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Dubai Grants Ex-Singapore Parliamentarian Calvin Cheng’s Web3 Company a Virtual Asset License

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  • Ex-Singapore Parliamentarian Calvin Cheng forms the first regulated non-fungible token (NFT) and fan token investment holding company in Dubai.
  • The Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) has granted the company a provisional license to operate under full regulatory supervision alongside Binance, FTX, Crypto.com and Bybit.
  • The holding company, through its portfolio companies including Celeb X, will offer exclusive membership access to lifestyle and entertainment lounges, and celebrities, via NFT and fan token system.
  • Dubai’s seamless integration of cryptocurrency and virtual assets have become increasingly attractive to investors, specifically due to focus on prudent regulatory guard-rails.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates–(Newsfile Corp. – May 24, 2022) – Singaporean investor and entrepreneur Calvin Cheng has established a non-fungible token (NFT) and fan token investment holding company in Dubai. Cheng, formerly an appointed Member of Parliament in Singapore, will invest in projects to integrate crypto into fashion, media and entertainment via Calvin Cheng Web3 Holdings FZE.

The Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) has granted the company a provisional Virtual Asset License. VARA is the world’s first specialised regulator for virtual assets, such as cryptocurrency. As Dubai moves towards safer economic freedom backed by greater technological innovation and digital transformation, VARA will play a central role in creating new investment opportunities in Dubai’s fast-growing virtual asset industry.[1]

The announcement follows similar preliminary permits that enables readiness to operate under full regulatory supervision, that VARA is granting to world-leading crypto exchanges Binance, FTX, Crypto.com and Bybit among other VASPs in the chain.

VARA: A ticket into the metaverse

Calvin Cheng Web3 Holdings FZE voluntarily elected to obtain a VARA license to gain access to a regulated ecosystem, despite their product offering not being subject to supervision in other global jurisdictions. The license provides greater customer assurance and increases consumer risk protection.

As the only global economy to have an independently regulated virtual assets environment under VARA, Dubai’s virtual asset’s ecosystem is governed by comprehensive legislation and internationally applicable policy frameworks. Designed as the world’s first participatory-governance model, where industry innovators and market shapers share responsibility with policy makers to create a more democratic and borderless economy, VARA is structured to increase collaboration and innovation, without compromising public protection.

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Under the VARA regime, all business services will be subject to thorough regulatory oversight, and end-to-end mandatory Financial Action Task Force (FATF) compliance controls.

VARA noted “Calvin Cheng Web3 Holdings FZE will be the first international business to actively seek regulation, despite being able to operate lawfully in many other qualifying global jurisdictions. Such appreciation of the need for strong governance in order for the sector to mature and safely scale, reflects credible intent of purpose and sound reputation of Mr. Cheng, which have supported our consideration for this company to participate in Dubai’s MVP programme.”

Calvin Cheng added “Dubai is fast positioning itself as the leading Virtual Assets Hub in the world. Digital Assets is a new space, which needs progressive regulators to keep up with entrepreneurs’ focus on innovation and growth. We are proud to be the first NFT VASP to enter this regulated ecosystem as our commitment to support strong guard rails for the crypto industry to safely grow. A new and forward-thinking regulator like VARA is well-positioned to firmly establish Dubai as the leading global centre for digital assets.”

About Calvin Cheng Web3 Holdings FZE

Calvin Cheng is currently the Chairman of listed Chinese EdTech firm ReTech Technology Co, which he led to an Initial Public Offering, together with leading investors from China. ReTech’s shareholders include several co-founders of Alibaba, as well as founders of other leading Chinese tech companies. Prior to ReTech, Cheng was the Head of Elite Model Management for Asia. He was also the licensee for Ford Supermodel of The World for China, Singapore and Malaysia. Cheng launched a media investment fund with China’s leading film and media group, The Bona Film Group. In Singapore, Cheng was founding director of Lumina-Looque Group, which organises fashion events for global luxury brands like LV, Moncler and Ferrari. Lumina also involved in organising the launch of Dubai Meydan City.

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Cheng was a former appointed Member of Singapore’s Parliament and a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum.

ABOUT VARA

Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) is the world’s first specialised regulator for the Virtual Assets sector. Established in March 2022, following the effect of Law No.4 of 2022, VARA is responsible by decree for licensing and regulating the Virtual Asset sector in the Emirate of Dubai and its free zone territories (excluding DIFC), and oversees all licensing requirements and applications for authorisation of Virtual Asset activities under UAE law. VARA plays a central role in creating Dubai’s advanced legal framework to protect investors and establish international standards for Virtual Asset industry governance, while supporting the vision for a borderless economy.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Anna Aye
Associate
Financial PR
Mobile: (+65) 8500 2011
Email: [email protected]

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/124952

Newsfile is a customer-focused newswire team that delivers press releases and corporate announcements to the global financial community. Approved by all stock exchanges, Newsfile offers broad access to media, analysts, investors and market participants. With agile services, proactive customer care and affordable pricing; Newsfile makes it easy for companies to tell their story to the audiences they need to reach.

