Blockchain
Standard Chartered Partners with Dubai Fintech Summit to Drive the Future of Digital Financial Innovation
Dubai, United Arab Emirates–(Newsfile Corp. – May 4, 2023) – International banking group Standard Chartered has taken on host sponsorship of the Dubai FinTech Summit to be held in Dubai next week 8-9 May 2023. Organised by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the summit is primed to be the perfect platform to connect start-ups, investors, and industry leaders.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; and President of DIFC, the summit will convene over 5,000 global FinTech and technology C-suite to discuss innovations and challenges in the sector.
The FinTech and Innovation sector in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region is growing at pace with market value forecasted to double in size from USD135.9 billion in 2021 to USD266.9 billion in 2027, according to DIFC FinTech Hive’s 2022 FinTech Report. The Dubai FinTech Summit aims to tap into this tremendous growth potential and showcase the region’s prowess as the sector advances.
Figure 2: Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank UAE
Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank UAE, said: “We are pleased to be part of the Dubai FinTech Summit which serves as a dynamic platform that brings together thought leaders from across the industry to share insights, exchange ideas and collaborate to shape the future of the financial industry.
“This partnership is a testament to our long-term commitment to creating a better future for the industry. It also demonstrates the strong synergies between Standard Chartered and the Dubai International Financial Centre, as we leverage our global network and innovation capabilities to support in building a more transparent, efficient, and secure financial sector.”
“As the region continues to witness increased digital transformation, especially across the financial sector, we expect the demand for digital financial services and products to continue to rise. This would likely spur a wave of innovation that will not only drive economic growth but also improve financial inclusion across the region,” added, Rola Abu Manneh.
At the Dubai FinTech Summit, visitors will be able to meet more than 100 FinTech exhibitors and join a series of panels and fireside chats.
The impressive roster of speakers at the summit includes H.E. Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered PLC; Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple; Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS Bank Singapore; Jenny Johnson, President and CEO of Franklin Templeton and Brian Armstrong, CEO and Co-Founder of Coinbase, among others.
Visitors can now purchase tickets for the Dubai FinTech Summit.
About Dubai International Financial Centre
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and an estimated GDP of USD 8 trillion.
With a close to 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai.
DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of over 36,000 professionals working across over 4,300 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region.
The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.
Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.
For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae, or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @DIFC.
About Standard Chartered Bank
We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 59 of the world’s most dynamic markets and serving clients in a further 64. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.
PR Contact:
ZEX PR WIRE
https://zexprwire.com/
[email protected]
Blockchain
BioSig Technologies, Inc. Signs Definitive Share Exchange Agreement with Streamex Exchange Corp. to Launch First-Mover Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization Company Bringing Commodity Markets On-Chain.
Blockchain
From Onboarding to Settlement in Minutes: TransFi Launches BizPay to Redefine Global Business Payments

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

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:
-
Guatemala’s Banco Industrial integrates blockchain for seamless cross-border remittances.
-
NYC Mayor’s Office unveils a comprehensive crypto and blockchain roadmap.
-
OSR Holdings, BCM Europe & Taekwondo Cooperative sign an MOU to launch the OSRH token.
-
Bybit’s “Chicken Trader” livestream—crypto meets poultry in the world’s first poultry-powered trading showdown.
-
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.
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
-
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
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.
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.
-
Blockchain Press Releases5 days ago
CoinW Unveils Industry-First Futures Protection Program:Instant Refunds Designed to Safeguard Traders
-
Blockchain Press Releases2 days ago
CM Global Services (CMGS) Secures Exclusive Multi-Year Logistics & Procurement Partnerships with Compass Mining and NovoMod
-
Blockchain5 days ago
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 19, 2025 | DoubleZero, Toobit, Story Protocol, Marco Polo, Argo Blockchain
-
Blockchain Press Releases3 days ago
OnRe, Backed by Ethena, Solana Ventures, and RockawayX Launches Structured Yield Product Combining Real-World Stability and On-Chain Upside
-
Blockchain Press Releases4 days ago
HTX Unveils Finalists for $6M Mars Program Special Edition, Space Journey Selection Enters Final Phase
-
Blockchain Press Releases4 days ago
HTX Launches Multi-Assets Collateral Mode for USDT-Margined Futures, Empowering Traders With Enhanced Capital Efficiency
-
Blockchain3 days ago
VanEck Prepares to Launch PurposeBuilt Fund to Invest in Real-World Applications on Avalanche
-
Blockchain Press Releases3 days ago
HTX Executives Go Face-to-Face: Justin Sun & Molly Dive Into Market Strategy, Space Visions, and More Opportunities