2025.4.28
Stacks Asia DLT Foundation Joins ADGM, Opening a New Chapter for Bitcoin Layer 2 Growth in the Middle East and Asia
[Monday, April 28th, 2025] — The Stacks Asia Foundation, operating within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) as the Stacks Asia DLT Foundation, has made a major move to expand Bitcoin’s reach across Asia and the Middle East, establishing a presence within ADGM as the first Bitcoin-based foundation recognized under the region’s leading blockchain regulatory framework.
The Foundation leverages ADGM’s world-leading Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Foundations framework, which sets a new standard for blockchain foundations, DAOs, and Web3 projects. Built on English Common Law, it supports flexible governance through token voting and smart contracts, simplifies token creation, and removes the need for a physical presence, helping blockchain organizations operate more globally.
Why This Matters
Stacks has always been about expanding Bitcoin’s possibilities without changing its core. Now, with a formal presence in ADGM, one of the world’s most progressive hubs for digital assets, the Stacks Asia Foundation is positioned to drive Bitcoin utility, innovation, and adoption at a global scale.
Kyle Ellicott, Executive Director at the Stacks Asia Foundation, shared:
The Foundation leverages ADGM’s world-leading Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Foundations framework, which sets a new standard for blockchain foundations, DAOs, and Web3 projects. Built on English Common Law, it supports flexible governance through token voting and smart contracts, simplifies token creation, and removes the need for a physical presence, helping blockchain organizations operate more globally.
Why This Matters
Stacks has always been about expanding Bitcoin’s possibilities without changing its core. Now, with a formal presence in ADGM, one of the world’s most progressive hubs for digital assets, the Stacks Asia Foundation is positioned to drive Bitcoin utility, innovation, and adoption at a global scale.
Kyle Ellicott, Executive Director at the Stacks Asia Foundation, shared:
“
"We chose to establish our presence in ADGM because of its unparalleled commitment to fostering innovation in the blockchain space. Their forward-thinking approach to policy-making aligns perfectly with the Stacks ecosystem’s history of creating pathways for Bitcoin builders.”
This move also builds on Stacks' existing SEC regulatory approvals in the U.S., adding another layer of trust and credibility to the ecosystem’s expanding footprint.
Building Bridges Across Asia and the Middle East
By planting roots in ADGM, the Stacks Asia Foundation is uniquely positioned to bridge two major growth engines, Asia-Pacific and the UAE.
With Hong Kong as a strategic hub, the Foundation plans to work closely with local partners to:
Fueling Bitcoin Education and DeFi Innovation
The momentum around Bitcoin programmability continues to accelerate. With the launch of sBTC earlier this year, users can now access a 1:1 Bitcoin-backed, programmable asset for lending, trading, and more, without compromising Bitcoin’s security.
The Stacks Asia Foundation will build on this by empowering builders, educating institutions, and creating pathways for Bitcoin-powered DeFi in both Asia and the Middle East.
As Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADGM Registration Authority, put it:
Building Bridges Across Asia and the Middle East
By planting roots in ADGM, the Stacks Asia Foundation is uniquely positioned to bridge two major growth engines, Asia-Pacific and the UAE.
With Hong Kong as a strategic hub, the Foundation plans to work closely with local partners to:
- Launch educational programs for Bitcoin developers and users
- Support policy initiatives that advance Bitcoin DeFi, yields, and digital asset regulations
- Foster collaboration between institutions, builders, and innovators
Fueling Bitcoin Education and DeFi Innovation
The momentum around Bitcoin programmability continues to accelerate. With the launch of sBTC earlier this year, users can now access a 1:1 Bitcoin-backed, programmable asset for lending, trading, and more, without compromising Bitcoin’s security.
The Stacks Asia Foundation will build on this by empowering builders, educating institutions, and creating pathways for Bitcoin-powered DeFi in both Asia and the Middle East.
As Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADGM Registration Authority, put it:
“
“The Stacks Asia DLT Foundation’s registration in ADGM highlights our commitment to fostering transformative technologies. As more leading blockchain foundations choose ADGM as their regulatory home, the region continues to serve as a key location for innovators looking for a secure and forward-thinking environment. With this addition, ADGM reinforces the UAE’s growing role in the digital asset space, paving the way for significant advancements in Bitcoin Layer-2 solutions and wider blockchain adoption across the Middle East.”
What's Next
The registration at ADGM comes at a time when Bitcoin-based technologies are gaining global traction. By combining deep expertise in Bitcoin innovation with a strategic presence in Abu Dhabi, Stacks Asia Foundation is helping drive the next era of Bitcoin adoption, regionally and globally.
We are excited to be at the forefront of this movement, creating real-world impact by unlocking Bitcoin’s full potential for institutions, developers, and everyday users across Asia and beyond.
The registration at ADGM comes at a time when Bitcoin-based technologies are gaining global traction. By combining deep expertise in Bitcoin innovation with a strategic presence in Abu Dhabi, Stacks Asia Foundation is helping drive the next era of Bitcoin adoption, regionally and globally.
We are excited to be at the forefront of this movement, creating real-world impact by unlocking Bitcoin’s full potential for institutions, developers, and everyday users across Asia and beyond.
Please visit the Stacks Asia Foundation website for more information and follow @StacksAsiaOrg for updates as the Foundation continues to roll out initiatives, key partnerships, and new projects that will further establish Stacks as the premier Bitcoin layer in Asia.
Press inquiries: press@stacksasia.foundation
Press inquiries: press@stacksasia.foundation