What to know:
- ADI Chain partnered with Tangem to introduce co-branded hardware wallets to Virgin Megastores across the UAE for secure self-custody access.
- The hardware wallet supports over 80 blockchain networks while enabling secure offline key storage through Tangem’s contactless smart card technology.
- ADI Foundation and Tangem executives highlighted institutional security standards, simplified onboarding, and broader consumer access through established retail distribution channels.
ADI Chain has partnered with Tangem to introduce a co-branded hardware wallet through Virgin Megastores across the United Arab Emirates. According to a statement sent to 36crypto, the launch brings self-custody products into physical retail stores, giving consumers an easier way to purchase and secure digital assets without depending on online marketplaces.
The hardware wallet supports more than 80 blockchain networks, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and tokens built on ADI Chain. Buyers can purchase the device from participating Virgin Megastores and activate it within minutes using the Tangem mobile application on any NFC-enabled smartphone.
Unlike conventional hardware wallets, the Tangem device operates as a contactless smart card. It generates and stores private keys inside a secure chip instead of relying on internet-connected devices.
Moreover, users must physically tap the card before every transaction, adding another layer of protection for digital assets. Besides expanding retail availability, the partnership introduces ADI Chain’s branded hardware wallet to one of the UAE’s most recognized consumer electronics retailers.
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Partnership combines retail accessibility with institutional-grade security
ADI Chain built its blockchain infrastructure for governments, financial institutions, and enterprises requiring compliance-focused digital asset solutions. Consequently, the new hardware wallet extends those security standards into the consumer market.
Ivan Branitskiy, Head of DeFi at the ADI Foundation, said the partnership brings together institutional-grade infrastructure, trusted hardware, and established retail distribution. He stated that “ADI Chain was built with the same security and compliance standards that institutions expect.”
Branitskiy added that Tangem’s products have demonstrated strong reliability over several years. He said, “Tangem’s hardware has a zero-compromise track record across millions of devices, and Virgin Megastores gives us direct distribution access in one of the most recognized retail environments in the UAE.”
Additionally, Branitskiy explained that expanding into physical retail locations removes barriers for new users. He stated, “Retail distribution is how we can onboard more people on-chain, and that starts with making the self-custodial wallet available in places retailers can easily reach.”
Meanwhile, Tangem highlighted ease of use as a central objective behind the collaboration. Darya Karpukova, Chief Commercial Officer at Tangem, said the company wants secure digital asset ownership to be accessible to a wider audience. She said, “At Tangem, our mission is to make hardware wallets accessible to everyone.”
Karpukova added that secure ownership should remain simple for everyday users. She said, “Security shouldn’t come with complexity, and owning your digital assets shouldn’t require technical expertise.” She also noted, “By partnering with ADI Chain and Virgin Megastores, we’re bringing secure self-custody into everyday retail, making hardware wallets as easy to buy and use as any other consumer technology.”
Retail strategy targets broader crypto adoption
The retail launch reflects a broader effort to simplify access to self-custody products as digital asset ownership expands. Instead of limiting hardware wallets to online sales, ADI Chain and Tangem are placing the product where mainstream consumers already shop.
Virgin Megastores provides an established retail network that exposes the wallet to a wider customer base across the UAE. Additionally, customers can purchase the device and activate it within minutes using the Tangem application on an NFC-enabled smartphone. The wallet also enables users to send, receive, swap, and manage supported digital assets while private keys remain stored securely on the device.
Conclusion
The partnership between ADI Chain and Tangem introduces a new retail channel for hardware wallets to Virgin Megastores across the UAE. By combining in-store availability with secure self-custody technology, the companies aim to make digital asset protection more accessible while encouraging wider adoption of blockchain services.
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