DeFi Technologies, a financial technology firm that connects traditional capital markets with decentralized finance (DeFi), has officially launched its operations in the UAE. This move marks the company’s expansion into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions, following the registration of its subsidiary, DEFI DMCC, with offices located in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai.

The company has also established a trading desk at the Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) through its subsidiary, Valour, and Valour Digital Securities Limited. This expansion is part of DeFi Technologies’ strategy to enhance its product offerings and broaden its global presence amidst growing institutional interest in digital assets, particularly in the UAE.

As the first Nasdaq-listed digital asset manager, DeFi Technologies provides equity investors with diversified access to the decentralized economy through a scalable business model. The firm, via Valour, currently offers access to over 65 innovative digital assets through regulated exchange-traded products (ETPs) and aims to increase this number to 100 by the end of 2025.

Andrew Forson, President of DeFi Technologies and Chief Growth Officer of Valour, expressed confidence in the rising demand for digital asset ETPs, stating that interest is increasing globally, especially in the GCC and Middle East. Forson highlighted that various investors, including sovereign wealth funds, institutional entities, family offices, and retail investors, are keen on cryptocurrencies but seek familiar and efficient investment vehicles.

He noted that “wrapping digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum in regulated financial instruments such as ETPs will increase the number of crypto investors and offer countries like the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia access to international foreign investment.”