Invest ideasNews
26 Jan 2026, 14:37
Gold Beats Ethereum to $5K Milestone, Hitting Record Above $5,100
Gold smashed past $5,100 as Ethereum falters below $3,000—and prediction market users called it months ago.
26 Jan 2026, 14:04
Ripple partners with Riyad Bank’s Jeel to explore blockchain in Saudi Arabia
Ripple, the global blockchain and digital payment company, has announced a strategic partnership with Jeel, the innovation arm of Riyad Bank in Saudi Arabia. Reece Merrick @reece_merrick · Follow More big news from the Middle East! @Ripple is partnering with @Jeelmovement , the innovation arm of @RiyadBank , to advance Saudi Arabia’s financial future through blockchain innovation 🇸🇦The Kingdom’s visionary leadership has established Saudi Arabia as a forward-thinking 12:23 pm · 26 Jan 2026 840 Reply Copy link Read 45 replies The collaboration aims to explore blockchain technology to enhance the Kingdom’s financial infrastructure. While the news has done little to change the bearish XRP market sentiment , it has added some positive impetus to the overlay bearish market. Exploring blockchain use cases in Saudi Arabia Through this partnership, Ripple and Jeel will focus on practical blockchain applications. One of the primary objectives is to improve cross-border payment processes. Blockchain technology has the potential to make these transactions faster, more transparent, and cost-efficient. In addition, the collaboration will explore solutions for digital asset custody. This involves developing secure and compliant ways to manage digital assets. Another key area of focus is tokenisation, which allows the digitisation of financial assets. By tokenising assets, financial services can become more efficient and accessible. These initiatives will be tested in Jeel’s regulatory sandbox, ensuring compliance with Saudi financial regulations. The sandbox environment allows innovative solutions to be trialled in a controlled and supervised setting. This ensures that new blockchain applications meet local regulatory standards while promoting financial innovation. Alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 The partnership is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda . Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy and modernise the financial sector. By embracing blockchain technology, the Kingdom can strengthen its financial infrastructure. Ripple’s collaboration with Jeel is part of a broader effort to position Saudi Arabia as a forward-thinking financial hub. Reece Merrick, Ripple’s executive, emphasised that the partnership will help shape the future of the Kingdom’s financial ecosystem. He highlighted the importance of exploring cross-border payments, digital asset custody, and tokenisation to support the Vision 2030 goals. The initiative also reflects the leadership’s commitment to digital transformation. Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in innovation and fintech to attract global talent and investment. By partnering with Jeel, Ripple gains direct access to the Kingdom’s innovation platforms. This allows Ripple to test new solutions while benefiting from local expertise and regulatory guidance. The collaboration also strengthens Ripple’s presence in the Middle East. The region has increasingly embraced blockchain technology for financial services. By combining Ripple’s global blockchain experience with Jeel’s local innovation capabilities, the partnership has strong potential to deliver tangible results. Saudi Arabia is now positioned to lead in the adoption of blockchain-based financial solutions. The partnership sets a precedent for collaboration between international fintech firms and local financial institutions. It demonstrates how blockchain innovation can support economic growth and modernisation. As Ripple and Jeel move forward, the Kingdom could see faster, more secure, and more efficient financial services. The post Ripple partners with Riyad Bank’s Jeel to explore blockchain in Saudi Arabia appeared first on Invezz
26 Jan 2026, 13:41
Bitcoin Price Prediction: Rich Dad Poor Dad Author Kiyosaki Ignores Price Crash – Here’s Why He’s More Bullish Than Ever
Bitcoin is trading near $87,700, down about 1% on the day, yet Robert Kiyosaki remains unmoved by short-term price swings. The Rich Dad Poor Dad author says he continues buying Bitcoin and Ethereum regardless of volatility, arguing that price matters less than the direction of the global financial system. In a recent post , Kiyosaki pointed to two forces shaping his strategy: the rising US national debt, now above $38.4 trillion, and the steady erosion of the dollar’s purchasing power. From his perspective, daily price movements are a distraction. As debt expands and deficits deepen, scarce assets gain relevance. As he put it bluntly, he does not worry about market fluctuations because “the national debt keeps going up and the purchasing power of the US dollar keeps going down.” Q: Do I care when the price of gold silver or Bitcoin go up or down? A: No. I do not care. Q: Why Not? A: Because I know the national debt of the US keeps going up and the purchasing power of the US dollar keeps going down. Q: Why worry about the price of gold, silver,… — Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) January 23, 2026 That logic explains why Kiyosaki groups Bitcoin with gold and silver, often referring to BTC as “digital gold.” While he has long favored physical metals, he now sees Bitcoin and Ethereum as modern extensions of the same hedge against monetary dilution. His long-term outlook remains bold, with Bitcoin potentially reaching $1 million over the coming years or decade. Institutional Credibility Weakens as Investors Seek Bitcoin Hedges Kiyosaki’s stance reflects deep skepticism toward traditional financial authorities. He has repeatedly criticized institutions such as the Federal Reserve and the US Treasury, arguing that policy decisions have fueled debt growth rather than long-term stability. This view aligns with a broader investor shift. As inflation pressures, rising interest costs, and geopolitical uncertainty persist, capital has increasingly moved toward assets outside the traditional financial system. Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million coins, with more than 19.98 million already in circulation, continues to attract investors who see scarcity as protection rather than speculation. Bitcoin Price Prediction: $87K Base Forms as Trendlines Hint at a Springboard Move While the long-term narrative remains intact, Bitcoin’s short-term chart sits at a critical junction. After pulling back from the $95,500–$96,000 zone, BTC is consolidating between $86,000 and $88,000, an area where multiple technical levels converge. On the 4-hour chart, price is pressing against the lower boundary of a descending wedge while still respecting a rising long-term support line that has guided the broader uptrend since late 2025. Recent candles near $86,100 show long lower wicks, suggesting dip-buying rather than forced liquidation. BTC/USD Price Chart – Source: Tradingview Momentum remains soft, with RSI hovering near 39–40, but it has begun to turn higher. A sustained hold above $88,000 would open a path toward $90,700 and $93,300, with a potential retest of $95,500. A break below $86,000 would delay that recovery and expose $84,300, without undermining the broader structure. Taken together, Kiyosaki’s long-term conviction and Bitcoin’s developing technical base suggest the market is pausing, not peaking. For investors focused beyond short-term noise, this consolidation may be the kind of quiet reset that precedes the next expansion phase. Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana? Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bringing a new phase to the BTC ecosystem. While BTC remains the gold standard for security, Bitcoin Hyper adds what it always lacked: Solana-level speed. The result: lightning-fast, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized apps, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin. Audited by Consult , the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption builds. And momentum is already strong. The presale has surpassed $31 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013635 before the next increase. As Bitcoin activity climbs and demand for efficient BTC-based apps rises, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the bridge uniting two of crypto’s biggest ecosystems. If Bitcoin built the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could make it fast, flexible, and fun again. Click Here to Participate in the Presale The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: Rich Dad Poor Dad Author Kiyosaki Ignores Price Crash – Here’s Why He’s More Bullish Than Ever appeared first on Cryptonews .
26 Jan 2026, 13:30
USD/JPY Intervention: Alarming Risks of Coordinated Action Rise, Warns Bank of America
BitcoinWorld USD/JPY Intervention: Alarming Risks of Coordinated Action Rise, Warns Bank of America TOKYO, March 2025 – Financial markets face mounting pressure as Bank of America analysts issue a stark warning about escalating intervention risks for the USD/JPY currency pair. The bank’s latest research indicates that coordinated action by global authorities has become increasingly probable, marking a significant shift in foreign exchange market dynamics. This development follows months of sustained yen weakness against the US dollar, creating challenging conditions for Japan’s export-driven economy and raising concerns about broader financial stability. Understanding the USD/JPY Intervention Landscape Currency intervention represents a deliberate action by a nation’s monetary authorities to influence the exchange rate of their currency. For Japan, the Ministry of Finance typically authorizes such actions, with the Bank of Japan executing the trades. Historically, Japan has intervened to sell yen when the currency becomes too strong, harming exports. However, the current situation presents the opposite challenge. The yen has weakened substantially against the dollar, raising import costs and inflation pressures. Bank of America’s analysis highlights several critical factors increasing intervention likelihood. First, the interest rate differential between the US and Japan remains wide. The Federal Reserve maintains a restrictive policy stance while the Bank of Japan only recently ended negative rates. Second, Japan’s current account surplus has narrowed. Third, speculative positioning in futures markets shows extreme yen short positions. These conditions create what analysts term “asymmetric intervention risk.” The Mechanics of Modern Currency Intervention Modern currency intervention differs significantly from past approaches. Today, authorities often coordinate actions with other central banks to maximize impact. The Bank of International Settlements frequently facilitates these coordinated efforts. Effective intervention requires