The new "Global Digital Assets Report 2025," issued by the Global Network for Finance & Technology in collaboration with "Arthur D. Little," has classified the United Arab Emirates as one of the most advanced digital asset markets globally. Launched at the "Singapore FinTech Festival 2025" currently underway in Singapore, the report highlights the role of the UAE's progressive regulatory framework in establishing international standards for innovation, investor protection, and market integrity. These findings align with the region's ongoing efforts to harmonize digital asset regulation with global standards. The report links the rapid growth of stablecoins and tokenized assets to the introduction of licensing frameworks, regulatory sandbox environments, and leading corporate projects across Gulf markets, where the UAE is at the forefront of this transformative shift. The report notes that the UAE holds a high-ranking status, comparable to Singapore and Switzerland, in regulatory maturity. Both the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) implement an activity-based licensing system that balances fostering innovation with investor protection requirements. The report is based on interviews with over 40 regulatory bodies, central bank governors, and financial executives from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, concluding that investor participation is growing faster in markets with clear regulatory oversight. Subhendu Mohanty, CEO of the Global Network for Finance & Technology, stated that the data indicates the region has moved from the stage of aspiration to the stage of achievement and execution. Behind these numbers lies a clear reality: capital is flowing towards regulatory clarity. He added that Gulf regulators are creating frameworks designed for long-term continuity, beyond mere promotion, and their focus on interoperability and real-world asset tokenization sets them apart from markets still testing the fundamentals. Arjun Ver Singh, Partner and Head of FinTech at "Arthur D. Little Middle East," said: "Our collaboration with the Global Network for Finance & Technology reflects our commitment to evidence-based analysis. The regulatory approaches in Gulf Cooperation Council countries demonstrate how clear policy design can accelerate market readiness and bolster institutional confidence in the digital finance sector." The report offers a multidisciplinary reference for policymakers and financial institutions to assess the evolution of digital currencies, tokenization, and decentralized finance, documenting how the systematic approach of GCC nations is now among the world's most advanced regulatory frameworks, providing a foundation for ongoing collaboration between regional and global standard-setters.
