CRYPTOCURRENCY

OKX Launches Licensed Crypto Exchange in UAE with VARA’s

In a major move for the UAE’s growing virtual asset market, OKX, a global on-chain technology company, has officially launched a fully licensed cryptocurrency exchange catering to both retail and institutional investors. This launch comes at a time when Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has ramped up its efforts to safeguard the city’s virtual asset ecosystem by targeting unlicensed firms operating within its jurisdiction. OKX Launches Licensed Crypto Exchange.

VARA’s Regulatory Crackdown

In its recent enforcement drive, VARA issued cease-and-desist orders alongside fines to seven entities found operating without the necessary licenses, underscoring its commitment to establishing a compliant and secure environment for virtual assets in Dubai. By cracking down on unlicensed firms, VARA aims to protect investors and ensure Dubai maintains international standards in virtual asset governance.

The $42 Billion Bitcoin Acquisition: Michael Saylor’s Bold Strategy

OKX’s Grand Launch at the Museum of the Future

OKX’s entrance into the UAE market was celebrated with a high-profile gala event at Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future under the theme “A New Alternative for Dubai.” The event saw appearances from OKX CEO Star Xu, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, SkyBridge Capital’s Anthony Scaramucci, Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal, Stacks co-creator Muneeb Ali, and Dubai Blockchain Center CEO Dr Marwan Al Zarouni.

Rifad Mahasneh, General Manager of OKX Middle East, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for its UAE debut: “We’re thrilled to be the first global crypto exchange with a full operating license for retail and institutional clients in the UAE. Tonight’s event marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to growing our presence locally, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead for blockchain and virtual assets in the region.”

Extensive Services for UAE Investors

UAE residents can now access a wide range of services on the OKX platform after completing the required onboarding steps. Available services include spot trading, convert, express buy/sell, and on-chain earning products. Qualified investors can also access derivatives trading, provided they meet criteria such as passing a knowledge test, suitability assessment, and demonstrating AED 500,000 in liquid assets. Institutional investors must comply with additional Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements and meet specific financial thresholds.

With over 280 cryptocurrencies and 480 trading pairs including BTC/AED, ETH/AED, and USDT/AED, OKX offers the widest selection of cryptocurrencies in the UAE market. UAE users can also deposit and withdraw AED via local bank accounts, making transactions smoother and more accessible.

Pioneering Growth and Blockchain Innovation

The launch event also highlighted the potential of blockchain technology across various sectors, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global leader in technological innovation. The city’s alignment with its 2033 vision of becoming a blockchain hub made it the ideal host for this groundbreaking event. Discussions during the gala centred on the transformative power of blockchain and its ability to revolutionise business and industries.

OKX’s UAE launch is part of its broader global expansion strategy, having entered markets like Brazil, Türkiye, Australia, and the Netherlands earlier this year. The company also received a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from Singapore’s Monetary Authority and designated Malta as its MiCA hub, allowing it to serve over 450 million EU residents in the coming months.

Enhanced Security and Risk Management

In line with its mission to promote transparency and security, OKX recently appointed Yuri Mushkin as its Global Chief Risk Officer. Mushkin brings over 20 years of experience in capital markets and risk management from his time at global firms such as Goldman Sachs and McKinsey & Company.

OKX was one of the first crypto companies to publish monthly Proof of Reserves, ensuring the full backing of customer funds. With 23 consecutive monthly snapshots published, OKX remains dedicated to upholding transparency and accountability within the virtual asset space.

Incentives and Customer Support

To celebrate its launch, OKX is offering new users a reward of up to 100 AED to try the platform. OKX plans to add more tokens for UAE customers in the near future, with continuous platform updates and product enhancements.

The platform offers Arabic language support on its website and app, ensuring a seamless user experience for UAE residents. To begin trading, UAE users can visit the OKX website or download the app from the App Store or Google Play, completing the verification process to access the platform’s extensive services.