surprise, scale, and follow-through. Markets now watch for several signals including unusual option flows, official verbal warnings, and direct inquiries to banks about currency positions. Recent history provides important context. Japan last intervened to support the yen in 2022, spending approximately $60 billion. That action provided only temporary relief. The current environment presents greater challenges with stronger global dollar demand. Analysts note that successful intervention now requires either changing market fundamentals or coordinating with other nations facing similar currency pressures. Global Economic Pressures and Spillover Effects The USD/JPY situation reflects broader global economic tensions. Many emerging market currencies face similar pressures against the dollar. A sustained strong dollar creates debt servicing challenges for nations with dollar-denominated obligations. It also contributes to imported inflation worldwide. These interconnected risks make the yen’s stability particularly important for Asian financial markets. Bank of America’s report identifies specific spillover channels. First, competitive devaluation concerns could prompt other nations to intervene. Second, yen volatility affects carry trade dynamics significantly. Third, Japanese investors might accelerate overseas investment shifts if currency hedging costs remain elevated. The table below summarizes key pressure points: Pressure Point Current Status Intervention Threshold USD/JPY Exchange Rate Above 150 Sustained moves above 155 Import Price Inflation 8.5% year-over-year Sustained above 10% Real Effective Exchange Rate 30-year lows Further 5% depreciation Market participants monitor several additional indicators. These include: Options market skew: Measures market fear of sharp moves Swap line utilization: Indicates dollar funding stress Reserve management changes: Signals policy shifts Verbal intervention frequency: Warns of potential action Central Bank Coordination and Policy Dilemmas Effective intervention increasingly requires international coordination. The Bank of America analysis suggests several potential coordination partners. South Korea faces similar won weakness against the dollar. European Central Bank officials have expressed concern about euro volatility. Even the US Treasury might support action if dollar strength threatens global financial stability. However, coordination presents significant challenges. First, different nations have varying economic priorities. Second, legal frameworks differ across jurisdictions. Third, the effectiveness of coordinated action depends on market psychology and follow-up measures. Historical analysis shows that coordinated interventions during the 1985 Plaza Accord and 2000 euro support operation achieved mixed results. Japanese authorities face particular policy dilemmas. Intervention to support the yen contradicts the Bank of Japan’s gradual monetary normalization. It also risks drawing political criticism if perceived as ineffective. Furthermore, intervention consumes foreign exchange reserves that might be needed during genuine crises. These considerations make intervention a last-resort tool rather than a routine policy instrument. Expert Perspectives on Intervention Timing Financial market experts emphasize several timing considerations. First, intervention during periods of low liquidity maximizes impact. Second, action following extreme market moves gains credibility. Third, coordination with other policy announcements enhances effectiveness. Most analysts agree that authorities prefer to use verbal intervention first, progressing to actual intervention only if markets ignore warnings. The current environment presents unusual challenges. Global dollar strength reflects both US economic outperformance and safe-haven demand. These fundamental factors limit intervention effectiveness. Consequently, many experts believe any intervention would require substantial scale and international support to succeed. Market participants increasingly price in this reality, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of yen weakness. Market Implications and Risk Management Strategies The rising intervention risk necessitates careful market positioning. Currency traders face several challenges. First, intervention timing remains unpredictable. Second, market impact varies based on execution method. Third, follow-up actions determine whether effects persist. Prudent risk management requires considering multiple scenarios. Bank of America recommends several approaches for market participants. These include reducing concentrated directional bets, increasing option protection, and monitoring official communication channels closely. The bank’s research suggests that while intervention might cause short-term volatility, fundamental factors ultimately determine medium-term trends. This creates complex trading dynamics requiring sophisticated risk frameworks. Longer-term implications extend beyond currency markets. Persistent yen weakness affects Japanese corporate earnings, Asian trade patterns, and global inflation dynamics. It also influences capital flows as Japanese investors seek higher yields abroad. These interconnected effects underscore why USD/JPY movements attract such intense scrutiny from policymakers and market participants worldwide. Conclusion Bank of America’s warning about rising USD/JPY intervention risks highlights significant tensions in global currency markets. The analysis