“This is a milestone for DK and for Bhutan,” DK Chairperson Gelay Jamtsho told Bitcoin.com News. “Once final approval is received, Abu Dhabi will give DK a regulated international base connecting Gelephu Mindfulness City with global capital, investors, and financial institutions.” The DK executive added:
“Our goal is simple: make GMC easier to invest in, trade with, and bank from—and demonstrate that a Bhutanese financial institution can operate to the standards of a leading global financial center.”
Bitcoin Holdings and Global Capital Shape Bhutan’s Financial Ambitions
Bhutan is also known for mining bitcoin ($BTC), and it is one of the few nation-states worldwide to hold bitcoin on its balance sheet. Held by the state-run Druk Holdings, Bhutan holds around 518.38 $BTC today. However, the country held a lot more in 2025, commanding more than 13,000 $BTC in 2024, and it started 2026 with a touch less than 7,000 $BTC. Funds from the sales go toward public service payments, health and wellness initiatives, and improving GMC.
By establishing a foothold in Abu Dhabi, DK Bank aims to simplify how foreign investors channel capital into Bhutan, finance development projects, and conduct business across international borders. The bank sees the emirate as a strategic financial bridge, linking Bhutan to capital markets across the Middle East, Asia, and the wider global economy.
“The in-principle approval gives us a clear path towards establishing DK’s presence in one of the world’s leading international financial centres,” DK’s Group CEO Zheng Yudong explained. “ADGM will be an important part of that network and of DK’s next phase of international growth.”
By establishing a digital banking presence within Abu Dhabi’s regulated financial system, Thimphu is signaling an ambition to pursue international capital without relying solely on the slower machinery of multilateral finance. Nevertheless, the approval remains preliminary, and DK Bank must satisfy additional regulatory conditions and secure its final license before offering these services in Abu Dhabi.