Kalam Crypto #167: Paribu Acquired CoinMENA for USD 240 million

This week, we’re marking a biggest milestone in CoinMENA’s history, tracking big moves in stablecoins and multichain wallets, and spotlighting regulatory shifts that could reshape the crypto landscape worldwide.

15 Dec, 2025

CoinMENA Team

Author

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” — Alan Kay

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

This week, we’re marking a biggest milestone in CoinMENA’s history, tracking big moves in stablecoins and multichain wallets, and spotlighting regulatory shifts that could reshape the crypto landscape worldwide.

All that and more, so let’s dive in!

CoinMENA News 🗞️

Paribu has acquired CoinMENA in a transaction valued at up to USD 240 million!

Paribu has acquired CoinMENA in a deal that strengthens our global presence, accelerates innovation, and expands opportunities for users across MENA and beyond. This partnership comes at a pivotal time as the digital asset industry matures, allowing CoinMENA to scale responsibly and shape the next phase of digital finance with confidence.

By combining Paribu’s global reach and advanced technology with CoinMENA’s regional expertise and trusted platform, we can offer a richer suite of products and broader access for our clients. Our mission remains unchanged: to make digital assets accessible, secure, and empowering for everyone in MENA — now on an even larger scale.

Global News 🌍

Ripple Tests RLUSD Across Ethereum Layer-2 Networks

Ripple has begun piloting its US dollar–backed stablecoin, RLUSD, on Ethereum layer-2 networks, including Optimism, Base, Ink, and Unichain, following its initial launch on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum in 2024. The move supports Ripple’s multi-chain strategy, utilizing Wormhole to facilitate native cross-chain transfers without the need for wrapped tokens. A broader rollout to more networks is planned next year, pending regulatory approval.

MetaMask Adds Native Bitcoin Support

MetaMask has officially rolled out Bitcoin support, allowing users to buy, swap, send, and receive BTC directly within the wallet. The update, teased earlier this year, expands MetaMask’s multichain strategy beyond Ethereum to include Bitcoin alongside Solana, Monad, and Sei, with more blockchain integrations expected next year.

Korea Races to Finalize Stablecoin Regulation Draft

South Korean lawmakers have set a firm December 10 deadline for regulators to submit a draft of the country’s first stablecoin bill, aiming to accelerate the creation of a clear regulatory framework for South Korean won (KRW), denominated stablecoins. The government plans to finalize the draft quickly so it can be reviewed during an extraordinary National Assembly session in January 2026, marking a major step toward formalizing stablecoin oversight in South Korea.

Japan Set to Slash Crypto Taxes to 20%

Japan is moving to overhaul its crypto tax system, with the government now backing a flat 20% tax on crypto profits, the same rate applied to stocks and investment funds. This marks a major shift away from the current tiered system, which can reach up to 55% for high earners. The Financial Services Agency plans to introduce the reform bill in early 2026, aiming to boost domestic crypto activity and create a clearer, more investor-friendly regulatory framework.

UK to Regulate Cryptoassets from October 2027

The UK will begin regulating cryptoassets in October 2027, extending existing financial rules to crypto companies to strengthen oversight and consumer protection. The framework will align more closely with the U.S. approach than the EU’s MiCA regime, with regulators developing tailored rules for trading, custody, issuance, and stablecoins to provide clearer “rules of the road” for the industry.

🇦🇪 Local News

UAE Tops MENA, Fifth Globally in Crypto Adoption

The UAE leads MENA in crypto adoption, ranking fifth globally in the World Crypto Rankings 2025. The report highlights the UAE as “a policy-first global tokenisation hub” combining strong regulations with real-world usage, especially in remittances. Dubai’s clear legal frameworks and AML guidelines make it a hotspot for tokenisation pilots, attracting global talent and positioning the UAE as a bridge between Asia, Europe, and Africa in digital finance.

Mastercard Brings Stablecoin Settlement to the UAE

Mastercard is expanding stablecoin payments to the UAE via a partnership with ADI Foundation, supporting domestic and cross-border transactions, tokenized assets, and remittances. The collaboration leverages ADI’s blockchain infrastructure and Mastercard’s global expertise, following the company’s broader stablecoin expansion across EEMEA with partners like Circle, NEO PAY, and INFINIOS.

Doha Bank Issues $150M Digital Bond with Instant Settlement

Doha Bank completed a $150 million digital bond with same-day settlement via Euroclear’s permissioned DLT, showcasing how regulated platforms are becoming the preferred infrastructure for institutional tokenized debt. Arranged by Standard Chartered and listed on the London Stock Exchange, the deal reflects a regional shift toward integrating DLT into traditional capital markets for efficient, compliant digital bond issuance.

Keep an eye on 👀

Sony Plans 2026 Stablecoin for PlayStation Payments Sony Bank is preparing to launch a USD-pegged stablecoin in 2026, enabling crypto payments across the Sony ecosystem, including PlayStation games, subscriptions, and anime content. To support the rollout, Sony is seeking a U.S. banking license and partnering with stablecoin issuer Bastion. The move aligns with Sony’s broader Web3 expansion through its new subsidiary, BlockBloom, which focuses on digital assets, NFTs, and blockchain-powered experiences.