Crypto.com eyes UAE, global digital asset expansion in LuLu Financial partnership

• The collaboration integrates Crypto.com’s trading, custody, and payments infrastructure with LuLuFin’s 370-location financial network.
• The UAE’s crypto regulatory framework and high adoption rates provide a strong foundation for the partnership.
• LuLuFin aims to explore digital asset-linked products while the partnership supports Crypto.com’s Middle East expansion.

Crypto.com has partnered with LuLu Financial Holdings to develop regulated digital asset capabilities across multiple markets, beginning in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Crypto.com has promoted the collaboration as the integration of its trading infrastructure, institutional-grade custody, and payment technologies with LuLuFin’s financial services network of more than 370 customer engagement centers in 10 countries in the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and Asia-Pacific regions.

The partnership particulars reveal that Crypto.com will provide LuLuFin with access to its liquidity, advanced execution tools, and institutional-grade custody solutions through the initial phase.

LuLuFin, on the other hand, will explore how new capabilities can support the development of digital asset-linked products across its financial services portfolio.

Crypto.com and LuLuFin to expand UAE digital asset infrastructure

The partnership comes as the UAE has established itself as one of the world’s most progressive regions for digital assets, with over 30% of the population now reportedly owning cryptocurrency.

The country has a comprehensive regulatory framework that’s coordinated across multiple authorities including the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, Securities and Commodities Authority, and Central Bank of the UAE. It has also created clear licensing and compliance pathways for virtual asset service providers.

Stablecoins have already gained significant traction in Dubai for everyday transactions including rent payments, remittances, real estate purchases, and service payments.

“We are constantly looking for ways to advance the UAE’s thriving crypto space alongside the government’s long-term framework around blockchain innovation,” said Alain Yacine, president of Middle East and Latin America at Crypto.com. “Through this partnership with LuLuFin we’ll be able to provide more people a secure way to interact with digital assets, and explore further integrations that will not only boost LuLuFin’s product offerings, but also develop the crypto industry in the UAE.”

Traditional finance and digital assets find common goals

The alliance represents a significant move in the convergence of traditional financial services with digital asset infrastructure. LuLuFin has been actively expanding its technology capabilities, recently partnering with Arf for T-0 settlement infrastructure, enabling instant settlement. It is also working with ABHI to provide earned wage access and remittance solutions for UAE workers.

“Digital assets are becoming an essential layer of the global financial system, and this partnership gives us the foundation to explore that future responsibly,” said Joseph Cleetus, vice-president of business transformation at LuLuFin. “By combining Crypto.com’s infrastructure with our multi-market financial services network, we see meaningful opportunities to create new, trusted digital asset experiences for our customers and partners.”

For Crypto.com, the partnership extends its Middle East expansion strategy. The platform recently formed alliances with e& money to advance the UAE crypto ecosystem and with Sirius International Holding for ADI Chain integration. Cryptopolitan reported in October that the company secured a partnership with Dubai government entities, enabling cryptocurrency payments for government services.

With LuLuFin’s established presence across emerging markets and Crypto.com’s institutional infrastructure, the partnership could serve as a template for similar arrangements in other regulated jurisdictions.

“Our mission is to accelerate the world’s access to cryptocurrency which strongly aligns with LuLuFin’s vision to invest in products and innovation that improve people’s lives,” said Eric Anziani, president and chief operating officer of Crypto.com. “We’re excited to work with LuLuFin and to integrate Crypto.com’s industry-leading infrastructure to boost their investment and retail services.”