OKX and VARA: Shaping the Future of Virtual Assets in the UAE

As a leading technology company, OKX is committed to making blockchain technology more accessible and useful for both individuals and institutions. The company’s UAE launch as a fully licensed exchange reflects its dedication to advancing the global crypto space.

Established in 2022, VARA is responsible for regulating virtual assets and overseeing related activities in Dubai. Its stringent regulatory framework is designed to protect investors while upholding international standards for virtual asset governance. With OKX’s licensed entry into the UAE market and VARA’s continued crackdown on unlicensed entities, Dubai’s virtual asset ecosystem is poised for secure and innovative growth.

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CRYPTOCURRENCY

Pro-Bitcoin RFK Jr. Confirmed as US Secretary of Health and Human Services

Robert F. Kennedy Jr is a Pro Bitcoin Advocate

In a landmark move for both the crypto and political spheres, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially been confirmed as the US Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). This confirmation marks a significant moment, not just for healthcare policy, but for the broader Bitcoin and decentralised finance landscape. Pro-Bitcoin Advocate RFK Jr now makes his way into making some big changes.

Senate confirms RFK Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary — Senate confirms Pro-Bitcoin Advocate RFK Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary

RFK Jr.’s Stance on Bitcoin and Financial Freedom

A long-time advocate for financial sovereignty, Kennedy has been vocal about his support for Bitcoin and decentralised currencies. During his 2024 presidential campaign, he proposed bold initiatives, including:

Encouraging the US Treasury to hold Bitcoin reserves as a hedge against inflation.

Strengthening crypto regulations in favour of individual financial autonomy.
Opposing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) due to concerns over government overreach and financial surveillance.

His confirmation now raises major questions about how his crypto-friendly policies might impact financial and healthcare sectors in the United States.

Robert Kennedy Jr. Debuted His Campaign At Bitcoin Conference

How This Affects Crypto Policy in the US

With RFK Jr. holding a key role in the Biden administration, could we see a shift in the government’s stance towards Bitcoin and decentralised finance (DeFi)? Key areas of interest include:

💰 Potential Bitcoin Treasury Reserves – Will the US government embrace BTC as a hedge?
🏛 Regulatory Changes – Could Kennedy push for pro-crypto regulations that protect digital assets?
🛑 CBDC Opposition – His appointment might slow down government-backed digital currencies in favour of decentralised solutions.

RFK Jr. Gets Started on His Health Promises at HHS

RFK Jr.’s Role in Healthcare and Crypto Policy

Beyond his crypto advocacy, RFK Jr. is stepping into a critical role overseeing public health policies, healthcare funding, and pharmaceutical regulations. His tenure may see a significant overhaul of current policies, particularly concerning medical freedom, vaccine mandates, and the integration of blockchain technology into the healthcare sector.

Blockchain-based solutions could enhance medical record security, streamline healthcare transactions, and improve supply chain transparency. With Kennedy at the helm, we might witness increased adoption of decentralised technology in health services, creating a more transparent and secure system for patient data management.

The Future of Decentralisation in Government

Kennedy’s appointment is a bold step towards the integration of decentralised financial and technological solutions into government infrastructure. While his influence within the administration will be tested, his ability to advocate for economic and digital freedom within a structured government framework will set a precedent for future discussions around cryptocurrency and decentralised governance.

Pro-Bitcoin Advocate RFK JrRFK Jr. Reveals that He Bought 21 Bitcoin

The global crypto community is keeping a close watch on how Kennedy balances health policy with financial innovation. His actions could determine whether Bitcoin gains further legitimacy within government reserves, or if his influence remains largely symbolic within the broader regulatory landscape.

CRYPTOCURRENCY

Kanye West Rejects $2M Crypto Scam Offer – Here’s What Happened

Kanye West, now known as Ye, has revealed that he turned down a $2 million offer to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme on his X (formerly Twitter) account. The offer allegedly involved posting about a fake cryptocurrency to his 32.6 million followers, keeping the post live for eight hours, and later claiming his account had been hacked. Kanye West Rejects $2M Crypto Scam is the headline many were not surprised to see this morning.

