Latest news with #ChaseErgen
Crypto Insight
18 hours ago
- Business
- Crypto Insight
Crypto to become UAE's second-biggest sector in 5 years — Institutional investor
The crypto sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on track to become its second-largest industry in the next five years, due to the country's regulatory policies and attractive business environment, according to Chase Ergen, a board member of publicly traded digital asset investment firm DeFi Technologies. 'They have a reputation for leadership, legislation, and community,' Ergen told Cointelegraph in an interview. He also predicted: 'They sell oil, that's their main business. I think their second-biggest business is going to be the blockchain industry in the next five years. This will start to be double-digit parts of the economy.' The country has a clear crypto regulatory framework, a community of key crypto industry executives, a debt-free economy that allows the government to funnel surplus into tech investments, low crime, attractive tax policies, and forward-thinking leadership, Ergen added. The UAE has created a moat that has made it the undisputed hub for crypto and tech in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) amid growing nation-state adoption of crypto and the race between sovereign powers to become global leaders in the digital finance age. Nation-state crypto adoption ramps up in 2025 Nation-state crypto adoption accelerated in 2025, following the inauguration of president Donald Trump in the United States and the regulatory shift that followed. The Trump White House released its long-promised crypto report in July, outlining the administration's plan to make the US the global leader in crypto. Pakistan's government reversed its long-held opposition to cryptocurrencies in November 2024, one day before the US presidential election. Since that time, Pakistan has established a national Bitcoin reserve and appointed a national crypto council to craft a comprehensive digital asset regulatory framework within the country. Sovereign wealth funds, including the UAE's Mubadala and Norway's sovereign fund, have exposure to Bitcoin through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other investment vehicles. Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the largest state-directed investment fund of its kind in the world, increased its Bitcoin exposure by 192% over the last year, according to crypto research firm K33. Source:
Globe and Mail
18-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Universal Digital Inc. Appoints Chase Ergen to Advisory Board to Accelerate Global Digital Asset Strategy
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 18, 2025) - Universal Digital Inc. (CSE: LFG) (FSE: 8R20) (" Universal Digital" or the " Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Chase Ergen to its Advisory Board. Mr. Ergen is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with over two decades of experience spanning satellite communications, 5G infrastructure, and digital asset innovation. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of DeFi Technologies Inc. (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B) (OTC: DEFTF), a publicly traded company advancing institutional access to decentralized finance. As the son of Charlie Ergen, founder of Dish Network and EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), Mr. Ergen has long been immersed in the evolution of global communications and financial infrastructure. His leadership roles have included pioneering early Bitcoin mining operations, championing blockchain adoption, and advancing the future of permissionless technologies. Mr. Ergen's appointment brings additional experience in digital asset strategy and governance and supports Universal Digital's objective of engaging with individuals who have contributed to the development of emerging financial technologies. "We are thrilled to welcome Chase Ergen to our Advisory Board," said Tim Chan, CEO of Universal Digital Inc. "His global perspective, hands-on experience, and active governance roles within the blockchain sector align directly with our strategic goals as we scale access to next-generation digital asset platforms." "Universal Digital's focus on expanding institutional access to digital assets through listed structures in Asia Pacific is a forward-looking and strategic move," said Chase Ergen. "There is growing interest in Asia Pacific for corporate treasury applications of digital assets. I look forward to supporting the Universal Digital team as they pursue structured and compliant avenues for institutional engagement across key markets." RSU Grant The Company also announces the grant of 75,000 restricted share units (RSUs) to Mr. Ergen pursuant to Universal Digital's Long-Term Incentive Plan. The RSUs will vest in eight equal quarterly installments over a two-year period from the date of grant. Each RSU entitles the holder to receive one common share of the Company upon vesting, subject to the terms of the plan and applicable securities laws. About Universal Digital Inc. Universal Digital Inc. is a Canadian investment company focused on digital assets, businesses and private and publicly listed entities that are involved in high-growth industries, with a particular focus on blockchain, cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency technologies. The Company aims to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth through a diversified investment approach, and to participate in the transformation of global finance through the integration of digital asset strategies. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes but is not limited to the appointment of advisors to its Advisory Board; the Company's strategic objectives and growth plans; its intention to expand access to digital asset platforms; expectations regarding the blockchain and digital asset sectors; the regulatory environment with respect to the growth and adoption of decentralized finance and digital assets; the pursuit by the Company and its subsidiaries of business opportunities; and the Company's future business activities, prospects, and investment strategy and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but is not limited to the growth and development of decentralised finance and the digital asset sector; rules and regulations with respect to decentralised finance and digital assets; general business, economic, competitive, political, regulatory and social uncertainties. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Khaleej Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
American telecom heir eyes GCC's growing digital assets ecosystem
The GCC's digital assets market is booming. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, among the Mena region's top-three markets alongside Turkey, received $30 billion in digital assets last year alone. The combined revenue of the two countries in the digital assets space is projected to touch nearly $1.5 billion in 2025. And while Saudi Arabia leads on the revenue front, the UAE, with over 500 licensed entities, is building for the next billion crypto users, taking massive leaps in bridging traditional finance and blockchain-focused innovation, and lining up several advancements from a regulatory, security, and operational aspect. As several global digital asset companies look to set base here, American tech entrepreneur and billionaire heir Chase Ergen, who has been an open advocate of financial inclusion through decentralized innovation, is eyeing the UAE's digital asset market. Chase is on the Board of Nasdaq-listed DeFi Technologies, and is the son of American billionaire Charlie Ergen, co-founder and Chairman of EchoStar and Dish Network. According to Chase, Mena's fast-evolving financial landscape offers a strategic entry point for DeFi Technologies to list locally and integrate into the region's infrastructure. As a publicly listed company in the US, DeFi Technologies brings regulated digital asset exposure tailored for investors and institutions, an offering that aligns closely with the region's commitment to fostering innovation through collaboration with banks, startups, and policymakers. With expertise in both traditional finance and digital innovation, DeFi Technologies is positioned to help GCC institutions and investors navigate the complexities of the digital asset landscape. This regional focus reflects a commitment to building a more open and inclusive financial future. For retail & institutional players, it means access to world-class digital asset products, research, and trading infrastructure that bring new opportunities for economic growth and participation. The future of finance in Mena The story of DeFi Technologies reveals a larger shift underway in global finance: the blending of traditional finance systems with decentralized innovation. In the Mena region, this shift is happening very quickly, with both established banks and emerging startups experimenting with open APIs, regulatory sandboxes, and new models of collaboration to propel the industry forward. DeFi Technologies stands at the center of this movement. The company provides institutional investors with access to more than 65 leading digital assets through exchange-traded products (ETPs), advanced trading infrastructure, and strategic partnerships. Chase, whose background spans satellite technology, telecommunications, and decentralized finance, brings a rare perspective on the intersection of legacy infrastructure and cutting-edge digital innovation. As a former bitcoin miner and early blockchain advocate, he brings both technical knowledge and cultural insight into the digital asset space. Outside of his leadership in the boardroom, Chase serves as Executive Director of the Make America Wealthy Again (MAWA) Super PAC, where he advocates for policies that support inclusion and innovation, most notably a 0% capital gains tax on digital assets valued under $1 million. His work is driven by a commitment to building modern financial systems that align with DeFi Technologies' mission to reimagine how finance works in the digital age.
