Blockchain Press Releases
ADGM Implements its Sustainable Finance Regulatory Framework
- ADGM has today implemented its sustainable finance regulatory framework, comprising the region’s most comprehensive ESG disclosure requirements and a regulatory framework for funds, discretionary managed portfolios, bonds and sukuks designed to accelerate the transition of the UAE to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
- The framework complements ADGM’s existing regulation of carbon offsets, facilitating the establishment of the world’s first regulated carbon offsets exchange and clearing house in ADGM.
- These measures reflect ADGM’s position as a leading sustainable finance hub in the year that the UAE hosts COP28.
- The new regulations will take effect immediately, reflecting the critical importance of advancing the green agenda in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and globally.
ABU DHABI, UAE, July 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) today announced the implementation of its sustainable finance regulatory framework with immediate effect, following significant support received through public consultation, reinforcing its position as a leading sustainable financial hub and a natural hub for sustainable finance activities. The framework encompasses rules on sustainability-orientated investment funds, managed portfolios and bonds as well as requirements for environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures by ADGM companies. The measures will accelerate the growth of a sustainable finance ecosystem in the jurisdiction and support the UAE’s transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
The framework for green and climate transition funds and portfolios, green and sustainability-linked bonds and sukuks is a significant step in enabling capital to be channelled towards financing the transition to net zero. In order to recognise products and services that are aiding the transition, ADGM will confer a designation on those that purport to meet its robust minimum standards. It will also permit ADGM’s “designation mark” to be used in marketing materials and client communications. A designation mark will provide investors with a level of confidence that those products and services purport to meet ADGM’s minimum standards, catalysing investors to channel capital towards the green transition.
In keeping with ADGM’s keen focus on stakeholder engagement, a feedback statement has also been issued that reflects on the meaningful feedback received and addresses the key issues raised in response to the consultation paper and through associated stakeholder engagements. The overwhelming support for its proposals from industry, including stakeholders who indicated their plans to launch products under the proposed framework, crystallised ADGM’s intention to proceed with one of the first and most comprehensive sustainable finance frameworks in the region.
The feedback statement reflects how industry engagement has not only helped to shape the framework as implemented but also provided a clear indication of the areas that ADGM will examine in a post-implementation review to be undertaken in 2025 as part of its commitment to further develop and refine its regulatory framework going forward. ADGM will continue to rely on input from its stakeholders to help shape its ecosystem into a world-class hub for sustainable finance and a significant enabler to further the UAE’s net zero strategic initiative.
The framework and its stakeholders are further supported by knowledge acceleration initiatives such as the School of Sustainable Finance and the Research Centre at the ADGM Academy.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, President Designate of COP28 UAE said, “I warmly welcome ADGM’s regulatory framework for sustainable finance. The lack of available, accessible, affordable finance is putting the world’s climate goals and sustainable development at risk and addressing this issue is one of the top priorities of the COP28 Presidency. To make transformational progress, we need to shift gears in mobilizing private finance.”
“ADGM endeavours in advancing such a crucial initiative and in establishing a global hub for sustainable finance are highly commendable. This initiative will play a vital role in mobilizing capital for the transition to net zero not only in the UAE, but also in EMDEs, and will enable increased green transactions from local and global financial institutions.”
“I also welcome the ongoing work of the Sustainable Finance Working Group, chaired by ADGM and composed of UAE regulatory authorities, Federal Ministries and exchanges. These initiatives encompass joint efforts to advance frameworks for ESG disclosures, measures to require sustainability-focused corporate governance and the development of a UAE green taxonomy.”
“Finance is the key to turn good intentions into real results. The Paris Climate Agreement set our collective ambition, and we need initiatives such as ADGM’s Sustainable Finance Regulatory Framework to help us keep 1.5C within reach.”
