Bitpanda Secures Dubai Licence, Expands Digital Asset Reach in UAE

Editorial Team

Last updated 28-03-2025

3 min

Dubai is rapidly becoming a key hub for digital asset providers like Bitpanda.

Bitpanda has obtained a Virtual Assets Broker Licence to operate in the UAE.

This allows them to offer over 500 digital assets to Emirati investors soon.

Dubai's progressive regulatory framework by VARA attracts global digital asset platforms.

Bitpanda has established a base at DMCC Crypto Centre, preparing for UAE market entry.

Looks like Dubai’s rapidly becoming the go-to spot for digital asset providers, doesn't it? In their latest milestone, Europe's prominent digital asset platform, Bitpanda, has just snagged itself a Virtual Assets Broker Licence from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). And, rather impressively, it seems they've managed that feat in record time.

Bitpanda will now be able to offer its services to investors across the United Arab Emirates. It means they'll soon have access to an impressive line-up featuring over 500 different digital assets—a pretty hefty selection by anyone's standards.

Dubai itself has spent the last few years quickly carving out a reputation as something of a global hub for digital assets, largely due to VARA’s forward-thinking, transparent regulatory framework. It's a strategy designed to safeguard investors while still nurturing innovation. Clearly, Bitpanda sees a great opportunity here to bring their trusted, easy-to-use investment approach to UAE customers.

Commenting on this significant step, Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad, Bitpanda Group's Deputy CEO, explained: "Bitpanda is founded on a simple principle: to make safe and accessible digital assets available to everyone. Securing this VARA licence helps us deliver exactly that vision in the UAE—providing investors and financial institutions with fully compliant digital asset services. This marks our initial step out of Europe, and honestly, we're excited to grow in a region that genuinely embraces innovation and robust regulations.”

As part of their Dubai move, Bitpanda has already established a permanent base at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Crypto Centre. They've put together a local expert crew there, ready to tailor their offerings specifically for the UAE market. The platform expects to welcome Emirates-based investors within the coming months.

Fabian Rinesch, General Counsel for Bitpanda Group, also highlighted the importance of this licence: "The UAE is undoubtedly one of the leading global markets for digital assets. What VARA is doing, laying down innovative standards to protect investors, deserves real recognition. Getting our hands on this licence so swiftly reflects the expertise we've built over the past decade, and our deep commitment to regulatory excellence."

Bitpanda's regulatory track record over these past 10 years is pretty impressive too—they've got licences from Germany’s BaFin for crypto markets, an FCA registration in Britain, an e-money licence under the PSD2 directive, complete compliance with MiFID II standards, plus registration as a virtual asset provider in numerous other European markets. With this comprehensive regulatory portfolio, it's hardly surprising they are now regarded as a secure gateway for Emirati investors into the wider virtual asset landscape.

From chats I've had previously with readers over at Arageek, there seems to be plenty of enthusiasm for companies that genuinely do their homework when it comes to regulation. As more people warm up to digital investments, adding a fresh and trusted option like Bitpanda into the UAE ecosystem looks like a savvy move all round.

With all these developments, the digital asset investment scene in Dubai certainly seems set to get even more interesting.

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