Coinbase secures Abu Dhabi license for tokenized asset trading

Coinbase has secured regulatory approval from Abu Dhabi to offer tokenized securities, the U.S. exchange announced on Monday. The license positions the emirate as a hub for Coinbase’s global push into tokenized asset trading, part of a broader strategy to expand its onchain financial services.

The approval comes as Abu Dhabi deepens its efforts to establish itself as a leader in digital asset regulation and innovation. The emirate has been actively courting crypto and blockchain firms, offering a regulatory framework designed to attract institutional and retail investors to tokenized financial products.

Coinbase’s move aligns with its broader expansion plans, which include scaling tokenized asset offerings beyond traditional cryptocurrencies. The exchange has previously highlighted tokenized securities—such as stocks, bonds, and other traditional assets represented on blockchain—as a key growth area within the digital asset ecosystem.

Abu Dhabi’s financial regulators, including the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), have been working to create a supportive environment for digital asset businesses. The ADGM’s regulatory framework is widely regarded as one of the most advanced in the region, providing clarity for firms operating in tokenized asset markets.

The license enables Coinbase to offer tokenized securities to clients in Abu Dhabi, subject to compliance with local regulations. The exchange has not disclosed specific details about the types of assets it plans to tokenize or the timeline for launching these services.

Industry analysts view Coinbase’s expansion into Abu Dhabi as a strategic step to diversify its regulatory footprint and tap into growing demand for tokenized assets in the Middle East and beyond.