TLDR
- Maerki Baumann has received regulatory approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority in Abu Dhabi.
- The Swiss bank will operate its Middle East Hub under the ARCHIP brand based in Abu Dhabi.
- The bank aims to support crypto, blockchain, and tech companies with regulated financial services in the UAE.
- ARCHIP will offer services such as digital asset custody, trading, staking, and liquidity management.
- The Tech Banking department in Zurich will provide backend support and asset management services.
Maerki Baumann & Co. Ltd. has secured regulatory approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market, marking the bank’s official entry into the UAE financial ecosystem, as it opens its Middle East Hub to cater to crypto and blockchain companies directly through regulated financial services from Abu Dhabi.
ARCHIP Brand to Lead Middle East Blockchain Banking Services
Maerki Baumann will operate its new Middle East Hub under the ARCHIP brand, focusing on blockchain, crypto ventures, and tech companies. The bank received the license from ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority, allowing it to serve digital asset businesses in the region.
With this license, ARCHIP now provides blockchain-focused banking solutions including liquidity services, custody, and staking support for institutional and private clients. The services offered from Abu Dhabi will complement those already provided from the Tech Banking division in Zurich.
Andreas Froehlicher, who previously led Legal & Compliance at Maerki Baumann, will now head the Abu Dhabi branch operations. He said, “Being on the ground in Abu Dhabi allows us to connect with local crypto and blockchain businesses.”
The branch’s location enables direct interaction with the Gulf’s growing blockchain sector, offering a regulated banking partner with a Swiss foundation. The team in Zurich will handle asset management and trading execution, ensuring consistency and compliance.
Maerki Baumann to Offer Full Range of Digital Asset Services
Under the ARCHIP brand, Maerki Baumann will deliver a full suite of services tailored for the digital asset economy. These include digital asset custody, crypto trading, staking, and liquidity management across multiple client segments.
The Tech Banking department in Zurich will continue to support the Middle East branch with backend services. This unit has already worked with hundreds of companies in the blockchain sector.
The Abu Dhabi team will handle client relationships and regional business development. Services will be delivered under the regulated framework of ADGM.
Maerki Baumann aims to bring Swiss banking standards to the Gulf’s digital finance market. The bank combines technical know-how with regulatory experience to offer specialized financial solutions.
FSRA Approval Strengthens ADGM’s Digital Asset Ecosystem
ADGM’s Chief Market Development Officer, Arvind Rammaurthy, commented on the licensing of Maerki Baumann. He stated that it aligns with ADGM’s goal to build a digital asset and private banking hub.
He said, “The arrival of regulated institutions like Maerki Baumann supports ADGM’s comprehensive framework for digital assets and wealth management.” The FSRA license grants the bank legal permission to operate and offer its services in the Abu Dhabi Global Market.
Stephan A. Zwahlen, CEO of Maerki Baumann, called the license a key milestone in the bank’s international expansion strategy. He emphasized that the bank will focus on providing financial services tailored for technology-driven firms.
The bank first entered the digital asset space in 2019 and has steadily grown its crypto offerings. With the new branch, Maerki Baumann expands its international presence while supporting the UAE’s growing blockchain ecosystem.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
