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Crypto Exchange Development MENA: Features & Regulatory Requirements

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MENA Crypto Market info

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most structured environments for regulated digital asset markets. Regulated hubs like the UAE, alongside fast-growing grassroots adoption across North Africa, create a $250B addressible market. According to the World Crypto Rankings 2025 report released by DL and Bybit, the UAE ranks #1 in MENA and 5th globally for crypto adoption. The country recorded $56 billion in crypto inflows between 2024-25, reflecting a 33% YoY growth, with institutional transfers accounting for roughly half of the activity. In December 2024, the MENA-wide digital asset transaction volumes also reached their monthly peak at $60B, indicating a robust regional demand beyond the Gulf hubs.

This rapid expansion of regulated digital asset activity is driving demand for compliant crypto exchange software development tailored to regional licensing, banking integrations, and asset-issuance requirements. Across the Gulf, crypto trading platforms are evolving beyond retail exchanges into regulated financial infrastructure supporting custody, brokerage, tokenized-asset issuance, and cross-border digital-asset settlement within unified venues.

For institutions, fintech operators, and market entrants, launching cryptocurrency exchange software in the MENA region, therefore, requires architecture and features aligned with both market demand and regulatory frameworks. The guide outlines the core architecture, essential features, regulatory requirements, and step-by-step process needed to deploy crypto exchange software across the MENA region.

Why the MENA Region Is Becoming a Global Crypto Exchange Hub?

  • Regulatory clarity led by the UAE and Bahrain

VARA (UAE), ADGM (Abu Dhabi), CBB (Bahrain), and emerging Saudi regulatory frameworks provide licensing pathways for crypto exchange software, custodians, and brokers across the region.

  • Rapid growth in regulated digital-asset activity

As stated earlier, the UAE processed tens of billions in crypto flows and ranks among the leading global adoption markets.

  • Institutional and high-value transaction dominance

According to Chainanalysis, institutional and VIP-sized transfers accounted for a substantial share of regional crypto activity in 2024-2025, reinforcing demand for custody-integrated and OTC-capable exchange infrastructure.

  • Expansion of tokenized real-world asset markets

GCC economies are advancing regulated tokenization initiatives, including national real-estate tokenization programs and large-scale asset-issuance pilots.

  • High cross-border capital and remittance flows

GCC countries collectively processed over USD 131.5 billion in outbound remittances annually in 2023. Stablecoin settlement and digital-asset transfers have captured more than 10-20% of the remittance market globally over the past year.

  • Adoption beyond regulated hubs

MENA crypto exchange development opportunity isn’t limited to the UAE or middle east. North African markets, such as Egypt and Morocco, rank among the world’s top crypto-adoption economies, despite having restrictive regimes, indicating latent exchange demand across the broader region.

  • Institutional capital entering digital assets

Several banks, brokers, and investment firms are launching regulated crypto trading services. Over the past few years, the following regional banks and institutions in the UAE have embedded regulated digital asset offerings into their existing services.

