ATME's CEO Delves Into Tokenizing Real World Assets
As the fintech industry continues to evolve, Bahrain is positioning itself as a key player in the Middle East, fostering innovation and digital transformation. The Kingdom of Bahrain's proactive approach to regulation, coupled with its robust infrastructure, has attracted fintech companies leading the charge in the region. One such company is ATME, a pioneer in the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA).
By leveraging blockchain technology and focusing on security tokens, ATME is reshaping how businesses raise capital and how investors access previously exclusive opportunities. However, this rapidly changing landscape isn't just about cryptocurrency—there are complexities around digitizing real-world assets, ensuring investor protection, and navigating the regulatory challenges of this emerging sector.
Gulf Insider spoke with Alex Lola, CEO of ATME, to delve deeper into the role of digital assets in Bahrain's financial markets and how ATME is contributing to the growth of fintech in the Kingdom.
Digital assets come in various forms. The most common are cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, stablecoins such as USDT and USDC, and security tokens. A security token, in particular, represents a legally binding contract between the issuer and the investor, which can be created and exchanged. The key thing to understand is that security tokens are regulated financial instruments, whereas cryptocurrencies are typically not backed by tangible assets.
The distinction between cryptocurrencies and security tokens lies in regulation and investor protection. Cryptocurrencies often exist in a largely unregulated space and are backed by little more than the promises of a project. In contrast, security tokens are legally binding contracts that represent ownership or a share in an asset, offering protections that cryptocurrencies do not. Security tokens can be enforced in a court of law, providing investors with legal recourse.
ATME is a digital assets exchange based in Bahrain, focused on the tokenization of real-world assets. By converting physical assets into blockchain-based tokens, we provide businesses, particularly mid-sized enterprises, a more inclusive, efficient and cost-effective way to raise capital. Our platform also gives investors access to opportunities that were previously out of reach, enabling fractional ownership of high-value assets.
Tokenization offers a more flexible and efficient capital-raising channel for businesses. For mid-sized companies, it's a game-changer, as they often have limited options to finance growth. For investors, tokenization democratizes access to a wider range of investment products, making it possible for anyone to invest in assets like real estate, aircraft, or even shares in private businesses.
The process is straightforward. Businesses sign up on our platform, complete the standard Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, and then create a wallet linked to a banking account. Funds are stored securely with our partner banks in Bahrain. Once everything is set up, businesses can easily launch a tokenized asset offering, allowing investors to participate with just a few clicks.
Blockchain technology is the backbone of our security infrastructure. It ensures transparency, data integrity, and immutability of transactions. All activities on the platform are recorded on the blockchain, providing an open and auditable record. Additionally, ATME is fully licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, which provides a layer of security and investor protection that many unregulated projects lack.
In five years, digital assets and tokenization will become mainstream. As adoption increases, we will see more businesses, especially mid-sized ones, embracing tokenization as a primary method of raising capital. This shift will create a more inclusive and efficient economy in Bahrain and the GCC. It's not just about cryptocurrencies anymore—tokenization will allow everyday investors to access a wide range of previously inaccessible assets, from private equity to real estate and beyond.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
09-06-2025
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Builds Crypto Hub
TDT | Manama As Bitcoin rebounds globally, Bahrain is quietly building its own digital gold rush. Supported by progressive regulation and hightech infrastructure, the Kingdom is emerging as a serious contender in the global cryptocurrency mining market, and one Bahraini firm says it is only the beginning. Rising global role Crypto Miners, a company specialising in the sale, installation, and maintenance of mining equipment, says the sector's growing momentum within Bahrain is helping reinforce the Kingdom's position as a competitive regional hub with global potential. The company believes this development is also drawing more foreign direct investment into Bahrain's digital economy. 'Bahrain's financial ecosystem and regulatory clarity give us the ability to grow sustainably and export our services abroad,' said Wassim Saaduddin, Technical Sales Manager at Crypto Miners. He added that the Kingdom is uniquely placed to serve as a launchpad for international crypto operations, thanks to its policy stability and infrastructure. Infrastructure and awareness At the core of Crypto Miners' strategy is a vision to localise this high-tech industry, building critical infrastructure , training Bahraini talent , and supporting knowledge transfer. The company also sees awareness as essential to sustainable sector growth, and says it actively runs public engagement campaigns to help familiarise Bahrainis with digital currencies and blockchain. 'As part of our corporate social responsibility, we're committed to raising awareness about digital assets and creating safe, reliable investment pathways,' Saaduddin noted. Aligned with national vision Crypto Miners says its longterm efforts are in full alignment with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, which prioritises innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth. The company believes that positioning Bahrain as a regional and global leader in crypto mining is not only realistic, but already in progress. With firms like Crypto Miners anchoring the sector, Bahrain appears to be gaining traction in a space once dominated by much larger economies.