underscores how fundamental economic divergences, policy dilemmas, and market dynamics combine to create challenging conditions. While intervention might provide temporary relief, sustainable currency stability requires addressing underlying economic imbalances. Market participants must navigate this complex environment with careful attention to both technical indicators and fundamental developments. The USD/JPY pair will likely remain a focal point for global financial stability concerns throughout 2025. FAQs Q1: What triggers currency intervention by Japanese authorities? Japanese authorities typically consider intervention when excessive currency volatility threatens economic stability, import prices surge uncontrollably, or market movements become disorderly and speculative rather than fundamentals-driven. Q2: How does coordinated intervention differ from unilateral action? Coordinated intervention involves multiple central banks acting simultaneously to amplify market impact, share intervention costs, and demonstrate stronger political commitment compared to unilateral action by a single nation. Q3: What makes USD/JPY intervention particularly challenging currently? The wide US-Japan interest rate differential, strong global dollar demand, and Japan’s narrowing current account surplus create fundamental pressures that intervention alone cannot easily reverse without complementary policy changes. Q4: How do markets typically react to currency intervention? Markets usually experience immediate volatility and position unwinding, but sustained effects depend on intervention scale, surprise element, follow-up actions, and whether economic fundamentals support the desired exchange rate direction. Q5: What indicators signal rising intervention probability? Key signals include intensified verbal warnings from officials, unusual options market activity, direct inquiries to banks about currency positions, and preparatory discussions between finance ministries of potential partner nations. This post USD/JPY Intervention: Alarming Risks of Coordinated Action Rise, Warns Bank of America first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
26 Jan 2026, 13:15
Davos Takeaways - Bitcoin Is Not Here To Replace Banks, And That's A Good Thing
Summary Recent debates at Davos once again highlight how Bitcoin isn’t meant to replace traditional banking. I think that’s a good thing; the two systems can coexist peacefully. BTC's deflationary nature makes it unsuitable as a global currency but ideal for long-term wealth preservation and institutional adoption. I'm upgrading to a Strong Buy rating on BTC due to its asymmetric upside potential, with a valuation model targeting $162,500–$275,000 and up to $1,000,000 per coin in a bullish scenario. Key risks include failure to achieve reserve asset status, persistent volatility, and ongoing high correlation with equities. With the World Economic Forum having just taken place in Davos, Bitcoin ( BTC-USD ) has been discussed between central bankers, institutional investors, and the like. In one interview , the CEO of Coinbase Global, Inc. ( COIN ) was very confrontational towards members of the TradFi (Traditional Finance) sector, mentioning that “banks are lending customers’ deposits without their permission.” In a different part of that same interview, the same Brian Armstrong called out a French Central Banker on a mistake relative to Bitcoin. The Banker incorrectly assumed that Bitcoins can be controlled by any participant in its network and brought that as an example of why independent central banking cannot be substituted. As an observer of the Crypto world, I am surprised by such conversations. I think they reveal how exponents from both “sides”—TradFi and DeFi (Decentralized Finance)—do not fully grasp the other side’s arguments and functioning. Today, I want to spend a few words to clarify what, in my view, is the role of Bitcoin in TradFi and why the two sides do not need to be at odds with each other, but rather realise they will need to coexist. Why Bitcoin is not an alternative to the global banking system How Banking Works (Project Instill) Anyone who has ever taken an Economics 101 course will be familiar with how banking works. In a nutshell, clients’ deposits are lent out at an interest rate to borrowers. The borrowing is done to a higher degree than the amounts available in deposits in the bank, meaning banks lend out more than they hold in deposits. This is the reason why fractional reserves exist in most legislation (with the notable exception of the US, where there has been no legally mandated minimum reserve ratio since 2020). I am surprised how sometimes this very basic function of our economy is brought up as an example of quasi-conspiracy. Yet, this is literally one of the core functions of our economic system. Businesses and governments effectively function because they can access financing to invest and hire. What is Bitcoin’s role in all this? None, in my opinion A banking system based on Bitcoin would not work. Because Bitcoin’s supply is limited to 21 million, banks holding Bitcoin could not lend out more than what they have available. Bitcoin, as a decentralized, algorithm-based form of money, could not be multiplied. It is deflationary in nature. Bitcoin, in this regard, was never conceived as an alternative to banking. Rather, it was conceived as a decentralized system of payment and then matured as an alternative reserve. This is a concept I discussed in my previous