Dubai – European virtual assets platform Bitpanda has obtained a Broker-Dealer license from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), marking a major step in its expansion into the UAE.
The license allows Bitpanda to offer more than 500 virtual assets to investors in Dubai, making it the most extensive digital asset offering in the region. The company has already set up a permanent office at the DMCC Crypto Centre, with a dedicated team of experts working on UAE-specific financial products.
Bitpanda’s Vision for the UAE Market
With onboarding for UAE investors set to begin in the coming months, Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad, Deputy CEO of Bitpanda Group, highlighted the company’s commitment to security and accessibility:
“Bitpanda is built on the principle that virtual assets should be secure and accessible. With our VARA license, we are bringing that vision to the UAE, ensuring investors and financial institutions have access to a fully compliant digital asset platform. This is just the beginning of our expansion beyond Europe.”
Meanwhile, Nadeem Ladki, Global Head of Bitpanda Technology Solutions, emphasized that securing the VARA license is just the start:
“This milestone marks the beginning of our expansion in the region. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and remain focused on delivering innovative, secure solutions to meet the growing demand for digital asset services in the UAE.”
A Decade of Regulatory Leadership
Bitpanda has established itself as a leader in regulatory compliance, holding multiple licenses across Europe, including:
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MiCAR license from Germany’s BaFin
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Registration with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
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PSD2 E-money license
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MiFID II license
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VASP registrations in multiple jurisdictions
This compliance-first approach has positioned Bitpanda as one of the world’s most trusted platforms for virtual asset investments.
Future Expansion in the Region
With the VARA license, Bitpanda is now positioned to accelerate its growth in the UAE. The company aims to serve both individual and institutional investors, ensuring a secure and seamless digital asset experience.
As the UAE continues to embrace fintech innovation and regulatory oversight, Bitpanda’s expansion reinforces the country’s status as a global cryptocurrency and blockchain hub.