Entity Type Institution Service Launched Year Key Features
Bank Standard Chartered (UAE) Institutional Custody 2024 DFSA-licensed; services for institutional clients like hedge funds.
Bank Emirates NBD (ENBD) Partior Blockchain Rails 2024 Real-time cross-border settlement using blockchain technology.
Invest. Firm CBB Licensed Firms Stablecoin Issuance (SIO) 2026 First framework for BHD-pegged and USD-pegged stablecoins.
Central Bank Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) Bitcoin Holding/Sovereign Exposure 2024/25 Indirect exposure via micro-strategy style holdings ($68B+).
Broker OKX Middle East VASP Broker-Dealer 2024 Full retail/institutional license for spot, derivatives, and fiat.
Broker Binance FZE Full VASP License 2024 Migrated to a full operational license for trading and custody in Dubai.
Bank Neom/Digital Banks Blockchain Settlements 2026 Exploring CBDC and blockchain-based smart contracts.
Broker IG UAE Crypto CFDs 2024/25 Regulated crypto derivative trading without needing a digital wallet.
Bank RAKBANK Retail Trading (Bitpanda) 2025 First major local bank to offer direct AED-to-crypto in-app trading.
Broker Binance Bahrain VASP License / Banking Rails 2024 Full license to operate in the Kingdom’s “Crypto Hub.”
Bank Liv Bank (ENBD) Retail “Liv X” Trading 2025 Digital-native bank offering trading via Aquanow partnership.
Invest. Firm Mashreq Capital BITMAC Fund 2025 Regulated hybrid fund (BTC + Gold/Equity) with low entry barriers.
Invest. Firm Blockchain Founders Fund Web3 VC Operations 2025/26 Expanded Dubai presence for institutional Web3 equity & token deals.
Bank Sygnum Bank (DIFC) Crypto-Lending & Staking 2026 Lombard loans against crypto assets and 24/7 instant settlement.
Invest. Firm QFC Digital Asset Lab Tokenized Asset Trading 2025 Qatar Financial Centre legalized “Security Tokens.”
Bank Comm. Bank of Dubai Open Finance APIs 2026 First “Open Finance” bank connecting bank accounts to crypto VASPs.
Broker Local VASPs Regulated Trading License 2025/26 Shifted from a ban to licensing under Law No. 14 of 2025.
Broker Bitunix / Deepcoin Specialized Derivatives 2026 High-leverage futures trading for experienced local traders.
Bank BBK (Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait) Crypto-as-a-Service (MoU) 2025 First GCC bank to integrate Binance’s white-label API.

Core Architecture & Essential Features for MENA-Ready Crypto Exchange Development

Launching crypto exchange software in the MENA region requires an architecture that supports regulated trading, tokenized asset issuance, compliance controls, and financial integration aligned with regional markets. Core infrastructure components and essential features must, therefore, include:

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1. Multi-Asset Trading and OTC Execution Engine

As mentioned above, the MENA markets show significant demand for high-value, specific and institutional-size transactions. Cryptocurrency exchange software must therefore support spot, OTC and block-trade execution with configurable spreads, competitive pricing, and broker-assisted workflows.

2. RWA Tokenization and Listing Infrastructure

Observing the pace of regional tokenization initiatives, no crypto exchange software can afford to exclude asset issuance and listing. Crypto trading platforms must build infrastructure to onboard, list and support secondary trading of tokenized RWAs such as real estate, funds, and structured investments within the same venue as crypto assets.

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3. Institutional Custody and Settlement Controls

Cryptocurrency exchange development requires custody controls such as segregated wallets, managed accounts, settlement approvals, and reporting suitable for regulated financial entities to support increasing institutional participation in MENA.

4. Stablecoin Transfer and Settlement Capability

Given the region’s massive remittance flows and stablecoin adoption, cryptocurrency exchanges should facilitate deposits, withdrawals, and on-platform cross-border value transfers alongside trading functionality.

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5. GCC Banking and Fiat Integration

Cryptocurrency exchange software must connect to regional banking rails for deposits and withdrawals in local currencies and stablecoins redemptions, enabling compliant treasury and settlement operations.

6. Compliance, Surveillance, and Reporting Systems

For MENA-based cryptocurrency exchange development, businesses must integrate AML/KYC onboarding, transaction monitoring and regulatory reporting workflows required by VARA and other frameworks. 

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7. Sharia-Aligned Asset and Market Configuration

Islamic-finance-alligned markets require configurable screening of assets, trading rules and product structures to support Sharia-compliant digital-asset offerings. Cryptocurrency exchange software targeting middle east markets must integrate such controls to enhance authorities and peoples’ confidence in their platforms.

8. Privacy and Data Governance Controls

Apart from the Sharia regime, various regional data protection and AML frameworks govern crypto activity in the region. Crypto exchange software built for the MENA markets must, therefore, implement user-data governance, permissioned visibility and transaction monitoring controls to comply with such requirements.

