Kalam Crypto #172: Regulation, Resilience, and the Rise of Stablecoins

“Bitcoin is the most amazing mathematical miracle. It's better than gold.” - Steve Wozniak, Apple Co-Founder

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, regulation takes center stage,  as global efforts accelerate toward clearer frameworks. Meanwhile, stablecoins continue to cement their role within traditional finance, opening new doors for institutional adoption. At the same time, the Middle East is showing notable resilience despite ongoing uncertainty, driven by innovation and advancing digital infrastructure. Let’s dive into this week’s edition!👇

🌍 Global Market Pulse

France Backs Euro Stablecoins to Challenge US Dominance

France is supporting a euro-pegged stablecoin initiative led by major European banks, aiming to compete with dominant dollar-backed tokens. The move reflects growing efforts in Europe to strengthen its position in the global digital asset economy.

Russia Moves to Criminalize Unregistered Crypto Services

Russia is tightening its grip on crypto, proposing criminal penalties for unlicensed service providers. The draft law introduces fines and prison sentences for operating without central bank approval, signaling a stronger push toward a controlled and regulated crypto environment.

Pakistan Opens Banking to Licensed Crypto Firms

Pakistan has officially allowed banks to serve licensed crypto companies after years of restrictions. The shift introduces a regulated framework for digital assets, signaling growing institutional acceptance and a move toward formal adoption of cryptocurrencies.

📌 Regional Highlights

UAE Central Bank Launches Blockchain KYC Platform

The Central Bank of the UAE has introduced a nationwide blockchain-based e-KYC platform in partnership with Norbloc, aimed at streamlining compliance and onboarding across financial institutions. The system enables secure data sharing with customer consent, reduces duplication in due diligence processes, and strengthens AML standards. As part of the UAE’s broader financial infrastructure transformation, the initiative reinforces the country’s push toward a more efficient, digital-first financial ecosystem, further supporting its position as a leading hub for crypto and fintech innovation.

🗞️ CoinMENA Updates

We’re proud to share that our Co-Founder and Managing Director, Dina Sam’an, has been named among the “50 Most Influential Women in the Tech Ecosystem of the UAE 2026.” Her leadership continues to drive a more transparent, regulated, and accessible crypto future across the region, setting the pace for what’s next in MENA’s digital asset space.

Keep an eye on 👀

In times of market stress, Bitcoin has consistently outperformed every major asset and index, delivering stronger relative performance across each crisis tested so far. With a track record of 7 out of 7 times, this pattern highlights its growing role as a resilient asset in uncertain market conditions.

Post Of The Week 🐥

Quiz Corner ✅ 

Last week’s question: What happens to the supply of new Bitcoin roughly every 4 years during a "Halving" event? The answer: It is cut in half

This week’s question is:  Bitcoin is often referred to by investors as "Digital ______."

1. Cash 2. Gold 3. Diamond 4. Real Estate

See the answer in next week’s newsletter. Or check out our learning platform https://university.coinmena.com/