publication, down around 19% in the past year, according to CoinMarketCap.
What happens once Bitcoin supply stops?
One of the biggest questions among Bitcoiners is what happens once the last Bitcoin is mined in 2140, with some worried that the network’s security could suffer, as miners will no longer be incentivized by new coins.
It is understood that at that point, Bitcoin’s model will shift to transaction fees to incentivize miners to continue securing the network, though there are some concerns that it could lead to higher transaction fees.
Magazine: The debate over Bitcoin’s four-year cycle is over: Benjamin Cowen
CoinDesk Indices presents its daily market update, highlighting the performance of leaders and laggards in the CoinDesk 20 Index.
The CoinDesk 20 is currently trading at 1948.46, up 0.1% (+2.05) since 4 p.m. ET on Friday.
Nine of the 20 assets are trading higher.
Leaders: AVAX (+2.0%) and ICP (+1.4%).
Laggards: AAVE (-4.5%) and HBAR (-2.1%).
The CoinDesk 20 is a broad-based index traded on multiple platforms in several regions globally.
Pi Network price rose by 2.2% on Monday, making it one of the top gainers in the crypto market. It has now soared by ~70% from its lowest level this year, and several key catalysts may drive it higher this week.
Summary
- Pi Network price has rebounded by ~70% from its lowest level this year.
- The network will continue rising ahead of the upcoming Pi Day.
- Technical analysis suggests that the token will continue rising this year.
Pi Coin (PI) token was trading at $0.2165 on Monday, paring back some of the losses made on Sunday. This rebound has made it one of the best-performing coins in the crypto industry this year.
Pi Network token will likely continue the recent bull run because of the upcoming Pi Day event, which will take place on Saturday this week. The developers have a long history of making major announcements on this day. As such, the price may continue rising as traders anticipate the event.
Pi Network is going through a series of core upgrades, with the current one expected to conclude on March 12. These upgrades will make it a better network, especially as the developers plans to launch decentralized exchange and automated market maker tools.
Pi Network price will also benefit from the ongoing investments in the artificial intelligence industry. It invested in OpenMind last year, and on Friday, the developers shared key details of this partnership.
In addition to the monetary impact, Pi Network hopes that the partnership will help its miners make extra money by providing their resources to the company. It also hopes to replicate this model to other companies in the AI industry.
Pi Coin price will also benefit from the upcoming validator rewards distribution, which is expected to happen later this month.
Most importantly, there are signs that demand is rising. Data shows that the daily volume jumped to $38 million, much higher than where it was a few months ago when it dropped below $10 million.
Pi Network price technical analysis
The daily chart reveals that the Pi Coin price has staged a strong comeback after bottoming at its all-time low of $0.1312 on February 12.
Pi has already crossed above the 100-day Exponential Moving Average, confirming the bullish outlook. In most cases, moving above that level is a sign that bulls are in control for now.
The coin has moved above the Supertrend indicator. Also, the Percentage Price Oscillator and the Relative Strength Index have continued rising.
Therefore, the coin will likely continue rising as bulls target the important resistance level at $0.2935, its highest point in October last year. This price is about 35% above the current level.
Key Highlights
- Microsoft unveiled Copilot Cowork, leveraging Anthropic’s Claude Cowork platform, designed for Microsoft 365 business customers
- The AI agent automates workflows including presentation creation, Excel data manipulation, and calendar coordination with minimal user intervention
- MSFT shares have declined 15% year-to-date, with an additional 9% drop in February after Anthropic’s Claude Cowork announcement
- The tech giant is integrating Claude Sonnet models into M365 Copilot, diversifying away from exclusive OpenAI GPT dependency
- Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription seats surged 160% year-over-year during the latest reporting period
On Monday, Microsoft revealed Copilot Cowork, an innovative AI agent solution developed through a partnership with Anthropic. This release integrates Claude Cowork’s self-sufficient features straight into the Microsoft 365 platform.
The intelligent assistant can generate slide decks, fill spreadsheet cells, and coordinate with team members for scheduling — requiring only basic direction from users. The feature remains in beta testing, with broader availability planned for select enterprise customers within weeks.
