Crypto.com Enters UAE Derivatives Market After Securing VARA Approval
Crypto.com has received a limited license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to offer derivatives trading in the United Arab Emirates, UAE.
The approval, announced on March 14, 2025, represents an important milestone for the exchange’s expansion in the Middle East.
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This follows Crypto.com’s receipt of an MVP Preparatory License from VARA in March 2023, reflecting its ongoing efforts to meet regulatory standards while scaling operations. The exchange intends to cater for both institutional and retail clients with this license, as well as including advanced finance tools on its platform.
Derivatives Scope and Rollout Details
The VARA license permits the exchange to provide derivatives products, including futures contracts, perpetual swaps, and contracts for difference (CFDs). These features will initially be accessible to eligible institutions worldwide, with plans to extend availability to qualified UAE investors later in 2025.
This approach is in line with VARA’s strict requirements, which prioritize investor protection and market stability under Dubai’s 2022 Virtual Asset Regulation Law. Additionally, the license also allows retail users to deposit and withdraw USD through Standard Chartered Bank, an important addition to fiat-crypto integration.
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The exchange’s existing global offerings, such as UpDown Options and leveraged trading, will provide the foundation for these derivatives, though the UAE license tailors these features to meet regional demand. The development will position Crypto.com against competitors like Deribit, which secured a similar VARA derivatives license in April 2024.
According to VARA’s framework, established under Dubai’s 2022 Virtual Asset Regulation Law, such licenses reflect a structured process to promote a secure and innovative virtual asset ecosystem.
Strategic Play Positions Crypto.com for 2025 Growth
The license is a testament to Crypto.com’s focus on the Middle East while capitalizing on the UAE’s progressive regulatory environment.
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Eric Anziani, President and COO, said in a statement: “We are rapidly transforming and expanding Crypto.com to provide users worldwide all of the financial technology tools they are looking for in a single platform.”
The license not only supplements the exchange’s territorial presence but also complements its international regulatory achievements, including US, UK, and Bahrain approvals.
Moving forward, Crypto.com plans to introduce advanced financial features on its platform throughout 2025, targeting both institutional and retail growth.
