Kalam Crypto #171: Institutional Demand Accelerates Across Crypto Markets

14 Apr, 2026

CoinMENA Team

Author

“We have elected to put our money and faith in a mathematical framework that is free of politics and human error.” - Tyler Winklevoss

Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to the latest edition of Kalam Crypto, your trusted source for crisp, insightful updates on everything crypto, globally and across the MENA region.

This week, we’re seeing a clear theme emerge: institutions are accelerating adoption, regulators are centralizing oversight, and the region continues to strengthen its digital asset footprint. Let’s dive in.

🌍 Global Market Pulse

EUB Backs Shift of Crypto Oversight to ESMA

The European Central Bank backs a proposal to transfer the supervision of major crypto firms from individual EU member states to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), thereby strengthening efforts to centralize regulation across the bloc. The ECB stated that the move would enhance consistency, reduce fragmentation, and better manage cross-border risks as crypto markets expand under the EU’s MiCA framework. While nonbinding, the endorsement adds momentum to what could become a major overhaul of EU crypto regulation, aiming to enhance financial stability and address growing links between crypto firms and traditional banks.

Crypto ETPs See $1.1B Inflows in Strongest Week Since January

Crypto ETP flows by asset (in millions of US dollars). Source: CoinShares

Crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) recorded $1.1 billion in inflows last week, their strongest performance since January, led by Bitcoin with $871 million and supported by US spot ETFs. The surge was driven by improved investor sentiment amid easing US inflation data and reduced geopolitical tensions, even as market volatility persisted. Ether also saw a rebound with $196 million in inflows after weeks of outflows, while the US dominated activity, accounting for 95% of total inflows. The trend highlights continued institutional demand and resilience in regulated crypto investment products.

Apple Removes Fake Crypto App Behind $9.5M Scam

Apple has removed a malicious app impersonating Ledger Live after more than 50 crypto investors lost a combined $9.5 million in a phishing scam. The app used a “bait-and-switch” tactic to trick users into revealing their seed phrases, prompting Apple to terminate the developer and take the app down. The incident highlights growing risks from increasingly sophisticated scams, reinforcing the importance of verifying apps before downloading.

Tether Launches Self-Custodial Wallet With Cloud Backup Feature

Tether has launched a new self-custodial wallet, Tether Wallet, supporting USDT, Bitcoin, and other Tether-issued assets, aiming to simplify crypto payments and storage. The app allows users to send and receive funds without gas tokens, uses human-readable tether.me usernames, and keeps private keys under user control with transactions signed locally. It also introduces an optional cloud backup feature for recovery, sparking debate over the balance between convenience and decentralization. The move marks Tether’s push into consumer wallet services as it looks to make digital asset usage more accessible globally.

Goldman Sachs Eyes Income-Focused Bitcoin ETF Strategy

Goldman Sachs has filed to launch a Bitcoin-linked ETF designed to generate income while reducing volatility, using an options-based strategy rather than holding Bitcoin directly. The fund would invest in Bitcoin ETPs and sell call options to earn premium income, though this approach may limit upside during strong market rallies. As demand grows for more sophisticated crypto investment products, the move highlights a broader shift toward actively managed strategies that balance returns with risk control.

MicroStrategy Nears 800K BTC After $1B Bitcoin Buy

Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy added 13,927 BTC for $1B last week at an average price of $71,902, bringing its total holdings to 780,897 BTC and moving closer to the 800,000 mark. The purchase, funded through STRC share sales, reinforces MicroStrategy’s aggressive accumulation strategy despite holding $14.46B in unrealized losses. The move comes alongside strong institutional demand, including $786M in inflows into Bitcoin ETFs, helping support Bitcoin’s recent move above $70K. As institutional momentum builds, MicroStrategy continues to signal long-term conviction in Bitcoin despite ongoing market volatility.

📌 Regional Highlights

🇸🇦 Saudi Crypto Market Set to Reach $47.8B

Saudi Arabia’s crypto market is rapidly expanding, projected to grow from $24.9B in 2025 to $47.8B by 2034 (7.5% CAGR), driven by a shift from speculation to real-world financial use. Backed by Vision 2030, rising institutional adoption, and increased fintech investment, digital assets are becoming part of the Kingdom’s broader financial ecosystem. Initiatives like mBridge, along with growing interest in DeFi and blockchain applications across industries, are accelerating this momentum. Despite challenges such as evolving regulations and market volatility, Saudi Arabia is steadily positioning itself as a key regional hub for digital assets.

🇦🇪UAE Rolls Out Expanded Virtual Asset Regulatory Framework

The UAE’s Capital Market Authority (CMA) has introduced a new Virtual Assets Framework, establishing a comprehensive regulatory regime covering trading, custody, advisory services, portfolio management, and virtual asset platform operations. The framework consolidates five core modules, spanning conduct, AML, governance, prudential standards, and trading systems, into a unified structure designed to align regulation with the sector’s rapid growth. It also expands regulated activities from three to eight, reflecting the increasing complexity of digital asset business models. By introducing clearer licensing rules and stronger investor protection standards, the UAE continues to position itself as a leading hub for digital finance, balancing innovation with robust market oversight.

🗞️ CoinMENA Updates

CoinMENA’s CEO Nominated Among Top 20 Crypto Leaders!

Talal Tabbaa, CEO of CoinMENA, has been recognized by UNLOCK Blockchain as one of the Top 20 CEOs shaping the digital asset industry, highlighting his focus on building a more transparent and accessible financial future. The final ranking is now open for public voting.