
Kalam Crypto #89: Nomura Launch Bitcoin Adoption Fund & 20 USDC Prize for Users
This week, Nomura bank launched a Bitcoin Adoption Fund, Microstrategy bought more bitcoin, SBF crime family saga continues, and poetic justice for a U.S. senator who opposed El Salvador’s bitcoin adoption.

Crypto’s “Killer Application” Is Here (Kind Of)
These two use cases are concrete examples of how crypto can improve people’s lives today.


Kalam Crypto #88: Citi Token Services, Deutsche Custody, 1-year Ethereum Merge
This week, Citi launched a new offering to tokenize customer deposits, Deutsche Bank announced they would custody crypto for institutional clients, we revisited the 1-year anniversary of the Ethereum Merge!

Kalam Crypto #87: Visa to settle USDC via Solana & ETH ETF application
This week, Visa expanded USDC settlement over Solana, ARK Invest filed first spot Ethereum ETF and fair value accounting rules are coming to crypto.

Deposit or Withdraw USDC via Stellar & Earn 20 USDC 💰
We are excited to share our latest offer! 20 USDC for you to try our newest feature: Deposit (receive), or withdraw (send) USDC via the Stellar network.

Kalam Crypto #86: Grayscale's SEC win clears path for Bitcoin ETF approval.
This week, a momentous legal victory for Grayscale vs. the SEC, Bitcoin ETF approval inevitable, a successful test of Chainlink’s CCIP with SWIFT, and MakerDAO's proposal to shift from Ethereum to Solana.

Kalam Crypto #85: Visa/MasterCard & Binance Split, Privacy Tool Dev Arrested
This week, Binance is in more trouble as partners distance themselves, developers of the privacy tool Tornado Cash are charged with money laundering, Oman’s bitcoin play reveals a deep understanding of bitcoin

Kalam Crypto #82: All Eyes on Worldcoin & Stablecoin Clarity in the U.S.
This week, a new project wants to scan your eyes and give you some crypto, stablecoin clarity bill passes in the U.S. and Chainlink launch their cross-chain interoperability protocol.

Kalam Crypto #81: VARA Suspends BitOasis License, XRP Ruled Not A Security
This week, VARA suspends BitOasis license, a U.S. court ruled XRP sold to retail is not a security and a blog post from our CEO about why BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF application could be one of the most important developments ever in crypto.

Kalam Crypto #80: UAE Bitcoin Mining & AI learned how to use Bitcoin Lightning
This week, the UAE emerged as a global bitcoin mining hub, AI learned how to use bitcoin lightning payments, and BlackRock CEO’s bullish comments on bitcoin.

CoinMENA Introduces Fast, Cost-Effective USDC Deposits & Withdrawals on Stellar
CoinMENA is thrilled to announce the addition of USD Coin (USDC) deposits and withdrawals via the Stellar network, providing our users with seamless and efficient transactions using this highly popular stablecoin.

Kalam Crypto #79: BTC Price Reaches All-Time High & The ETH Flippening!
This week, Bitcoin reaches a new all-time high in Lebanon and Argentina, Hong Kong opened Bitcoin and Ether ETF trading, Staked ETH reached a new milestone, and Microstrategy buys more bitcoin!

Kalam Crypto #78: BlackRock Bitcoin ETF & Hong Kong Welcomes Crypto Companies
This week, the world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock filed for a bitcoin ETF, Hong Kong regulators urging banks to onboard crypto companies, and CoinMENA adds deposit and withdrawal support for USDC via Stellar.

Kalam Crypto #77: U.S. Regulators Pushing Crypto Off-Shore, Bitcoin Dominance Up
This week, U.S. regulators continue their attacks on the crypto industry, pushing many firms off-shore, Bitcoin dominance rising to 50% of crypto’s total market cap, and the latest giveaways and offers from CoinMENA.

UAE CB Regulation
On consecutive days, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase.


Kalam Crypto #76: AI will use crypto, ETH Staking & BTC transaction fees surging
This week, the U.S. regulators sue Binance, ETH staking queue reached 44 days, Bitcoin transaction fees surging, and our blog of the week about AI and cryptocurrencies.

