CLS Global Admits to Wash Trading on Uniswap Amid FBI Sting

January 26, 2025

Catenaa, Sunday, January 26, 2025 – Dubai-based crypto market maker CLS Global will plead guilty to charges of market manipulation and wire fraud related to wash trading on the decentralized exchange Uniswap, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday 22.  The company, which was targeted in an FBI sting operation, agreed to pay over $428,000 in penalties and […]

Coinbase in Talks to Acquire Crypto Options Exchange Deribit

March 25, 2025

Catenaa, Tuesday, March 25, 2025-Coinbase is in advanced discussions to acquire Deribit, the world’s largest crypto options exchange for Bitcoin and Ether, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.  The companies have reportedly informed regulators in Dubai, where Deribit holds a license. The exchange, valued between $4 billion and $5 billion as of January, […]

Dubai Launches $16B Tokenized Real Estate Platform

June 1, 2025

Catenaa, Sunday, June 01, 2025-The Dubai Land Department last week launched the city’s first government-backed tokenized real estate platform, aiming to digitize $16 billion worth of property by 2033 and lower the barriers to property investment in one of the world’s most lucrative real estate markets. Announced May 25, the platform-dubbed Prypco Mint- is developed […]

Dubai Mandates Crypto Whale Identity Disclosure

March 8, 2025

Catenaa, Friday, March 07, 2025 –Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) plans to introduce new rules requiring cryptocurrency service providers to disclose the identities of major token holders, commonly known as crypto whales, according to CEO Matthew White.  The regulation aims to improve transparency in the digital asset market by mandating virtual asset service providers […]

Dubai Partners with Crypto.com for Public Crypto Pay

May 18, 2025

Catenaa, Sunday, May 18, 2025-Dubai Department of Finance has signed a partnership with Crypto.com to enable cryptocurrency payments for government services, marking a major push in the emirate’s digital finance ambitions. Announced during the Dubai FinTech Summit, the agreement allows residents and businesses to pay for public services using stablecoins through Crypto.com’s wallet platform. The […]

Dubai to Host Middle East Blockchain Awards In April

February 22, 2025

Catenaa, Thursday, February 20 – Dubai will once again be the host city for the Middle East Blockchain Awards (MEBA) on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, following the success of its inaugural edition. Details can be found here. The prestigious event will take place at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and coincide with the TOKEN2049 conference, […]

Mideast markets fall on uncertainty around Trump tariffs

February 19, 2025

Catenaa, Tuesday, February 18, 2025 – The majority of Middle East (Mideast) stock markets fell in early trade on Tuesday, due to ongoing global uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s plans for tariffs on imports which has kept investors on edge. Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on imports from China, and announced plans for 25% tariffs […]

Ripple Expands UAE Presence with Two New Payment Partners

May 25, 2025

Catenaa, Sunday, May 25, 2025-Ripple announced partnerships with UAE-based Zand Bank and fintech firm Mamo to integrate Ripple Payments, its blockchain-driven cross-border payment platform, marking a significant expansion in the Middle East. The announcement follows Ripple’s regulatory approval by the Dubai Financial Services Authority earlier this year, making it the first blockchain-enabled payments provider licensed […]