Abu Dhabi has emerged as the epicenter for institutional blockchain integration as XDC Network, in collaboration with Zodia Markets, convened an exclusive gathering of financial titans during Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW). The private luncheon, titled “Capital OnChain,” assembled senior representatives from Citi, State Street, Coinbase, Circle, Galaxy, Bitgo, Standard Chartered, and other leading institutions to advance strategic dialogues on distributed ledger technology.
The closed-door forum facilitated candid discussions on three critical industry priorities: enhancing cross-border settlement efficiency, overcoming institutional adoption barriers, and developing frameworks for real-world asset tokenization. This high-level convergence signals a significant acceleration in blending traditional finance with blockchain infrastructure.
Atul Khekade, Co-Founder of XDC Network, emphasized the transformative momentum: “The integration of distributed ledger technology into global capital markets requires precisely this type of collaborative environment where major institutions and blockchain innovators can forge essential partnerships.”
Hosted by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), ADFW has rapidly established itself as a cornerstone of global financial leadership, attracting institutions managing over $42 trillion in assets. The event featured participation from regulatory bodies including VARA, alongside prominent market participants such as Brevan Howard, Further Ventures, DRW, Selini Capital, and 3iQ Corp.
Industry participants highlighted the UAE’s evolution into a global digital asset hub, underpinned by ADGM’s clear regulatory frameworks and strong governmental support for financial innovation. The discussions reflected a growing institutional shift toward on-chain finance solutions that promise enhanced operational efficiency, reduced costs, and innovative financial product development.
The consensus among attendees confirmed that such exclusive forums are instrumental in accelerating blockchain adoption within traditional finance, positioning infrastructure platforms like XDC Network as foundational elements in the evolving digital asset ecosystem.