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Binance Secures $2 Billion Investment From Abu Dhabi’s MGX, The Largest Ever In Crypto

In a groundbreaking move, Emirati state-owned investment firm MGX has announced a monumental $2 billion investment into Binance, marking the cryptocurrency exchange’s first institutional investment and the single largest investment ever made in cryptocurrency. This marks a significant milestone in the growing intersection of AI, blockchain, and finance.

The deal will see a minority stake in Binance acquired by MGX, with the payment made in stablecoins. Stablecoins, which are digital assets pegged to a stable value and typically tied to a fiat currency, ensure a constant value and make this investment the largest ever made in cryptocurrency.

Ahmed Yahia, Managing Director and CEO at MGX, commented, “MGX’s investment in Binance reflects our commitment to advancing blockchain’s transformative potential for digital finance.” He further stated that the partnership with Binance would enable innovation at the convergence of AI, blockchain technology, and finance.

MGX, launched last year by the Abu Dhabi government, has a strong focus on AI technologies. In September, the firm partnered with heavyweights like BlackRock and Microsoft to launch a $30 billion AI fund. However, this marks its first foray into the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors.

As part of the UAE’s broader strategy to establish itself as a global leader in technology, the country has also been fostering a growing regional crypto hub. Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has been expanding its presence in the Middle East despite facing regulatory challenges in other parts of the world. The firm now employs approximately 1,000 people of its 5,000 global workforce in the UAE and serves over 260 million registered users, surpassing $100 trillion in cumulative trading volume.

Electric Vehicle Leaders Urge EU To Maintain 2035 Zero Emission Mandate

Industry Voices Emphasize the Importance of Commitment

Over 150 key figures from Europe’s electric car sector, including executives from Volvo Cars and Polestar, have signed a letter urging the European Union to adhere to its ambitious 2035 zero emission goal for cars and vans. These industry leaders warn that any deviation could hamper the progress of Europe’s burgeoning EV market, inadvertently strengthen global competitors, and weaken investor confidence.

Evolving Perspectives Within the Automotive Community

This call comes in the wake of a contrasting appeal issued at the end of August by heads of European automobile manufacturers’ and automotive suppliers’ associations. That letter, endorsed by the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Kaellenius, argued that a 100 percent emission reduction target may no longer be practical for cars by 2035.

Discussion With EU Leadership on The Horizon

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to meet with automotive industry leaders on September 12 to deliberate the future of the sector. Facing stiff challenges such as the rise of Chinese competition and the implications of US tariffs, the stakes for the EU’s policy decisions have never been higher.

Potential Risks of Eroding Ambitious Targets

Industry leaders like Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, caution that any weakening of the targets could undermine climate objectives and compromise Europe’s competitive edge in the global market. Michiel Langzaal, chief executive of EU charging provider Fastned, further highlighted that investments in charging infrastructure and software development are predicated on the certainty of these targets.

Regulatory Compliance And The Mercedes-Benz Exception

A report from transport research and campaign group T&E indicates that nearly all European carmakers, with the exception of Mercedes-Benz, are positioned to meet CO₂ regulation requirements for the 2025-2027 period. To avoid potential penalties, Mercedes must now explore cooperation with partners such as Volvo Cars and Polestar.

Conclusion

The industry’s unified stance underscores the critical balance between environmental aspirations and maintaining competitive advantage. With high-level discussions imminent, the EU’s forthcoming decisions will be pivotal in shaping not only the future of the continent’s automotive sector but also its global positioning in the race towards sustainable mobility.

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