Paribu acquires CoinMENA: Turkey’s leading digital asset platform has purchased the regulated MENA crypto exchange for up to $240 million, marking the country’s largest fintech deal and first cross-border crypto brokerage acquisition, expanding operations to Bahrain and the UAE.
-
Acquisition value and significance: Valued at up to $240 million, this deal positions Paribu as a key player in the MENA crypto market.
-
CoinMENA, founded in 2020, serves over 1.5 million users in 45 countries with access to more than 50 cryptocurrencies.
-
Regulatory compliance: Operates under licenses from Bahrain’s Central Bank and Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, supporting growth in high-adoption regions like Turkey, which handled nearly $200 billion in crypto transactions in 2025.
Paribu acquires CoinMENA in $240M deal, boosting Turkey’s fintech reach into MENA’s thriving crypto market. Discover how this acquisition enhances regional operations and user access to digital assets. Read more now.
What is the Paribu Acquisition of CoinMENA?
Paribu acquisition of CoinMENA represents a major milestone in the global cryptocurrency landscape, where Turkey’s prominent digital asset platform Paribu has taken over CoinMENA, a licensed exchange based in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Valued at up to $240 million, the deal integrates CoinMENA’s operations in Bahrain and the UAE, enabling Paribu to extend its services beyond Turkey. This transaction, announced in December 2025, underscores Turkey’s growing influence in international fintech.
How Does Paribu’s Expansion into MENA Strengthen Its Position?
Paribu’s move into the MENA region through this acquisition allows it to leverage CoinMENA’s established infrastructure, serving more than 1.5 million users across 45 countries. CoinMENA, founded in 2020 by Talal Tabbaa and Dina Sam’an, has secured nearly $20 million in funding from investors such as BECO, Arab Bank Switzerland, Circle, and Bunat Ventures. This financial backing has enabled robust growth, offering users access to over 50 cryptocurrencies and support for various local currencies in the region.
The acquisition aligns with regulatory frameworks in Bahrain, overseen by the Central Bank of Bahrain, and in Dubai, regulated by the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority. Yasin Oral, Founder and CEO of Paribu, highlighted the strategic importance, stating, “With this acquisition, we have expanded our licensed operations to a wider geography, becoming a regulated player in one of the world’s most crypto-adoptive markets.” He further emphasized that it opens a new chapter in Paribu’s growth, contributing to the consolidation of the global digital asset industry based on its strong foundation in Turkey.
Talal Tabbaa and Dina Sam’an, Co-Founders of CoinMENA, echoed this sentiment, noting, “This acquisition is the most transformative milestone in CoinMENA’s history. Paribu’s investment validates the strength of what we have built.” Their combined expertise promises enhanced digital asset products for users in Turkey and MENA, fostering innovation and accessibility. As per industry reports, this is Turkey’s largest fintech transaction and its inaugural cross-border acquisition of a crypto brokerage platform, mirroring moves like CoinDCX’s purchase of BitOasis in the UAE.
In the broader context, MENA ranks as the seventh largest crypto market globally, according to the Chainalysis 2024 Geography of Cryptocurrency report. Turkey and Morocco lead adoption in the region, with Turkey handling nearly $200 billion in transactions in 2025, per a Chainalysis 2025 report. Saudi Arabia shows explosive growth at 154% year-over-year, while the overall MENA market grew 33%, surpassing half a trillion dollars in volume. Jordan also features prominently, ranking in the top four globally for adoption adjusted by population. These trends highlight the region’s potential, where Paribu now positions itself to capitalize on increasing crypto enthusiasm.
By integrating CoinMENA’s licenses and user base, Paribu not only diversifies its geographic footprint but also enhances compliance and service offerings in a market ripe for digital asset expansion. This strategic alliance is expected to drive mutual benefits, including improved technology sharing and broader market penetration, as both platforms navigate the evolving regulatory and adoption landscape.
We’re excited to share that CoinMENA has been acquired by Paribu in a transaction valued at up to USD 240 million!
This acquisition strengthens our global presence, accelerates innovation, and allows us to deliver even more value and opportunities to our users across MENA…— CoinMENA | كوين مينا (CoinMENA) December 5, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes the Paribu CoinMENA Acquisition Turkey’s Largest Fintech Deal?
The Paribu acquisition of CoinMENA, valued at up to $240 million, stands as Turkey’s largest fintech transaction due to its scale and cross-border nature. It marks the first time a Turkish firm has acquired a foreign crypto brokerage, integrating regulated operations in Bahrain and the UAE to serve over 1.5 million users globally with more than 50 cryptocurrencies.
How Will Paribu’s Acquisition of CoinMENA Impact Crypto Users in MENA?
Paribu’s acquisition of CoinMENA will enhance crypto access for users in MENA by combining Paribu’s technology with CoinMENA’s regional licenses and expertise. This means smoother transactions in local currencies, broader cryptocurrency options, and stronger regulatory compliance, ultimately providing more secure and innovative digital asset services across Turkey and the MENA region.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Expansion: Paribu’s purchase of CoinMENA extends its reach into MENA, utilizing licenses from Bahrain’s Central Bank and Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority for compliant growth.
- Market Leadership: Turkey leads MENA crypto adoption with $200 billion in 2025 transactions, per Chainalysis, positioning the combined entity in a high-growth area like Saudi Arabia’s 154% yearly surge.
- Innovation Boost: The deal validates CoinMENA’s foundation, enabling new digital asset products and contributing to global industry consolidation through shared technology and user base.
Conclusion
The Paribu acquisition of CoinMENA solidifies Turkey’s role in the international crypto ecosystem, blending Paribu’s domestic strength with CoinMENA’s MENA foothold to create a more interconnected digital asset network. With regulatory backing in key markets and a focus on user-centric innovation, this $240 million transaction paves the way for enhanced accessibility and growth. As MENA’s crypto adoption continues to rise—driven by leaders like Turkey and emerging hubs such as Saudi Arabia—stakeholders can anticipate further advancements in secure, compliant services that bridge regions and empower investors worldwide.
