BitOasis expands to Bahrain
BitOasis, the Middle East and North Africa's (MENA) leading regional virtual assets trading platform, has officially launched its operations in Bahrain, reinforcing its position as the region's most trusted, compliant, and locally rooted broker-dealer platform.
0
BitOasis Bahrain will operate under a Crypto-Asset Services License from the Central Bank of Bahrain, delivering secure, compliant, and robust trading services for retail, corporate, and institutional users. Designed to cater to all types of traders, it offers an easy-to-navigate interface for beginners, while also providing advanced features for more experienced traders seeking sophisticated tools.
To expand its presence in the region, BitOasis has launched premium services for high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients, featuring exclusive VIP offerings and dedicated relationship support. The platform also supports local bank transfers, ensuring seamless and efficient deposits and withdrawals across the GCC.
Attendees at the launch event were joined by Ali Dashti, the General Manager of BitOasis Bahrain, Ola Doudin, CEO and Co-Founder of BitOasis, and Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder of CoinDCX.
'Today marks a significant milestone as we proudly launch BitOasis in Bahrain,' said Ola Doudin, CEO and Co-Founder of BitOasis. 'BitOasis has always stood for trust, providing the best experience for users, and maintaining a robust platform. With the backing of CoinDCX for over a year now, we are accelerating that mission. CoinDCX's 200+ strong technology team now powers the platform's backend, unlocking faster performance, deeper liquidity, stronger security, and a significantly enhanced product suite. Our ambition is clear: to reach one million users across the region by 2026, setting the gold standard for compliance, innovation, and customer experience.'
This milestone comes at a time when the MENA region is rapidly emerging as one of the fastest-growing virtual asset markets globally. Fueling this momentum are forward-looking government initiatives across the GCC. Countries like the UAE are making significant investments in blockchain and digital infrastructure—signaling strong institutional support for the long-term growth of the sector.
This commitment is further amplified by a young, tech-savvy population and proactive regulators working to establish a compliant and thriving crypto ecosystem. With internet penetration exceeding 99% in UAE and nearly 60% of the region's population under the age of 30, the GCC stands out as one of the most digitally native markets in the world, creating fertile ground for large-scale crypto adoption.
The numbers reflect this trajectory. According to IMARC Consulting, the GCC cryptocurrency market was valued at $744.3 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $3.5 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 16.75%. Additionally, approximately 38% of crypto users in the region have annual incomes exceeding USD 15,000, reflecting a strong base of financially empowered individuals.
'For CoinDCX, MENA is not a market to merely enter—it's a region to co-build. Since acquiring BitOasis in July 2024, we've seen tremendous progress. BitOasis secured a full VASP License from VARA in December 2024, and with its launch in Bahrain, we're further strengthening our regional presence. By joining forces, we're creating a platform that's local at heart but global in strength. Our goal is to transform the market, building the most secure, compliant, and future-ready crypto platform in the region,' said Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder, CoinDCX.
Since its inception in 2016, BitOasis has processed over USD 7.4 billion in trading volume and raised over USD 40 million in funding. This expansion into Bahrain comes on the heels of BitOasis securing a full Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) License from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority in December 2024.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Coin Geek
a day ago
- Coin Geek
Bank of Italy: MiCA not enough buffer from stablecoin risk
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework was a landmark moment for the European digital asset space and was hailed as the most complete regulatory framework globally. However, according to the governor of the Bank of Italy, it's not enough to protect consumers from the risks of stablecoins and 'crypto' volatility. Governor Fabio Panetta downplayed the impact that MiCA has had in the region since it took effect late last year. In his remarks for the bank's annual report, he noted that only a few stablecoin issuers have received the new license, and their circulation is limited. 'In Italy, there has so far been little interest in the issuance of crypto-assets by supervised intermediaries and other operators, while a growing focus on custodial and trading services has been observed,' he stated. Circle, the company behind USDC, the second-largest stablecoin, was among the earliest recipients of the new license. However, its main rival, Tether, has shunned the license, which CEO Paolo Ardoino labeled as 'very dangerous to stablecoins.' Tether's refusal to adhere to MiCA regulations could see USDT delisted by European exchanges, and some already have. Even if MiCA was fully effective in the EU, 'heterogeneity in regulatory approaches at international level remains a source of risk,' Panetta added. Platforms regulated in other jurisdictions, where regulations are not as stringent, would still remain a threat to European investors in the post-MiCA world. 'These risks can be contained through international cooperation – an objective for which Europe could take the lead. But we would be remiss to think that the evolution of crypto-assets can be controlled only through rules and restrictions.' Panetta pushes the digital euro Beyond MiCA, Panetta warned that the increasing integration of digital assets into the legacy financial system could harm confidence in banking. 