UAE Residents Gain Direct Access to Crypto Trading via Bank Accounts

Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can now seamlessly trade cryptocurrencies directly through their bank accounts. Crypto exchange M2 has introduced a new integration that allows the direct conversion of UAE dirhams into Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), providing a significant boost to the accessibility and convenience of digital asset trading in the region.

New Integration Boosts Crypto Accessibility in the UAE

M2’s recent announcement marks a major milestone in the UAE’s rapidly evolving digital asset landscape. The new integration enables UAE residents to convert their dirhams directly into Bitcoin and Ether through M2’s spot market. This development allows users to trade BTC and ETH for dirhams and vice versa, as well as deposit and withdraw dirhams seamlessly.

Streamlined Trading Experience

The M2 team emphasized that this integration aims to help users “swiftly adapt to market changes,” making it easier for them to convert local currency into cryptocurrencies. Stefan Kimmel, CEO of M2, highlighted that this move significantly reduces friction between traditional finance and virtual assets, offering a more accessible trading experience for the MENA region.

He stated, “It is a significant step for M2 ADGM as we work to expand our offering for the MENA region and reduce the friction in how clients can navigate between traditional finance and virtual assets.”

Regulatory Assurance and Consumer Protection

Kimmel also underscored the importance of regulatory compliance, noting that the integration is regulated by the UAE government, which is known for its strict regulatory framework that prioritizes consumer protection. This assurance is crucial for users, providing confidence in the security and transparency of the platform.

M2 is licensed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), an international financial centre. This license, obtained on August 16, 2023, permits M2 to offer digital asset trading and custody services to both institutional and retail clients in the UAE.

High Standards for Licensing

Reflecting on the licensing process, Kimmel mentioned the demanding nature of ADGM’s standards for multilateral trading facility permits. He stated that the rigorous due diligence involved ensures that licensed platforms adhere to the highest security and transparency standards, fostering trust among UAE users.

Expanding Crypto Market in the UAE

This development is expected to significantly impact the accessibility and adoption of virtual assets in the UAE, providing residents with a familiar and secure method to trade cryptocurrencies. The integration of traditional banking services with crypto trading platforms like M2 is a promising step towards mainstream acceptance and broader accessibility of digital assets in the region.

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