tl;dr
Animoca Brands secures Dubai's first crypto brokerage license, expanding its Web3 empire and reshaping digital finance in the Middle East.
**Animoca Brands Expands into Crypto Brokerage with Dubai Approval, Cementing Its Web3 Leadership**
Founded in 2014 by Yat Siu and David Kim, Animoca Brands has long been a pioneer in the Web3 space, driving innovation in gamification, metaverses, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). With over 540 investments in blockchain and Web3 projects, the company has become a cornerstone of the industry, backing giants like The Sandbox, Axie Infinity, and Pudgy Penguins. Now, Animoca Brands is taking another bold step: entering the crypto brokerage sector after securing an in-principle license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This move underscores its commitment to expanding its influence in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
### A Strategic Move into Crypto Brokerage
In a significant development, Animoca Brands, under its subsidiary *Animoca Brands Middle East Advisory FZCO*, has received an in-principle approval for a crypto broker-dealer Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from VARA. This milestone marks the company’s formal entry into the crypto trading space, a sector that aligns with its broader vision of democratizing access to Web3 technologies.
The license allows Animoca Brands to offer brokerage services for digital assets, enabling it to facilitate trading, custody, and other financial services for users in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and beyond. This expansion follows the company’s 2025 establishment of a regional office in Dubai, aimed at supporting the growing demand for Web3 solutions in the Middle East.
### Strengthening Ties in the Middle East
Animoca Brands’ decision to enter the UAE market was not impulsive. The company has been actively building relationships in the region, with a focus on fostering innovation and investment in blockchain and Web3. In 2025, it opened an office in Dubai and appointed Omar Elassar as Managing Director, signaling a long-term commitment to the region.
The UAE’s forward-thinking regulatory environment and strategic location as a global hub for fintech and blockchain made it an attractive destination. Animoca Brands has also partnered with the NEOM Investment Fund, pledging $50 million to develop Web3 infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Earlier in 2024, the company led a $7 million funding round for UAE-based Param Labs, a blockchain gaming studio, further solidifying its presence in the region.
### Why This Move Makes Sense
While Animoca Brands is best known as an investor, its transition into crypto brokerage is rooted in its existing ecosystem. The company’s portfolio includes tokens from over 540 Web3 projects, with a combined market capitalization exceeding $45 billion. This vast network of digital assets creates a natural demand for brokerage services, allowing Animoca to bridge the gap between creators, investors, and users.
Moreover, the move aligns with the UAE’s broader push to position itself as a global leader in blockchain and cryptocurrency. VARA’s regulatory framework, which emphasizes innovation while ensuring consumer protection, provides a stable foundation for companies like Animoca Brands to operate.
### A Vision for the Future
Animoca Brands’ entry into crypto brokerage reflects its evolving role in the Web3 landscape. By combining its investment expertise with financial services, the company aims to empower users to engage more deeply with digital assets. This strategy not only enhances its value proposition but also strengthens its position as a key player in the global blockchain ecosystem.
As the lines between traditional finance and Web3 continue to blur, Animoca Brands’ bold expansion into crypto brokerage could set a precedent for other investors looking to diversify their offerings. With its strong track record, strategic partnerships, and regulatory backing, the company is well-positioned to shape the future of digital finance in the Middle East and beyond.
In an industry defined by rapid change, Animoca Brands’ latest move underscores its ability to adapt and lead, ensuring its relevance in the ever-expanding world of Web3.