# Coinbase secures Abu Dhabi licence for tokenized securities hub

**Published:** 2026-08-14T03:09:50.387Z  
**Topic:** Coinbase  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/ab65013a-7e61-4dd0-b9f3-52f0a235a610

Coinbase obtains Financial Services Permission from ADGM’s FSRA, enabling a regulated tokenized securities platform in the UAE – a key step for global on‑chain

Coinbase announced on August 11 2026 that it received a Financial Services Permission from the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority, allowing the exchange to arrange investment deals and provide custody for tokenized securities outside the United States【1】. The approval gives Coinbase a regulated foothold in the UAE, positioning the firm to bring traditional equities onto blockchain rails for institutional investors.

| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Regulatory approval | Financial Services Permission from ADGM’s FSRA |
| Hub location | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Token type | Digital securities backed by real shares |
| Catalyst | ADGM’s 2018 virtual‑asset framework and growing tokenisation demand |

## Regulatory foothold in the UAE  
The FSRA licence authorises Coinbase to issue and register digital securities under ADGM oversight, treating the tokens as securities, blockchain‑native assets, and DeFi‑composable instruments【1】. Abu Dhabi has cultivated a testing ground for tokenisation since introducing its virtual‑asset framework in 2018, attracting crypto and tokenisation firms seeking a regulated base in the region【1】. Coinbase’s move builds on its 2023 “Project Diamond” initiative, which let institutional investors issue and trade digital debt instruments on Base, the exchange’s Ethereum‑layer‑2 network【1】.

## Why the hub matters now  
Tokenised securities are gaining traction as banks and asset managers look to move funds, bonds, private credit and stocks onto blockchain for faster settlement and 24/7 accessibility【1】. By anchoring the tokens to underlying shares and offering full shareholder rights—including dividends and voting—Coinbase aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance, rather than bypass regulation【2】. The UAE’s strategic push to become a regional on‑chain finance centre aligns with Coinbase’s ambition to expand its global tokenisation footprint beyond its U.S. operations.

## What to watch  
- **ADGM regulatory updates** – any amendment to the virtual‑asset framework could affect token issuance rules.  
- **Project Diamond rollout** – progress on Base‑based digital debt products may signal broader tokenisation capabilities.  
- **Institutional adoption metrics** – volume of tokenised securities custody or issuance through Coinbase in the next quarter.  

The approval marks Coinbase’s first regulated base for tokenised securities outside the United States, underscoring the UAE’s rising role as a global hub for on‑chain finance. How quickly institutional investors adopt these digital securities will determine whether the model can scale beyond niche pilots.

## Sources
1. CoinDesk — [Coinbase picks Abu Dhabi for its global tokenized asset push](https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/08/11/coinbase-picks-abu-dhabi-for-its-global-tokenized-asset-push)
2. Marketinsiders — [Coinbase Picks Abu Dhabi for Global Tokenized Securities Hub](https://marketinsiders.in/2026/08/11/coinbase-picks-abu-dhabi-for-global-tokenized-securities-hub/)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Coinbase secures Abu Dhabi licence for tokenized securities hub", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/ab65013a-7e61-4dd0-b9f3-52f0a235a610