Key Highlights
- Animoca Brands secures Dubai VASP licence, enabling regulated crypto services for institutions and Web3 partnerships in the region.
- VARA’s licence and DFSA reforms highlight Dubai’s push for secure and compliant, yet innovative crypto and digital asset markets.
- Beyond gaming, Animoca expands into AI, DeFi, and stablecoins, aiming for global growth and a potential Nasdaq listing.
Hong Kong-based game software and venture capital company Animoca Brands has secured a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Licence from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). With this licence, Animoca Brands can now offer broker-dealer and investment services in Dubai, excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre. It also allows the company to work with institutional and qualified investors within a regulated framework
According to the announcement, the strategic expansion into the Middle East is intended to further its Web3, AI, and decentralized finance business. Omar Elassar, Managing Director for Middle East and Head of Global Strategic Partnerships at Animoca Brands, said, “Receiving the VASP licence from VARA is an important milestone for Animoca Brands’ operations, particularly in Dubai and the Middle East. This licence enhances our ability to engage with Web3 foundations as well as global institutional and qualified investors within a well-regulated framework.”
VARA’s regulatory role and Dubai’s crypto push
VARA, established in 2022 by Dubai Law No. 4, regulates virtual assets in the Emirate. It safeguards investors while establishing international best practices for the management of virtual assets. By issuing a license to Animoca Brands, VARA demonstrates its commitment to attracting large crypto firms to Dubai’s thriving digital economy.
The licence follows the January 2026 Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) amendment of the framework governing the Dubai International Financial Centre. The new framework prohibits privacy-focused cryptocurrencies such as Monero and Zcash, as they are difficult to trace and prevent fraud.
Only stablecoins pegged to real-world money are now considered “official” stablecoins, and algorithmic stablecoins must explicitly disclose their risks. Nonetheless, these developments still provide leeway for innovation in DeFi, trading, and crypto fund management.
Strategic growth and regional impact
The VASP licence gives Animoca Brands the confidence to operate across Dubai and the Middle East. It also opens doors for partnerships with Web3 projects and big institutional investors. This means the company can offer regulated digital asset services while expanding into AI, DeFi, and stablecoins. On top of that, a potential Nasdaq listing could make it easier for investors worldwide to access and trade its shares.
Animoca’s focus on following regulations shows a wider trend among top Web3 companies aiming for strong, trustworthy frameworks. This approach balances innovation with investor protection and meets global standards.
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