CertiK is expanding its work with UAE-based digital asset businesses and institutions as new research from the blockchain security firm points to approximately $8.02 million in documented losses across four UAE-linked security incidents in 2026.
Summary
- CertiK is expanding UAE partnerships and its Dubai team to support security, compliance and operational resilience.
- CertiK documented $8.02 million in losses across four UAE-linked security incidents in 2026.
- Eligible Hub71 startups receive discounted security services and free access to CertiK Compliance.
- Gate Dubai’s reserve verification confirmed at least 100% coverage across 10 digital assets.
The company identified five incidents involving entities registered in the UAE or originating in the country during the year. While losses have been documented in four cases, the amount associated with the fifth remains unconfirmed. CertiK noted that gaps in incident reporting and attribution could mean the figures do not capture the full scale of security activity.
Its local engagement includes partnerships with Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 and Gate Dubai, alongside a growing team of engineering and business development personnel in Dubai. The work is focused on helping digital asset businesses address security, compliance, and operational resilience as the UAE’s financial sector continues to develop its digital asset activities.
Through its role as an official Hub71 vendor, CertiK provides eligible startups in the ecosystem that are based in Abu Dhabi Global Market with discounted security services and free access to CertiK Compliance. The offering is designed to help companies prepare for licensing requirements and manage compliance on an ongoing basis.
CertiK’s work with Gate Dubai has focused on reserve transparency. In March 2026, the company completed an independent Proof of Reserves verification for the VARA-licensed exchange. The verification confirmed at least 100% reserve coverage across 10 digital assets as of Dec. 31, 2025.
The partnerships come as institutions continue to assess the safeguards needed to support digital asset services. At the 2026 Dubai FinTech Summit, CertiK hosted a media briefing titled “The Trillion-Dollar Trust Gap: Why Institutional Finance Still Hesitates on Digital Assets,” addressing barriers to broader institutional participation.
“Financial institutions are making real progress in bringing digital assets into financial services, but regulatory approval is only the starting point,” said Jason Jiang, CertiK’s chief business officer.
He added that protecting customer assets and managing risks as operations scale require continuous security and compliance.
CertiK said its expanding UAE presence reflects its broader effort to support trust and risk management across the digital asset sector. Its research also underscores the limitations of relying solely on publicly reported incidents to assess the region’s security risks.
