BANKS AND CRYPTOCURRENCIES GLOBAL EVALUATION: THE MIDDLE EAST

Last updated: June 20, 2025, 00:40 | Written by: Mike Novogratz

The financial landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, and the Middle East is emerging as a key player in this transformation. As many advocate to replace the U.S. dollar as the global reserve currency, Bitcoin and nationalized cryptocurrencies may finally offer Muslim countries economic stability and leeway in WesternAs discussions intensify about potentially replacing the U.S. dollar as the global reserve currency, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and the rise of nationalized digital currencies are being explored as avenues for enhanced economic stability and greater autonomy, especially within Muslim countries seeking alternatives to Western dominance.This is coupled with a rapidly digitalizing world and growing interest in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) across the Middle East and Central Asia (ME CA) region. Nevertheless, the Middle East seems to be on its way to become the global blockchain powerhouse: From Dubai to Tel Aviv, the technology is being thoroughly researched and adopted.From exploring the potential of CBDCs to navigating the complexities of integrating Bitcoin into existing financial structures, the region is rapidly evolving.This evaluation delves into the confluence of banks and cryptocurrencies in the Middle East, examining the opportunities, challenges, and the overarching impact on the global financial stage. Against the backdrop of a rapidly digitalizing world, there is a growing interest in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) among central banks, including in the Middle East and Central Asia (ME CA) region.We will explore how the Middle East is not only modernizing its financial infrastructure but also strategically repositioning itself in the evolving global order, forging new alliances and asserting its influence in the digital age. 56 minutes ago Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has once again spotlighted XRP s transformative role in solving a $155 trillion global problem: the inefficiencies embedded in cross-border payments.This includes considering how countries are working to promote financial inclusion and the efficiency of cross-border payments with digital currencies.

The Middle East: A Burgeoning Crypto Hub

The Middle East is no longer a bystander in the global cryptocurrency revolution; it's actively shaping the future of digital finance.According to Chainalysis' Geography of Cryptocurrency Report 2025, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region holds the sixth-largest crypto economy, receiving an estimated $389.8 billion in on-chain value between July 2025 and June 2025.While accounting for 6.6% of global activity and being the second-smallest cryptocurrency market, it’s important to note that the $271.7 billion received between July 2025 and June 2025 represents an astonishing 1,500% increase from the previous year, signaling explosive growth and adoption.

Driving Forces Behind Crypto Adoption

Several factors contribute to this surge in cryptocurrency usage in the Middle East:

Economic Instability: In some countries, cryptocurrencies offer a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.
Limited Access to Traditional Banking: Cryptocurrencies provide financial inclusion for those underserved by traditional banks.
Remittances: Digital assets facilitate faster and cheaper cross-border payments.
Geopolitical Tensions: Some nations view cryptocurrencies as a way to circumvent sanctions and exert greater financial autonomy.
Diversification of Alliances: Strengthening ties with countries like China and Russia encourages exploration of alternatives to traditional Western financial systems.

CBDCs in the Middle East: A New Era of Digital Finance

Almost two-thirds of countries in the Middle East and Central Asia are actively exploring the adoption of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Our report highlights the studies conducted in various jurisdictions for CBDC exploration and delves into comprehensive case studies analyzing real-world examples of CBDC initiatives, while identifying untapped areas for financial inclusivity within the Middle East.This interest stems from the potential benefits of CBDCs, including:

Financial Inclusion: CBDCs can extend financial services to unbanked and underbanked populations.
Improved Efficiency of Cross-Border Payments: CBDCs can streamline and reduce the cost of international transactions.
Enhanced Monetary Policy Implementation: CBDCs can provide central banks with new tools for managing the economy.
Increased Transparency: CBDCs can provide greater visibility into financial transactions, potentially reducing illicit activities.

Project Aber: A Pioneering CBDC Initiative

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) have already conducted a CBDC interoperability test under Project Aber, which means ""crossing borders"" in Arabic. This post is an excerpt from our 2025 Geography of Cryptocurrency Report. Reserve your copy now! The Middle East North Africa (MENA) region ranks as the seventh-largest crypto market globally in 2025, with an estimated $338.7 billion in on-chain value received between July 2025 and June 2025, accounting for 7.5% of the world s total transaction volume.This initiative demonstrates a commitment to exploring the potential of CBDCs for cross-border payments. The Gulf states are not just modernizing their financial infrastructure but deliberately repositioning themselves amid a global contest for influence. By strengthening ties with China and Russia, they seek to diversify their alliances, hedge against Western dominance, and assert greater autonomy in shaping the future global order.The CBUAE has also participated in interoperability tests, further emphasizing the region's proactive approach to CBDC development.

