Key Highlights
- BNY establishes digital asset custody infrastructure in Abu Dhabi through strategic collaborations.
- Partnership with Finstreet and ADI Foundation enables regulated operations within ADGM framework.
- Launch phase focuses on Bitcoin and Ether custody solutions for UAE institutional clients.
- Future roadmap includes stablecoin support and tokenized asset custody capabilities.
- BNY manages approximately $59 trillion in global assets under custody and administration.
BNY has announced the establishment of digital asset custody infrastructure in Abu Dhabi through collaborative ventures with local entities. The financial institution partners with Finstreet and ADI Foundation to create a regulated digital asset framework within Abu Dhabi Global Market. This expansion reinforces BNY’s footprint in the Middle Eastern market while delivering custody capabilities for bitcoin and ether.
Strategic Partnership Establishes ADGM Presence
BNY enters the UAE market through cooperation with Finstreet and ADI Foundation to develop digital asset services in ADGM. The institution concentrates on delivering compliant custody solutions within the financial free zone’s regulatory perimeter. ADGM has emerged as the region’s premier destination for blockchain companies and cryptocurrency platforms.
Initial operations will support custody for Bitcoin BTC priced at $81,437.09 and Ether ETH. BNY intends to broaden its service portfolio to encompass stablecoins and tokenized financial instruments. The official announcement confirmed operations will function within ADGM’s established regulatory guidelines.
Hani Kablawi, executive vice chair at BNY, addressed the strategic expansion in an official statement. He noted, “The UAE is entering a new phase of financial development, characterized by deeper markets.” He emphasized that BNY’s global infrastructure enables bridging between conventional and digital financial systems.
BNY maintains custody and administration responsibilities for approximately $59 trillion in assets. The institution holds the position as the world’s premier custodian bank. BNY also achieved the distinction of being the first major U.S. global systemically important bank to introduce digital asset custody capabilities.
Cryptocurrency Custody Platform Launch
BNY will begin operations with custody services for Bitcoin BTC and Ether ETH across Abu Dhabi. Services will function through authorized partners operating within ADGM’s jurisdiction. The bank’s expansion strategy includes incorporating stablecoins and tokenized securities into its custody offerings.
This development corresponds with growing institutional demand for tokenization. Financial institutions increasingly utilize blockchain technology to digitize bonds, investment funds, and equity instruments. They pursue enhanced settlement efficiency and superior collateral administration.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai have successfully attracted major cryptocurrency exchanges and stablecoin providers. Government authorities established comprehensive regulatory structures to accommodate digital asset enterprises. These frameworks balance regulatory oversight with innovation encouragement.
The UAE has progressed significantly with government-supported digital finance programs. IHC alongside other regional institutions unveiled initiatives for a regulated dirham-backed stablecoin. The program targets government entities and institutional market participants.
BNY’s Abu Dhabi launch demonstrates its commitment to worldwide digital asset service expansion. The institution leverages partnership models to satisfy regional compliance requirements. The official statement detailed forthcoming expansion into tokenized asset categories.
BNY verified its infrastructure development approach with local collaborators under ADGM regulatory authority. The bank integrates capital markets proficiency with blockchain-enabled custody platforms. This expansion represents a significant milestone in its digital asset custody strategy.