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From Onboarding to Settlement in Minutes: TransFi Launches BizPay to Redefine Global Business Payments

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Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 22, 2025

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The blockchain universe never sleeps. From pioneering cross-border payment systems in Central America to city-wide crypto strategies in New York City, today’s headlines reveal an industry maturing at breakneck speed. In this edition of Blocks & Headlines, we explore five landmark developments:

  1. Guatemala’s Banco Industrial integrates blockchain for seamless cross-border remittances.

  2. NYC Mayor’s Office unveils a comprehensive crypto and blockchain roadmap.

  3. OSR Holdings, BCM Europe & Taekwondo Cooperative sign an MOU to launch the OSRH token.

  4. Bybit’s “Chicken Trader” livestream—crypto meets poultry in the world’s first poultry-powered trading showdown.

  5. FIFA taps Avalanche to build a dedicated blockchain for its NFT platform.

These stories underscore three key trends reshaping the ecosystem:

  • Institutional Adoption & Regulation: From national banks to municipal governments, legacy institutions are embracing decentralized technologies.

  • Tokenization & Community Engagement: Strategic partnerships are launching specialized tokens that bridge niche communities with global markets.

  • Innovative Use Cases: Whether gaming, entertainment, or live-stream events, blockchain’s versatility spawns ever-more creative applications.

Join us as we unpack the implications, weigh the opportunities, and forecast where these trajectories might lead.

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1. Guatemala’s Largest Bank Integrates Blockchain for Cross-Border Payments

What Happened
Guatemala’s Banco Industrial, the country’s biggest financial institution, announced the deployment of a private‐permissioned blockchain network to streamline remittances from the U.S. into Guatemala City and beyond. The solution reduces settlement times from days to minutes, cuts fees by up to 60 %, and offers real-time traceability for senders and receivers.
Source: Cointelegraph

Analysis & Commentary

  • Financial Inclusion Boost: Remittances account for over 12 % of Guatemala’s GDP. By minimizing friction and cost, blockchain integration will extend financial services to remote communities reliant on diaspora funds.

  • Risk & Compliance: Permissioned networks allow Banco Industrial to retain AML/KYC controls, mitigating concerns around illicit flows. This hybrid approach demonstrates that enterprise blockchain can balance decentralization with regulatory rigor.

  • Regional Ripple Effects: Neighboring Central American banks are watching closely. Should Guatemala’s pilot succeed, we can expect a domino effect across El Salvador, Honduras, and Costa Rica—each seeking to capitalize on faster, cheaper cross-border rails.

Implications
Legacy banks worldwide should view this as a blueprint: private blockchains can coexist with existing compliance frameworks while delivering transformative user benefits. Early movers will capture remittance market share and cultivate fintech partnerships across the Latin American corridor.


2. NYC Mayor Unveils Ambitious Crypto & Blockchain Agenda

What Happened
New York City Mayor Eric Adams detailed his administration’s multi-pronged strategy to make NYC a global crypto hub. Key initiatives include:

  • A regulatory sandbox for crypto startups to pilot DeFi, NFTs, and token-based fundraising under city supervision.

  • Partnerships with CUNY and Columbia University for blockchain research and talent development.

  • Deployment of a blockchain-based public record system for land titles and business registrations.
    Source: GovTech

Analysis & Commentary

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  • Regulatory Harmony vs. Overreach: By offering a controlled sandbox rather than blanket deregulation, NYC signals a nuanced stance—encouraging innovation without sacrificing consumer protection.

  • Talent Pipeline: Academic partnerships aim to remedy the talent shortage plaguing blockchain firms. Local graduates trained in distributed ledger technologies (DLT) will feed startups, financial institutions, and government agencies.

  • Public Services on Chain: Land registries and business filings on blockchain promise greater transparency and fraud reduction. If scaled effectively, NYC could set a global standard for government-blockchain integration.

Implications
Other major cities—London, Singapore, Dubai—will feel pressure to match NYC’s playbook. Municipal leaders should prioritize sandbox frameworks and academia-industry liaisons to nurture homegrown crypto ecosystems.


