Global blockchain gaming and digital asset company Animoca Brands has obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai authorities, marking a significant step in the firm’s Middle East expansion amid increasing regulatory oversight in the cryptocurrency sector. The license enables Animoca to legally offer digital asset services, including trading, token issuance, and NFT-related operations, within the United Arab Emirates.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and other local regulators have recently intensified scrutiny over crypto operations, introducing stricter compliance and reporting standards for companies operating in the UAE. By securing a VASP license, Animoca aligns itself with these new regulations, ensuring that its blockchain and gaming platforms adhere to legal requirements while protecting investors and users.
Animoca Brands, known for its portfolio of blockchain-based games, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and virtual land platforms, has been pursuing global expansion strategies. The Dubai license allows the firm to tap into the growing Middle East market, a region increasingly receptive to blockchain innovation and digital finance, including NFTs and play-to-earn gaming ecosystems.
According to industry sources, VASP licensing in Dubai requires firms to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) protocols, maintain robust cybersecurity measures, and implement transparent governance structures. Animoca’s license signals regulatory confidence in its operational and compliance frameworks, providing legitimacy for its offerings in the region.
The UAE has positioned itself as a global hub for blockchain technology, attracting international companies seeking a compliant environment for digital asset operations. Dubai, in particular, has emphasized regulatory clarity and innovation-friendly policies to encourage foreign investment and the development of digital economies. Animoca’s move is expected to foster partnerships with regional players and open new revenue streams through its digital collectibles and gaming platforms.
Analysts note that licensing in Dubai also provides strategic benefits beyond regulatory compliance. It offers access to a well-connected financial ecosystem, including institutional investors and crypto-focused venture funds, which could support Animoca’s broader ambitions in the metaverse, gaming, and blockchain-based digital assets.
Animoca’s CEO highlighted that obtaining the VASP license represents both a commitment to responsible business practices and an opportunity to expand the company’s footprint in a key emerging market. The firm intends to leverage Dubai as a regional hub for collaboration, innovation, and scaling blockchain applications across gaming and digital entertainment.
The licensing milestone comes at a time when global crypto markets are navigating heightened scrutiny, with governments seeking to balance innovation with investor protection. For companies like Animoca, regulatory approval in a major jurisdiction strengthens credibility and reinforces their commitment to sustainable growth.
By securing regulatory approval in Dubai, Animoca Brands positions itself at the forefront of compliant digital asset operations in the Middle East, while contributing to the development of a regulated and secure blockchain ecosystem in the region.
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