work on Bitcoin, bringing on-chain data that shows how Bitcoin behaves more like a reserve asset than a currency, with a somewhat limited number of transactions and mostly “holders.” The role of a global reserve asset Imagine a world where your everyday currency buys you twice the amount of goods than what it bought five years earlier. Would you spend it to buy, for example, a car that depreciates the moment you step out of the car dealer? What about spending it to buy groceries? If you had the reasonable expectation that everything you purchased were to become cheaper in the future, it would be logical to delay most of your purchases (in other words, save as much as possible). What I am describing with this example is the reason why deflation is worse than inflation. China is currently struggling with deflation . Not as a result of the yuan getting stronger, but due to an overcapacity of production that cannot be fully absorbed by internal demand and exports. In simple words, goods get cheaper over time. The results are that more than 25% of the listed Chinese companies reported a loss in the first half of 2025, and youth unemployment is stubbornly stuck above 15% . And this is official data, which is famously unreliable . In academic terms, the chart below showcases the effect of deflation on an economy. When people and businesses spend less (AD shifts left from AD₁ to AD₂), prices drop (from P₁ to P₂), and output falls below full employment (to Y₁). Over time, lower wages and costs shift SRAS (Short-Run Aggregate Supply) right, causing even lower prices (to P₃), while output slowly returns toward the unchanged full-employment level (Y-FE). The Curious Economist Back to Bitcoin. Bitcoin is a deflationary currency in nature. With a limited cap, it would be a horrible choice as a global currency. It would cause chronic, undefeatable deflation of the world's economy. A global reserve asset serves another purpose. Like gold, which has been on the run lately, it serves as a reliable, neutral store of value and hedge for nations' central banks in an uncertain world. Central banks hold it for safety, liquidity in extreme scenarios, and long-term wealth preservation. Due to the deflationary nature of Bitcoin, I see it as a potential (with emphasis on potential) global reserve asset, rather than a global currency used for commercial transactions. Conclusion: My Bitcoin price target and why I remain bullish I covered Bitcoin extensively on Seeking Alpha, with 10 articles on BTC-USD and more on the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF ( IBIT ) as well as other Bitcoin ETFs. As I usually do at the end of most of my Bitcoin-related pieces, I will summarize my thoughts on why I am bullish. However, I invite readers to consult my previous work if they have any specific questions or thoughts on my investment thesis (which I cannot cover in detail every time). I am happy to address them in the comments, too. Bitcoin has all the technical characteristics it needs to succeed as a global reserve asset: durability, divisibility, fungibility, portability, verifiability, and, most importantly in my view, scarcity. In an ever-polarized world, I think there is enough room for more than one major global reserve asset (gold). My belief is compounded by the fact that gold is an element that can be found on Earth at 4 parts per billion, and it is therefore subject to technological disruption. New mining techniques or asteroid mining could theoretically render it obsolete. While today these technologies seem far away, humanity tends to evolve exponentially . I think that increasing institutionalization of Bitcoin, especially by the current US admin, has rendered Bitcoin easily available for most, making its adoption at this point in time purely a matter of strategic choice, beyond any technical hurdles. In the above context, I keep seeing Bitcoin as an asymmetric bet on it maturing as a global reserve asset. Should that happen, my valuation model (summarized in the table below) sees Bitcoin worth between $162,500 and $275,000 per coin, with an upside of up to $1,000,000 per coin in a bullish case. BTC Valuation Model (Author's Work) With Bitcoin trading at ~$88,000 per coin at the time of writing, I'm upgrading to a Strong Buy rating on the asymmetric nature of the investment. Concrete risks exist, which I will cover next. Risks The main risk in investing in Bitcoin today is that it may never mature as a global reserve asset. Just because Bitcoin has all the technical characteristics needed to become one, it doesn’t mean it will actually be adopted by institutions to such an extent. With gold rallying in the current geopolitical context, Bitcoin is still stuck at the level of late 2024. Measured in gold , Bitcoin is actually in a bear market, and its price is below 2021 lows. In other terms, it is clear to me that Bitcoin is not yet being adopted as a global asset. In this sense, any investment in BTC remains a high-risk bet. My own bear case sees Bitcoin remaining “an online casino,” with value only extracted from its volatility by active traders. If that’s the future of Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency will never mature to the size of a global reserve asset and may forever trade at levels around its current price. Other risks include high volatility and the fact that Bitcoin continues to be highly correlated with equities. Anyone willing to take an asymmetric bet on Bitcoin should be aware of these risks.