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market said, “In the year that the UAE is hosting COP28, ADGM proudly aligns its actions with those of the country’s leadership who have declared this year as the Year of Sustainability. We believe our regulatory framework for sustainable finance is the most comprehensive in the Middle East and South Asia region, and comparable in scope and content with the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks globally.”
“Our requirements, particularly those which set minimum standards for sustainability-focused products and services, will help to channel capital into projects and activities that advance the country’s transition to net zero. We are grateful to market participants for their feedback, which reflects the excellent relationship between ADGM and its stakeholders within our sustainable finance ecosystem. Their engagement will continue to be essential as ADGM actively supports the UAE’s progress towards its goal of net zero by 2050 and the continuing development of Abu Dhabi’s green falcon economy.”
The new sustainable finance regulatory framework is further supported by several ongoing initiatives of ADGM such as the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration which has over 100 signatories, and the School of Sustainable Finance at the ADGM Academy. ADGM FSRA’s regulatory amendment to the capital markets framework last year, introduced an environmental instrument as a class of financial instrument, allowing carbon offsets to come under its regulatory framework and AirCarbon Exchange, the world’s first regulated voluntary carbon exchange platform, to be established in the financial centre.
These strategic endeavours, combined with a regulatory framework for sustainability-focused funds, portfolios, bonds and sukuks, as well as requirements for ESG disclosure and the regulation of carbon offsets distinguish ADGM as a premier hub for sustainable finance.
For the legislation and guidance, click HERE.
For the feedback statement, click HERE.
For more information about ADGM’s sustainable finance and ESG initiatives, click HERE.
About Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
For more details on ADGM, please visit www.adgm.com or follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @adglobalmarket and LinkedIn: @Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/adgm-implements-its-sustainable-finance-regulatory-framework-301869564.html
Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (Ethereum, Quantum Emotions, Pepeto, Zeus Investments, AgileGTM)
Ethereum’s Challenges Highlight the Importance of Blockchain Integrity
Ethereum, once hailed as the undisputed king of smart contract platforms, is facing mounting criticism over scalability issues and increasing centralization concerns. Critics argue that Ethereum’s looming challenges serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining blockchain integrity in the pursuit of innovation.
The network’s shift to proof-of-stake has introduced debates about validator centralization and network control. As transaction fees remain high and competition from newer blockchains intensifies, Ethereum’s journey underscores the delicate balance between growth and decentralization in the blockchain ecosystem.
Source: Bitcoin Magazine
Quantum Emotions Introduces Revolutionary Quantum Wallet
Quantum Emotions, a pioneering quantum technology firm, has unveiled its groundbreaking quantum wallet designed to provide unprecedented security for blockchain users. Leveraging quantum random number generators, the wallet ensures ultra-secure private key management and protection against emerging quantum threats.
As the blockchain industry prepares for a quantum computing era, innovations like this wallet highlight the need to future-proof digital assets. Quantum Emotions’ solution is a step forward in safeguarding the integrity of blockchain transactions in an increasingly complex technological landscape.
Source: Finance Yahoo
Pepeto Simplifies Cross-Chain Trading for Blockchain Users
Pepeto, a trailblazer in the blockchain space, is revolutionizing cross-chain trading with its user-friendly platform. By simplifying blockchain transfers across different networks, Pepeto addresses a significant pain point for users navigating the complexities of decentralized finance (DeFi).
The platform’s intuitive interface and efficient protocols enable seamless asset transfers while reducing transaction costs and processing times. As interoperability becomes a crucial factor in the blockchain sector, Pepeto’s innovation is set to reshape how users interact with decentralized ecosystems.
Source: Bitcoinist
Zeus Investments Launches Blockchain Research Division
Zeus Investments has announced the launch of its dedicated blockchain research division, aimed at driving innovation and identifying strategic opportunities in the blockchain sector. The division will focus on exploring emerging technologies, evaluating market trends, and fostering partnerships with industry leaders.
By committing resources to blockchain research, Zeus Investments signals its belief in the transformative potential of decentralized technologies. This initiative underscores the growing interest among traditional financial institutions in harnessing blockchain’s disruptive capabilities.
