Maldives bets on $9b blockchain hub in Malé to ease debt burden

By: bitcoin ethereum news|2025/05/05 17:15:01

The archipelago nation of the Maldives has signed a multi-billion-dollar deal with Dubai’s MBS Global to build a blockchain and digital assets hub. On May 4, the Maldivian government and MBS Global Investments inked a joint venture agreement to develop a $8.8 billion crypto-focused financial centre in the capital city of Malé, according to a Financial Times report. The project, titled the Maldives International Financial Centre, will span 830,000 square meters, and initial estimates suggest it could eventually employ up to 16,000 people and host over 6,000 residents. Development would be rolled out in phases over the next five years and is expected to generate more than $1 billion in revenue annually by year five. According to officials, the financial center would aim to triple the country’s GDP. MBS Global, headed by Qatari royal Sheikh Nayef bin Eid Al Thani, plans to finance the development through a mix of equity and debt. According to the firm, it has already secured firm commitments “north of” $4–$5 billion, raised through its network of family offices and high-net-worth individuals. For the Maldives, the deal comes at a critical time. The country is under financial pressure, with over $1.6 billion in external debt repayments due by 2026. Just a few months ago, India stepped in with a $760 million bailout to help the island nation avoid default. Finance Minister Moosa Zameer believes the financial center could be a possible way out of its current fiscal crunch. Still, turning Malé into a global fintech hub won’t be easy. One senior Indian businessperson told the Financial Times that the Maldives is likely to face stiff competition from well-established heavyweights such as Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore. As previously reported by crypto.news, Dubai has already made major strides in establishing itself as a crypto-friendly destination, with supportive regulations and government-backed blockchain initiatives. Similarly, Singapore has continued to draw global investment with its open approach to digital assets and a thriving tech ecosystem. Meanwhile, Hong Kong, too, has attracted hundreds of Web3 and fintech firms by positioning itself as a gateway between China and the West. Hong Kong, Dubai, and Singapore all ranked among the top five in Multipolitan’s 2025 Crypto Cities Index, which evaluated global hubs based on adoption, regulation, and infrastructure. Source: https://crypto.news/maldives-bets-on-9b-blockchain-hub-in-male-to-ease-debt-burden/

On March 4, 2026, DDC Enterprise Limited (NYSE American: DDC) today announced preliminary, unaudited full-year financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025. The company expects to achieve record revenue and record positive adjusted EBITDA, primarily driven by continued growth in its core consumer food business and overall margin improvement. The final audited financial report is expected to be released in mid-April 2026.

2025 Full-Year Financial Highlights

Revenue: Expected to be between $39 million and $41 million, reaching a new company high.

Organic Growth: Excluding the impact of the company's strategic contraction of its U.S. operations, core revenue is expected to grow 11% to 17% year over year.

Gross Profit Margin: Expected to be between 28% and 30%, reflecting continued operational efficiency improvements.

Adjusted EBITDA: The company expects to achieve a positive full-year result in 2025, a significant improvement from a $3.5 million loss in 2024, mainly due to rigorous cost controls and a higher-margin sales mix.

Core Consumer Food Business Performance

In 2025, DDC's core consumer food business maintained strong operational performance.

The company also disclosed Core Consumer Food Business Adjusted EBITDA, a metric that further excludes costs related to its Bitcoin reserve strategy and non-cash fair value adjustments related to its Bitcoin holdings from adjusted EBITDA to more accurately reflect the core business performance.

In 2025, Core Consumer Food Business Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $5.5 million and $6 million.

Bitcoin Reserve Update

In the first half of 2025, DDC initiated a long-term Bitcoin accumulation strategy, holding Bitcoin as its primary reserve asset.

As of December 31, 2025: The company holds 1,183 BTC.

As of February 28, 2026: Holdings increased to 2,118 BTC

Today's additional purchase of 65 BTC brings the company's total holdings to 2,183 BTC

DDC Founder, Chairman, and CEO Norma Chu stated, "We are proud to have closed 2025 with record revenue and positive adjusted EBITDA, demonstrating the steady growth of the company's consumer food business and the ongoing improvement in profitability. We are building a disciplined, growth-oriented food platform and strategically allocating capital to Bitcoin assets with a long-term view, aligning with our core beliefs. We believe that this dual-track model of 'Steady Consumer Business + Strategic Bitcoin Reserve' will help DDC create lasting long-term value for shareholders."

Adjusted EBITDA Definition
For the full year 2025, the company defines "Adjusted EBITDA" (a non-GAAP financial measure) as: Net income / (loss) excluding the following items:· Interest expense· Taxes· Foreign exchange gains/losses· Long-lived asset impairment· Depreciation and amortization· Non-cash fair value changes related to financial instruments (including Bitcoin holdings)· Stock-based compensation

About DDC Enterprise Limited

DDC Enterprise Limited (NYSE: DDC) is actively implementing its corporate Bitcoin Treasury strategy while continuing to strengthen its position as a leading global Asian food platform.

The company has established Bitcoin as a core reserve asset and is executing a prudent, long-oriented accumulation strategy. While expanding its portfolio of food brands, DDC is gradually becoming one of the public company pioneers in integrating Bitcoin into its corporate financial architecture.

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DDC Enterprise Limited Announces 2025 Unaudited Preliminary Financial Performance: Record Revenue Achieved, Bitcoin Treasury Grows to 2183 Coins