Microsoft emphasized its security infrastructure as a differentiator. While Claude Cowork functions locally on individual machines, Copilot Cowork runs exclusively through cloud infrastructure.
“We work only in a cloud environment and we work only on behalf of the user. So you know exactly what information it has access to,” said Jared Spataro, who leads Microsoft’s AI-at-Work efforts.
The release comes at a strategic moment. Anthropic’s initial Claude Cowork announcement on January 30 triggered widespread concern across technology equities. Companies like Salesforce (CRM), ServiceNow (NOW), Intuit (INTU), and Thomson Reuters (TRI) experienced significant declines.
Microsoft wasn’t spared either. The company’s shares tumbled almost 9% during February in response to the Cowork announcement. Year-to-date, MSFT has retreated 15% from its 2026 opening levels.
Expanding Model Portfolio Beyond OpenAI
Monday’s reveal also signals an important strategic pivot in Microsoft’s artificial intelligence approach. The company confirmed it will offer Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet models within M365 Copilot — a platform that had previously operated solely on OpenAI’s GPT infrastructure.
OpenAI represents approximately 45% of Microsoft’s cloud services contract pipeline, a level of dependency that has concerned some market analysts. Incorporating Anthropic’s technology provides greater strategic diversification.
Copilot Cowork pricing details remain undisclosed. Microsoft indicated that certain functionality will be bundled within its current $30-per-user monthly M365 Copilot subscription, while additional capacity will require separate purchases.
Corporate Customer Growth Metrics
Microsoft’s business AI adoption figures demonstrate strong momentum. Paid M365 Copilot licenses expanded 160% compared to the previous year in the latest quarter, while daily engagement surged tenfold.
Organizations implementing Copilot across more than 35,000 licenses tripled year-over-year. Notable recent deployments span Mercedes-Benz, NASA, Fiserv, ING, and the US Department of the Interior.
Microsoft simultaneously introduced additional autonomous AI capabilities across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The Microsoft Agent 365 management platform has reached general availability at $15 monthly per user.
The corporation packaged its complete offering — encompassing Entra, Copilot 365, and Agent 365 — into a comprehensive Microsoft 365 E7 bundle priced at $99 per user monthly.
Microsoft shares closed Friday at $408.96, declining 0.42%, with pre-market indicators Monday morning pointing to an additional 1.1% decrease to $404.41.
Solana (SOL) ETFs have defied brutal market mechanics since going live in July 2025. While the token’s price collapsed by a little over 57% over the same period, the funds themselves have attracted $1.45 billion in net inflows.
This extreme divergence signals that a “serious investor base” is accumulating heavily even as retail capitulates.
Normally, assets that fall this sharply struggle to attract new liquidity. But Solana ETFs are doing the opposite, absorbing capital at a rate that effectively decouples institutional demand from spot price action. Adjusted for market capitalization, the buying pressure is nearly unprecedented.
To put the numbers in perspective, Solana’s inflow data is arguably stronger than Bitcoin’s when scaled for size.
Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Eric Balchunas notes that if adjusted for the market cap difference, Solana’s $1.45 billion haul is the equivalent of $54 billion in net new flows for Bitcoin, roughly double what Bitcoin ETFs managed at the same stage.
While Bitcoin holds above $68,000 amid strong ETF inflows, Solana’s accumulation during a 50%+ crash highlights a different kind of conviction.
“About as unlucky timing as you’ll ever see,” Balchunas wrote on X regarding the launch timing relative to the price crash. Yet, the funds have not only accumulated capital but retained it.
“They managed to not only accumulate $1.5 billion in flows but also not really give any of it up. Both are really good signs for the future.”
Discover: The best meme coins on Solana
Will SOL Price Catch Up with ETF Volume?
The resilience of these flows suggests the buyer profile is drastically different from the typical retail trader.
According to 13F filings, the majority of Solana ETF holders are institutions, hedge funds, pension funds, and asset managers, who typically operate with multi-year time horizons. They are buying the thesis, not the weekly candle.
As $1.5 billion floods Solana ETFs despite the crash, the data indicates smart money views the $85 range as a deep value zone. If these investors refused to sell during the steep slide from $300, they effectively set a high-conviction floor.
This behavior creates a “diamond hand” dynamic where a significant portion of the floating supply is moving into cold storage custody vehicles.