3. OSR Holdings, BCM Europe & Taekwondo Cooperative Launch OSRH Token

What Happened
OSR Holdings, BCM Europe, and the Taekwondo Cooperative signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop the OSRH token, a blockchain-based digital asset aimed at supporting global Taekwondo practitioners. Features include:

  • Membership Rewards: Tokens earned through event participation, coaching certifications, and tournament wins.

  • Decentralized Governance: Athletes vote on sponsorship allocations and rule-change proposals via on-chain ballots.

  • Marketplace Integration: A dedicated NFT marketplace for Taekwondo memorabilia, from digital belts to highlight reels.
    Source: PR Newswire

Analysis & Commentary

  • Niche Tokenization: OSRH token exemplifies the power of community-focused tokens. By aligning incentives with passion points—training, competition, governance—stakeholders gain ownership and engagement.

  • Governance Innovation: Athlete-driven decision-making on sponsorship and funding disrupts top-down federation models. This could democratize sports governance across disciplines.

  • Commercial Ecosystem: The NFT marketplace offers monetization channels for athletes and federations alike. Strategic royalties on secondary sales ensure sustainable funding.

Implications
Other sports federations and niche communities should explore token models that blend rewards, governance, and commerce. Successful launches will hinge on clear utility, user education, and regulatory compliance in key jurisdictions.


4. Bybit Presents “Chicken Trader”: The World’s First Poultry-Powered Trading Showdown

What Happened
Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit debuted “Chicken Trader,” a live-streamed event where two contestants trade crypto pairs—and manage live chickens—to earn “Egg Points.” Viewers can stake on their favorite trader, earning NFTs and token rewards based on performance.
Source: PR Newswire

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Analysis & Commentary

  • Gamification Meets DeFi: Chicken Trader’s fusion of live-stream engagement, staking mechanics, and NFTs exemplifies Web3’s playful ethos—turning trading into interactive entertainment.

  • User Acquisition Strategy: Bybit gamified acquisition funnels, leveraging viral social content to onboard nontraditional crypto audiences intrigued by the novelty factor.

  • Regulatory Tightrope: Combining staking with competition and livestock raises jurisdictional questions around gambling, securities, and animal welfare. Bybit must navigate diverse regulations to scale globally.

Implications
Other exchanges will replicate gamified formats to differentiate UX and grow communities. Yet long-term viability demands balancing flashy live-events with rigorous compliance, sustainable tokenomics, and authentic value for participants.


5. FIFA Taps Avalanche to Power Its NFT Platform

What Happened
Global soccer body FIFA selected the Avalanche blockchain to launch its official NFT marketplace, featuring digital collectibles—from World Cup highlights to player-card packs. Avalanche’s high throughput and low fees were cited as decisive factors.
Source: TradingView (via Cointelegraph)

Analysis & Commentary

  • Scalability & Sustainability: Avalanche’s consensus mechanism delivers sub-second finality and carbon-offset commitments, aligning with FIFA’s environmental pledges.

  • Fan Engagement: Tokenized highlights and limited-edition digital memorabilia expand revenue streams beyond broadcast rights, offering fans verifiable ownership and collectible provenance.

  • Interoperability: Avalanche’s growing DeFi ecosystem enables future integrations—staking fan tokens, launching prediction-market games, or embedding NFT rewards in FIFA’s mobile apps.

Implications
Major sports leagues and entertainment brands eyeing NFT forays will scrutinize Avalanche’s performance under FIFA’s global load. Blockchain platforms must prove they can handle spikes during marquee events—kickoff times, finals, transfer windows—while preserving UX and sustainability goals.

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Conclusion

Today’s Blocks & Headlines illustrate blockchain’s multifaceted evolution:

  • Legacy institutions like banks and city governments are unlocking new efficiencies and transparency through private and public DLT networks.

  • Community-driven tokens are redefining governance and monetization in sports and niche domains.

  • Innovative engagement—from poultry-fueled trading spectacles to global soccer NFTs—demonstrates blockchain’s capacity for gamification, fan loyalty, and novel revenue models.

Yet with opportunity comes responsibility: scalable architectures must coexist with robust compliance; token economies require thoughtful design to sustain value; and regulators, academia, and industry must collaborate to craft frameworks that balance innovation with consumer protection.

As blockchain weaves deeper into finance, governance, entertainment, and sports, stakeholders who embrace strategic partnerships, prioritize user education, and invest in resilient infrastructures will lead the charge into Web3’s next frontier.

The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 22, 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

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Freeman Quantitative Trading(FQAI) 5.0 Is Coming—Ushering in a New Wave of Intelligent Investing

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