XBTO, a global institutional digital assets company, today said they have received In-Principle Approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to operate in the UAE. 

The news comes as the Middle East becomes an increasingly important destination for crypto businesses, and recognises the region as a dominant global hub for capital flowing into traditional and digital assets.

Philippe Bekhazi, Founder & CEO, XBTO said, “Receiving an In Principle Approval is a significant step forward for XBTO in establishing a strong presence in the rapidly growing Gulf region.”

“We believe the UAE has the potential to become the global hub for digital asset businesses worldwide, so it is important that XBTO as one of the world’s leading digital assets companies has a foothold here. I’m excited to see this area of the business develop in the coming months and years.”

The IPA marks a significant milestone in XBTO’s journey and commitment towards becoming a regulated digital assets business in the different jurisdiction they are presently in, having been regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) since 2019 and currently applying for licenses in the UK and France. 

A major reason XBTO has chosen ADGM as a base for its expansion is that the FSRA is one of  the first regulators globally to introduce and implement a comprehensive and bespoke regulatory framework for the regulation of exchanges, custodians, brokers, and other intermediaries engaged in virtual asset activities and ADGM being the fastest growing financial centre in the region, with a 211% increase in assets under management (AUM) in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023.

In addition, with notable financial institutions launching in Abu Dhabi last year, Abu Dhabi is rapidly attracting its target segment of clients including family offices, traditional and crypto native macro hedge funds, high net worth individuals, blockchain protocols, VC funds, brokerages and more. 

XBTO previously announced it has been selected by Hub71 Digital Asset program earlier this year, which is reflective of how the company plans to help build a thriving and successful digital asset ecosystem out of Abu Dhabi.

Karl Naïm, Global Head of Business Development & General Manager XBTO Middle East added, “This is an exciting time for digital assets, the UAE and surrounding countries. There is strong interest in the growth of the sector here. XBTO is working with organizations across the region and we look forward to working hand in hand with the regulator, decision makers and institutions to help build a thriving and leading digital assets ecosystem from Abu Dhabi.”

XBTO will continue to have its main company headquarters in Bermuda, and European offices in Paris and London, while leveraging Abu Dhabi as a base to better locally serve the Middle East. It is well positioned to expand on the back of strong business growth, with its  actively managed strategies AUM growing by 11x in 2024. In line with XBTO’s long term commitment to the UAE and regulatory frameworks, and subject to the regulatory approval for the grant of the FSP, the company plans on making further investments to invest in their presence in the UAE.