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Events / Animoca Brands Secures Dubai VASP License
Regulatory license approval

Animoca Brands Secures Dubai VASP License

Analysis based on 11 articles · First reported Feb 11, 2026 · Last updated Feb 17, 2026

Sentiment
60
Attention
4
Articles
11
Market Impact
Direct
Live prominence charts, article sentiment distribution, and event development timeline available on the NewsDesk Dashboard
Market Impact

The approval of Animoca Brands' VASP license in United Arab Emirates===Dubai signals growing institutional interest in regulated crypto markets, enhancing United Arab Emirates===Dubai's position as a global digital asset hub. This development could intensify competition among financial hubs and accelerate the development of international regulatory standards for digital assets.

Cryptocurrency Financial Services Gaming
Event Summary

Animoca Brands, a prominent Web3 and blockchain gaming company, has been granted a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license by United Arab Emirates===Dubai's United Arab Emirates===Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This license, issued on February 5, 2026, allows Animoca Brands to operate as a crypto broker-dealer and offer investment management services to institutional and qualified investors in United Arab Emirates===Dubai, excluding the United Arab Emirates===Dubai International Financial Centre. The move underscores Animoca Brands' strategic expansion into the Middle East and aligns with United Arab Emirates===Dubai's efforts to attract global crypto firms through clear regulations. Omar Elassar, Animoca Brands' Middle East Managing Director, emphasized that the license strengthens the company's ability to work with Web3 projects and investors in a regulated environment. United Arab Emirates===Dubai, with VARA established in 2022, is becoming a key hub for crypto businesses, offering strong legal protection and encouraging innovation. This development is part of a broader trend, with other firms like Amber Premium and BitGo also securing regulatory approvals in United Arab Emirates===Dubai, indicating a growing demand for regulated digital asset services.

Key Actions
100 Animoca Brands received Virtual Asset Service Provider license United Arab Emirates===Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
100 United Arab Emirates===Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority issued Virtual Asset Service Provider license Animoca Brands
90 Animoca Brands expanded operations into Middle East United Arab Emirates===Dubai
80 Animoca Brands to provide broker-dealer and investment management services
30 Animoca Brands acquired Web3 social gaming platform Animoca Brands===Somo
30 Animoca Brands partnered with decentralized finance protocol Solv Protocol
30 Animoca Brands partnered with Rootstock Labs Rootstock Labs
Entities Involved
priv
Animoca Brands
Animoca Brands received a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from United Arab Emirates===Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, allowing it to expand its crypto operations in United Arab Emirates===Dubai. This enables the company to offer broker-dealer and investment management services to institutional and qualified investors, strengthening its presence in the Middle East.
Importance 100 Sentiment 70
govactor
United Arab Emirates===Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
The United Arab Emirates===Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) issued a VASP license to Animoca Brands, demonstrating its role in regulating digital asset activities in United Arab Emirates===Dubai. VARA's clear regulatory framework encourages crypto firms to establish operations in the emirate, fostering a secure environment for digital asset growth.
Importance 95 Sentiment 70
loc
United Arab Emirates===Dubai
United Arab Emirates===Dubai is strengthening its position as a global crypto hub by providing clear regulations and support for digital asset firms. The United Arab Emirates===Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) plays a key role in attracting international crypto firms like Animoca Brands, enhancing United Arab Emirates===Dubai's reputation as a regulated and innovative market.
Importance 90 Sentiment 70
per
Omar Elassar
Omar Elassar, Managing Director for the Middle East at Animoca Brands, highlighted the significance of the VASP license for the company's operations in United Arab Emirates===Dubai. His statements emphasize Animoca Brands' commitment to responsible growth in regulated digital asset markets.
Importance 50 Sentiment 60
per
Yat Siu
Yat Siu, co-founder of Animoca Brands, emphasized the strategic importance of focusing on institutional clients from United Arab Emirates===Dubai and praised the leadership of VARA and United Arab Emirates===Dubai in supporting crypto companies. His comments highlight the positive regulatory environment in the region.
Importance 40 Sentiment 60
subs
Animoca Brands===Sandbox (disambiguation)
Animoca Brands===Sandbox (disambiguation) is one of the platforms supported by Animoca Brands. The expansion of Animoca Brands' services in United Arab Emirates===Dubai could indirectly benefit Animoca Brands===Sandbox (disambiguation) by increasing overall investment and development in the Web3 ecosystem.
Importance 30 Sentiment 50
subs
Animoca Brands===Moca Network
Animoca Brands===Moca Network is a platform developed by Animoca Brands. The new license for Animoca Brands in United Arab Emirates===Dubai could lead to increased opportunities and support for Animoca Brands===Moca Network as Animoca expands its reach and services.
Importance 30 Sentiment 50
+ 8 more entities View on Dashboard
Relationships
Animoca Brands related ↔ Animoca Brands===Sandbox (disambiguation)
Animoca Brands related ↔ Animoca Brands===Moca Network
Animoca Brands related ↔ Animoca Brands===Open Campus
Omar Elassar related ↔ Animoca Brands
Yat Siu related ↔ Animoca Brands
United Arab Emirates===Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority related ↔ Animoca Brands
KevJumba related ↔ Amber Premium
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