Kanye West Crypto Scam — Kanye West Rejects $2M Crypto Scam.

Had Ye accepted the deal, the scam could have caused huge financial losses for unsuspecting investors who might have bought into the fraudulent token before it collapsed.

Ye Speaks Out About the Crypto Scam Offer

In a Feb. 7 post on X, Ye shared:

“I was proposed 2 million dollars to scam my community. Those left of it. I said no and stopped working with their person who proposed it.”

He also included screenshots of the proposal, revealing that he would have been paid $750,000 upfront to promote the fake token. After keeping the post live for eight hours, he was instructed to claim his account had been hacked. 16 hours later, he would receive another $1.25 million payout.

“The company asking you to do this will be scamming the public out of tens of millions of dollars,” the message warned.

By exposing this fraudulent scheme, Ye has sparked a major discussion on celebrity-endorsed cryptocurrency scams and their impact on retail investors.

Kanye West is controversial at the very least

Kanye’s Crypto Connection?

Shortly after posting the scam details, Ye also shared a screenshot of a private conversation, in which he asked an unnamed X user for a “crypto connect” that would bypass middlemen. The user responded by naming Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and even offered to connect Ye directly with him.

This has led to speculation that Kanye may be exploring the crypto space in a more legitimate way, possibly for future projects.

Crypto Experts Weigh In

Several prominent crypto analysts have shared their views on Ye’s revelation.

🔹 Armeanio, a well-known figure in the crypto world, suggested that instead of launching a memecoin, Ye should consider using cryptocurrency to sell his merchandise directly.

🔹 Crypto Vic believes Ye isn’t actually planning to enter crypto at all and that this could simply be a marketing stunt to create hype ahead of his upcoming album release.

“He is a master marketer,” Crypto Vic added.

Memecoin Madness: The Bigger Picture

Kanye’s rejection of this crypto scam comes at a time when celebrity-backed tokens are becoming increasingly common—and controversial.

Recent high-profile celebrity memecoins include:

🚨 Haliey Welch’s HAWK Token – Launched in Dec. 2024, the memecoin hit a $490 million market cap before crashing 91% in just 24 hours. Welch later claimed she had been deceived by the project manager.

🚨 Donald Trump’s TRUMP Token – Released just before his 2025 inauguration, the memecoin saw huge gains, only to drop 38% after Melania Trump launched her own token.

🚨 A Growing Risk for First-Time Investors – A recent survey found that many buyers of Trump’s memecoins were first-time crypto investors, highlighting how celebrity tokens can lure in uninformed buyers before experiencing major losses.

Kanye is no longer on X – Just in:

As of monday morning, Kanye’s X account is no longer showing on X following a weekend of tirades fired off by the musician aimed at the Jewish community around the world. At the time of writing, it is not clear if he has deleted his own account or has been banned by X.

Kanye West’s profile is no longer showing up on X

Final Thoughts: Kanye’s Warning to the Crypto World

While Kanye West’s $2 million rejection is making headlines, it also serves as a wake-up call about how celebrity-endorsed crypto promotions can easily turn into scams.

🚀 Will Kanye enter crypto for real? Is this just part of his marketing genius?
🔥 One thing is for sure: the conversation isn’t over.

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👉 https://whatshotinuae.com

CRYPTOCURRENCY

Bitcoin Dominance Soars to 4-Year High: 5 Key Takeaways This Week

As the Bitcoin dominance soars in the crypto market and hit a four-year peak, with altcoins struggling under intense market pressure, more attention has been given to recent political announcements. With $2.29 billion in liquidations recorded in the past 24 hours and geopolitical factors shaking investor confidence, the market remains in a volatile state. Here’s what you need to know this week.

Bitcoin This Week — Bitcoin rebounded sharply this week.