Kalam Crypto #75: U.S. Debt Ceiling Suspended & Ledger Delays “Recover”
This week, U.S. lawmakers agree to suspend the debt ceiling, again! Chat GPT CEO Sam Altman raises $115 million for project Worldcoin, and Ledger delays the launch of their controversial “Recover” product.

Kalam Crypto #74: Tether & Bitcoin, EU Crypto Regulations & New Digital Assets
This week, Tether announced they intend to invest up to 15% of the net profits into Bitcoin, EU Finance Ministers passed comprehensive crypto regulations, and we listed new popular cryptocurrencies on CoinMENA including DOGE, SHIB, and EURt.

Kalam Crypto #73: Abu Dhabi To Start Mining Bitcoin & Tether Profits Soar
This week, Abu Dhabi announces large-scale bitcoin mining operations, Tether reports monster Q1 profits & reinvests 2% of it in bitcoin, and Ethereum staking rewards reach 8.6%, the highest since the Merge.

Commodity Credit vs Circulation Credit
Mainstream FIAT economists think a Bitcoin or Gold standard isn't friendly for business because they assume the limited supply will suffocate credit creation.


Kalam Crypto #72: Bitcoin Fees Surging & More U.S. Bank Failures
This week, bitcoin fees and block space demand are surging, and the number of non-zero BTC addresses reaches a new all-time high, and more U.S. bank failures.

Kalam Crypto #71: EU Passes Crypto Regulations, BTC Transaction Reach New ATH
This week, the EU passed a comprehensive crypto framework, trad-fi companies Visa, Mastercard, and Paypal doubled down on crypto, and bitcoin transactions reached new all-time highs.

CoinMENA Extends Crypto Services to Iraq
CoinMENA will now allow citizens and residents of Iraq to open accounts on its platform and access its range of services

Kalam Crypto #70: UAE Federal Entity Regulates Crypto & USDT Approaches New ATH
This week, UAE’s SCA started accepting virtual asset license applications, Apple launched a high-yield savings account product, and USDT’s market cap surging to new all-time highs.

Kalam Crypto #69: Bitcoin on every Apple Mac, Ethereum Shanghai Upgrade & More
This week, Microstrategy buys an additional 1,045 BTC, the Bitcoin Whitepaper is found on every Mac computer and VARA tightens regulatory requirements on Binance.

Kalam Crypto #68: CBB expands crypto framework while US push crypto offshore
This week, the Central Bank of Bahrain expands its crypto assets regulatory framework, U.S. companies moving operations to international hubs to escape the hostile regulatory environment, and SBF slapped with new charges.

Kalam Crypto #67: U.S. Regulators go to war, as Hong Kong opens doors to crypto
U.S. regulators continue their crackdown on Coinbase & Binance, while HongKong reopens its arms to crypto, DoKwon is arrested, and CoinMENA launches CoinMENA University & $5,000 in giveaways this Ramadan!

Kalam Crypto #66: $1M BTC Bet, Banking Crisis & KSA Eyeing BTC As Store of Value
We seem to be on the verge of another banking crisis, former Coinbase CTO bets bitcoin will reach $1 million within 90 days, KSA looking at bitcoin as a store of value, and Fidelity quietly launches their crypto trading desk.

Kalam Crypto #65: Banks dumping, Bitcoin pumping 🚀
This week, we cover the collapse of three US banks that served the crypto and tech industries, USDC temporarily losing its peg, and what happened to Signature bank?

Bank bailed out (kind of). Are you ready for the next Bull Run?
Three US banks failed over the weekend: Silvergate, Silicon Valley, and Signature, with more to come probably in the coming days.


Kalam Crypto #64: RAK Crypto Free Zone, Etheruem Shanghai Upgrade Delayed
This week, Ras Al Khaimah announced a crypto friendly free zone, firms distance themselves from crypto bank Silvergate, and Ethereum Shanghai upgrade delayed.

Kalam Crypto #63: Base Drops on Ethereum, NFT Marketplace War & much more
This week, Abu Dhabi launches a one billion dollar Web 3 fund, Coinbase launches an Ethereum Layer 2, and the NFT marketplace war escalates.

