Animoca Brands receives VASP license in Dubai and targets Nasdaq.
- Animoca Brands obtains VASP license from VARA.
- Expansion in Dubai and focus on RWA tokenization
- IPO on Nasdaq scheduled for 2026
Animoca Brands announced that it has received a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). This authorization allows the company to offer regulated cryptocurrency-related services in the emirate, expanding its presence in the Middle East.
With the license, the Hong Kong-based company will be able to operate in brokerage, virtual asset management, and investment services aimed at institutional and qualified investors. The permit is valid in Dubai and from Dubai, except in the Dubai International Financial Centre, which has its own rules.
The regulatory approval represents a strategic step toward consolidating operations in one of the most active jurisdictions in cryptocurrency regulation. The region has attracted exchanges, asset managers, and Web3 projects interested in operating under a clear legal framework.
“Obtaining the VASP license from VARA is an important milestone for Animoca Brands’ operations, particularly in Dubai and the Middle East,”
said Omar Elassar, Managing Director for the Middle East and Head of Global Strategic Partnerships at Animoca Brands.
“This license enhances our ability to engage with Web3 foundations, as well as global institutional and qualified investors, within a well-regulated framework, and reflects our commitment to building and operating responsibly as digital asset markets continue to mature.”
Animoca Brands is known for developing and investing in platforms such as Moca Network, Open Campus, Anichess, and The Sandbox. In addition, it holds stakes in over 600 companies and digital assets, according to a press release.
The move comes as the company works on its plan for a public listing on Nasdaq through a reverse merger with Currenc Group Inc., a Singapore-based fintech focused on artificial intelligence solutions. The expectation is to complete the transaction in 2026, with Animoca's current shareholders holding approximately 95% of the new structure.
In parallel, the strategy for 2026 includes expanding stablecoin initiatives and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. In the second half of the previous year, the company formed a joint venture in Hong Kong with Standard Chartered and Hong Kong Telecommunications to apply for a stablecoin issuer license. It also established partnerships with Fosun Wealth and Hang Feng Technology on RWA tokenization projects, reinforcing its focus on regulated infrastructure for the cryptocurrency market.
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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