LATEST: 🇦🇪 Nomura's Laser Digital made a strategic investment in UAE blockchain ZIGChain to build out onchain private credit products across the Gulf.

What happened

Nomura's Laser Digital invested strategically in UAE blockchain ZIGChain to develop on‑chain private credit products for the Gulf region.

Confirmed

Global impact / market context

The partnership could bring blockchain‑based lending to Gulf markets, offering faster, transparent credit services and potentially attracting new investors seeking digital finance solutions.

Analyst inference

Blockchain and decentralized finance are gaining traction in the Middle East, where banks and fintech firms are exploring tokenised credit to improve efficiency and broaden access to capital.

Analyst inference

What to watch

1. Progress on ZIGChain’s on‑chain credit platform, including any pilot launches or product announcements, will indicate how quickly the service can scale. Proposed
2. Regulatory responses in the UAE and Gulf states, such as licensing rules for blockchain‑based lending, could affect the rollout speed and compliance costs. Proposed
3. Interest from other regional banks or fintech firms in partnering with ZIGChain, which would signal broader industry adoption and potential revenue growth. Proposed

Evidence

• x.com