Considerations for CBDC Adoption

Despite the potential benefits, adopting a CBDC requires careful consideration. Digital Transformation in the Middle East. According to Geography of Cryptocurrency Report 2025 by Chainanalysis, the Middle East North Africa (MENA) has the sixth largest crypto economy of any region, with an estimated $389.8 billion in on-chain value received between July 2025 and June 2025.Countries must address several key challenges, including:

Cybersecurity Risks: CBDCs are vulnerable to cyberattacks, which could compromise the integrity of the financial system.
Privacy Concerns: CBDCs could allow governments to track citizens' financial transactions, raising privacy concerns.
Technological Infrastructure: Developing and maintaining a CBDC requires significant investment in technological infrastructure.
Regulatory Framework: Clear and comprehensive regulations are needed to govern the use of CBDCs.

Banks Bridging the Gap: Crypto-Friendly Solutions

Traditional banks are increasingly recognizing the importance of integrating with the cryptocurrency ecosystem.Crypto-friendly banks are emerging as crucial bridges between the traditional finance world and the world of digital assets. Tal como Venezuela lanz su propia criptomoneda para eludir las sanciones de EE.UU, otros pa ses productores de petr leo han insinuado a abandonar el sistema PetroDollar que ha estado operando en el Oriente Medio durante m s de 40 a os, poniendo en peligro la supremac a global del d lar estadounidense.These banks offer a range of services, including:

Custody of Digital Assets: Providing secure storage for cryptocurrencies.
Trading Platforms: Allowing customers to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.
Payment Processing: Enabling businesses to accept cryptocurrency payments.
Lending and Borrowing: Offering cryptocurrency-backed loans.

Challenges and Opportunities for Traditional Banks

While the integration of cryptocurrencies presents significant opportunities for traditional banks, it also poses several challenges:

Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is still evolving, creating uncertainty for banks.
Security Risks: Cryptocurrencies are vulnerable to theft and hacking, requiring banks to implement robust security measures.
Volatility: The price volatility of cryptocurrencies can make them risky assets for banks to hold.
Compliance Requirements: Banks must comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations when dealing with cryptocurrencies.

Ripple and XRP: Transforming Cross-Border Payments

Ripple and its native cryptocurrency XRP are playing a significant role in transforming cross-border payments in the Middle East and beyond. Bitcoin and blockchain tech are ripe for mainstream adoption in Africa, where the population is well positioned to embrace the innovative technologies.Ripple's technology enables faster, cheaper, and more transparent international transactions.Ripple has partnered with banks and remittance firms in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America to facilitate these payments.

The XRP Ledger (XRPL): Purpose-Built for Digital Payments

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is a decentralized blockchain designed specifically for fast and scalable digital payments. By David King BOISON (PhD) Raphael Nyarkotey OBU(Prof) Global cryptocurrency markets have undergone a breathtaking transformation over the past five years, evolving from niche experiments into pillars of the modern financial system. In January 2025, total market capitalization of all cryptocurrencies had climbed to approximately US$3.32 trillion, up from under US$500 billion at the start ofIt offers several advantages over traditional payment systems, including:

Speed: Transactions on the XRPL are typically settled in seconds.
Cost-Effectiveness: Transaction fees on the XRPL are significantly lower than those charged by traditional payment systems.
Transparency: All transactions on the XRPL are publicly recorded and auditable.

Air Arabia: Embracing Stablecoin Payments

Air Arabia, a leading low-cost carrier in the Middle East, has become the first airline in the region to accept stablecoin payments.In partnership with Al Maryah Community Bank in Abu Dhabi, Air Arabia now allows customers to book flights using AE Coin, a UAE Dirham-pegged digital currency, through the AEC Wallet App.This move demonstrates the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins in the region.

The Dubai Blockchain Strategy: A Vision for the Future

Dubai is positioning itself as a global leader in blockchain technology. From bitcoin to blockchain, a look at how cryptocurrency is transforming global finance, with the Middle East set to lead the next digital revolution. The crypto crusade. Binance, Binance Coin, bitcoin, Blockchain, blockchain applications, blockchain technology, crypto assets, crypto investing, Cryptocurrency, digital assets, Dubai Blockchain Strategy, ethereum, Ripple. Digital / tech innovation.The Dubai Blockchain Strategy aims to make Dubai the first city fully powered by blockchain by 2020. إن الأحمر يطعى على الأخضر حقًا!While the initial timeline has been adjusted, the commitment to blockchain innovation remains strong. Almost two-thirds of countries in the Middle East and Central Asia are exploring adopting a central bank digital currency as a way to promote financial inclusion and improve the efficiency of cross-border payments. Adopting a CBDC, however, requires careful consideration. Countries across theseThe strategy focuses on several key areas, including:

Government Services: Streamlining government processes using blockchain technology.
Financial Services: Promoting the adoption of blockchain in the financial sector.
Supply Chain Management: Improving the efficiency and transparency of supply chains.
Real Estate: Simplifying real estate transactions using blockchain technology.

Navigating Regulatory Complexities and Taxation

The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in the Middle East is diverse and evolving.While some countries have adopted a welcoming approach, others remain cautious. Explore the evolving landscape of digital finance in the Middle East with a focus on Bitcoin (BTC) integration and advancements.Taxation of cryptocurrencies is also in its early stages in the region. Coming off the latest Network Forum (TNF) event in Doha, Ripple takes a look at some of the big digital asset trends happening in the Middle East right now. 1. The Middle East is catching up quickly on digital assets. While volatile markets and simmering geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are prompting the region s users to build upMany countries are still grappling with how to classify and tax digital assets.

