Animoca Brands Secures Dubai Crypto License, Clearing Major Regulatory Hurdle

Digital asset venture capital and Web3 investment firm Animoca Brands has received a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) of Dubai. The regulated license allows Animoca to begin operations within Dubai, offering broker‑dealer services, digital asset management and investment services to institutional and qualified investors under VARA’s framework.

Dubai’s VARA, established in 2022, oversees virtual asset licensing for firms outside the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and has positioned the emirate as a global hub for regulated digital asset activity — attracting major players like exchanges and asset managers.

The Hong Kong‑based company, which manages a diversified portfolio across blockchain, gaming and Web3 sectors, said the licensing approval will support its continued expansion into the Middle East. The regulatory clearance follows earlier in‑principle approval in Abu Dhabi and builds on the firm’s strategy to engage institutional capital within formal compliance regimes.

Dubai’s move reflects broader efforts by UAE regulators to establish clear, compliant environments for digital asset services, encouraging institutional participation and innovation in the sector.