News Roundup — The UAE Has Quietly Built Up a $453 Million Bitcoin Reserve: Arkham

Major news stories this week;

1. The UAE Has Quietly Built Up a $453 Million Bitcoin Reserve: Arkham
2. Abu Dhabi Funds Boosted BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Exposure to $1 Billion by End of 2025: Filings
3. Germany‘s central bank president touts stablecoin and CBDC benefits for EU
4. Hong Kong regulator adds Victory Fintech to list of approved trading platforms
5. Animoca Brands secures Dubai crypto license to expand services in Middle East

Story Summaries;

1. The UAE Has Quietly Built Up a $453 Million Bitcoin Reserve: Arkham New on-chain analysis suggests the UAE has amassed a sizeable Bitcoin position—reportedly driven by locally backed mining operations rather than asset seizures. Alongside mining-linked wallets, Abu Dhabi-linked investment activity in spot Bitcoin ETFs points to a broader, coordinated push to build digital-asset exposure and infrastructure.
2. Abu Dhabi Funds Boosted BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Exposure to $1 Billion by End of 2025: Filings Regulatory filings indicate Abu Dhabi-based funds materially scaled their allocation to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, taking total exposure beyond the $1 billion mark. The move reinforces the region’s growing preference for regulated, institution-friendly routes to Bitcoin participation.
3. Germany‘s central bank president touts stablecoin and CBDC benefits for EU Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel outlined how euro-denominated stablecoins and a potential digital euro could support European monetary autonomy and reduce dependence on dollar-linked crypto rails. His remarks add momentum to EU policy debates on enabling frameworks for regulated stablecoins and CBDC development.
4. Hong Kong regulator adds Victory Fintech to list of approved trading platforms Hong Kong’s SFC has approved Victory Fintech as a licensed virtual-asset trading platform, marking a new addition after a quiet period in approvals. The decision signals continued regulatory follow-through and may strengthen market confidence for firms operating within the jurisdiction’s compliance-first model.
5. Animoca Brands secures Dubai crypto license to expand services in Middle East Animoca Brands has secured authorisation from Dubai’s VARA, enabling it to provide regulated virtual-asset services aimed at institutional and qualified investors in the region. The approval further underlines Dubai’s strategy to attract global digital-asset players through clear licensing pathways and supervised market access.

And that’s all for last week’s news! Wishing you a great week ahead!