Abu Dhabi, UAE, July 22, 2025 — UAE-born digital asset trading platform BurjX has officially received its Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). With this regulatory approval, BurjX becomes one of the first homegrown platforms in the region authorized for both brokerage and custody of digital assets, supporting trading in over 100 cryptocurrencies.
A Milestone in UAE’s Digital Asset Ecosystem
BurjX’s regulatory milestone reinforces the UAE’s position as a leader in the global digital asset landscape. The local cryptocurrency market is expected to generate $395.9 million in revenue in 2025, with an estimated 3.88 million users by 2026 — one of the world’s highest crypto adoption rates. BurjX is strategically positioned to serve this growing demand with a secure, seamless, and fully compliant trading experience.
Homegrown Leadership, Global Vision
Co-founded by Omar Abbas, former co-founder of Canada’s NDAX, and Adam Ferris, a Harvard JD/MBA graduate and ex-Goldman Sachs professional, BurjX was built with a vision to reflect the UAE’s future: regulated, competitive, and digitally advanced.
“We came to the UAE to build something from the ground up — regulated, trusted, and scalable,” said Omar Abbas, Co-Founder and CEO. “Launching with 100+ assets and securing our FSRA license proves that a homegrown platform can lead globally.”
“This isn’t just a crypto exchange—it’s infrastructure for the future of finance in the region,” added Adam Ferris, Co-Founder and Chairman.
Trusted Infrastructure and Institutional-Grade Security
BurjX’s platform is built on NASDAQ-grade infrastructure, capable of processing over 1 million transactions per second, and is secured with Fireblocks’ MPC wallet technology. This enables fast execution, deep liquidity, and robust custody, meeting the needs of both retail and institutional investors.
Moreover, BurjX offers instant AED-to-crypto conversion through direct integration with Zand Bank, creating one of the first real fiat-to-crypto bridges in the UAE.
Regulatory Leadership and Governance
Further strengthening its compliance framework, BurjX has appointed Dr. Ryan Lemand—former Binance board member and ex-Head of Risk at the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)—to its board. His deep expertise in financial regulation and digital assets bolsters BurjX’s governance and strategic oversight.
Private Client Division for Wealth Management
To cater to high-net-worth individuals, institutions, and family offices, BurjX has launched its Private Client Division, offering white-glove OTC services, tailored portfolio execution, and personalized support. This division empowers sophisticated investors to build diversified, high-conviction portfolios in digital assets with transparency and control.
The Road Ahead
With regulatory backing and a strong product foundation, BurjX is now focused on expanding across the UAE and the wider MENA region. The platform is built on the principles of security, simplicity, and regulatory strength, and aims to become the go-to on-ramp for crypto in the Middle East.
As digital asset adoption continues to rise in the region, BurjX is positioned to play a pivotal role in reshaping how individuals and institutions engage with the global crypto economy.