'The risks that stem from this sector will have to be monitored carefully, especially the reputational risks linked to the provision of crypto-assets by banks…there is a concern that crypto-asset holders might not fully understand their nature and conflate them with traditional banking products, with potentially negative repercussions for confidence in the credit system should losses occur,' he stated. While Europe has embraced digital assets and stablecoins, the region has lagged in developing regional solutions and heavily relies on American firms. This has concerned European leaders, and Panetta echoed these concerns. He believes that if American tech firms push digital asset payments, domestic payment methods could get crowded out, 'negatively affecting monetary sovereignty, personal data protection, and credit intermediation, which so far has always been integrated with and complementary to the provision of payment services.' There is, however, one solution that could compete with all the digital asset alternatives: a digital euro. The governor stressed that the central bank digital currency (CBDC) would match the ongoing tech advances, all while preserving the role of central bank money. Before taking over the Italian central bank, Panetta was a board member at the European Central Bank (ECB), which is behind the development of the digital euro. In his four-year tenure at the ECB, he was a fierce critic of digital assets, which he said are 'riddled with market failures and negative externalities.' Stripe working with banks to integrate stablecoins Elsewhere, global fintech giant Stripe is in discussions with its banking partners on stablecoin integration, co-founder John Collison says. Stripe launched stablecoin accounts for its users in 100 countries a month ago, allowing them to send and receive USD-pegged stablecoins, 'similar to how a traditional fiat bank account works.' 'This is not something that banks are just kind of brushing away or treating as a fad. Banks are very interested in how they should be integrated with stablecoins into their product offerings as well,' he told Bloomberg. Stablecoin adoption has skyrocketed in recent years, and on Monday, their collective market cap surpassed $250 billion for the first time. Last year, over $27.6 trillion was moved in stablecoins, which was more than Visa (NASDAQ: V) and Mastercard (NASDAQ: MA) combined. However, the bulk of the transactions were limited to speculative trading on exchanges. This vast market is attracting mainstream financial firms, and Collison says Stripe also intends to double down on its stablecoin focus. 'A lot of our future payment volume is going to be in stablecoins. This is, for sure, a big part of our business on a go-forward basis.' Watch: CBDCs are more than just digital money title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">


Fashion United
a day ago
- Fashion United
Refiberd Announced as Winner of Trailblazer Programme 2025 at Global Fashion Summit
Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) and PDS Ventures have revealed Refiberd as the winner of the Trailblazer Programme 2025. The announcement was made last night at the official Celebration Dinner of Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2025, the leading international forum for sustainability in fashion, presented by GFA. Refiberd, shortlisted under the 'Closed Loop Pathways' category, was selected by a panel of industry experts based on the potential for systemic impact demonstrated in their comprehensive application and live pitching. The company's pioneering technology uses hyperspectral imaging and AI to accurately identify the material composition of textiles, unlocking critical advancements in textile recycling, resale authentication, and traceability. As the Trailblazer winner, Refiberd will receive an investment of up to USD 200,000 from PDS Ventures, pending successful completion of financial and legal due diligence and final Investment Committee approval. The award also includes strategic commercial and operational support from PDS Group, including development and commercialisation assistance from its innovation-focused subsidiary, Positive Materials. Federica Marchionni, CEO, Global Fashion Agenda, said: 'At this year's Summit, we are challenging the industry to address its greatest obstacles and implement proven catalysts for change. Refiberd exemplifies how technological innovation can help bridge longstanding structural gaps in the fashion system. Their solution reflects the spirit of the Trailblazer Programme and the theme of 'Barriers and Bridges' by turning challenge into opportunity. We are proud to support their journey and continue fostering a space where collaboration across sectors enables transformation at scale.' Pallak Seth, Executive Vice Chairman, PDS, commented on the award win: 'We are thrilled to name Refiberd as the winner of the Trailblazer Programme 2025. Refiberd embodies the spirit of visionary entrepreneurship—developing breakthrough technology with the potential to transform the fashion industry. The funding support provided through this award will be instrumental in scaling its innovations and driving forward circular textile recycling across the supply chain. Now in its second year, the Trailblazer Programme has seen incredible momentum, attracting applicants from six continents and showcasing a diverse mix of pioneering solutions. This growing global response reflects the commitment of PDS Ventures, in collaboration with Global Fashion Agenda, to empower founders who are reimagining fashion for a more sustainable future. The 2025 edition sets a new benchmark for excellence, demonstrating the calibre of talent shaping the next era of fashion—one that is more circular, equitable, and climate-conscious.' Credits: Global Fashion Agenda Sarika Bajaj, Co-Founder & CEO, Refiberd said: 'The Refiberd team is thrilled to have been selected as the winner for the 2025 Trailblazer Programme! Having our technology be recognised by so many influential members of the fashion and textile industry is incredible validation for our team, and we are so grateful that the judges recognised the need for more accurate material data across the supply chain. This opportunity comes at a critical growth point for Refiberd, and we are thrilled to work towards scaling our technology with the support of the Trailblazer Programme, PDS Ventures, and Global Fashion Agenda.' Now in its second year, the Trailblazer Programme 2025 received over 200 applications from 44 countries across six continents - nearly double last year's total. Nine outstanding innovators were selected following a rigorous review by a cross-sector jury including representatives from Ralph Lauren, Fashion for Good, Zalando, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, GFA, and PDS Ventures. This year's programme was structured around three key innovation pillars that address critical priorities for a more sustainable fashion industry: Working With Nature, Closed Loop Pathways, and Tech Powered Transformation. The overall runners-up were Manny AI, recognised under the Tech Powered Transformation pillar for its AI platform enabling responsive, demand-driven supply chains, and Matereal, highlighted under Working With Nature for its chemical and AI-powered platform that creates less toxic, decarbonised polymers for textiles to fit supply chain needs. The nine shortlisted Trailblazers were featured within the Innovation Forum at Global Fashion Summit, gaining direct exposure to industry stakeholders, brands, manufacturers, and investors. The physical Trailblazer Award was designed and produced by Yellow Octopus Circular Solutions, created from a minimum of 60% recycled textile waste sourced directly from the fashion industry. More than just a symbol, the award contains approximately a box full of textiles. Visit to learn more about the Trailblazer Programme and explore the featured innovators.