26 Jan 2026, 12:43
Ripple signs MOU with Riyad Bank's innovation subsidiary for Saudi Arabia use cases
Ripple, the RLUSD stablecoin issuer has signed a memorandum of understanding with Riyad Bank’s innovation subsidiary to explore blockchain applications within the Kingdom’s financial infrastructure. We are committed to demonstrating how Ripple’s enterprise-grade digital asset technology can unlock efficiencies in areas such as cross-border payments, supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to build a world-leading and competitive fintech ecosystem. Reece Merrick, the Managing Director, Middle East & Africa, Ripple. Ripple and Jeel are collaborating to develop distributed ledger use cases and test how blockchain systems could be embedded into Saudi Arabia’s financial architecture. Riyad Bank’s Jeel taps Ripple for payments, custody, and tokenization Ripple and Jeel plan to develop several financial technology applications under the agreement, including cross-border payments and digital asset custody. For financial institutions in the Gulf region, blockchain systems are viable for cross-border settlements because they are fast and transparent. More big news from the Middle East! @Ripple is partnering with @Jeelmovement , the innovation arm of @RiyadBank , to advance Saudi Arabia’s financial future through blockchain innovation 🇸🇦 The Kingdom’s visionary leadership has established Saudi Arabia as a forward-thinking… pic.twitter.com/KhQ7giluhE — Reece Merrick (@reece_merrick) January 26, 2026 Tokenization initiatives could also form part of the exploratory work, as converting traditional assets into digital representations gains traction in financial centers worldwide. Saudi policymakers have added financial innovation as a pillar of the Vision 2030 agenda . This includes open banking, digital payments, blockchain, and AI-powered financial services. Jeel, the innovation and technology arm of Riyad Bank, was established to actualize the seven-decade-old digital initiatives and financial technology partnerships. In September, the subsidiary partnered with FinTech Saudi to launch digital innovation programs. That collaboration led to the launch of the Jeel Sandbox, a technical platform for the Saudi fintech community that supports development, testing, and licensing processes. It allows financial technology firms to try out digital asset trading services in line with the monarch’s regulatory boundaries. Supporting Vision 2030 through our technology developments and partnerships with leaders in the area demonstrates how committed Mambu is to furthering the goals of the region. We look forward to working with Jeel to support financial institutions in the initial stages of growth. Mambu regional lead Harjit Kang. Jeel also teamed up with cloud-native core banking technology provider Mambu, which provides the modular banking architecture that underpins the platform’s technology layer. The sandbox is hosted on the Google Cloud platform and enables developers to deploy simulated interfaces for wallet services into banking-as-a-service platforms. Cloud zone centers fuel Saudi’s digital infrastructure push According to a report from local news publication AGBI, Saudi Arabia is also launching a cloud computing special economic zone near Riyadh. The initiative is set to take effect from early April 2026 and will include tax and regulatory incentives for investors. The policy targets cloud providers and data center operators with high setup costs, along with the energy demands of digital infrastructure projects. Companies in the cloud zone will be subject to corporate income tax, but zakat rules will not apply, different from other Saudi economic zones. For the domestic tech community, it’s a strong signal that Saudi Arabia wants to accelerate cloud adoption and scale local digital infrastructure. Practically, it should make it easier for local cloud and digital infrastructure firms to build, partner, and grow around a larger cloud ecosystem. Yusef Alyusef, managing director at Alvarez & Marsal. Regulatory frameworks for the zones will enter legal force from early April 2026, following the publication in the official gazette on January 16. Licensed entities will have an additional 90 days to comply with requirements. Alyusef noted that the guidance on tax relief and qualification conditions is pending, although he predicted a short settling-in period as administrative processes develop. Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings said the Kingdom’s debt capital market could reach $600 billion outstanding by the end of 2026. The outstanding Saudi debt exceeded $520 billion in 2025, a 21% year-over-year increase, while Sukuk instruments accounted for 62% of the total. “Almost all Fitch-rated Saudi sukuk are investment grade, with issuers on Stable Outlooks and no defaults. Following reforms, foreign investors now contribute more than 10 percent of the government’s outstanding direct domestic issuance in primary local markets at the end of 2025,” Fitch Ratings Islamic Finance head Bashar Al-Natoor told reporters earlier today. Join a premium crypto trading community free for 30 days - normally $100/mo.