Balchunas framed the situation clearly: “If we adjust for the size of Solana versus Bitcoin market cap, it’s the equivalent of $54 billion in net new flows.”
For active traders, this metric is a leading indicator. Volume often precedes price, and in this case, custodial volume is screaming bullish divergence even while the chart looks bearish.
Could Institutional Accumulation via Solana ETFs Trigger a Supply Shock?
The broader implication here is a potential supply squeeze. When price drops but custody holdings rise, the asset becomes more illiquid on the sell side.
We are seeing a similar dynamic elsewhere in the market, where Bitcoin is vanishing from exchanges at rates that suggest a looming supply shock.
For Solana, the setup is even more aggressive given the market cap disparity. Investors viewing current prices as a buying opportunity rather than a warning sign have absorbed the selling pressure from the FTX-era unwinds and broader market corrections.
If market sentiment flips neutral or bullish, the lack of liquid supply could force a violent repricing to the upside.
The level to watch is $100. If ETF inflows sustain their current pace, a reclaim of this psychological level could trigger a squeeze against late shorts who are betting on a continued downtrend.
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The post Solana ETFs Build ‘Serious Investor Base,’ Outpacing Bitcoin in Key Metrics appeared first on Cryptonews.
Bybit has reaffirmed its commitment to the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions, unveiling a leadership change designed to accelerate growth across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The exchange said it appointed Derek Dai as the new MENA country manager, a move that places a sharper focus on market expansion, regulatory collaboration, institutional partnerships, and localized product development in the UAE and surrounding markets. The announcement comes as exchanges seek to balance regional risk with a strategy of deeper, more regulated presence in one of crypto’s fastest-growing hubs.
Key takeaways
- Bybit appointed Derek Dai as the MENA country manager, with responsibilities spanning market expansion, regulatory engagement, institutional partnerships, and localized product development.
- The firm stated it has no plans to scale back Middle East operations despite regional tensions, signaling a strategic pivot toward deeper regional investment.
- Dubai’s ecosystem remains a focal point, with Bybit aiming to broaden access to the UAE dirham and strengthen ties with local financial centers and banks.
- Market context underscores the Middle East as a pivotal crypto region: UAE-based crypto firms number in the thousands, and licensing activity in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM grew notably in early 2025.
- Safety measures for UAE-based staff were highlighted as the company navigates a volatile security environment while pursuing long-term regional growth.
Sentiment: Neutral
Market context: The Bybit development aligns with broader regional crypto activity and regulatory evolution in Dubai and across the UAE. Data points from the region highlight its growing role in the crypto economy, including the presence of thousands of crypto firms and notable licensing trends in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The broader story of crypto adoption in the Gulf continues to unfold amid geopolitical risk and ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
Why it matters
The Middle East has emerged as a strategic corridor for crypto activity, drawing exchanges, custodians, and fintech firms that seek regulated access to capital, talent, and a growing consumer base. Bybit’s move to formalize a dedicated MENA leadership role signals a commitment to long-term presence in a region that regulators view as a test case for integrating digital assets into mainstream finance. The UAE’s ambition to become a leading digital asset hub remains a central narrative, even as external shocks test business continuity and risk management practices.
Industry dynamics in the region are shaped by a concerted effort to bridge digital assets with traditional finance. Bybit’s emphasis on expanding UAE dirham liquidity and forging partnerships with banks and payment providers points to a broader strategy: to provide seamless on/off-ramps and to integrate crypto services into existing financial infrastructures. In this context, collaborations with major financial centers like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) are pivot points for establishing compliant, scalable operations that can weather regional instability.
The regional narrative is reinforced by data suggesting a real, if uneven, growth trajectory. In neighboring Iran, for instance, crypto activity has shown spikes in withdrawal flows following regional events, underscoring a demand for accessible digital asset channels during periods of stress. Authorities and industry participants alike watch how the Gulf states balance innovation with risk controls as they ramp up licensing regimes and supervision architectures. In the crypto policy space, these dynamics are part of a broader pattern of increased institutional interest and regulated infrastructure building in the area.