Source: Finance Yahoo
AgileGTM Blockchain Fund Secures $2M in First Close of $10M VC Fund
AgileGTM has achieved a significant milestone by securing $2 million in the first close of its $10 million pan-European blockchain venture capital fund. The fund aims to support early-stage blockchain startups across Europe, focusing on innovative solutions in areas such as DeFi, NFTs, and enterprise applications.
This development highlights the increasing appetite for blockchain investment and the role of venture capital in accelerating the growth of the industry. AgileGTM’s initiative reflects the potential for blockchain to drive economic transformation and innovation across diverse sectors.
Source: Tech.eu
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (Ethereum, Quantum Emotions, Pepeto, Zeus Investments, AgileGTM) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
xPortal, the AI-powered DeFi super-app, has acquired Alphalink, a Berlin-based Web3 startup recognized for delivering delightfully simple crypto experiences through its mobile app. The acquisition marks a major milestone in xPortal’s goal to simplify crypto and financial investing.
With over 2.5 million users and a 4.8-star rating from 70K+ app store reviews, xPortal combines crypto, real-world functionality, and AI into a single, user-friendly mobile app.
xPortal launched in 2023 as the wallet for the MultiversX blockchain (prev. Elrond) and quickly expanded into multi-chain territory, integrating Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polygon and more.
As part of its growth strategy, xPortal is raising capital in an anticipated oversubscribed round while making a full-scale push into AI, expanding into the U.S. and launching a native token to its ecosystem
Active xPortal users will also benefit from lucrative opportunities that will further fuel the ecosystem.
Empowered Leadership
Through the acquisition, xPortal brings seasoned FinTech and crypto innovators Marko Bradic as Co-founder and Chief Product Officer (CPO) and Mohit Tilwani as Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to complement the dream team together with Sergiu Biris, Co-founder and CEO of xPortal.
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Marko Bradic (ex-CEO of Alphalink) previously scaled Trade Republic – the $5B European Robinhood backed by Sequoia – to 4 million users, €180 million in annual revenue, and €35 billion in AUM.
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Mohit Tilwani (ex CTO of Alphalink) brings over a decade of engineering experience to xPortal. Served as the first engineering lead at Trade Republic, he scaled systems to support 8 million customers.
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Sergiu Biris (CEO of xPortal) is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. He was the co-founder of LiveRail, a video advertising platform acquired by Facebook (now Meta) in 2014 for $500 million.
“Marko and Mohit’s experience in building and scaling world-class fintech products aligns perfectly with xPortal’s mission to make crypto easy to use and accessible to everyone. Their expertise strengthens our vision of blending crypto and AI with real-world utility. I’m extremely excited about what we’re going to be building together in the years to come.” – Sergiu Biris, Co-founder and CEO of xPortal
Beniamin Mincu, Co-founder and CEO of MultiversX added: “Through the acquisition of Alphalink xPortal is taking a bold step towards the future. One where crypto is merging with AI to deliver the best experiences to everyday users. xPortal started as a core part of MultiversX and, driven by this team of world class founders, is now becoming independent, creating its own story. I believe xPortal is poised to drive global crypto adoption, bringing unparalleled value to its users and the broader Web3 space.”
DeFi to DeFAI: What if your money had Brains?
Leading the paradigm shift from DeFi to DeFAI, xPortal is transforming how users interact with money. Making crypto easy and accessible for everyone, xPortal is building a vertically integrated network of specialized DeFAI agents that work autonomously, simplifying complex user tasks and removing onboarding and engagement friction through seamless chain management.
With features like effortless on-off ramps, cross-chain trading, staking, Web3 dApp integration, and Mastercards for everyday payments, the super-app bridges the gap between crypto and real-world utility.
