Bitpanda Secures Full Dubai License in Major Regulatory Win Outside Europe

Three months after receiving preliminary authorization, Bitpanda has now secured a full broker-dealer license from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), allowing it to offer its services in the UAE.

This marks the European exchange's first fully licensed expansion outside of Europe. Bitpanda's new license enables it to introduce a wide range of virtual assets to UAE investors, including over 500 cryptocurrencies Cryptocurrencies By using cryptography, virtual currencies, known as cryptocurrencies, are nearly counterfeit-proof digital currencies that are built on blockchain technology. Comprised of decentralized networks, blockchain technology is not overseen by a central authority.Therefore, cryptocurrencies function in a decentralized nature which theoretically makes them immune to government interference. The term, cryptocurrency derives from the origin of the encryption techniques that are employed to secure the netw By using cryptography, virtual currencies, known as cryptocurrencies, are nearly counterfeit-proof digital currencies that are built on blockchain technology. Comprised of decentralized networks, blockchain technology is not overseen by a central authority.Therefore, cryptocurrencies function in a decentralized nature which theoretically makes them immune to government interference. The term, cryptocurrency derives from the origin of the encryption techniques that are employed to secure the netw Read this Term, crypto indices, and savings plans.

UAE's Crypto-Friendly Environment Draws Bitpanda

“The UAE is one of the most forward-thinking markets for digital assets, and VARA sets a new standard for innovation and investor protection. This license allows us to bring our trusted, regulated platform to a new audience,” Fabian Reinisch, the General Counsel at Bitpanda Group, said.

“We obtained approval in record time, and I believe that is a testament to the decade of experience our teams have working in the digital asset space and our commitment to the highest regulatory standards,” he added.

@Bitpanda_global has secured an in-principle approval from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (#VARA) in #Dubai!

This milestone paves the way for Bitpanda's official launch in the #UAE under Bitpanda Broker MENA #DMCC.

With this approval coming in under eight months,… pic.twitter.com/KJKqhqpYcH

— Unlock Blockchain (@unlockbc) December 16, 2024

The UAE has rapidly emerged as a top destination for crypto firms due to its regulatory clarity and investor-friendly policies. With Bitpanda's entry, local investors will gain access to one of the most comprehensive digital asset offerings in the market.

Multiple Licenses in Europe

The company already holds multiple licenses in Europe, including a MiCAR license from Germany's BaFin, registration with the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the largest financial regulator for all financial markets in the United Kingdom (UK).The UK regulator is responsible for the conduct of firms authorized under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Moreover, the FCA is also responsible for the regulation of behavior in retail and wholesale financial markets, supervision of the trading infrastructure that supports those markets, and the prudential regulation of firms not regulated by the PRA. Its rol The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the largest financial regulator for all financial markets in the United Kingdom (UK).The UK regulator is responsible for the conduct of firms authorized under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Moreover, the FCA is also responsible for the regulation of behavior in retail and wholesale financial markets, supervision of the trading infrastructure that supports those markets, and the prudential regulation of firms not regulated by the PRA. Its rol Read this Term, and other regulatory approvals across different markets.

Big news: Bitpanda has secured its MiCAR licence, granted by Germany's BaFin – one of Europe’s top financial supervisory authorities. 🚀

This sets a new benchmark for transparency, security, and trust in crypto across the EU. With this licence, we’re ready to bring regulated… pic.twitter.com/i1PlxhwK6U

— Bitpanda (@Bitpanda_global) January 27, 2025

With its license secured, Bitpanda is setting up operations at the DMCC Crypto Centre in Dubai, where a regional team is already in place. The company plans to roll out onboarding for UAE investors in the coming months, offering access to its full suite of digital asset services.

Early this year, Bitpanda obtained its MiCAR license from Germany's Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). This approval reportedly enables the company to operate across all EU member states under a unified regulatory framework. It reportedly enables the exchange to expand its services across 27 EU countries.