Bybit’s leadership statements emphasize a deliberate, locally rooted approach. The company’s leadership argues that the UAE’s vision to become the world’s leading digital asset hub is not undermined by crisis; rather, the country’s demonstrated resilience reinforces the strategic rationale for building in the region. In practical terms, the company has outlined concrete steps to support its people on the ground, including daily check-ins, real-time safety confirmations, and relocation or travel assistance as needed to navigate the evolving risk environment.
The expansion plan also reflects a longer horizon for digital asset infrastructure in the region. Bybit’s focus on deepening ties with major financial centers and expanding tokenized real-world assets can help bridge traditional finance with the digital asset ecosystem. The move sits within a broader ecosystem of UAE-based activity, where approximately 1,800 crypto companies operate and employ more than 8,600 people, and where licensing activity in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM has shown meaningful upticks at the start of 2025 compared with the previous year.
As the market digests these developments, Bybit’s approach will be watched for signals about the region’s openness to institutionalized crypto services and the reliability of regional fintech partnerships during times of geopolitical tension. The company’s emphasis on compliance, talent development, and community engagement aligns with a cautious but forward-looking view of Dubai and the UAE as critical nodes in the global digital asset economy.
What to watch next
- Regulatory progress in the UAE, particularly around licensing frameworks and approvals tied to DIFC and DMCC initiatives.
- New partnerships with banks and payment providers to enable UAE dirham settlements and broaden on/off-ramp capabilities.
- Progress on tokenized real-world assets and other product integrations that connect digital assets with everyday financial services.
- Updates on Bybit’s regional hiring, local compliance programs, and regional risk-management practices.
Sources & verification
- Bybit press release announcing Derek Dai as MENA country manager and outlining expanded regional responsibilities.
- Bybit statements reaffirming continued Middle East commitment and plans for deeper regional investment.
- Analyses and data on UAE crypto ecosystem indicators, including the scale of firms and licensing trends in ADGM for early 2025.
- Reports on crypto activity in Iran and related outflows following regional strikes, with coverage tied to industry data sources.
Bybit broadens MENA footprint as regional tensions test crypto expansion
Bybit is recalibrating its regional strategy with a formal MENA leadership appointment that signals longer-term intent to build in a market viewed as a strategic gateway for regulated crypto services in the Middle East. Derek Dai’s appointment as MENA country manager places demand-side growth, regulatory collaboration, and partnerships at the forefront of the company’s regional playbook, while anchored by a local product development agenda tailored to the UAE and nearby markets. The emphasis on regulatory cooperation is a notable signal in a landscape where compliance and risk management increasingly determine what gets built and who can operate in the region.
In remarks accompanying the announcement, Bybit’s leadership stressed resilience and continuity. Helen Liu, co-CEO of Bybit, highlighted that the company has no intention of scaling back its Middle East footprint despite the current crisis, framing the region as a strategic priority rather than a temporary exposure. A subsequent blockquote captured the stance: “Some companies are reassessing their Gulf exposure right now. We are doing the opposite. We are deepening our presence, our investment, and our commitment to this region.”
The discourse around Bybit’s regional strategy also includes a strong emphasis on people and governance. The exchange noted ongoing measures to safeguard UAE-based staff, including daily safety check-ins and relocation or travel support where needed. This attention to workforce welfare sits alongside a broader push to enroll local talent in regulatory compliance, community initiatives, and long-term capacity-building—an approach seen as essential to maintaining operations in a high-stakes environment.
On the commercial front, Bybit’s strategy centers on expanding access to local currencies, expanding partnerships with banks and payment providers, and strengthening the financial infrastructure that ties digital assets to everyday finance. The leadership stressed a desire to deepen collaboration with Dubai’s flagship financial ecosystems, notably the DIFC and DMCC, as part of a broader effort to anchor digital asset services within established economic channels. The aim is to create a more integrated ecosystem where digital assets can interface smoothly with traditional finance, while also supporting the growth of tokenized real-world assets that bridge the two worlds.
Beyond the immediate operational implications, the story in the UAE and wider MENA reflects the region’s growing prominence in the crypto space. The market’s trajectory is shaped by a combination of regulatory clarity, a robust capital cycle, and a corporate push to scale responsibly in a market characterized by both opportunity and risk. While the geopolitical backdrop remains unsettled, the region’s regulators and financial centers have continued to emphasize the importance of a regulated, compliant, and innovation-friendly environment for digital asset services.