Kalam Crypto #62: BTC Ordinals, NFT Wars, and much more
This week, Bitcoin Ordinals reach a new milestone, U.S. Crypto industry pushing back against SEC “regulation by enforcement” tactic, and the NFT marketplace war between Blur and OpenSea.

The Importance of Regulatory Clarity in the Crypto Industry
Regulatory clarity is critical to driving business and innovation, especially when dealing with emerging technologies like crypto. Like all tools, regulation can be used to support or hinder.


Kalam Crypto #61: Crypto regulation, the good, the bad & the ugly!
This week is all about regulations, the good, the bad, and the ugly. VARA launches comprehensive crypto regulations (good), the SEC clamps down on staking in the United States (bad), and SEC orders Paxos to stop minting BUSD (ugly).

Great news for the crypto ecosystem!
Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) has just released the Virtual Assets and Related Activities Regulations 2023.


Kalam Crypto #60: CoinMENA @ LEAP, NFTs on Bitcoin & more
This week, CoinMENA is at the LEAP conference in Riyadh and we list 21 new digital assets, NFTs on Bitcoin and what is Nostr?

Kalam Crypto #59: Tesla Diamond Hands & 21 NEW digital assets
This week, Tesla’s diamond hands through Q4 2022, liquid ETH staking withdrawals on Lido, and CoinMENA lists 21 new digital assets including SOL and ALGO.

Kalam Crypto #58: UAE: Crypto to play a major role in trade 1,000 USDT Giveaway
This week, UAE announces crypto will play a major role in foreign trade, Circle announces CCTP, Société Générale takes out a loan from MakerDAO, and Ethereum layer 2 activity rising.

🦊ETH Staking on MetaMask
Metamask enabling ETH staking could potentially lead to mainstream DeFi adoption similar to how Robinhood popularized stock trading. This will become even more convenient when Metamask adds reliable FIAT rails.


Kalam Crypto #57: ETH staking on MetaMask, FTX drama, Swap USDT, and much more
This week, Metamask to enable ETH staking, new USDT swap feature, the Winklevoss Twins’ beef with DCG’s Barry Silbert escalates, and of course, more FTX drama.

Kalam Crypto #56: SBF pleads not guilty, Ethereum Shanghai Upgrade & more
This week, cautious optimism as markets are slightly in the green, but we won’t talk about it. In other news, SBF enters a not guilty plea, Ethereum Shanghai upgrade date, and beef of the week between Gemini’s Winklevoss twins and DCG’s Barry Silbert.

Kalam Crypto #55: 2022 Wrap-Up, Solana crashes, and Turkey tests CBDCs
This week, we have a 2022 wrap-up video from CoinMENA, Solana is down badly, and Turkey tests CBDCs.

Investing in GBTC (Grayscale Bitcoin Trust) is not the same as investing in BTC
GBTC is currently trading at a ~50% discount to NAV.


Kalam Crypto #54: SBF released on $250m bail & Polygon ends the year on a high
This week, SBF is extradited to the US and released on $250m bail, SBF associates turn on him and are cooperating with the authorities, and Polygon continues its impressive 2022.

Kalam Crypto #53: MetaMask x Paypal, Trump NFTs, and SBF charged with fraud
This week, MetaMask partners with PayPal, SBF was charged with criminal and civil fraud, and Trump issues his NFT collection.

CoinMENA MAG Partnership
The developer aims to create new avenues for investors to diversify their investment portfolio via digital assets and further boost Dubai’s thriving economy

Kalam Crypto #52: SBF Arrested, USDT vs. USDC & Global BTC Payments on Lightning
This week, SBF gets arrested, global payments via the Bitcoin Lightning Network, USDT vs. USDC Rivalry, and fears over GBTC’s BTC holdings.

Kalam Crypto #51: Latest on FTX, BTC correlation with tech stock drops & more
This week, we update you on the latest happenings in the FTX saga, as well as go behind the headlines to reveal some interesting crypto adoption trends, and Ethereum reversing post-merge censorship trend.

Kalam Crypto #50: FTX license revoked, BitGo takes custody of FTX assets & more
This week, VARA revokes FTX license in UAE, BitGo takes custody of FTX assets, and Circle adds support for Apple Pay.

