Latest news with #RifadMahasneh
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
OKX Introduces Regulated Crypto Derivatives for Retail Traders in UAE
OKX says it is the first global crypto exchange to launch regulated derivatives products for retail traders in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), offering access to futures, perpetual contracts, and options with up to 5x leverage. The launch falls under the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)'s pilot framework, which allows select platforms to test innovative financial products in a controlled environment. OKX's new offering opens tools previously available only to professional traders, giving retail participants ways to hedge, speculate, or diversify strategies in volatile market conditions. 'This is a pivotal moment,' said Rifad Mahasneh, CEO of OKX MENA in a statement. 'Retail investors in the UAE have asked for more robust tools, and we're delivering that within a regulated framework designed to protect them.' Crypto derivatives have become a hot area of focus with big exchanges buying up derivatives platforms and a number of new offerings coming to market. OKX has also introduced educational materials and Arabic-language support aimed at improving investor literacy around leverage and derivatives, according to a press release. The launch underscores Dubai's growing appeal as a global crypto hub, driven by clear regulations and infrastructure aimed at balancing innovation with investor protection. Since entering the UAE market, OKX has partnered with regional Web3 projects and worked alongside regulators to shape policy. The exchange's expansion marks a shift in access, allowing retail users to participate in markets once reserved for institutional players. Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
28-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
OKX marks UAE growth milestone with launch of regulated retail derivatives pilot offering
Regulated retail derivatives to give traders greater flexibility, risk control, and strategic options across all market conditions. Arabic and English language user education tools and risk management features are being rolled out to promote informed and responsible trading. Dubai, UAE – OKX, a leading global crypto exchange and Web3 technology company, today announced a significant expansion of its operations in the UAE with the launch of regulated retail derivatives products, making it the first global exchange to offer retail futures, perpetual contracts, and options within a regulated VARA Pilot framework. The launch comes as OKX continues to see strong momentum in the UAE. The newly introduced regulated crypto retail derivatives offering provides customers with enhanced flexibility and a broader range of trading strategies across different market conditions, marking the first time such crypto derivatives have been made accessible to retail investors in the UAE under a regulated structure. 'This represents a pivotal moment for both OKX and the UAE's broader digital asset ecosystem,' said Rifad Mahasneh, CEO, OKX MENA. 'By launching the first fully regulated retail derivatives offering in the UAE, we are both reinforcing our long-term commitment to responsible innovation and regulatory alignment, as well as listening to feedback from our customers, who have been asking for this type of offering in the UAE. The UAE has emerged as a global model for how thoughtful regulation can unlock access while prioritizing investor protection.' Whether navigating volatility or seeking to hedge existing positions, customers can now access futures contracts, perpetual contracts, and options with up to 5x leverage, in accordance with local regulatory guidelines. These tools empower retail traders to respond more effectively to market trends, manage risk with greater precision, and tailor their strategies to both bullish and bearish environments, all within a secure, compliant, and high-performance trading environment. OKX's expansion highlights the UAE's growing reputation as one of the most forward-looking jurisdictions for digital asset regulation. With Dubai and Abu Dhabi emerging as regional crypto hubs, the country continues to attract global players thanks to its regulatory clarity, supportive infrastructure, and emphasis on innovation. Since establishing its presence in the UAE, OKX has actively collaborated with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority [VARA] and other stakeholders to shape frameworks that support innovation while upholding market integrity and transparency. 'Good regulation is not a constraint, it is an imperative within our industry,' added Mahasneh. 'The UAE has created an environment where innovation and compliance go hand in hand. This has enabled OKX to introduce sophisticated products like derivatives to retail users in a responsible and secure manner.' As part of its broader regional strategy, OKX has invested in local hiring, Arabic-language customer support, educational initiatives, and partnerships with Web3 startups and institutions. The derivatives offering will be accompanied by user education tools and risk management features to promote informed, responsible trading. The launch builds on the company's rapid growth in the region following its receipt of a Virtual Asset Service Provider [VASP] license from VARA in 2024. OKX continues to prioritize security, accessibility, and compliance as it expands its role in shaping the Middle East's evolving digital asset landscape. For more information, visit: Media Contact: media@ About OKX Trusted by more than 60 million customers around the globe, OKX is a technology company building a decentralized future that makes the world more tradable, transparent and connected. We're known for being one of the fastest and most reliable crypto apps in the world, and have processed trillions of dollars in transactions. We have key regional offices, including headquarters in San José, California, for the Americas and in Dubai for the Middle East. We also have offices in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Republic of Türkiye, Australia and Europe. Over the past several years, we've built one of the world's most comprehensive regulatory compliant, licensed crypto companies. We hold licenses in the United States, the UAE, EEA, Singapore and Australia, as well as in other markets. We're steadfastly committed to transparency and security and publish Proof of Reserves reports on a monthly basis. To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit:
Crypto Insight
07-05-2025
- Business
- Crypto Insight
OKX exec warns against hype amid real-world asset tokenization boom
