Japanese Security Token Platform Alterna Surpasses 10,000 Pre-Registrations

Crypto.com, the global crypto exchange platform headquartered in Singapore, has recently added an “AED Fiat Wallet,” allowing its users based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to deposit and withdraw UAE dirhams to and from their Crypto.com accounts. In a statement published on its website on Dec. 11, the firm outlined details of the added feature. So as to be able to access the AED Fiat Wallet, UAE residents will need to be registered on the platform with a UAE phone number. Once users configure platform settings to reflect the AED as their default currency, the platform displays the relevant deposit information to enable users to deposit the currency to their accounts. The minimum deposit has been set at 10 AED per transaction with a maximum of four million AED per day.Photo by Katerina Kerdi on UnsplashFacilitated by Standard CharteredCrypto.com claimed on X that the new feature could be set up easily, enabling fast and simple transfers. Additionally, the company is not charging users a deposit fee for AED deposits. Tarik Erk, Crypto.com’s General Manager for Middle East & Africa, explained that a collaboration with British multinational bank Standard Chartered had enabled the offering. Erk stated: “This new wallet launch is made possible through our global banking partnership with Standard Chartered which we announced in August, alongside the ongoing and valued support of VARA [Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority], which enables us to continue our expansion across the UAE. We’re extremely focused on offering our customers a seamless world-class experience and, at its very core, that includes ease of deposits and withdrawals – enabling our customers to interact with our products and services with as much flexibility as possible.” Crypto.com launched its service in the UAE in August, and at the time, it recognized the significance of its partnership with Standard Chartered. In September Standard Chartered announced the launch of crypto custody services in the UAE in collaboration with Brevan Howard Digital. The service was licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).  In November of last year, Crypto.com was awarded a license by VARA to provide virtual asset services. Last week, it emerged that the company had acquired Orion Principals Limited, an Abu Dhabi-based securities firm. The brokerage firm is licensed by the local regulator within the Abu Dhabi Global Market, an economic free zone and financial center. Crypto.com said that the acquisition will lead to the company rolling out new services to eligible platform users, including securities, options, futures and contracts for difference. Deutsche Bank partnershipHaving forged a partnership with TradFi banking giant Standard Chartered in the Middle East, Crypto.com announced a similar partnership with another TradFi giant, Deutsche Bank, last week. The collaboration will see Deutsche Bank provide the company with banking support and corporate banking services within its home base of Singapore, as well as in Australia and Hong Kong. Back in June, Deutsche Bank partnered with another crypto exchange business, Bitpanda, to assist it in offering real-time inbound and outbound payments on its platform. 

CeDeFi protocol NEOPIN has agreed to work with GREEVER, the developer of an eco-friendly Drive-to-Earn (D2E) app that rewards users for their efforts towards sustainable driving, marking an accelerated move towards forging a greener economy, according to an official Medium post on Wednesday (KST).Photo by why kei on UnsplashFostering green innovation“NEOPIN is actively collaborating with the government of Abu Dhabi to establish a DeFi regulatory framework. It is also recognized as a pioneer in Permissioned DeFi. On the other hand, GREEVER is distinguished by its strong commitment to public interest initiatives like promoting eco-friendly and safe driving,” said Ethan Kim, CEO of NEOPIN. “Through this partnership, our goal is to demonstrate our achievements in the blockchain space, emphasizing key themes such as compliance, eco-friendliness, and sustainability.” NEOPIN and GREEVER plan to integrate their platforms to expand their respective user bases. Specifically, the NEOPIN digital wallet will be integrated into the GREEVER app. They also intend to introduce NEOPIN’s DeFi products by linking them with GVL, GREEVER’s governance token. Through their collaboration, both companies aim to popularize blockchain on a global scale, especially by leveraging Busan’s technological expertise in the technology.  Driving towards sustainabilityGREEVER resides at the Blockchain Innovation Technology Center at the Busan International Finance Center. The GREEVER D2E platform was launched last September as South Korea’s first blockchain service for eco-friendly driving. It rewards drivers based on their safe and eco-friendly driving habits while promoting the adoption of blockchain technology in different areas of daily life. The team responsible for developing and operating the app is led by CEO Yun In-kyu, a Director of the Busan IT Partners Association and a General Manager who spearheaded various blockchain education initiatives tailored for Busan in 2021. “GREEVER is actively engaged in socially responsible projects with government organizations. Our alliance with NEOPIN is a pivotal move towards sustainability that aligns perfectly with GREEVER’s mission of enhancing accessibility and public interest,” said Yun In Kyu, CEO of GREEVER.

Japanese Bitcoin treasury firm Metaplanet has opened a U.S. subsidiary company in Florida while also issuing 3.6 billion Japanese yen ($24.7 million) in bonds for the purpose of buying more Bitcoin.Photo by Kanchanara on UnsplashAccelerating the Bitcoin strategyIn an announcement on May 1, the company outlined that it had established Metaplanet Treasury Corporation in Miami, Florida. The firm cited the purpose of the subsidiary as a means through which it can accelerate its overriding strategy of accumulating more Bitcoin. Metaplanet CEO Simon Gerovich commented on X on the rationale behind locating the U.S. subsidiary in Florida, stating:”The reason for choosing Florida is clear: the state is rapidly emerging as a global hub for Bitcoin innovation, corporate adoption and financial liberalization.” Gerovich added that the newly formed company will enhance Metaplanet’s “around-the-clock operational capabilities across time zones.” The Metaplanet CEO sees the development as part of the firm’s evolution as a global Bitcoin treasury company.  $250 million capital raiseThe company stated that it had already established a corporate entity in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), with the U.S. addition enhancing the company’s ability “to respond to market dynamics with speed and precision.”  Metaplanet intends to raise $250 million in funding through the Miami-based entity, having launched it with initial capital of $10 million. It’s envisaged that the U.S. subsidiary can act as a vehicle to attract institutional investment.  Back in March it was reported that Metaplanet was investigating the idea of listing its stock in the U.S. At the time, Gerovich stated that the firm was “considering the best way to make Metaplanet shares more accessible to investors around the world.” As part of that process, Gerovich met with officials from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq.  In further U.S.-related developments, the company appointed Eric Trump, second son of U.S. President Donald Trump, to its strategic board of advisors in March. Last week, Metaplanet appointed David Bailey, CEO of Bitcoin Magazine, to its strategic board of advisors. Bond issuanceIn a separate development, Metaplanet has issued 3.6 billion Japanese yen ($24.7 million) in 0% ordinary bonds to purchase additional Bitcoin. The company used its EVO FUND as the mechanism through which it issued the bonds.  It has set out a goal of accumulating 10,000 BTC by the end of the year. Currently, the company holds 5,000 BTC. One community member believes that Metaplanet could hit this target as early as July on the basis of ongoing share dilution.Appearing on The Bitcoin Treasuries Podcast earlier this year, Metaplanet’s Director of Bitcoin Strategy, Dylan LeClair, described how prior to adopting its Bitcoin treasury strategy in 2024, the firm was a “zombie” on the Tokyo stock exchange with the pandemic having had a negative impact on the company’s fortunes.  He outlined that the company consolidated and dealt with some debt issues, but at that point it lacked a clear strategy. It then set out to replicate the success of U.S. Bitcoin treasury pioneer, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy). On May 1 Gerovich posted on X that the company had achieved unrealized gains on Bitcoin exceeding six billion yen ($41.68 million).