ADI Foundation has partnered with BNY Mellon and Finstreet to build a regulated system for storing digital assets in Abu Dhabi.
The project, supported by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), will help institutions safely store digital assets in a regulated way. It will begin with major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
$59.4 trillion custodian. Trusted rails. Abu Dhabi.@ADI_Foundation has announced a strategic collaboration with The Bank of New York Mellon (@BNYglobal) and Finstreet.
Our shared objective is to deliver regulated, institutional-grade digital asset custody for UAE clients,… pic.twitter.com/d7tP1UiQsa
— ADI Chain (@ADIChain_) May 7, 2026
Crypto custody means safely storing and managing the private keys that control access to digital assets. It proves ownership and helps protect crypto holdings.
In self-custody, users manage their own wallets and keys. In institutional custody, companies like Coinbase and BitGo handle storage for clients.
Security measures include cold storage, multi-signature systems, and insured services to lower risks like hacks or lost keys. Self-custody gives full control, while institutional custody offers stronger security, compliance, and risk management for large investors.
Institutional custody model targets regulated digital markets
The first stage of the partnership will provide custody services for digital assets held by Finstreet’s institutional clients.
The setup brings together ADI Foundation’s blockchain infrastructure, BNY Mellon’s global custody experience, and Finstreet’s regulated market network.
The aim is to build secure, compliant systems for holding digital assets and support large-scale investment into crypto markets.
Expansion plans point to stablecoins and tokenized assets
Beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, the partnership is expected to grow into wider digital finance infrastructure. This may include integration with ADI Chain’s blockchain system and future support for stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets.
This move follows a growing trend where global financial institutions are exploring blockchain-based settlement systems and tokenized finance, driven by demand for always-on markets and programmable assets.
By combining traditional custody systems with blockchain-based technology, the project aims to connect regulated finance with digital asset markets, helping position Abu Dhabi as a major hub for institutional crypto adoption.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s leading sovereign investment vehicles have significantly increased their exposure to digital assets, with the latest disclosures revealing a combined holding of over $1.1 billion in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT).
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