Crypto.com Eyes MENA Growth with Abu Dhabi Acquisition

Crypto.com has announced its acquisition of Orion Principals Limited, an Abu Dhabi-based brokerage firm licensed by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This strategic move is expected to enable Crypto.com to provide eligible users in the MENA region with access to a range of financial products, including securities, options, futures, and contracts for difference. The acquisition is part of the companys ambitious roadmap for 2025.

Orion Principals Limited, regulated by ADGM, will serve as Crypto.com‘s regional base for launching investment services. The brokerage’s licensing aligns with the UAE‘s strong regulatory framework for digital assets, a factor that has been instrumental in Crypto.com’s decision to expand its presence in the region. The company plans to share further details on the availability of these services for eligible users in the coming weeks.

Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek emphasised the importance of the acquisition in advancing the company‘s goals. He stated that the firm’s vision includes creating a platform offering a wide array of financial investment services. Marszalek also highlighted the UAEs supportive regulatory environment for digital assets, which he sees as crucial to fostering innovation within the sector.

The acquisition of Orion Principals Limited is the latest in a series of strategic buyouts by Crypto.com. Recent acquisitions include Fintek Securities Pty Ltd., Charterprime Ltd., and the SEC-registered broker-dealer Watchdog Capital, LLC. These moves underline Crypto.coms intent to integrate traditional financial services into its offerings.

In addition to expanding through acquisitions, Crypto.com has outlined plans to introduce banking, credit card options, and stock trading services. These initiatives form part of its “Level Up” rewards program, designed to provide customers with benefits across its growing suite of products.

The Level Up program offers tier-based incentives that include stock trading rewards, cash balance interest, and enhanced benefits for Crypto.com card users. Higher-tier participants can earn a 3% bonus on stock deposits and up to 7.5% annual rewards on idle cash balances during the first year. Crypto.com cardholders can enjoy up to 8% uncapped rewards on spending, with rates adjusted to 5% in subsequent years. Additional perks include priority customer support and exclusive event access through Crypto.coms sports and entertainment partnerships.

Stock trading will soon be available on the Crypto.com platform, facilitated by its collaboration with Watchdog Capital LLC. This partnership aims to provide users with a seamless, commission-free trading experience. By integrating both crypto and traditional asset management, Crypto.com seeks to offer users greater portfolio diversification within a single platform.

The company also plans to introduce banking services through partnerships with established financial institutions. These services will include high-interest personal accounts, transparent fee structures, and instant global transfers. The integration of banking services will allow users to manage both digital and traditional finances conveniently within the Crypto.com app.

Building on the success of its prepaid card, Crypto.com is preparing to launch a credit card that maximises rewards on everyday transactions. This credit card will provide users with a way to earn benefits across both traditional and digital finance options, enhancing the platforms appeal to a broader audience.