Not All Custody Is Created Equal: Why CoinMENA Chose BitGo
Since launching CoinMENA, we are proud to have BitGo as our custodian.

Kalam Crypto #49: FTX Fallout continues, World Cup #CoinMENA_Goal campaign!
This week, we continue our coverage of the FTX fallout, but we also highlight some positive developments that have gone under the radar, as well as announce new campaigns like discounted card fees and our World Cup campaign, #CoinMENA_Goal!

FTX Fraud Highlights Need for Regulation
Crypto is an industry in its infancy, and still not adequately regulated in most countries.


Kalam Crypto #48: FTX Collapse: What, Why, and What next?
This week we cover the FTX collapse: What happened? Why did it happen? Could this happen to CoinMENA? And where do we go from here?

Kalam Crypto #47: FTX vs Binance, Polygon Meta Partnership, & Ethereum L2 Rising
This week, heavyweight clash between Binance and FTX as Binance announces they will liquidate all of their FTT Tokens, Polygon partners with Meta and executes its first DeFi trade for JP Morgan.

CoinMENA Partners with Carlton Real Estate
Under the partnership, the leading Bahrain-based real estate broker will accept stablecoins like USDT and USDC.

Kalam Crypto #46: Bitcoin Whitepaper Anniversary, Musk buys Twitter, & much more
This week, the Bitcoin whitepaper anniversary, Elon Musk acquires Twitter, and more institutions planning on buying crypto.

MENA, the fastest-growing crypto region in the world
It’s one of the world’s smallest crypto markets, but new data places the MENA region as the fastest growing crypto region in the world. Surprised? You shouldn’t be.


KC #45: BTC less volatile than stocks, Circle & Block to onboard 1 billion users
This week, bitcoin is less volatile than the S&P500, hashrate reaches an all-time high, and Block teamed up with Circle to onboard 1 billion users to crypto!

Kalam Crypto #44: Google to accept crypto payments, ETH goes deflationary & more
This week, Google to accept cryptocurrency payments, Ethereum supply turns deflationary, and zero trading fees for life from CoinMENA.

Kalam Crypto #43: Fastest growing crypto region worldwide, Binance chain hacked
This week, MENA is the fastest-growing crypto region in the world, Binance chain gets hacked, and NYDIG launched an institutional bitcoin fund.

Kalam Crypto 42: BoE pivots, UAE Metaverse Assembly, SWIFT Chainlink Partnership
This week, the UAE Ministry of Economy announced the launch of its headquarters in the metaverse, Bank of England becomes the first central bank to pivot away from quantitative tightening and extension of CoinMENA’s bitcoin giveaway.

Kalam Crypto #41: SEED bitcoin partnership & rising institutional adoption
This week, despite fears of a global recession and the Fed increasing interest rates again, institutional adoption is on the rise, and bitcoin hodlers remain unwavering.

Kalam Crypto #40: Bahrain testing BTC payments, Ethereum Merged, & BTC giveaway
This week, Ethereum merged successfully, the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) is testing bitcoin payments, experts correct Whitehouse crypto climate change report, and a bitcoin giveaway from CoinMENA.

Kalam Crypto #39: Two days from the Merge, Saudi Arabia hires crypto chief
This week, the Ethereum Merge is just two days away, Saudi Arabia hires a crypto chief & special offers from CoinMENA.

Kalam Crypto #38: Merge-tember, Ethereum Merge starts today!
This week, Merge-tember! Phase 1 of the Ethereum Merge starts today, we have all you need to know about one of the most anticipated events in the history of crypto.

Kalam Crypto #37: New Ethereum Merge details & ETH giveaway+25% off trading fees
This week, markets slide after the U.S Fed Chair speech, new details on the Ethereum Merge upgrade, and trading discounts from CoinMENA.

Kalam Crypto #84: BTC ETF Approved in EU, Oman Launches Bitcoin Mining Facility
This week, Oman launch a $370 million dollar bitcoin mining facility, the first spot bitcoin ETF is approved in Europe, Ledger integrates PayPal, and a Bitcoiner could become Argentina’s next president.

