ARP Digital, co-founded by former Goldman Sachs partner Yusuf Alireza, has been granted a category-3 license by the Central Bank of Bahrain, marking a significant milestone as the first and only licensed over-the-counter (OTC) service provider specializing in digital asset structured products in the country. This development positions ARP Digital at the forefront of catering to the sophisticated needs of institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals in the rapidly evolving digital asset space.
A New Era for Structured Products in Crypto
Structured products, traditionally popular among institutional investors for their customizable investment solutions, are beginning to gain traction in the digital assets market. ARP Digital’s licensing comes at a time when the demand for such products is witnessing a “huge spike,” especially following the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of spot bitcoin ETFs earlier this year. The company aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the burgeoning world of cryptocurrency investments.
Services and Inclusivity
ARP Digital is set to offer a comprehensive suite of services, including crypto trading, custody, and portfolio management. The firm is committed to designing both standardized and tailored investment solutions, ensuring a wide range of market views and client needs are accommodated. Moreover, ARP Digital plans to offer multiple delivery and settlement options to ensure inclusivity among a diverse client base.
Founding Team with Rich Experience
The founding team’s pedigree, particularly Yusuf Alireza’s two decades at Goldman Sachs and his historic role as the firm’s first-ever Arab partner, underscores ARP Digital’s strong leadership foundation. Co-founders Abdulla Kanoo and Abdulaziz Kanoo bring additional expertise from their previous roles at Amber Group’s crypto trading firm in the MENA region, further solidifying the firm’s position in the market.
MENA’s Rising Crypto Hub
Bahrain’s regulatory ecosystem has rapidly emerged as a hub for digital asset firms, both locally and internationally. The region’s recognition of the transformative potential of digital assets places it in a strategic position to become a global powerhouse in financial services innovation.
ARP Digital’s licensing by the Central Bank of Bahrain represents a pivotal moment for the digital assets industry in the MENA region, promising to unlock new opportunities for sophisticated investment products and further accelerating the adoption and growth of digital assets.