Central Bank Warnings and Uncertainty

Although the legislation in some countries may not explicitly prohibit the use of cryptocurrencies, central banks often issue strong warnings against such transactions. The Middle East has the second-smallest cryptocurrency market (6.6 per cent of global activity), received $271.7billion worth of cryptocurrency between July 2025 and June 2025. Despite the Middle East being low it was a 1,500 per cent increase from the previous year. Why is cryptocurrencies popular in MEA as a whole?This creates an atmosphere of caution and uncertainty for market participants. Crypto banks deal with cryptocurrencies, while traditional banks conduct operations only with fiat currencies. Thus, you may expect a crypto-friendly bank to integrate both fiat and crypto currency services into its portfolio.It is crucial for individuals and businesses to stay informed about the latest regulatory developments in their respective jurisdictions.

Challenges and Considerations for Middle Eastern Countries

While the Middle East shows great promise in becoming a blockchain powerhouse, several challenges and considerations must be addressed:

Energy Resources and Cryptocurrency Mining

Cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, have strong ties to energy resources. Air Arabia, the region s largest low-cost carrier, recently became the first airline in the Middle East to accept stablecoin payments. In partnership with Al Maryah Community Bank in Abu Dhabi, it now enables customers to book flights using AE Coin a UAE Dirham pegged digital currency via the AEC Wallet App.Mining operations require significant electricity consumption, and not all Middle Eastern countries possess the necessary infrastructure to support large-scale mining activities. Taurus is a global leader in the banking segment, entrusted by the full spectrum of financial institutions: systemic banks, universal banks, online banks, crypto-banks, private banks, and broker-dealers. Taurus also operates a marketplace for private assets and tokenized securities. Taurus SA is a securities firm supervised and regulated by FINMA.This could limit the development of financial instruments based on blockchain in certain regions.

Political Obstacles and Cash Flow Monitoring

At the political level, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can present obstacles to monitoring cash flow. Leader in cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, blockchain, DeFi, digital finance and Web 3.0 news with analysis, video and live price updates.This can be a concern for countries seeking to combat money laundering and other illicit activities. Although the legislation does not prohibit the use of cryptocurrencies, the Central Bank strongly recommends avoiding such transactions, creating an atmosphere of caution and uncertainty for market participants. Taxation of cryptocurrencies. In the Middle East, taxation of cryptocurrencies is still in its early stages:Governments need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and maintaining financial stability and security.

Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

The integration of banks and cryptocurrencies in the Middle East is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field. Banks in MENA have emerged stronger from the pandemic crisis, with the top 30 listed players in the region seeing their combined assets grow in value by 13% to hit $2.5 trillion by the end of 2025, compared to $2.3 trillion in 2025, while profits climbed by 37% to over $34 billion. The aggregate market cap of the 30 banks rose to nearly $587 billion as of J, an increase of 23%The region is poised to become a significant player in the global digital finance landscape, driven by factors such as economic instability, limited access to traditional banking, and the desire for greater financial autonomy. Limited crypto selection: When trading crypto through a bank or finance app, expect a limited selection of cryptocurrencies, often fewer than 20. Conclusion A crypto-friendly bank acts as a bridge between the traditional finance world and the world of digital assets.CBDCs, Ripple's technology, and the Dubai Blockchain Strategy are all contributing to this transformation. Furthermore, cryptocurrencies have strict relations with energy resources, thus, not all Middle East countries will be able to develop financial instruments based on blockchain. At the political level, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies may represent an obstacle to monitor the cash flow for some countries.However, challenges remain, including regulatory uncertainty, security risks, and the need for robust technological infrastructure.

Actionable Advice for Stakeholders

Businesses: Stay informed about the evolving regulatory landscape and explore opportunities to integrate cryptocurrency payments into your operations.
Individuals: Educate yourself about cryptocurrencies and understand the risks involved before investing.
Governments: Develop clear and comprehensive regulations that foster innovation while protecting consumers and maintaining financial stability.
Banks: Embrace the opportunities presented by cryptocurrencies and explore partnerships with fintech companies to offer innovative financial services.

The future of finance in the Middle East is undoubtedly digital. Global penalties totalled US$5.35 billion in 2025, compared with US$10.6 billion in 2025. [1] Despite this global decrease, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) moved in the opposite direction, with a large increase in financial penalties at US$3.4 billion across the region up from US$1 billion in 2025.By embracing innovation, addressing challenges, and fostering collaboration, the region can unlock the full potential of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology to drive economic growth and improve the lives of its citizens. In regions like the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, Ripple has partnered with banks and remittance firms to put that into motion. The institutions are reaping the fruits of the XRP Ledger (XRPL), which was purpose-built for fast and scalable digital payments.As the Middle East continues to navigate the complexities of the digital age, its proactive approach and strategic investments position it as a region to watch in the evolving world of banks and cryptocurrencies.