Kalam Crypto #83: Base L2 Summer, Paypal Stablecoin, and SBF Bail Revoked
his week, payments giant PayPal launches a stablecoin, Base, the Ethereum Layer 2 form Coinbase launched, Microstrategy sells stocks to buy more bitcoin, SBF bail revoked, and Curve recovers 70% of stolen funds.

Kalam Crypto #36: Google invests $1.5b in crypto, Stablecoins back ETH Merge
This week, Google invests heavily in crypto, stablecoins back ETH PoS merge, and ETH giveaway from CoinMENA.

The Merge
Ethereum’s long-awaited upgrade to Ethereum 2.0 is finally here. The third and final Goerli testnet successfully migrated to the proof-of-stake (PoS) chain at the beginning of August 2022. The mainnet upgrade is scheduled to take place on 15/16 September.


Kalam Crypto 35: Ethereum Merge date announced, BlackRock launch bitcoin product
This week, a successful final Ethereum dress rehearsal, BlackRock launch spot bitcoin product, and Tornado Cash banned.

Kalam Crypto #34: BlackRock enters crypto, Solana wallet hack, and more.
This week, Blackrock, the world’s largest asset manager partners with Coinbase to offer institutional clients exposure to digital assets, Michael Saylor to focus more on bitcoin, and the launch of the Dubai Digital Assets Business Group (D2A2).

Solana Wallet Hack
The root cause identified is a wallet software compromise rather than a vulnerability in the Solana blockchain.


Kalam Crypto #33: On the verge of Ethereum Merge, USDC closes gap to USDT & more
This week, on the verge of the Ethereum Merge, USDC closes the gap to USDT, and more ways to earn BTC with CoinMENA.

Kalam Crypto #32: Tesla sells BTC, USDC reserves revealed, and ZkEVM by Polygon
This week, Tesla liquidates 75% of their BTC, Circle reveals details of USDC reserve assets, Polygon announces ZkEVM, and Bitcoin mining becomes more sustainable!

CoinMENA Extends Crypto Services to Egypt
Users in Egypt can now open accounts on the platform and access all its services, including connecting their bank accounts to their CoinMENA wallets, allowing them to deposit and withdraw funds directly and safely.

Kalam Crypto #31: BTC and ETH addresses reach ATH, and Hello Egypt!
This week, we have positive price action on Ethereum, addresses holding BTC and ETH reach all-time highs, and CoinMENA can now onboard residents of Egypt from our base in Bahrain!

Kalam Crypto #30: CoinMENA VISA Partnership, FTX buys BlockFi, and more
This week, FTX acquires BlockFi, 3AC files for bankruptcy, and CoinMENA announces a partnership with VISA. All that and more, so let's dive into this week's letter, and talk crypto.

CoinMENA Joins Visa’s Fintech Fast Track Program
CoinMENA announced that it has joined Visa’s Fintech Fast Track program. It will allow CoinMENA to more easily leverage the reach, capabilities, and security of VisaNet, and launch a host of Visa-exclusive services, including the CoinMENA VISA Card.

Opportunities in a Recession
It's official. We are in crypto winter. Every four years, the market goes through bull and bear cycles. We think it might be different “this time,” but apparently, it’s not. However, this is the first time crypto has experienced an economic recession.


Kalam Crypto #29: Crypto bailouts, Tencent launch metaverse division, and more
This week, liquidity issues lead to crypto bailouts, Tencent launch metaverse division, Solana Labs to launch a web3 phone, and more chances to double your ETH and XRP trades on CoinMENA.

Kalam Crypto #28: Crypto Winter, VARA License, and more
Ahlan wa sahlan and welcome to Crypto winter. If this is your first time here, welcome! Not an ideal place to be, but not the end of crypto as some mainstream media outlets would have you believe.

CoinMENA receives provisional license from Dubai’s VARA
CoinMENA has obtained a provisional virtual assets license from Dubai’s VARA to continue its business operations in Dubai while it undertakes the in-depth process of applying for a license, in accordance with VARA requirements.

What Is Happening in the Markets?
Bear markets are tough, we know because this is our third one. We’re sure many of you are wondering: is it different this time? The short answer is no, but there are some slight differences this time around.


