Latest news with #sustainableInvestment
Finextra
20-05-2025
- Business
- Finextra
UK startup CurveBlock approved to join Digital Securities Sandbox
CurveBlock, a UK-based proptech start-up pioneering carbon-zero housing and real estate tokenisation, has been officially approved to join the UK's Digital Securities Sandbox (DSS) — a joint initiative from the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). 0 CurveBlock becomes the ninth company to enter the DSS and the first to focus on real estate development fund tokenisation, a sector that analysts predict could unlock trillions in new investment. The firm successfully passed Gate 1 of the sandbox entry process and will now begin the process of completing full applications to both the BoE and FCA for full authorisation. Founded in Leeds in 2018 by Gary Woodhead, Joey Jones, and Matthew Couch, CurveBlock is on a mission to democratise access to real estate development. Through blockchain-based digital shares, CurveBlock allows investors to take part in sustainable housing projects that produce more energy than they consume. Joey Jones, Co-Founder at CurveBlock said: 'We're delighted to become the ninth firm approved to join the Digital Securities Sandbox. This is a major step in our journey and a unique opportunity to test and evolve our platform under the guidance of the UK's leading financial regulators. It brings us closer to our vision of unlocking inclusive investment opportunities in real estate tokenisation.' The DSS was launched to provide a safe, structured environment for firms to trial innovative models in digital finance, with the goal of strengthening the UK's position as a global hub for fintech and sustainable growth. Participants engage with regulators at each stage and can progress through further gates that expand the scope of their permitted activities. CurveBlock's entry into the DSS comes at a pivotal moment for real estate tokenisation. A recent Deloitte report forecasts the global tokenised property market could soar from under $300 billion today to $4 trillion by 2035, with benefits including faster settlements, lower costs, and broader investor access. CurveBlock has also announced plans for a Series A funding round following its DSS approval in the coming months.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Real estate conference a key platform for developers, investors
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is all set to launch the 20th edition of the Oman Real Estate Conference and Exhibition next week, coinciding with Design and Build Week, scheduled to take place from May 19 to 24 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event is organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in collaboration with the Oman Real Estate Association. The conference serves as a key strategic platform that attracts elite developers, investors, and both local and international experts, as Oman continues its efforts to strengthen its regional position as a leading hub for sustainable urban investment. Speaking at the media briefing on Monday, Jamal al Hadi, Media Adviser to the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, confirmed that the conference aligns with national priorities aimed at achieving integrated urban development and enhancing Oman's global presence as an attractive investment destination. He highlighted that the "Invest in Oman" identity and global promotional initiatives are in line with these efforts to strengthen Oman's image in regional and international markets. Al Hadi explained that the real estate sector is now a fundamental pillar in supporting the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and enhancing the national economy. He noted that the conference brings together all stakeholders in the real estate ecosystem under one roof including investors, developers, individual beneficiaries and financial institutions led by Oman Housing Bank, which provides integrated financing solutions. Real estate conference a key platform for developers, investors FUTURE CITIES The conference reflects the government's direction towards developing smart cities and sustainable urban communities, with the announcement of landmark projects that mark a qualitative leap in the urban investment landscape, including the Sultan Haitham City, the Future City of Salalah and Al Khuwair Downtown project. The conference will witness the signing of new agreements under the 'Sorouh' initiative, one of the leading programmes aimed at providing integrated residential options that meet the aspirations of citizens. The initiative includes 18 projects distributed across 10 governorates, with over 90 per cent of the first phase already sold. Al Hadi pointed out that the ministry aims to reach 60 residential projects by 2030, as part of an ambitious vision to cover various wilayats of the Sultanate of Oman. He explained that these projects have contributed to creating hundreds of jobs and supporting small and medium enterprises, while achieving more than a 45-per cent reduction in infrastructure costs through integrated planning and optimised urban density. Real estate conference a key platform for developers, investors OVER 40 SPEAKERS, 180 EXHIBITORS The conference will host more than 40 international speakers participating in 10 discussion panels addressing global trends in urban planning, real estate investment and smart cities. The event will also feature 180 exhibition booths covering an area of over 13,000 square metres. The accompanying exhibition offers a comprehensive platform to showcase the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning's major projects, including the Sultan Haitham City, the Oman Mountain Destination and Al Khuwair Downtown project. The conference programme is rich with diverse activities and interactive sessions, including live presentations of future urban projects, specialised workshops on design and urban planning, as well as an investment forum, a youth forum, and a series of panel discussions that highlight challenges and showcase solutions, best practices, and international expertise in urban development and real estate investment. The conference will also address the adoption of smart and sustainable city models that focus on multi-resource development, improving quality of life, and enabling digital transformation and property technology (PropTech) by leveraging the latest technologies in planning, management and marketing. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arabian Business
12-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
OMNIYAT debuts $500mn green sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai
Dubai-based luxury developer OMNIYAT has made its debut in the international capital markets with the successful listing of a $500 million green sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai. The three-year issuance, priced at a profit rate of 8.375 per cent, attracted robust demand from regional and international investors, with the order book oversubscribed 3.6 times and peaking at $1.8 billion. This inaugural sukuk marks a significant step in OMNIYAT's long-term strategy to align profitability with sustainable development. Proceeds from the sukuk will be allocated under OMNIYAT's Green Financing Framework, which is aligned with the ICMA Green Bond Principles (2021), and will primarily support sustainable and environmentally responsible real estate investments. 'Today's bell ringing marks more than just a financial milestone, it signals OMNIYAT's long-term commitment to sustainable growth and responsible investment,' said Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman of OMNIYAT. 'The successful launch of this green sukuk reflects our belief that profitability and positive environmental impact are intertwined. The oversubscription and subsequent successful issuance is a testament to the growing appetite for investment vehicles that drive both economic growth and sustainable outcomes,' he added. The sukuk carries a spread of 461.7 basis points over the three-year US Treasury yield as well as priced to carry a profit rate of 8.375 per cent and benefits from OMNIYAT's recently assigned long-term credit ratings of 'BB' from both S&P Global and Fitch Ratings, each with a stable outlook. OMNIYAT, known for developments such as One at Palm Jumeirah, The Opus by Zaha Hadid, and The Lana, continues to attract ultra-high-net-worth buyers from across the globe. 'We are proud to list our green sukuk on NASDAQ Dubai, a world-class international exchange that offers unparalleled visibility, transparency, and connectivity to global investors. We thank the NASDAQ Dubai team for their invaluable support throughout this journey. This platform provides the ideal infrastructure to facilitate seamless market access and supports our ambition to deepen engagement with both regional and international capital markets,' Amjad added. The sukuk aims to be a part of the broader push by Gulf developers to tap sustainable finance as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations gain momentum among global investors.
