# VARA Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "VARA", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

ARP Digital Secures VARA Broker-Dealer License in Dubai

ARP Digital, a digital asset infrastructure provider for institutional operations, has secured a broker-dealer license from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). Based in Bahrain, the license allows the company to conduct regulated exchanges of digital assets and stablecoins for UAE dirhams. It applies to UAE-registered corporations, capital market participants, and qualified investors. The license facilitates regulated capital movement into digital assets for investment in local UAE assets, making Dubai ARP Digital's second regulated market in the Gulf, following its license from Bahrain's Central Bank. The company reported processing over $3.5 billion in transactions in 2025, a fourfold increase from the previous year, serving over 450 institutional clients. The announcement coincides with the expansion of Dubai's regulated virtual asset sector, which recently issued its 50th license. Concurrently, crypto market maker Flowdesk also received a full VARA broker-dealer license to serve qualified investors.

cryptonews.ru9h ago

ARP Digital Secures VARA Broker-Dealer License in Dubai

cryptonews.ru9h ago

ARP Digital secures Dubai VARA broker-dealer license

ARP Digital, an institutional digital asset infrastructure provider based in Bahrain, has obtained a broker-dealer license from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This license authorizes the firm to offer regulated conversions between digital assets, including stablecoins, and the UAE dirham for corporates, capital markets participants, and qualified investors within the UAE. It also provides institutions a regulated pathway to convert digital asset capital for investment into local assets. This marks ARP Digital's second regulated market in the Gulf, following its license from the Central Bank of Bahrain, where it reports processing over $3.5 billion in volume. The approval coincides with Dubai's expansion of its regulated digital asset sector, with VARA recently issuing its 50th service provider license. On the same day, crypto market maker Flowdesk also received a full VARA broker-dealer license.

cointelegraph11h ago

ARP Digital secures Dubai VARA broker-dealer license

cointelegraph11h ago

Coinbase-backed Flowdesk secures full broker-dealer license in Dubai

Crypto market maker Flowdesk, backed by Coinbase Ventures and BlackRock, has secured a full broker-dealer license from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. This allows its local entity, Flowdesk Omega FZE, to offer regulated broker-dealer services to qualified and institutional investors in Dubai. The move follows the company's recent regulatory authorization in France under the EU's MiCA framework. The article notes the growing role of broker-dealers in bridging traditional finance and crypto, citing examples such as Wintermute's new US broker-dealer and a partnership between BitGo and OTC Markets to support digital asset trading for over 150 broker-dealers.

cointelegraph12h ago

Coinbase-backed Flowdesk secures full broker-dealer license in Dubai

cointelegraph12h ago

Flowdesk, a MICA-licensed company, obtains VARA license to expand its operations in the UAE

Dubai-based Flowdesk Omega FZE, a subsidiary of the French liquidity and cryptoasset trading tech firm Flowdesk (backed by BlackRock, Cathay Innovation, and Coinbase Ventures), has received a Virtual Assets Broker-Dealer license from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This allows the company to offer crypto brokerage services to qualified institutional investors in and from Dubai. The license follows a provisional approval granted in June 2026. CEO Guilhem Chaumont stated that VARA has created one of the world's clearest regulatory frameworks and that this license enables Flowdesk to bring its rigorous approach to serving clients in the UAE, a key market for virtual assets. Flowdesk is now regulated in Dubai and Europe (registered with France's AMF under MiCA), with offices also in Singapore and the US. The license supports its expansion plans, which were backed by a $102 million funding round in March 2025. Dubai has become a major hub for regulated Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), hosting over half of the licensed VASPs in the UAE.

cryptonews.ruYesterday 20:19

Flowdesk, a MICA-licensed company, obtains VARA license to expand its operations in the UAE

cryptonews.ruYesterday 20:19

Emirates Airlines Begins Accepting Cryptocurrency for Flight Tickets

Emirates airline has launched a service for purchasing flight tickets using cryptocurrency via Crypto.com Pay. The new payment method is available to residents of the United Arab Emirates through Emirates' official website and mobile app. Transactions are settled in UAE dirhams (AED). This initiative, stemming from a July 2025 memorandum of understanding, offers two payment methods: via the Emirates app, which redirects users to their crypto wallet for confirmation, or by scanning a QR code on the Emirates website with the Crypto.com app. The integration is facilitated through Crypto.com's Dubai unit, which holds a license from the UAE Central Bank. Emirates leadership stated the move expands customer payment options and caters to digitally savvy, younger generations. It also aligns with Dubai's Cashless Strategy, aiming to digitize 90% of all financial transactions by year-end as part of the D33 economic program. The article further notes regulatory context, referencing a framework issued in April by Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) that categorizes token issuance, requiring full licensing and 100% reserves for fiat-backed stablecoins.