Kalam Crypto #27: Web 5, successful Ethereum “merge” test, and more
This week, Web 5, successful Ethereum merge test, notable findings from bullish crypto surveys, and Bin Zayed Group’s Dubai Metaverse Experience. All that and more, so let's dive into this week's letter, and talk crypto.

Kalam Crypto #26: Bitcoin remains king, Bored Ape’s Discord exploit, and more
This week, Bitcoin remains king, Bored Ape’s Discord exploit, Oman backs Crusoe Energy, and some exciting announcements and offers from CoinMENA. All that and more, so let's dive into this week's letter, and talk crypto.

Despite Downturn, Crypto Adoption on the Rise
With the global value of crypto almost halving since its November 2021 peak, taking us officially into a bear market, one might assume investment would slow. Instead, established players are doubling down on crypto-related investments.


Kalam Crypto #25: Terra 2.0 is born, a16z launches largest crypto fund, and more
This week, Terraform Labs launches Terra 2.0, a16z launches largest crypto fund ever, MetaMask rescuing crypto scam victims, and exciting offers from CoinMENA. All that and more, so let's dive into this week's letter, and talk crypto.

Kalam Crypto #24: Robinhood and Revolut enter Web3, new Ethereum "merge" date...
This week, highlights from Blockwork's Permissionless conference, including the new Ethereum "Merge" date, Fintechs Robinhood & Revolut entering Web3, Ernst & Young going on-chain, and CoinMENA expands services to Qatar residents.

CoinMENA becomes first regional crypto exchange to enter Qatar
CoinMENA has become the first regional digital assets exchange to offer its services in Qatar, meaning that users across the Gulf state can now easily and safely invest in cryptocurrencies for the first time.

Kalam Crypto #23: UST/LUNA collapse, Emirates to accept BTC payments ...
Ahlan wa sahlan, and welcome to the 23rd edition of CoinMENA’s weekly newsletter, Kalam Crypto. Every week we will bring you the latest news and developments from the exciting world of cryptocurrencies.

CoinMENA adds a range of first-in-region features for cryptocurrency traders
CoinMENA has become the first onshore licensed crypto exchange to introduce limit trading and the first and only licensed crypto platform in the MENA region to allow users to withdraw USDT (Tether) stablecoins via the TRON TRC20 network.

CoinMENA launches region’s first cashback offer for cryptocurrency deposits
CoinMENA announced it has partnered with Beyon Money to give users across the Kingdom the chance to earn up to 5% cashback when depositing money into their CoinMENA crypto assets wallets, a first of its kind service in the region.

What the NFT
Non Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are probably the most divisive topic in crypto these days. As with most new technologies, we have diametrically opposing views about them. The truth, as always, is somewhere in between.


Crypto Take Over Is Happening
Crypto is becoming more mainstream every day as more institutions and countries adopt it. We are seeing a convergence of technology and money, and this is why I think there is still a lot of value to be captured.


Thoughts on the “Bear Market”
Crypto market cycles happen every 4 years, and in each cycle, we see bull runs followed by significant price pullbacks during bear markets. If you have been in the crypto space for more than one cycle, then “bear markets” represent a great opportunity.


Bahrain’s CoinMENA obtains second cryptocurrency license in the European Union
CoinMENA will now be able to expand to new jurisdictions in the MENA region and beyond with its second cryptocurrency license in the European Union, as well as increase the number of crypto assets and crypto financial services on the platform.

CoinMENA Integrates Chainlink to Bring Enhanced Transparency to Its Exchange
CoinMENA announced its live integration of the industry leading Chainlink Price Feeds. CoinMENA is referencing Chainlink Price Feeds during all fiat-to-crypto transactions on the exchange, ensuring users are getting fair-market exchange rates.

CoinMENA Secures $9.5M in Seed Round to Accelerate Regional Expansion
Bahrain-headquartered CoinMENA has secured $9.5M in its first seed funding round from BECO Capital, Kenetic, Arab Bank Switzerland, Bunat Ventures, Alameda Research, Rua Growth Fund and Girnas Capital alongside a number of select global angel investors.