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MENA Crypto Market info

Antier recently introduced VARA-ready white label crypto exchange infrastructure for UAE and MENA markets, reflecting growing demand for regulated digital-asset venues capable of supporting both trading and compliant asset issuance within unified exchange environments. For institutions planning early entry into the region, it combines remittance, asset issuance, banking connectivity, robust custody and other region-relevant functionalities.

What are the Regulatory Requirements for Launching a Crypto Exchange in MENA?

Regulatory Area What Regulators Require Operational Impact on Crypto Exchange Software
VASP / Exchange Licensing Authorization from VARA (Dubai), ADGM (Abu Dhabi), CBB (Bahrain), or relevant authority Defines permitted services (trading, brokerage, custody, issuance) and geographic scope
Custody & Asset Safeguarding Segregation of client assets, secure wallet architecture, settlement controls Requires institutional custody, segregated accounts, approval workflows
AML/KYC & Transaction Monitoring Identity verification, sanctions screening, ongoing transaction surveillance Onboarding, monitoring, and reporting modules embedded in vcrypto exchange software development
Market Surveillance & Reporting Trade monitoring, abuse detection, regulator reporting Crypto exchange software must implement surveillance and audit trails
Banking & Fiat Integration Approval Licensed banking partnerships and approved fiat rails Fiat deposits/withdrawals and stablecoin redemption tied to banking partners
Tokenization / Asset Issuance Authorization Approval for listing or issuing tokenized assets under securities/asset frameworks Cryptocurrency exchange software must support compliant asset onboarding and lifecycle controls
Data Protection & Privacy Compliance User data storage, consent, and processing rules under regional laws Data governance, access control, and auditability requirements
Sharia Compliance (where applicable) Asset screening and product structuring aligned with Islamic finance Cryptocurrency exchange must enable Sharia-aligned asset configuration and trading rules

Since regulatory requirements differ across MENA jurisdictions, exchange operator must collaborate with legal council at cryptocurrency exchange development company to pursue country-specific licensing strategies while deploying adaptable exchange infrastructure.

How Antier Enables MENA Crypto Exchange Software Launches

It is clear that launching a regulated crypto exchange software in the MENA region requires fool-proof infrastructures embedded with regional-specific architecture and feature components. Those building crypto exchange software must now build crypto exchange superapps with features that resonate with the target region’s demand.

Antier’s VARA-ready white label crypto exchange infrastructure supports the regional evolution by combining regulated trading, RWA tokenization, institutional custody, banking connectivity, and compliance controls aligned with MENA regulatory frameworks. This enables financial institutions, fintech operators, and market entrants to deploy crypto exchange software tailored to regional licensing and market requirements without building from scratch.

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For organizations planning entry into MENA digital-asset markets, adopting jurisdiction-aligned exchange architecture early provides a structural advantage in licensing readiness and banking integration. As the region continues to formalize regulated digital-asset ecosystems, cryptocurrency exchange software built on compliant and adaptable infrastructure will be best positioned to scale across multiple MENA jurisdictions.

Talk to our experts to get started with MENA-alligned crypto exchange development.

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Crypto World

AERO Price Jumps 12% Today

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AERO CMF

Aerodrome Finance price climbed 12% over the past 24 hours, drawing renewed attention from traders. Despite the sharp uptick, AERO remains locked in a broader sideways structure.

This consolidation phase reflects cautious optimism rather than confirmed breakout strength. While short-term momentum improved, sustained upside requires stronger follow-through.

AERO Holders Exhibit Optimism

The Chaikin Money Flow indicator signals improving macro sentiment for Aerodrome Finance. Outflows that peaked around early December 2025 have steadily declined. Inflows now dominate, suggesting capital is returning to AERO. This shift indicates investors are gradually rebuilding exposure.

CMF currently sits at a three-and-a-half-month high. Elevated readings often reflect sustained buying pressure rather than short-lived speculation. Strengthening inflows point to growing confidence among participants. This macro bullishness may provide structural support for further price appreciation.

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Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

AERO CMF
AERO CMF. Source: TradingView

Futures market data reinforces the constructive outlook. AERO contracts are currently skewed toward long positions. Traders are positioning for potential upside continuation. Long exposure stands at approximately $2.35 million, reflecting notable bullish interest.