The post xPortal Acquires Alphalink to Drive Innovation at the Intersection of AI and Crypto appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Blockchain
Humanity Protocol and Open Campus Partner to Integrate Achievements and Interoperable Credentials for Decentralized Education
Humanity Protocol, the leader in on-chain Proof of Humanity (PoH) and decentralized identity, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with Open Campus (EDU), the Web3 education protocol.
This collaboration will redefine digital identity and credentialing for learners, educators, and developers, enabling interoperable, privacy-preserving credentials that can be seamlessly used across decentralized ecosystems.
Humanity Protocol’s Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) framework and Proof of Humanity (PoH) technology ensure Sybil-resistant, verified human authentication for Web3 applications. Open Campus complements this by empowering users with tools to issue, manage, and utilize education-related credentials through its Open Campus ID and Achievements System.
Together, the two projects aim to unlock a future where identity and educational credentials are secure, interoperable, and privacy-focused.
At the core of this partnership is the integration of Open Campus Achievements and Open Campus ID with Humanity Protocol’s decentralized identity graph. This integration ensures that credentials issued on Open Campus are validated and interoperable, allowing users to showcase their verified educational accomplishments across Web3 platforms.
Key features of the collaboration include:
- Achievement Verification: Open Campus will focus on issuing education-related credentials, such as course completions, certifications, and learning milestones. These Achievements will be authenticated using Humanity Protocol’s verifiable credential (VC) framework, enabling secure and portable credentialing.
- Interoperable Identity: Open Campus ID will integrate with Humanity Protocol’s Proof of Humanity, providing users with privacy-preserving, Sybil-resistant identities. These identities will enable users to leverage their credentials in governance, professional, and educational applications.
The partnership between Humanity Protocol and Open Campus introduces new use cases that benefit learners, educators, and developers. Users can create portable, privacy-preserving portfolios combining Proof of Humanity and verified Open Campus Achievements. These portfolios can be used in professional and academic settings to showcase skills and accomplishments securely.
Learners and educators can leverage their interoperable identities to participate in governance activities on both Humanity Protocol and Open Campus platforms. By tying voting to verified individuals, governance becomes more transparent and fair. dApp developers can build applications that integrate Humanity Protocol’s identity verification with Open Campus’s credentialing, enabling innovations in decentralized education, recruitment, and professional networking.
In addition to technical integration, Humanity Protocol will actively support Open Campus in its ongoing conversations with educational institutions. By providing expertise in decentralized identity and credentialing, Humanity Protocol will help Open Campus establish trust and drive adoption of its Achievements and Open Campus ID among schools, universities, and certification bodies.
This collaboration strengthens the bridge between traditional education systems and the decentralized future. Humanity Protocol’s zkProofers will ensure that all verifications remain privacy-focused. Users will be able to prove their identities and credentials without exposing sensitive personal data, enabling secure and trustworthy interactions in education, governance, and professional contexts. By integrating these privacy-preserving solutions, the partnership ensures that credentials remain both secure and portable across ecosystems.
Terence Kwok, Founder and CEO of Humanity Protocol says: “Our partnership with Open Campus marks a significant milestone in integrating decentralized identity with education. By combining Proof of Humanity with Open Campus Achievements and Open Campus ID, we empower learners and educators to take control of their credentials in a way that is secure, interoperable, and privacy-focused. Humanity Protocol is also proud to support Open Campus in its ongoing conversations with educational institutions, helping to bridge Web3 innovation with traditional education systems.”
Jonah Lau, Head of Open Campus (EDU) and Portfolio Management, Animoca Brand says: “Collaborating with Humanity Protocol enhances the usability and security of Open Campus Achievements and IDs. By integrating with Proof of Humanity, we’re ensuring that learners and educators can seamlessly use their credentials across Web3, paving the way for a more interconnected and equitable decentralized education ecosystem. This partnership positions Open Campus as a leader in Web3 education innovation.”
The post Humanity Protocol and Open Campus Partner to Integrate Achievements and Interoperable Credentials for Decentralized Education appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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