The Turkish exchange expands its regulated footprint across the Middle East as MENA crypto markets accelerate
In one of Turkiye largest-ever fintech transactions, Paribu has acquired a majority stake in CoinMENA, a licensed cryptocurrency exchange operating in both Dubai and Bahrain. The deal, which values CoinMENA at up to $240 million, marks Türkiye’s first cross-border takeover of a digital asset platform and signals a strategic expansion into one of the world’s fastest-growing crypto hubs.
Paribu Expands Beyond Türkiye With Major Regional Acquisition
Paribu confirmed that the purchase will enable the company to scale its operations outside its domestic market, leveraging CoinMENAs regulatory approvals to reach a broader investor base. CoinMENA holds licenses from the Central Bank of Bahrain and Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, positioning the platform within two of the MENA region’s most progressive crypto jurisdictions.
Paribu’s CEO said the transaction allows the company to become a regulated player across a wider geography, reflecting the rising demand for compliant trading infrastructure in high-adoption markets.
Strengthening Presence in the Middle East and North Africa
The acquisitioon is expected to deepeen Paribu’s role in shaping the digital asset ecosystem across both Türkiye and the MENA region. The company described the move as a step toward broader industry consolidation and a foundation for new cross-regional growth opportunities.
The deal arrives amid a series of major developments across the Middle East. Recent regulatory steps in the UAE including new frameworkes for decentralized finance and approvals for institutional use of a USD-backed stablecoin signal accelerating oversight and adoption. Other exchanges, such as Bybit, also secured new licenses this year, adding momentum to the region’s expanding virtual-asset market.
According to recent industry analyses, Turkey has emmerged as the largest crypto market in the MENA region, driven largely by trading volumes and speculative behavior. Paribu’s entry into the Gulf markets through CoinMENA may offer a pathway toward more sustainable growth, supported by regulatory clarity and cross-border infrastructure.
As the sector matures, the acquisition positions Paribu at the center of a rapidly transforming regional crypto landscape.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.