- Avalanche climbed above $9 as bulls mirrored broader gains.
- However, the altcoin remains in bearish momentum as the price hovers below a key level.
- Derivatives data and technical indicators offer a mixed outlook for the AVAX price.
Avalanche price continues to face headwinds as the token trades just above $9.00.
Despite slight gains after four consecutive days of downward action, AVAX price remains below the $10 mark as on-chain metrics and technical indicators show a mixed outlook.
The overall bearish price action and underlying crypto market sentiment favour sellers, particularly amid the unfolding geopolitical scenario.
Avalanche derivatives outlook
The derivatives market for Avalanche presents a conflicting picture that traders must navigate carefully.
On one hand, Avalanche futures Open Interest (OI) has fallen to $387 million, having declined steadily since mid-January.
Coinglass data shows OI is nearing the February low of $361 million, which could highlight a drop in investor confidence amid a broader bearish outlook.
Such a decline in open interest typically suggests that traders are closing positions rather than opening new ones, reflecting a cautious or bearish sentiment across the broader market.
However, a closer look at the funding rates tells a different story. The funding rate for AVAX turned positive on Monday after hitting -0.0153% on March 6.
While it is not steady amid recent price declines, it currently hovers around 0.0070%.
A positive funding rate indicates that long positions are paying shorts.
Often, this suggests that despite the falling price, a segment of the market remains bullish and is willing to pay a premium to hold long positions.
This divergence of a falling open interest and positive funding suggests that while overall participation is down, the remaining leveraged traders are optimistic of a notable rebound.
Avalanche price forecast
The technical picture for Avalanche indicates that the region around the $8.63 and $8.10 levels provides a crucial support zone.
AVAX has bounced off this area multiple times in the past two months, with bulls setting the lower boundary of the range as a key level on Feb 6 and on Feb 26.
However, the bulls have failed to go higher amid supply wall rejection below $10.
Avalanche’s price has declined by more than 26% year-to-date.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) currently reads 46, which is below the neutral 50 level.
However, it’s upturned to indicate that bulls could reclaim traction.
Also notably, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator features a bullish crossover whose upside bias has not yet been invalidated.
As of Monday morning, AVAX traded at $9.08, hovering just above the critical support zone.
Should the market sentiment shift and buyers step in, a recovery to above $11 could bring the next level of $14 into play.
If the bearish momentum outlook picks up fresh momentum, the token’s value could test the February 6 low of $7.53.
Kraken will be working with Nasdaq to deliver tokenized stocks.
Payward, the infrastructure platform behind the popular US-based crypto exchange Kraken, has announced that it will be teaming up with Nasdaq. The initiative aims to develop tokenized equities and further bridge traditional capital markets with blockchain-based financial systems.
The move highlights a growing effort within the traditional financial industry to modernize its infrastructure. As CryptoPotato reported earlier last week, it was indeed the crypto industry that led global markets following the US strike on Iran.
xStockz, Kraken’s tokenized equity product, will power a permissionless infrastructure layer designed to support Nasdaq’s issuer-sponsored equity tokens.
Tokenized stocks, as well as commodities such as Gold, Silver, and most recently, crude oil, have been the talk of the town lately, as crypto-powered exchanges allow for 24/7 trading unlike many of the traditional venues.
According to the official release, the initiative will build on the growing adoption of xStocks, which has already surpassed $25 billion in total transaction volume, per reports. In essence, Kraken will be acting as a distribution partner. Commenting on the matter was Arjun Sethi, co-CEO of Payward and Kraken, who said:
Tokenization upgrades market infrastructure at the asset layer by allowing equities to exist as programmable financial instruments that can operate across both regulated capital markets and open blockchain networks. Today most equities sit inside brokerage systems where their utility is laregly limited to directional exposure and, in some cases, broker-specific margin arrangements.
The move signals the increasing institutionalization of the industry, as well as a notable shift towards traditional equities and commodities. Moreover, Kraken seems to be pedal-to-the-metal on the latest shift, becoming the very first company to receive a Fed Master account last week.
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