Richard Teng Says UAE Got It Right on Crypto Rules as Abu Dhabi Pours $2B Into Binance

Key Takeaways

• Binance CEO Richard Teng said the Middle East is leading the global crypto regulatory race with a comprehensive framework.
• His remarks came a day after Binance secured a $2 billion investment from Abu Dhabi-based MGX.
• Teng and HashKey Capital CEO Chao Deng discussed global crypto policy with a focus on U.S. influence.

Binance CEO Richard Teng believes the Middle East is emerging as a global leader in crypto regulation, citing its clear and structured approach.

His comments came during CNBC’s Converge event on March 13, where he discussed the evolving regulatory landscape alongside Chao Deng, CEO of HashKey Capital.

Teng’s remarks followed a major milestone for Binance—Abu Dhabi-based investment firm MGX poured $2 billion into the exchange, marking the largest institutional investment in a crypto company to date.

Teng: Uae Is a Model for Crypto Regulation

The Binance CEO pointed to the Middle East, particularly the UAE, as a model for crypto regulation. He noted that regional regulators understand the nuances of different digital assets and have built a framework that balances innovation with oversight.

“I think the Middle East is pretty much there,” Teng said. “They understand the different nature and characteristics of cryptocurrencies. They built a calibrated framework for different sectors of the crypto market, so they are pretty advanced in the regulatory race.”

His comments come as global governments take a closer look at digital assets, with the U.S. at the center of regulatory discussions. Teng emphasized that America’s financial power means its policies will inevitably shape global crypto regulation.

On Market Volatility

The panel also addressed recent turbulence in the crypto market. Teng attributed the downturn to macroeconomic factors, including ongoing trade disputes and economic uncertainty.

However, he reassured investors that the market has weathered similar challenges before.

Deng echoed this sentiment, adding that while government policies shape long-term trends, short-term market moves are often driven by sentiment and speculation.

Asia’s Crypto Landscape

The discussion also touched on Asia’s evolving crypto landscape, particularly Hong Kong.

Once hesitant about digital assets, Hong Kong has recently embraced crypto, paving the way for investment products and service providers.

Deng noted that this shift could influence broader regulatory approaches in China and beyond.

With governments worldwide recalibrating their stance on crypto, Teng and Deng agreed that U.S. policy decisions could have a far-reaching impact—potentially shaping regulations from Hong Kong to the Middle East.