South Korean VC Firm Hashed Secures Regulatory License in Abu Dhabi to Bridge Middle East and Asia

Hashed, a South Korea-based cryptocurrency venture capital firm, has officially secured a Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The license marks a significant expansion for the firm into the United Arab Emirates’ rapidly growing digital finance hub, allowing its group entity, Hashed Global Management Limited (HGML), to conduct a wide range of regulated financial activities, The Block said in a report.

Under the new regulatory framework, HGML is authorized to provide investment and credit advice, arrange investment deals, manage assets, and oversee collective investment funds from within the ADGM. This move positions the firm to operate with the same oversight as traditional financial institutions while focusing on the digital asset ecosystem.

Seokwon Hong, licensed director and senior executive officer of HGML, emphasized that the permission serves as a critical bridge for the firm’s regional ambitions. Hong stated in a press release that the permission lays the groundwork for the company to collaborate with Middle Eastern institutional investors within a regulated environment.

Beyond immediate financial services, Hashed intends to act as a strategic link between the UAE and South Korea. The firm plans to leverage its new status to deepen investment connectivity and expand cross-border partnerships. By fostering collaboration between Middle Eastern capital and global tech founders, Hashed aims to accelerate the integration of regional ecosystems into the broader global blockchain market.

The entry of Hashed into the Abu Dhabi market follows a string of successful licensing applications by other major industry players, including Binance, Circle, and Tether. This trend reflects a broader shift among global crypto entities toward jurisdictions that offer clear, regulated frameworks for digital finance innovation.