cryptonews.ru07/28 18:33

Emirates Airlines Begins Accepting Cryptocurrency for Flight Tickets

cryptonews.ru07/28 18:33

KuCoin Blocked In UAE As Authorities Mandate Immediate Service Stop

KuCoin has been ordered to halt operations in Dubai by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for operating without the required license. The regulator stated that all of KuCoin's virtual asset-related activities in the emirate are in violation of local regulations. VARA warned that engaging with unlicensed platforms could expose users to financial harm and potential legal consequences. This action in the UAE coincides with increased regulatory scrutiny KuCoin faces in other regions, including recent restrictions on its European operations. However, the exchange has also secured a MiCA permit to operate across the European Union. A market expert cautioned that this serves as a warning to users holding assets on exchanges without proper local licensing.

bitcoinist03/07 15:02

KuCoin Blocked In UAE As Authorities Mandate Immediate Service Stop

bitcoinist03/07 15:02

Dubai’s regulator warns MEXC, KuCoin to cease ‘unlicensed’ crypto activity

Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has issued cease and desist orders to crypto exchanges MEXC and KuCoin for operating without a license in the region. The regulator warned investors that engaging with these unlicensed platforms poses financial and legal risks. This crackdown occurs amid heightened regional tensions, particularly concerning Iran, where crypto activity surged by 700% as the regime uses digital assets to bypass U.S. sanctions. The UAE, the second-largest crypto market in the MENA region, is intensifying scrutiny of unlicensed exchanges, partly due to Western pressure to prevent illicit capital flows.

ambcrypto03/07 09:03

Dubai’s regulator warns MEXC, KuCoin to cease ‘unlicensed’ crypto activity

ambcrypto03/07 09:03

Animoca Brands Receives Virtual Asset Service Provider License from Dubai VARA

Animoca Brands has obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), enabling the company to legally offer virtual asset brokerage, management, and investment services in Dubai, excluding the Dubai International Financial Center. The license allows Animoca to operate within a regulated framework and engage with institutional and qualified investors. This milestone supports the company’s expansion in the Middle East and reflects its commitment to compliant operations in the growing digital asset market. The approval aligns with recent regulatory updates from the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Additionally, Animoca recently acquired Web3 gaming and NFT startup SOMO, further strengthening its presence in the NFT and digital collectibles sector.

TheNewsCrypto02/16 10:18

Animoca Brands Receives Virtual Asset Service Provider License from Dubai VARA

TheNewsCrypto02/16 10:18

Flipster FZE Secures In-Principle Approval from VARA, Reinforcing Commitment to Regulated Crypto Access

Flipster, a global cryptocurrency trading platform, has received in-principle approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) under Flipster FZE. This approval marks a key milestone in Flipster’s expansion into the Middle East and reinforces its focus on providing safe, compliant access to digital assets in regulated markets. The approval allows Flipster FZE to progress toward offering regulated virtual asset services, starting with spot trading, under VARA’s framework. Benjamin Grolimund, General Manager at Flipster FZE, stated that this step reflects confidence in the company’s commitment to the region and aligns with the UAE’s regulatory clarity and growing digital asset ecosystem. Flipster has also enhanced its compliance infrastructure through a partnership with Chainalysis, strengthening transaction monitoring and risk management capabilities. The platform aims to offer a trusted, user-friendly experience with an emphasis on security and regulatory adherence.

TheNewsCrypto02/12 09:18

Flipster FZE Secures In-Principle Approval from VARA, Reinforcing Commitment to Regulated Crypto Access

TheNewsCrypto02/12 09:18

UAE Puts Diamonds On The XRP Ledger: $280 Million+ Now On-Chain

The United Arab Emirates has tokenized over $280 million worth of certified polished diamonds on the XRP Ledger through a partnership between Billiton Diamond and Ctrl Alt. This initiative aims to digitize Dubai's diamond market by providing end-to-end tokenization, enabling verifiable provenance, grading, and ownership history while streamlining traditionally paper-heavy settlement processes. The XRP Ledger was chosen for its fast settlement, low fees, and scalability, with assets secured by Ripple's custody technology. The project, which requires regulatory approval from VARA, is designed to enhance liquidity, reduce operational complexity, and facilitate global investment in diamonds. XRP was trading at $1.60 at the time of the announcement.

bitcoinist02/04 03:01

UAE Puts Diamonds On The XRP Ledger: $280 Million+ Now On-Chain