Abdulla Kanoo's ARP Digital aims to create a settlement system for a burgeoning trade market between emerging economies, projected to hit $32 trillion by 2030.
By Olivier Acuna|Edited by Jamie Crawley Jun 17, 2026, 11:30 a.m. 2 min readMake preferred on ShareShare this articleCopy linkX (Twitter)LinkedInFacebookEmailMake preferred on Abdulla Kanoo has been involved in cryptocurrency since 2015 and possesses bitcoin, though he has not disclosed the quantity, while affirming his strong commitment to it. (Kanoo Group)SummaryShow- Abdulla Kanoo, part of Bahrain's Kanoo family, has been active in digital assets since 2015 and is now focused on establishing blockchain-based payment systems.
- His company, ARP Digital, seeks to enhance cross-border payments among emerging markets, processing over $3.5 billion for more than 450 clients.
- With licenses in Bahrain and provisional approval in Dubai, ARP's partnership with Fireblocks provides access to a significant institutional digital asset network, positioning the region as a key player in global capital movement.
The Kanoo family has been a cornerstone of Bahrain's commercial landscape for over 135 years, being one of the wealthiest families in the Gulf.
With an estimated net worth of around $6 billion, they operate across various sectors, including shipping, logistics, travel, and finance.
Abdulla Kanoo, a descendant of this prominent family, has embraced cryptocurrency, having invested in digital assets since 2015. While he keeps his bitcoin holdings private, he expresses unwavering support for the currency BTC$64,766.65.
Kanoo envisions that the future of global trade will not rely on traditional ports or banks, but will instead be built on blockchain technology, where programmable money prevails.
As co-founder of ARP Digital, he aims to facilitate faster, cheaper money transfers between emerging economies, reducing the need for intermediaries.
He stated to CoinDesk, "The Gulf was where global capital was stored. The next chapter is about movement."
Rather than establishing a new cryptocurrency exchange or launching a token, Kanoo's focus is on expanding his family's legacy worldwide.
According to Kanoo, trade among emerging economies surpassed $6 trillion in 2024, accounting for about 25% of global trade. "What matters more is the size of the problem we're addressing, as that truly influences our growth," he remarked.
Identifying the Gap
The issue at hand is quite straightforward. Institutions in the Global South are increasingly engaging in trade with each other, yet many continue to depend on outdated banking systems. Payments often navigate through numerous correspondent banks, leading to delays in settlement that can span several days. Offshore capital remains stagnant, and access to dollar liquidity is inconsistent, impacting businesses and profit margins.
"That's not a niche," Kanoo emphasized. "That's the structural gap we aim to fill." He founded ARP Digital to address this gap.
Based in Bahrain, ARP holds a Category 3 Crypto-Asset Service Provider license from the Central Bank of Bahrain and has received preliminary approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
Kanoo reported that his company has processed over $3.5 billion in transactions involving more than 450 institutional and corporate clients, with transaction volume increasing fourfold last year.
ARP's latest achievement is its integration with the Fireblocks Network for Payments, which connects payment providers, fintech companies, and financial institutions across over 100 countries.
This partnership grants ARP access to one of the largest institutional digital asset networks globally, while also offering Fireblocks a regulated entry into Gulf payment channels.
Kanoo envisions the Gulf continuing as a central commercial hub. "For a century, the Gulf stored the world's capital," he stated. "By 2030, it will move it and settle it."
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CEX Volumes Drop to Lowest Since September 2024 as RWA Perps Hit Record High
CEX Volumes Drop to Lowest Since September 2024 as RWA Perps Hit Record High
In May, combined exchange volumes fell 3.45% to $4.41T; the lowest since September 2024. RWA perpetual futures volumes rose 10.4% against the trend, hitting a new all-time high.
By CoinDesk ResearchJun 15, 2026In May, combined exchange volumes fell 3.45% to $4.41T; the lowest since September 2024. RWA perpetual futures volumes rose 10.4% against the trend, hitting a new all-time high.
Why it matters:
In May, combined exchange volumes fell 3.45% to $4.41T; the lowest since September 2024. RWA perpetual futures volumes rose 10.4% against the trend, hitting a new all-time high.
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