Overview
- Granted on February 5, the VARA VASP license authorizes virtual-asset broker-dealer and investment management services across Dubai’s mainland and free zones, excluding the DIFC where the DFSA recently tightened rules on privacy tokens and stablecoin standards.
- Omar Elassar said the authorization strengthens Animoca’s ability to work with Web3 foundations and global institutions within a clear regulatory framework.
- The company is pursuing a Nasdaq listing via a reverse merger with Currenc Group Inc., expected to close in 2026, with Animoca shareholders projected to hold about 95% of the combined entity.
- Animoca’s 2026 roadmap prioritizes stablecoin and real‑world‑asset tokenization initiatives, including a Hong Kong joint venture with Standard Chartered and Hong Kong Telecommunications applying for a stablecoin issuer license.
- Separate blockchain data flagged a new wallet allocating roughly $2.75 million in USDC to WLFI, a speculative flow reported alongside the licensing news without indicating institutional participation.