Coinbase picks Abu Dhabi for its global tokenized asset push
Coinbase has secured regulatory approval from Abu Dhabi's Financial Services Regulatory Authority to provide custody and investment services for tokenized assets. The company intends to use this license to offer digital securities backed by real-world assets, further expanding its institutional footprint in the Middle East.
Why it matters
This move signals a significant step in the integration of blockchain technology with traditional finance, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for tokenized securities.
The company said Tuesday it received Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), allowing it to arrange investment deals and provide custody for tokenized securities.
Coinbase said it plans to use the license to offer digital securities backed by underlying shares. The tokens will be registered and issued in ADGM under FSRA oversight.
The move comes as tokenization is gaining traction across traditional finance, with global asset managers and banks putting funds, bonds, private credit and stocks on blockchain rails. Supporters see the technology as a way to make securities easier to transfer around the clock, settle trades near instantly, and eventually use them as collateral in onchain markets.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in