The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Huge change to crypto investing rules revealed by city watchdog as it issues warning
A HUGE change to crypto investing rules could come into force as the city watchdog issues a warning. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is set to lift a ban on some investments for individual, or retail, investors. 1 The watchdog has launched a consultation looking at allowing them to access crypto exchange-traded notes (cETNs). Crypto ETNs can be bought and sold and work by tracking the performance of cryptoassets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. It means people are exposed to its changing value without needing to hold the asset themselves. Currently, just professional investors are allowed to buy and sell the investment product after the FCA granted them access last year. At the time, the regulator said it still believed crypto ETNs to be 'ill-suited for retail consumers due to the harm they pose'. David Geale, the FCA's executive director of payments and digital assets, said the proposals today reflected how the FCA was committed "to supporting the growth and competitiveness of the UK's crypto industry". However, he added: "We want to rebalance our approach to risk and lifting the ban would allow people to make the choice on whether such a high-risk investment is right for them given they could lose all their money.' Access to crypto derivatives would still be banned for retail investors – but the FCA said it would continue to consider its approach to high-risk investments. In April, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she wanted the UK to be a 'world leader in digital assets' and announced plans to make crypto firms subject to regulation in the same way as traditional finance companies. 'While the UK will always be committed to high international standards, I am determined that our regulatory framework supports economic growth,' she said at the time. Four bombshell clues in hunt for elusive Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakomoto revealed in doc - & signs he could be BRITISH But the FCA's chairman Nikhil Rathi recently warned that the number of young people turning to crypto as their first taste of investment was 'not great', adding that it was 'very high risk and you could potentially lose all your money'. The price of Bitcoin hit a fresh all-time high last month, topping about 111,000 dollars (£82,000) as the crypto market rallies amid support from Donald Trump's administration in the US. What is cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrencies differ from physical currencies, such as the pound. They are created using blockchain technology and part of their appeal is that they are not controlled by governments or a central bank, such as the Bank of England. It means the currency can be used to transfer wealth outside of the traditional banking system, making it easier to cross borders or stay anonymous when moving wealth. Bitcoin is the leading cryptocurrency but its rise has helped other cryptocurrencies also grow in value, such as Ethereum. In recent years, more mainstream companies and institutions have invested in cryptocurrency, and part of the recent rise in value is based on President Trump 's favourable views on cryptocurrency. How do people invest in crypto? In the UK, you cannot invest in cryptocurrency funds through stocks and shares ISAs, general investment accounts, or pensions due to regulations. If you want to invest in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, you'll need to use specialist trading platforms like Coin Bureau or PlanB. These platforms allow you to own crypto as a financial asset, though some accounts may not let you spend it. Crypto businesses in the UK must register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). To check if a business is registered, visit the Financial Services Register at There's also a list of unregistered businesses at Businesses on this list may be operating illegally. If you don't want to invest in cryptocurrencies directly, you can still gain exposure to the market by investing in companies involved in the crypto space. The dangers of investing in crypto HERE are five key risks to keep in mind when investing in cryptocurrencies: Consumer protection: Many cryptocurrency investments promising high returns are not fully regulated, apart from anti-money laundering rules. This means you may have limited protection if things go wrong. Price volatility: Cryptocurrency prices can rise and fall dramatically, making it easy to lose money. It's also difficult to reliably determine their value. Product complexity: Crypto products and services can be complicated, which makes it hard to understand the risks. Plus, there's no guarantee you can convert your cryptocurrency back to cash—it depends on market demand and supply. Charges and fees: Crypto investments often come with high fees, which can eat into your returns. These fees are often higher than those for regulated investments. Marketing hype: Some firms exaggerate potential returns or downplay the risks involved. Be cautious of flashy promotions. It's essential to only invest in cryptocurrency if you fully understand how it works and the risks involved. Remember, there's no guarantee you can exchange it for real cash, and its value can change drastically in a short time. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always double-check with a trusted friend or advisor if you're unsure. Be wary of glowing websites or perfect reviews - fraudsters often create convincing scams. For tips on avoiding scams, check out our guide.