1. Bitcoin Dominance Climbs as Altcoins Crash

Bitcoin’s market share continues to rise, hitting levels not seen since 2019, as altcoins face significant losses. While BTC has dropped by 4-5%, Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL), and BNB Coin (BNB) have seen steeper declines of 10-15%, further solidifying Bitcoin’s dominance.

This shift reflects investors moving away from riskier assets, opting for Bitcoin as a safer store of value amid market uncertainty.

Bitcoin Dominance Soars, A dramatic visual of a cryptocurrency market crash followed by a strong rebound. The scene should show a deep red market with falling candlesticks, tr — The recent cryptocurrency market crash was followed by a strong rebound.

2. Crypto Market Sees $2.29 Billion in Liquidations

The crypto market has witnessed one of its biggest liquidation events in recent months, with total liquidations crossing $2.29 billion within 24 hours. Long traders have faced the biggest blow, with $1.91 billion in long liquidations recorded.

Coinglass data suggests that extreme volatility could continue, but some analysts believe this correction phase might soon reverse.

DALL·E 2025 02 04 11.00.14 A futuristic and dynamic scene of cryptocurrency traders in action, analyzing charts and making high stakes decisions. The setting should be a high te

Bitcoin Dominance Soars.

3. Trump’s Trade War Adds Pressure on Crypto Markets

The latest market downturn comes amid growing fears over Donald Trump’s trade policies, which have already impacted traditional markets. Trump has fulfilled his pledge to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, leading to concerns over economic instability.

Speaking to reporters, Trump stated:

“We may have short-term some little pain, and people understand that. But long-term, the United States has been ripped off by virtually every country in the world.”

These comments have added to global investor uncertainty, contributing to Bitcoin’s latest pullback.

Bitcoin Dominance Soars. A powerful representation of Bitcoin dominance, showing a glowing Bitcoin symbol towering over smaller cryptocurrency coins like Ethereum, XRP, Sol — Coins like Ethereum, XRP, Sol took a hit this week.

4. Analysts Spot Familiar Patterns Hinting at an Altcoin Rally

Despite the bearish trend, seasoned analysts like Juice and Skew have identified similar patterns to previous altcoin rallies. Crypto trader Skew noted “capitulation wicks”, which indicate that many altcoins have been heavily oversold.

Juice, a well-known market analyst, highlighted on X (formerly Twitter):

“BTC.D is printing almost the exact same pattern as it did just before last alt season kicked off… Look what happens next… ALTSEASON.”

This has sparked renewed speculation that the ongoing correction could be the final dip before a major altcoin rebound.

DALL·E 2025 02 04 11.13.17 1. A high energy scene of cryptocurrency traders working on a futuristic trading floor, surrounded by glowing digital screens displaying market data a — Traders around the world were liquidated at record numbers over the weekend.

5. Market Optimism Remains Despite Volatility

While the short-term outlook appears bearish, some traders remain hopeful that Bitcoin will stabilise without breaking its established range. Analyst Roman Trading noted that Bitcoin is currently sitting in a key support zone, suggesting a bounce could be imminent.

Meanwhile, former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes has reiterated his view that Bitcoin will eventually surge towards $75K, stating:

“The pain stops when a TradFi outfit is on the verge of bankruptcy. Then the Fed reluctantly joins team Trump and prints that money. And then you better be ready to buy crypto like you have never bought before.”

Bitcoin Dominance Soars. DALL·E 2025 02 04 11.20.09 A futuristic and high energy cryptocurrency trading chart with glowing green candlesticks rising sharply. The background should feature a digital fina

Bitcoin dominance soars this week.

Final Thoughts

Bitcoin’s dominance remains strong despite the broader market sell-off, with altcoins struggling to find support. While liquidations and geopolitical tensions have added to the pressure, analysts see this as a potential precursor to an upcoming altcoin season.

With Bitcoin hovering near a key support level, all eyes are now on whether this correction marks the end of the dip—or the beginning of something bigger.