Rohan Misra, Head of GCC and Senior Executive Officer (SEO) of AMINA Bank in Abu Dhabi Global Market, has shared key insights with CI.
As DeFi continues to reshape the financial landscape, numerous initiatives and hubs are emerging to harness the opportunities of this digital transformation.
The UAE is strengthening its position as a major hub for blockchain and digital assets.
Its crypto market has expanded significantly, supported by clear regulations from authorities like VARA and FSRA, making it an attractive place for businesses and investors.
Given this development, AMINA Bank has shared their perspective.
Our conversation with Misra is shared below.
Crowdfund Insider: What opportunities do you see for cryptocurrency in the financial sector in general?
Rohan Misra: Cryptocurrency is at the forefront of the financial sector’s transformation, reshaping how value is transacted globally while driving greater efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. This paradigm shift is being bolstered by an increasingly supportive global political and policy landscape, which is unlocking significant opportunities.
Clearer regulatory frameworks are enhancing customer protection and fostering the broader adoption of cryptocurrencies. Different regions, including APAC or the Middle East, try to establish themselves as a crypto hub, providing favourable frameworks to attract investors and business, it is a fair competition.
Additionally, the pro-crypto stance of the new U.S. administration has further strengthened market confidence, paving the way for innovative expansion and accelerated adoption.
Crowdfund Insider: How would you describe the current state of crypto and digital asset adoption in the MENA region?
Rohan Misra: The adoption is definitely growing, we see interest from both institutional and retail users. The crypto market has expanded by 42% year-over-year, supported by clear regulations from authorities, making it an attractive place for businesses and investors, and this is set to continue.
This adoption in the region is also fueled by recent developments concerning the approval of the first AED-pegged stablecoin, government-backed initiatives like the Emirates Blockchain Strategy or the offering of crypto salaries, demonstrating the region’s commitment to making digital assets a part of everyday finance.
With its forward-thinking approach to blockchain-based finance, the Middle East is redefining the interplay between traditional and decentralized systems.
Crowdfund Insider: What distinguishes the MENA region in terms of challenges and opportunities for crypto and digital assets adoption?
Rohan Misra: As the global crypto landscape evolves, the Middle East, particularly the UAE, is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of digital finance by exemplifying the benefits of regulatory clarity and its progressive approach.
Yet, the MENA market is smaller compared to other regions, accounting for only 7.5% of the world’s cryptocurrency total transaction volume. Attractiveness and maintaining a competitive advantage through regulation is therefore essential to continue its growth. By providing free zones like the Abu Dhabi Global Market, Dubai International Financial Centre, and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, the UAE authorities are aiming to support blockchain companies blossom by providing environments with fewer barriers to innovation and adoption of this technology.
However, overcoming broader challenges, such as the regulatory fragmentations in MENA, or the cultural and religious considerations, is key in further driving adoption across the region.
Crowdfund Insider: In your opinion, what is the real threat to the blockchain world?
Rohan Misra: Fragmentation, whether regulatory or technological, is a threat to the crypto industry and blockchain world. As regulatory jurisdictions adopt varying standards and blockchain ecosystems develop in silos, the industry risks inefficiencies and diminished interoperability.
At AMINA, we welcome the benefits of clear regulatory frameworks and the opportunity to collaborate with regulators and policymakers in our regulated hubs.
Finally, crypto still faces a PR challenge, which poses a threat to adoption, innovation and consumer protection.
Public perception often centers on the risks and complexities of the crypto industry. To counter this, we are dedicated to educating audiences of all expertise levels across various platforms. Through speaking engagements and media participation like this one, we aim to promote a more balanced understanding of the industry, fostering further cognition among the market participants.