The $0.351 resistance level remains a critical barrier. A move above this threshold would trigger a significant short liquidation cluster worth roughly $623,560. Forced short covering can accelerate upward momentum. Such dynamics often amplify breakouts in volatile crypto markets.

AERO Liquidation Map.
AERO Liquidation Map. Source: Coinglass

AERO Price Is Awaiting a Breakout

AERO is trading at $0.327 at the time of writing after posting a 12% daily gain. Despite the surge, the token remains within its consolidation range. Current technical and derivatives signals present a cautiously bullish outlook. However, confirmation depends on overcoming immediate resistance.

AERO Price Analysis.
AERO Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

Breaching the $0.352 barrier is essential for a sustained breakout. Clearing this level would likely trigger short liquidations and strengthen bullish momentum. The Squeeze Momentum indicator shows compression building, while the histogram reflects underlying strength. A squeeze release could propel AERO toward $0.400.

AERO MACD
AERO MACD. Source: TradingView

Downside risks persist if buyers fail to maintain control. Continued consolidation between $0.352 and $0.292 would signal hesitation. A breakdown below $0.292 would weaken the bullish structure. Further losses could push AERO toward $0.273 or even $0.243, invalidating the current recovery thesis.

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Glassnode flags extended sell-side pressure ahead

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OpenAI launches smart contract security evaluation system

BTC is down ~28% this month; Glassnode’s sub‑1 realized P/L ratio signals 5–6 more months of downside pressure.

Summary

  • BTC trades near ~$63k after a sharp February selloff, about 47% below its ~$126k ATH from October 2025.
  • Glassnode’s 90D realized profit/loss ratio has fallen below 1, historically preceding at least 5–6 months where realized losses dominate realized profits.
  • In prior cycles, BTC dropped ~25% over six months in 2022 and >50% over five months in 2018 after this metric flipped sub‑1, implying risk of further drawdown if patterns repeat.

Bitcoin has approached previous highs following a sharp decline in February, though blockchain analytics firm Glassnode has indicated further downward pressure may persist for several months, according to the company’s recent analysis.

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Glassnode reported that Bitcoin’s realized profit/loss ratio, measured as a 90-day moving average, has fallen below 1. The firm stated this metric suggests the decline could continue for an additional five to six months.

In a post on social media platform X, Glassnode cited historical data showing that drops in the Realized Profit/Loss Ratio below 1 have preceded decline periods lasting at least six months. The firm noted that a return above 1 generally indicates a decrease in selling pressure.

The analytics company referenced the 2022 and 2018 bear markets as comparative examples. During the 2022 bear market, Bitcoin declined 25% in value six months after its profit/loss ratio fell below 1, according to Glassnode. Under similar conditions in 2018, Bitcoin experienced a drop exceeding 50% over five months.

Glassnode stated that if historical patterns repeat, the cryptocurrency’s price could continue its downward trend for five months or longer.

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The Realized Profit/Loss Ratio measures the ratio of profits to losses realized on the Bitcoin network, providing insight into market sentiment and selling pressure among holders.

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5 red months, 74% LTH profit rapidly eroding

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5 red months, 74% LTH profit rapidly eroding

BTC is down ~50% from ATH, with 74% LTH profit shrinking as supply in loss hits 50% amid multi‑month selling.

Summary

  • Long-term BTC holders still sit on ~74% average profit, but that margin is compressing as price grinds toward the LTH cost basis near ~$39k.
  • BTC has printed almost five straight red monthly candles after a volatility spike above 150%, while weekly RSI hits one of its most oversold levels ever around the $60k-$65k zone.
  • BTC supply in loss has hit ~10m coins, roughly 50% of the 20m circulating, a capital destruction level that has historically coincided with bear market bottoms.

Bitcoin long-term holders currently hold an average profit of approximately 74%, though that margin continues to decline as the cryptocurrency’s price moves closer to their cost basis, according to CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost.

