Virtual Asset Service Providers in Dubai

Updated May 1, 2024 3 min read

Virtual Asset Service Providers in Dubai

Virtual Asset Service Providers in Dubai

Virtual Asset Service Providers in Dubai

Dubai's dynamic approach towards innovation and technology has made it a hub for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), offering a range of services from exchange platforms to custodial services. As of the latest registry, many entities have been granted licenses to operate, each contributing uniquely to the virtual asset ecosystem in the region. The landscape of virtual assets in Dubai is supported by a myriad of VASPs, each licensed to offer specific services within the virtual asset ecosystem. Here is a comprehensive list of the licensed VASPs and their primary activities:

Dubai Virtual Asset Service Providers:

Exchange Services

VASP Name Licence Issued Status
Binance FZE April 16, 2024 Active
CRO DAX Middle East (Crypto.com) FZE April 2, 2024 Active
Deribit March 25, 2024 Pending
OKX Middle East Fintech FZE January 11, 2024 Pending
Trek Labs Ltd FZE trading as Backpack Exchange October 29, 2023 Active
TOKO FZE September 10, 2023 Active

Broker-Dealer Services

VASP Name Licence Issued Status
Binance FZE April 16, 2024 Active
BitOasis Technologies FZE April 11, 2023 Active
CRO DAX Middle East (Crypto.com) FZE April 2, 2024 Active
CoinMENA FZE November 28, 2023 Active
Fasset FZE November 28, 2023 Active
GC Exchange (GCEX) FZE November 16, 2023 Active
Laser Digital Middle East FZE July 27, 2023 Active
Morpheus Software Technology (FUZE) FZE November 16, 2023 Active
TOKO FZE September 10, 2023 Active
Aquanow ME FZE February 7, 2024 Pending
HT Markets MENA (Hex Trust) FZE April 25, 2024 Pending
WPME Technology (WadzPay) LLC April 25, 2024 Pending

Custody Services

VASP Name Licence Issued Status
Hex Trust MENA FZE November 14, 2023 Active

Custody Services Including Staking

VASP Name Licence Issued Status
Komainu MEA FZE August 17, 2023 Active

Management and Investment Services

VASP Name Licence Issued Status
Binance FZE April 16, 2024 Active
CRO DAX Middle East (Crypto.com) FZE April 2, 2024 Active
Laser Digital Middle East FZE July 27, 2023 Active
Nine Blocks Capital Management FZE November 20, 2023 Active
Aquanow ME FZE February 7, 2024 Pending
Web 3 Innovations (AYA) FZE December 11, 2023 Pending

MVP Preparatory Status

VASP Name Licence Issued Status
Bybit Fintech FZE June 25, 2023 Pending

MVP Operational Status

VASP Name Licence Issued Status
BitOasis Technologies FZE April 11, 2023 Active

This list of VASPs in Dubai highlights Dubai's commitment to fostering a regulated yet thriving environment for virtual asset service providers. Each entity is at a different stage of its operational lifecycle, from those actively offering services to others still in preparatory phases. The diversity of services ensures a comprehensive ecosystem, catering to various needs within the digital assets space, from trading and investment to secure custody solutions. As the regulatory landscape evolves, these providers play a crucial role in shaping the future of finance in the region and beyond.

Licence and Status Status

Dubai's regulatory environment ensures that each VASP operates within a framework designed to promote security, compliance, and innovation. The VASPs listed above have been granted licenses across various dates with operational statuses indicated as active or pending This status reflects the entity's current operational capacity within the regulatory guidelines established by Dubai's VARA.

  • Active: VASPs that are fully operational and compliant with regulatory requirements.
  • Pending: Entities in the process of meeting the necessary regulatory standards.

Virtual Asset Service Providers in Dubai

Dubai's approach to regulating Virtual Asset Service Providers is a testament to its vision of becoming a leading digital asset hub. By fostering a regulated ecosystem, Dubai not only ensures a secure environment for digital transactions but also encourages innovation and growth within the virtual asset industry. The diverse services offered by these licensed VASPs underscore Dubai's commitment to supporting the evolving needs of the digital economy, positioning the city as a pivotal player in the global digital asset landscape.