The financial trading world stands at a turning point. Traditional brokers grapple with outdated systems and complex regulations, even as traders demand seamless access to both conventional instruments like stocks and forex, alongside digital assets such as crypto, all on a single platform—a market reshaping shift highlighted by McKinsey’s reports.
Could blockchain and tokenized assets truly herald a fairer, more dynamic trading future?
Curious about this new frontier, Olayimika Oyebanji sat down with Zak Taher, CEO of MultiBank.io, to uncover insights into navigating these challenges and the company’s $3 billion Dubai RWA Tokenization deal.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Can you briefly tell us about yourself?
Thank you for having me. I’m Zak Taher, the CEO of MultiBank.io. I’ve spent over two decades in this industry, guiding teams and businesses through transformation, volatility, and innovation.
At MultiBank Group, I have overseen our expansion into one of the world’s leading financial institutions with over 17 global licenses, more than 2 million clients, and daily trading volumes exceeding $35 billion.
Today, we are building a comprehensive ecosystem that brings together traditional markets and the digital economy, moving far beyond the role of a typical brokerage.
McKinsey’s report highlights increased client demand for integrated platforms offering equities, forex, crypto, and derivatives. What do you see as the primary drivers behind this?
The market is converging. Traders and investors want to move away from fragmented platforms in favor of a single, seamless interface to manage everything—from forex to crypto, equities to derivatives. This shift is driven by a new generation of digitally native users who prioritize speed, flexibility, and control.
At the same time, institutional clients are seeking greater capital efficiency and transparency. The line between "traditional" and "digital" finance is disappearing—it’s all becoming one ecosystem.
Beyond traditional asset classes, what innovative financial products are gaining traction, and how are they reshaping the financial services industry?
Tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), yield-bearing DeFi instruments, and on-chain derivatives are leading the innovation curve. What’s exciting is how these new tools unlock liquidity in previously illiquid markets—such as real estate, fine art, or private equity—while providing the kind of transparency and programmability that traditional finance lacks.
We see this as the next frontier: opening access to institutional-grade opportunities for everyday investors through tokenization and blockchain infrastructure.
What are the regulatory challenges faced by brokers looking to expand into new asset classes like cryptocurrencies?
A key area of focus is the evolving regulatory landscape for digital assets. While some jurisdictions are commendably progressive, others maintain a more cautious or inconsistent stance. This dynamic presents the opportunity to advocate for greater global regulatory consistency, which is crucial for fostering clarity and seamless operations within the digital asset space.
We have proactively embraced this environment by securing licenses across multiple regions, upholding rigorous compliance, and ensuring a complete separation between our traditional financial operations and digital asset initiatives.
We firmly believe that clear, harmonized regulations are fundamental for building trust and ensuring sustainable long-term growth in the digital asset industry. Clear rules build trust, and we see them as essential for long-term growth.
How are advancements in technology, such as AI, blockchain, or advanced data analytics redefining the multi asset brokerage space?
Technology is reshaping brokerage operations. Machine learning analytics reveal real‑time market shifts and client patterns, allowing quicker, data‑backed decisions. Blockchain secures each transaction and leaves a tamper‑evident record everyone can trust.
These advances give investors easier access to a broader mix of assets through simpler processes, while the underlying systems stay reliable and transparent. As the tools mature, markets respond faster, and both retail and institutional participants are able to navigate this landscape with fewer obstacles.
How is MultiBank Group capitalizing on the demand for diversified portfolios?
Diversification has become a necessity. At MultiBank Group, our clients can choose from over 20,000 financial instruments spanning multiple asset classes.
But we’ve gone a step further with the MBG ecosystem, which introduces tokenized assets, exclusive investment opportunities, and yield-generating products powered by the $MBG token.
Whether you're a retail trader or an institutional investor, we’re creating access to a broad, globally diversified portfolio from a single, trusted platform.
With the recent launching of the MBG Ecosystem, what is the long-term vision behind the $3 billion Dubai real estate deal with MAG Lifestyle Development ?
This deal marks a milestone in the tokenization space. Our partnership with MAG Lifestyle Development will see $3 billion of premium Dubai real estate made available as digital assets. Our vision is to democratize access to opportunities that were traditionally reserved for institutional investors or high-net-worth individuals.
Through the MBG ecosystem, users can participate in the property market with lower capital requirements, fractional ownership, and the potential for passive income, thereby bringing new liquidity, efficiency, and global reach to the sector.
Are you planning to move your 2 million existing clients from traditional trading to engaging with the MBG ecosystem and tokenized assets?
We are not forcing a transition. We’re offering a choice. Education is key, so we’re introducing a range of learning tools, guides, and incentive programs to help clients understand the value of tokenized assets.
The MBG ecosystem is being integrated directly into our existing platform, allowing users to explore and invest in both traditional and digital assets in one place. This hybrid approach bridges the gap between legacy finance and what’s next for the industry.
Can you tell us about your experience as CEO of MultiBank.io managing diversified portfolios?
Managing diversification means balancing risk, liquidity, and responding to the needs of a global customer base. Under my leadership, we’ve established one of the world’s most robust brokerage infrastructures, now operating in over 20 countries.
Whether clients are trading FX, stocks, commodities, or crypto, we deliver precise execution, strong liquidity, and secure environments. This success is driven by ongoing innovation, transparency, and a dedicated focus on achieving the best outcomes for those we serve.
Any final words?
We are at the cusp of a financial revolution. The convergence of traditional markets and blockchain is not a question of "if" but "how fast." We are proud to lead this change, anchored in regulatory trust, global infrastructure, and cutting-edge innovation.
The MBG ecosystem is our gateway to tomorrow’s economy. We invite users, partners, and regulators to join us in building a future that is more inclusive, transparent, and efficient.
