Animoca Brands don get VARA VASP license to run crypto brokerage and asset management for Dubai

Published: 2026-02-16 13:17:02 |

Animoca Brands don collect Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to run virtual‑asset broker‑dealer, management and investment services for and from Dubai (Dubai International Financial Centre no dey include). The licence, wey follow in‑principle clearance for October 2025 and finish VARA two‑stage approval process, cover services for global institutional and qualified investors. Animoca open Dubai office in 2025 to expand regional partnerships and Web3 investments and dey manage portfolio of more than 600 companies and digital assets across projects like Moca Network and Open Campus. The approval allow Animoca to offer institutional crypto brokerage, digital‑asset management and investment services onshore for Dubai, make the company regulatory footing for Middle East strong. For traders, the licence mean deeper institutional adoption and clearer regulatory pathways for Dubai, wey fit increase onshore flows and liquidity for tokens wey dey tied to Animoca’s ecosystem and partners.

Bullish

VARA VASP licence wey Animoca Brands get fit mean good tin for tokens and projects wey dey directly tied to Animoca ecosystem. Regulatory approval fit allow onshore institutional services and crypto brokerage for Dubai, wey fit unlock new liquidity from regional and global institutional clients. For short term, expect better sentiment for Animoca‑linked assets and maybe higher trading volumes as market people dey factor in increased institutional access and clearer regulation. For medium to long term, the licence strengthen Animoca ability to scale asset management and investment services for a regulated hub, supporting steady demand and deeper market‑making for affiliated tokens. Downside risks include wider market volatility and say approval alone no mean big capital go flow immediately — actual impact depend on how fast Animoca go activate services and secure institutional mandates.