Animoca Brands Secures Dubai VARA VASP License for Institutions
Animoca Brands has obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), enabling the company to expand its virtual-asset operations in the Middle East.
The authorization, approved on Feb. 5 according to VARA’s public register, permits the Hong Kong-founded Web3 investor and platform developer to provide broker-dealer and investment management services related to virtual assets in and from Dubai, excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre. The activities are designated for institutional and qualified investors under VARA’s supervision, according to a Monday announcement.
Omar Elassar, managing director for the Middle East and head of global strategic partnerships at Animoca Brands, said the license will strengthen the firm’s ability to collaborate with Web3 foundations and engage global institutional and qualified investors within a regulated framework.
Established in March 2022, VARA regulates and oversees the provision, use, and exchange of digital assets across Dubai’s mainland and free zones.
Animoca to cater to institutional investors in Dubai
VARA’s public register lists the license date as Feb. 5 and confirms the firm is authorized to serve institutional and qualified investors under the regulator’s oversight.
Animoca Brands builds blockchain platforms and supports Web3 ecosystems, including The Sandbox, Open Campus, and Moca Network, while also investing in early-stage initiatives. The company reports an investment portfolio covering more than 600 companies and digital-asset projects.
In January, Animoca Brands acquired gaming and digital collectibles firm Somo, incorporating Somo’s playable and tradable collectibles into its broader portfolio of blockchain-focused projects.
Crypto firms widen Dubai presence
The development adds to the number of crypto companies launching regulated operations in Dubai. In October 2025, digital-asset infrastructure provider BitGo received a broker-dealer license from VARA, allowing its Middle East and North Africa unit to offer regulated digital-asset trading and intermediation services to institutional clients in the emirate.
The approval followed VARA’s announcement of financial penalties issued against 19 companies for unlicensed virtual-asset activities and breaches of the regulator’s Marketing Regulations.
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