The CEO of crypto exchange OKX's Middle East and North Africa (MENA) division has called on the industry to prioritize real-world utility as interest in tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs) continues to grow. In a Cointelegraph interview at the Token20249 event in Dubai, OKX MENA CEO Rifad Mahasneh warned that while tokenization is promising, projects must 'clearly demonstrate' the benefits of tokenizing specific assets. 'In some cases, we're tokenizing things that don't need tokenization, but in some cases, we're tokenizing things that actually give you real, everyday value, right? And if you can see that everyday value, then that is a promising project,' Mahasneh told Cointelegraph. He said hype can drive project growth in the Web3 space, but providing everyday value should be the priority. RWA tokenization gains traction in the UAE Mahasneh's comments come amid an increase in real-world asset tokenization projects in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates. On May 1, MultiBank Group signed a $3 billion RWA agreement with the UAE-based real-estate firm MAG and blockchain infrastructure provider Mavryk — the largest RWA initiative worldwide to date. In addition to billions in RWA deals, the UAE government has started working on RWA tokenization. On March 19, the Dubai Land Department — the government agency responsible for promoting, organizing and registering real estate in Dubai — announced a pilot phase of its real-estate tokenization project. The agency is working with Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), the emirate's crypto regulator. On Jan. 9, RWA project Mantra also signed a $1 billion deal with Damac Group to tokenize the assets of the UAE-based conglomerate. However, months later, Mantra saw one of the biggest token collapses in crypto history, wiping out billions in market capitalization on April 13. Mahasneh told Cointelegraph that the region's clear regulations help drive bigger institutions to get into tokenization and crypto. He said regulatory clarity allows understanding of how key players in the space, like exchanges, are governed. UAE stablecoin framework gives institutions confidence The executive also praised the region's progress in stablecoin regulations. In June 2024, the Central Bank of the UAE approved a regulatory framework for stablecoin licensing. This clarified the issuance, supervision and licensing of dirham-backed payment tokens. According to Mahasneh, this demonstrates the UAE's speed in regulating crypto-related technologies. The executive also highlighted that the central bank's involvement gives institutions extra confidence in entering the business. 'Other markets are still debating whether they should have crypto regulations. Here, we moved into developing stablecoin regulations. For an investor, you want to know that your stablecoin is regulated. That's a big plus,' Mahasneh said. Since then, major players like Tether have joined the race by issuing a dirham-pegged stablecoin. On April 29, institutions like Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund, the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), First Abu Dhabi Bank and the International Holding Company partnered to launch a dirham-pegged stablecoin, pending regulatory approval. Source:
Gulf Business
27-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Join our tech panel event on April 23 in Dubai
Scenes from our most recent panel event on February 20, 2025. (Gulf Business) The Gulf Business Business Breakfast is back this April: this time with a sharp focus on the technologies powering the next wave of digital innovation across the region. Taking place on 23 April 2025 at the Metropolitan Hotel Dubai , the high-level panel event will bring together senior voices from telecoms, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, and e-mobility. Register here: Agenda: As the region accelerates towards a digital-first future, the event will explore how emerging technologies are transforming industries, reshaping business models, and influencing regulatory frameworks. Attendees can expect dynamic conversations with a cross-section of tech leaders, policymakers and innovators—delving into how the UAE and wider GCC can position themselves at the forefront of global innovation. Big names, bold ideas Among the confirmed speakers are: Rifad Mahasneh , General Manager, OKX MENA Iwan Stella , Head of Strategy and Commercial Management, Ericsson Middle East and Africa Cherian Varghese , Senior Vice President, Technology – Middle East and Africa, Oracle Samar Mittal, Vice President and MEA Head of Cloud & Network Services, Nokia Dr. Mohamed Madkour , VP, ICT Strategy & Marketing, Huawei Middle East & Central Asia Vasudha Khandeparkar , AI, Analytics and Data Practice Lead, Grant Thornton UAE Andreas Hassellof , CEO and Founder, Ombori Additional top panellists will represent companies including e& , Tahaluf , and more. The agenda includes keynote speeches, four sector-specific panels, and plenty of opportunities for networking and audience Q&A. Agenda: Gulf Business Business Breakfast Date: 23 April 2025 Time: From 8:00am Venue: Metropolitan Hotel Dubai 08:00am – Registration & Breakfast 09:00am – Welcome by Manish Chopra , Publisher, Gulf Business 09:05am – Chair's Opening Remarks by Gareth van Zyl , Group Editor, Gulf Business 09:15am – Keynote Speech 09:30am – Panel: Telecoms & Cloud – The Next Frontier The impact of 5G Advanced and the roadmap to 6G The shift from telco to techco Sovereign cloud, data security, and the future of telecom innovation Key panellists: Iwan Stella, Ericsson Cherian Varghese, Oracle Dr. Mohamed Madkour, Huawei Samar Mittal, Vice President and MEA Head of Cloud & Network Services, Nokia 10:00am – Keynote Speech 10:15am – Panel: Artificial Intelligence – A Regional Powerhouse The UAE's rise as an AI innovation hub AI's impact on finance, healthcare, and logistics International partnerships and regulatory outlook Key panellists: Vasudha Khandeparkar, Grant Thornton Andreas Hassellof, Ombori 10:45am – Panel: Blockchain Evolution – From Pilots to Pioneers From proof-of-concept to full-scale deployments How UAE regulations are attracting blockchain leaders The role of tokenisation, DeFi, and CBDCs Key panellists: Rifad Mahasneh , General Manager, OKX MENA 11:15am – Keynote Speech 11:30am – Panel: The State of E-Mobility UAE's roadmap for EV adoption and infrastructure Connected mobility through telecom and cloud EV subscription models, battery tech, and sustainability policies 12:00pm – Closing Remarks Registration is now open. Join us for a morning of strategic insight, meaningful connections, and forward-thinking dialogue.