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The analyst noted that historical bear market cycles have been characterized by prices breaking below the long-term holder cost basis, triggering capitulation phases marked by realized losses of around 20%. Long-term holders are defined as investors known to be less sensitive to short-term price fluctuations, Darkfost stated.

Market recovery and bull phase entry have historically occurred only after such capitulation events, according to the analysis.

Glassnode reported that the 90-day moving average of the Realized Profit/Loss Ratio has fallen below 1, confirming a transition into an excess loss-realization regime. The blockchain analytics firm stated that these bearish conditions have historically persisted for at least six months before liquidity returns to markets.

Analyst James Check reported that Bitcoin has recorded nearly five consecutive red monthly candles following the largest volatility spike of the current cycle. Check observed that one-week realized volatility spiked above 150%, a level typically associated with capitulation events, and that weekly RSI has reached one of the most oversold readings in Bitcoin’s history. A significant amount of Bitcoin has migrated to new holders in a high price range this year, according to Check’s analysis.

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Bitcoin supply in loss reached 10 million coins, the fourth-highest reading on record, analyst James Van Straten reported. Van Straten noted that circulating supply will reach 20 million Bitcoin next week, with 50% held at a loss. Historical patterns suggest such capital destruction levels are sufficient for a bear market bottom, according to Van Straten.

Bitcoin experienced a minor price rebound during early Asian trading hours, though bearish sentiment remains dominant in the market. The price movement formed another lower high while a key support level continues to hold, according to technical analysis.

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Anchorage Digital Buys Strategy STRC as Stock Becomes Most-Shorted

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Anchorage Digital Buys Strategy STRC as Stock Becomes Most-Shorted

Crypto bank Anchorage Digital said it now holds Strategy’s perpetual preferred security STRC on its balance sheet, adding an institutional backer to Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin treasury company at a time when Wall Street traders are increasingly betting against it.

In a Wednesday post on X, Anchorage co-founder and CEO Nathan McCauley said the purchase shows alignment between two companies built around Bitcoin (BTC) infrastructure and corporate treasury adoption. “Conviction compounds. Institutions don’t just talk about Bitcoin, they structure around it,” McCauley wrote.

“When the company that operationalizes Bitcoin infrastructure puts capital alongside the company that operationalized the Bitcoin treasury strategy…that’s a signal,” he added. Anchorage did not reveal the size or timing of the position.

According to Strategy’s website, STRC is a Nasdaq-listed perpetual preferred security marketed as a short-duration, high-yield instrument. The shares pay an 11.25% annual dividend distributed monthly in cash. Capital raised through the instrument has historically financed the firm’s continued Bitcoin accumulation.

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Related: Michael Saylor says quantum threat to Bitcoin is more than 10 years away

Strategy becomes Wall Street’s most-shorted stock

Anchorage’s purchase comes as Strategy has climbed to the top of Goldman Sachs’ list of most-shorted large-cap US equities by short interest as a percentage of market capitalization. A year ago, it did not rank among the top 50. The company began rising on the list in late 2025 as its share price weakened even before Bitcoin peaked in October.

Strategy becomes the most shorted large-cap stock. Source: Goldman Sachs

Short selling involves borrowing shares and selling them with the expectation of repurchasing later at a lower price. Losses can grow if the stock rises.

Strategy functions as a leveraged public-equity proxy for Bitcoin. It issues securities and deploys the proceeds into BTC. Gains can amplify during rallies, while downturns magnify pressure on the share price.

The company currently holds 717,722 Bitcoin worth about $46.68 billion at current market prices. On Monday, it announced another purchase, acquiring 592 BTC for $39.8 million. The coins were acquired at an average cost of roughly $76,020, leaving the company sitting on an estimated $7 billion unrealized loss with Bitcoin trading near $66,000.

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Related: Michael Saylor hints at Strategy’s 100th Bitcoin buy

Strategy plans debt-to-equity shift

Last week, Strategy founder Michael Saylor said the company intends to convert roughly $6 billion in convertible bond debt into equity, replacing repayment obligations with newly issued shares. The change would lower leverage on the balance sheet by turning bondholders into shareholders, though it could dilute existing investors.