On 29th April 2025, the Global Fintech Institute (GFI) had the honour of organising Virtual Assets Unchained: Shaping Policy for DeFi, AI, and Stablecoins in the Digital Economy, a closed-door, high-level discussion held in Dubai, moderated by Sameera Kimatrai, Of Counsel of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.
This exclusive session convened distinguished regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators across the MENA region to engage in robust dialogue on the evolving regulatory frameworks for decentralised finance (DeFi), artificial intelligence (AI), and stablecoins.
The session included representatives from Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Dubai; Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) – ADGM; Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) (Kazakhstan); State Securities Commission (SSC) of Vietnam; State Bank of Vietnam; Central Bank of Bahrain; and the Pakistan Crypto Council.
Key industry voices who also joined us include Binance, Elliptic, Global Digital Finance, and, of course, Global Fintech Institute.
Discussions explored the intersection of innovation and regulation, focusing on policy harmonisation, emerging risks, and the infrastructure needed to support the future of virtual assets in a rapidly digitising economy.
We extend our deepest thanks to all participants for their invaluable contributions and thought leadership. Your perspectives are critical to shaping a secure, inclusive, and forward-looking digital finance ecosystem.
Though this event was held privately, we remain committed to advancing public discourse and collaboration across fintech communities globally. GFI will continue as a bastion that drives strategic conversations shaping the future of finance.