Biz Bahrain
08-06-2025
- Biz Bahrain
Crypto Miners: Cryptocurrency Mining in Bahrain Reinforces Its Global Industry Leadership
Crypto Miners, a leading company specializing in the sale, installation, and maintenance of cryptocurrency mining equipment, stated that the growing momentum of mining operations—particularly Bitcoin and other digital currencies—within Bahrain is significantly enhancing the kingdom's status as a competitive regional hub and an influential player in the global cryptocurrency market. This progress is also contributing to the attraction of increased foreign direct investment into this promising sector. The company highlighted that Bahrain's progressive financial ecosystem and well-structured legislative framework, coupled with a rising societal awareness of digital economy concepts, form a solid foundation for companies to enter and thrive in the cryptocurrency domain. Crypto Miners pointed out that Bahrain's balanced regulatory environment, supported by advanced tech infrastructure, provides an ideal foundation for the sustainable growth of the cryptocurrency mining sector. These conditions enable Bahraini firms not only to flourish locally but also to export their expertise and services to international markets. Mr. Wassim Saaduddin, Technical Sales Manager at Crypto Miners, underscored the company's ongoing support for the development of the cryptocurrency mining sector in Bahrain, noting that this commitment stems from a strong belief in Bahrain's potential to emerge as a global centre for digital currency mining. Mr. Saaduddin said, 'Crypto Miners operates under a comprehensive vision focused on localizing this high-tech industry, establishing the required infrastructure, and facilitating the transfer of knowledge through the training of skilled national talent.' Mr. Saaduddin further added, 'As part of its corporate social responsibility, Crypto Miners is committed to enhancing public awareness of digital currencies across various segments of Bahraini society. We actively engage in educational initiatives and awareness campaigns, while also striving to provide safe and reliable investment opportunities in the sector. Through our strategic efforts, we aim to contribute to positioning Bahrain as a regional and global leader in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies—an objective that fully aligns with the Kingdom's Economic Vision 2030, which prioritizes innovation and digital transformation.'
Biz Bahrain
07-06-2025
- Biz Bahrain
Millennials and Gen Z are betting on Bitcoin over Gold – But should they?
As gold prices hover near record highs, driven by insatiable central bank demand, a striking new global poll by deVere Group reveals that 73% of investors aged 24 to 45 now favour Bitcoin over the precious metal as a long-term investment. The survey of 730 clients worldwide captures a dramatic shift in mindset among younger investors, even as central banks quietly amass tonnes of gold at a scale not seen in decades. Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, one of the world's largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations, says: 'The momentum behind Bitcoin among younger investors is undeniable. They see it as digital gold – borderless, accessible, and aligned with the future. But gold is far from obsolete. In fact, it's surging, and there's no clearer sign of that than the silent buying spree by the world's monetary authorities.' According to recent analysis, central banks are snapping up around 80 metric tonnes of gold each month – the equivalent of $8.5 billion at current prices. Much of this buying is deliberately obscured, but trade data shows that China and several unnamed players, funnelling purchases through Switzerland, are key drivers. Combined with sovereign wealth funds, these institutions are thought to be absorbing over 1,000 tonnes a year, around a quarter of total global mined supply, according to the World Gold Council. This demand has helped propel gold into a powerful bull market. Prices have already breached all-time highs in recent months and continue to push upwards. Earlier this year, Nigel Green forecast that gold would climb to $5,000 per ounce in 2025, while Bitcoin would surge to $150,000 – setting new historical benchmarks for both. 'The two are not rivals,' explained the deVere CEO. 'They are radically different assets solving different problems. Gold is stability. Bitcoin is growth. If you want to build and protect wealth over the long term, you should be holding both.' He warns against an 'either-or' approach at a time when macroeconomic uncertainty, shifting monetary policy, and geopolitical risk are all in play. 'The world's most powerful institutions are increasing their gold reserves. That tells you everything. They don't do this on a whim. At the same time, Bitcoin's unique structure and scarcity make it highly attractive to a generation skeptical of legacy systems and inflationary currencies.' The younger cohort surveyed by deVere sees Bitcoin as a cornerstone of modern portfolios. Many respondents cited its transparency, portability, and potential for exponential upside as key reasons behind their preference. The fact that it operates outside traditional banking systems was also a frequently noted advantage. But Nigel Green cautions against being swept away by ideology or hype. 'This generation is right to question the old models. But diversification is timeless. Having uncorrelated assets in your portfolio is how you build true resilience. Gold and Bitcoin together offer that balance.' Central banks are unlikely to let up. Even as the details of their purchases remain cloaked, the trajectory is clear. The long-term accumulation of gold by official institutions signals a strategic response to currency debasement, growing fiscal risk, and a shifting global power dynamic. At the same time, Bitcoin is moving toward broader acceptance. Spot ETFs in major financial markets, growing corporate adoption, and increasingly accommodative regulatory frameworks have added legitimacy and fresh demand. 'We're living through a rare convergence,' adds Nigel Green. 'You have the old guard doubling down on gold, and the new guard surging into Bitcoin. Both are being driven by the same core fear: erosion of purchasing power. That should be a wake-up call.' He concludes: 'It's not about choosing sides. It's about positioning for a world where monetary policy, technology, and global influence are all in flux.'
