Animoca Brands Secures Dubai VASP License for Global Expansion

Animoca Brands has obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The authorization enables the digital assets company to offer broker-dealer and investment management services from the emirate.

Animoca Brands received a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Licence from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority @varadubai: https://t.co/79MEdR2Z8e

The VASP Licence authorizes Animoca Brands to commence operations and to provide virtual asset (VA) Broker‑Dealer Services…

— Animoca Brands (@animocabrands) February 16, 2026

The license permits operations targeting global institutional and qualified investors. Services will be available throughout Dubai, excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre.

VARA, established in 2022 under Dubai Law No. 4, stands as the world’s first independent virtual asset regulator. The authority oversees all virtual asset activities within the emirate while developing international governance standards.

Animoca Brands operates multiple digital asset platforms, including Moca Network, Open Campus, Anichess, and The Sandbox. The company maintains a portfolio exceeding 600 investments across digital asset technologies and projects.

Dubai Becomes Strategic Hub for Web3 Operations

The VASP license positions Animoca Brands to accelerate its Middle East expansion significantly. Dubai’s regulatory framework provides the legal infrastructure necessary for institutional-grade digital asset services.

Omar Elassar, managing director for Middle East and head of Global Strategic Partnerships, addressed the development. He described the license as an important milestone for the company’s regional operations.

Elassar emphasized the enhanced capability to engage with Web3 foundations and institutional investors. The regulated framework supports responsible operations as digital asset markets continue maturing.

VARA’s framework aims to protect investors while fostering innovation in the virtual asset sector. The regulatory approach supports Dubai’s vision for establishing a borderless digital economy.

Animoca Brands also provides digital asset services helping crypto companies launch and scale operations. The company’s institutional-grade platforms complement its consumer-facing blockchain products.

$50 Million EDU Token Deal Expands Educational Blockchain

Meanwhile, on nov 2025, Animoca Brands partnered with Nasdaq-listed Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited for a major token acquisition. ANPA will purchase up to $50 million in EDU tokens over 24 months.

Proud to announce that NASDAQ listed ANPA has announced that it will purchase up to US$50 million in $EDU tokens at market, the utility token of @opencampus_xyz . This investment represents  validation of the shared vision of decentralized education and of the growing…

— Yat Siu (@ysiu) November 21, 2025

The agreement marks ANPA’s first significant cryptocurrency venture in the digital asset space. Token acquisitions will occur through open-market and over-the-counter transactions.

Open Campus, a community-led DAO building blockchain infrastructure for education, issues the EDU tokens. Animoca Brands will contribute $3 million in EDU tokens as part of the strategic collaboration.

EDU tokens function as governance instruments for the Open Campus DAO structure. The tokens also serve as native gas for the EDU Chain blockchain network.

ANPA maintains corporate client relationships spanning over 190 publicly listed companies. These entities operate across Hong Kong and United States markets, receiving ESG reporting and compliance services.

The partnership connects traditional capital markets with decentralized education infrastructure. ANPA’s extensive corporate network could accelerate institutional adoption of blockchain-based educational tools.

Following this development, Animoca Brands continues strengthening its position across multiple blockchain verticals. The company’s Dubai license and educational blockchain partnerships demonstrate expanding operational reach.

The regulatory approval arrives amid growing institutional interest in Middle Eastern crypto markets. Dubai has attracted numerous blockchain companies seeking clear regulatory frameworks for virtual asset operations.

Animoca Brands’ dual focus on regulatory compliance and strategic partnerships reflects broader industry maturation. The company balances consumer-facing gaming platforms with institutional investment services.