Animoca Brands has received in-principle approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for a crypto broker-dealer license, marking its expansion into regulated crypto brokerage services in the UAE. This move builds on its Web3 investments exceeding $45 billion in portfolio token market cap.
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Animoca Brands, founded in 2014, invests in over 540 Web3 companies like The Sandbox and Axie Infinity.
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The firm opened a Dubai office in 2025 to support regional Web3 growth and partnerships.
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Prior investments include a $7 million round in UAE-based Param Labs in 2024 and a $50 million commitment with Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Investment Fund.
Animoca Brands secures VARA in-principle approval for crypto brokerage in Dubai, expanding its Web3 dominance. Discover how this license boosts UAE’s crypto ecosystem—explore investment opportunities today.
What is Animoca Brands’ New VARA License Approval?
Animoca Brands’ VARA license approval grants in-principle permission for its subsidiary, Animoca Brands Middle East Advisory FZCO, to operate as a crypto broker-dealer in Dubai. This regulatory nod from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority enables the company to offer virtual asset service provider (VASP) services, aligning with its established role in Web3. Founded in 2014 by Yat Siu and David Kim, Animoca Brands has long led in gamification, metaverses, and NFTs, and this step formalizes its entry into direct crypto trading facilitation.
How Does Animoca Brands’ Expansion into UAE Web3 Influence the Region?
Animoca Brands’ strategic push into the UAE underscores Dubai’s emergence as a global Web3 hub, with VARA’s frameworks ensuring secure and innovative asset handling. The company, boasting investments in over 540 Web3 entities including The Sandbox, Axie Infinity, Pudgy Penguins, TrendX, 0G Labs, Kite AI, and Aethir, established a Dubai office in 2025 under Managing Director Omar Elassar. This office addresses surging demand from Web3 firms relocating to the region, fostering collaborations with local regulators and international partners to drive blockchain innovation.
Supporting data from industry reports highlights the UAE’s appeal: blockchain investments in the Middle East reached $2.4 billion in 2024, per PwC analysis, positioning Dubai as a top destination for crypto ventures. Animoca Brands’ prior regional engagements, such as leading a $7 million funding round for UAE-based Param Labs—a Web3 blockchain gaming studio—in 2024, demonstrate its commitment. Additionally, its partnership with the NEOM Investment Fund in Saudi Arabia, involving a $50 million pledge for Web3 infrastructure, extends its influence across the Gulf, promoting scalable metaverse and NFT ecosystems. Experts like Yat Siu emphasize that such expansions not only comply with rigorous standards but also accelerate talent and capital inflow, with Animoca’s portfolio tokens surpassing $45 billion in market capitalization as evidence of its ecosystem impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Animoca Brands’ In-Principle VARA License Mean for Crypto Trading in Dubai?
The in-principle approval from VARA allows Animoca Brands Middle East Advisory FZCO to pursue full VASP licensing for crypto broker-dealer activities, enabling secure trading and brokerage services. This step ensures compliance with Dubai’s virtual asset regulations, protecting users while facilitating market access for Web3 enthusiasts and investors in the UAE.
Why Is Animoca Brands Expanding Its Web3 Presence in the UAE?
Animoca Brands is expanding in the UAE to capitalize on the region’s progressive crypto policies and growing Web3 adoption. By opening a Dubai office in 2025, the company aims to support local startups, engage partners, and invest in infrastructure, building on successes like funding Param Labs and collaborations in Saudi Arabia for broader Middle East blockchain development.
Key Takeaways
- Regulatory Milestone: Animoca Brands’ VARA approval solidifies its broker-dealer capabilities, enhancing trust in Dubai’s crypto market.
- Regional Investments: With over 540 portfolio companies and $45 billion in token value, Animoca drives Web3 growth through UAE and Saudi partnerships.
- Innovation Hub: The Dubai office positions Animoca to foster metaverse and NFT advancements, urging stakeholders to monitor upcoming VASP launches.
Conclusion
Animoca Brands’ in-principle VARA license approval for crypto brokerage services represents a pivotal evolution from its Web3 investment powerhouse status, integrating regulated trading into its gamification and metaverse expertise. As the UAE cements its role in global blockchain adoption, this development—bolstered by strategic expansions like the Dubai office and regional funding—promises accelerated innovation. Investors and Web3 participants should stay attuned to Animoca Brands’ full licensing rollout, which could unlock new opportunities in the burgeoning Middle East crypto landscape.
