Bitpanda secures in-principle approval from Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to enter the UAE

The expansion follows a series of strategic moves in the MENA region, including the establishment of our Dubai office at the DMCC Crypto Centre earlier this year, and the signing of key partnerships with financial institutions such as The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (“RAKBANK”) and CoinMENA, one of the UAE’s leading licensed crypto platforms.

What does this approval mean for Bitpanda?

Receiving approval from VARA so quickly is a testament to our commitment to operating in accordance with the highest regulatory standards, while actively supporting the global adoption of digital assets. We already have a strong track record as Europe’s most regulated crypto platform and a reputation for meeting and exceeding regulatory requirements. We are now ready to offer the same safe, secure, and trusted access to digital assets to investors across the UAE and, ultimately, the wider region.

Why we chose the UAE

The UAE’s forward-thinking regulatory framework and status as a global digital asset hub make it the ideal choice for our first step outside of Europe. VARA’s robust regulatory guidelines foster innovation while prioritising investor protection—core principles that align seamlessly with our mission to offer access to digital assets worldwide.

Eric Demuth, Co-Founder and CEO of Bitpanda: “In Europe, we have built a reputation as the most trusted and regulated digital asset platform. Now, we are scaling this proven model globally, with Dubai and the UAE serving as our strategic launchpad for international expansion. The opportunities are immense, and we are uniquely positioned to seize them – both as Europe’s leading crypto broker and as a top infrastructure provider in the digital assets space.”

To MENA and beyond…

This is just the beginning. As we expand into the Middle East, we are taking a decisive step toward a truly global presence. We will continue to work hard to provide industry-leading and fully compliant financial services. Only by doing so will we manage to equip both retail investors and businesses with the tools they need to build an independent financial future.