Crypto developments are brewing around the globe, and here’s a look at our favourite stories.
UAE Launches Dirham-Backed Stablecoin DDSC
In a game-changing move for the Middle East, the UAE Central Bank has given the green light to DDSC, a fully dirham-backed stablecoin spearheaded by powerhouse players International Holding Company (IHC) and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).
This stablecoin is now live on ADI Chain, an Ethereum Layer-2 built specifically for serious institutional use and backed by 1:1 by UAE dirham reserves.
DDSC revolutionizes payments, treasury management, settlements, and cross-border trade right across the region. With MENA’s remittance market topping $40 billion every year, industry voices are buzzing that DDSC could seriously cut costs and bring modern efficiency to emerging financial systems.
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“This milestone shows stablecoins can slot into the financial world responsibly,” said Futoon Al Mazrouei, FAB’s group head of personal business and wealth banking.
Russia Pushes Back on WhatsApp, Forces Users Toward State-Backed Max
Meanwhile, over in Russia, things are getting tense in the messaging space. WhatsApp, Meta’s massively popular app, claims the government is actively blocking access for millions, trying to herd users toward its own state-supported alternative, Max.
“Trying to cut off over 100 million people from private, secure chats is a step backward and only makes things less safe.” Meta fired back in a recent X post.
Max, rolled out by VK in March 2025, is getting heavy promotion, including a rule that every new smartphone sold in the country since September 1st must come with it pre-installed.
Even though this isn’t a direct crypto development, it shows how governments are controlling digital communication and platforms.
Thailand Lets Crypto Derivatives In
The Thailand Cabinet has approved big changes to the Derivatives Act, making digital assets legal as securities for regulated financial products.
Big banks and companies can now issue safer, fully supervised products like crypto funds or derivatives linked to Bitcoin price moves, just like traditional stocks.
It’s a big win for regular investors who want to get involved without the risks, and it positions Thailand as a forward-thinking country.
Today’s crypto developments show that regulators around the world are becoming more open to digital assets in mainstream infrastructure.
2026 is shaping up to be a big year for crypto developments, from the UAE’s push for an institutional-grade stablecoin to Thailand’s breakthrough in derivatives.
