The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has launched the first Bitcoin investment fund in the region, targeting institutional investors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
NBB's new Bitcoin fund
Developed in partnership with digital asset firm ARP Digital, the fund offers investors exposure to Bitcoin with a cap on potential gains and full protection against losses.
Partnership with ARP Digital
According to local media, Abdulla Kanoo, co-founder and co-chief executive officer at ARP Digital, pointed out, “Our collaboration with NBB is poised to be a game-changer in the regional market. By leveraging our expertise in digital assets and NBB’s extensive reach in the financial sector, we have created a product that introduces Bitcoin exposure within a highly secure framework.”
Regional crypto efforts
Bahrain has been working hard to attract digital asset businesses, creating a crypto-friendly environment with clear regulations. This has drawn companies like Binance, Crypto.com, and BitOasis. The UAE is also making strides in crypto regulation. In 2023, Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority released a comprehensive set of rules for companies dealing with cryptocurrencies, easing operations for Web3 firms in the region.
The new fund from NBB offers regional investors a promising avenue to engage safely with Bitcoin in a well-regulated environment.