OKX Middle East publishes new virtual asset standards for listing on its crypto exchange

OKX Middle East publishes new virtual asset standards for listing on its crypto exchange

UAE based OKX crypto exchange clarifies its new virtual asset standards prior to them being listed on its Middle East exchange as per Dubai’s Virtual Asset regulatory authority requirements.

OKX Middle East published the set of factors it will be utilizing when it evaluates virtual assets before listing them on its exchange.

According to the UAE based crypto exchange the standards have been prepared in accordance with Rule VIII.A.1 of the VARA market conduct rulebook, and are also available on OKX’s website in accordance with Rule VIII.A.3 of the VARA Market conduct rulebook.

OKX Middle East will asset the market metrics of virtual assets market capitalization, fully diluted value and liquidity and whether metrics have trended downwards over time.

It will also review the design system, such as features, use cases both intended and unintended by the issuer or relevant developers.

In terms of compliance, the crypto exchange will evaluate the virtual asset compliance features, regulations, rules or directives as well as AML/CFT sanctions, securities, and intellectual property.

It will also review how regulators are treating this virtual asset whether by VARA or other authorities outside of Dubai, including regulatory approvals

It will also review whether the virtual asset is prohibited by VARA or other regulators in or outside of the UAE.

OKX even goes as far as to asset the security and immutability of the DLT protocol on which the virtual asset is built.

Furthermore, OKX will evaluate whether the Virtual Asset may be susceptible to price manipulation for any reason and relevant mitigations that will be implemented by OKX. It will also investigate the background of issuer and whether it has been subject to any investigations or claims in relation to fraud or deceit.

OKX Middle East will finally monitor the terms and conditions of the Virtual Asset correlate with any physical market to ensure such terms and conditions conform to standards and practices in that physical market (if applicable).

OKX has been expanding its regulated operations in MENA with both a license from the Dubai UAE VARA as well as one in Turkey.

OneDegree launches digital asset insurance in UAE

OneDegree launches digital asset insurance in UAE

OneDegree, Asia’s licensed insurer for digital assets and Dubai Insurance Company have announced the issuance of digital assets custodial risk insurance to their customers in UAE. The Central Bank of UAE approved issuance of the digital asset insurance offering.

OneDegree and Dubai Insurance partnered in 2023. Custodial risk insurance completes the product portfolio and allows the partners to offer a one-stop-shop for digital asset companies in the UAE, under the brand “OneInfinity”.

VARA, Dubai’s dedicated regulator for digital assets, requires such coverage along with professional indemnity and directors & officers insurance. With this latest approval, specialized custodial risk insurance can be offered directly in UAE for the first time. Custodial risk insurance protects companies against the risk of losing access to digital assets including through third party hacks and theft, internal fraud and physical damage to the storage media.

Robin Scott, General Manager of Middle East for OneDegree, said, “UAE has only strengthened its position as a digital asset hub since our market entry last year. There are hundreds of companies setting up across the Emirates and looking to obtain key licenses. For this they need strong, tailored insurance policies. It’s fantastic that we are now able to offer the full suite of OneInfinity digital asset products to these inspiring companies.”

Abdellatif Abuqurah, CEO of Dubai Insurance, added, “We are thrilled to work with OneDegree on this important development in the UAE. Dubai Insurance is committed to bringing the most innovative insurance products to the UAE. Custodial risk insurance is something brand new to the market but that satisfies an urgent demand as UAE cements its position as a global leader in digital assets.”

OneInfinity by OneDegree offers tech-enabled digital asset insurance and risk management solutions globally. By offering tailor-made insurance to end-to-end digital asset players (including trading platforms, custodians, asset managers, banks, family offices and technology providers).

In addition, OneDegree, recently partnered with Saudi Arabia’s Walaa Cooperative Insurance Company, an insurance and reinsurance company where Walaa will support OneDegree as a reinsurer for its market-leading digital asset products globally. The partnership was announced during 24 Fintech event in Riyadh KSA.

ByBit crypto exchange receives VASP license in UAE

ByBit crypto exchange receives VASP license in UAE

The UAE Virtual Regulatory Authority website has just listed ByBit crypto exchange, the second largest crypto exchange globally, as a licensed VASP ( Virtual Asset Service Provider), pending final authorizations and requirements. Once the license is fully received Bybit will offer crypto exchange services institutional Investors, Qualified Investors and Retail Investors.

“Dubai’s strategic location, progressive policies, and innovation-driven environment offer unparalleled opportunities for businesses and investors in the cryptocurrency sector,” said Helen Liu, Chief Operating Officer of Bybit. “With its robust regulatory framework and commitment to becoming a blockchain capital, Dubai is the ideal place to advance digital currencies and foster growth in this exciting industry.”

In June 2023, Bybit received its minimum viable product license from VARA.

During this time, the crypto exchange partnered with UAE’s DMCC freezone to offer financial support totaling $136,000 for new crypto businesses looking to set up in the DMCC crypto center. Bybit’s pledge of financial support in the amount of $136,000 will be used to kickstart the growth journeys of 15 new Web3 companies at the DMCC Crypto Centre. It also held its Hackathon at DMCC.

Bybit also supported crypto and blockchain ecosystem in the UAE with the University of Sharjah. Bybit contributed $272.000 equivalent to 1 million AED to establish a scholarship fund to support 20 students to accelerate their academic and research career into fintech and blockchain at the American University of Sharjah.

In March 2023 Bybit was one of the global crypto exchanges to have received preliminary approval from VARA.

So far Dubai’s VARA has licensed Binance and Deribit as crypto exchanges with derivative services, while offering crypto exchange service licenses to OKx, Crypto.com, BackPack and Toko.

Updated September 16th with quote from ByBit.

UAE’s virtual asset regulators VARA and SCA cooperate on VASP licensing

UAE’s virtual asset regulators VARA and SCA cooperate on VASP licensing

The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) signed a cooperation agreement with Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) where it was agreed that VASPs operating in/from Dubai, or wishing to service the emirate of Dubai require to obtain a license from VARA, and can be registered by default with the SCA to service the wider UAE. VASPs wishing to operate out of any other Emirates, must be licensed by the SCA to do so.

In addition under the agreement, the SCA and VARA will set forth rules and procedures for licensing and supervision virtual asset service providers (VASPs) and any related activities, services or associated transactions. This is subject to licensing in accordance with the provisions of Cabinet Decision No. 111 of 2022, and No. 112 of 2022 (Regulating Virtual Assets and Their Service Providers) and within the respective jurisdiction of both parties.

The agreement covers the mechanism for mutual supervision of VASPs, penalty and fine imposition, the exchange of information and statistics, as well as cooperation in employee training and qualification.

The agreement was signed by Her Excellency Dr. Maryam Buti Al Suwaidi, the SCA’s CEO, and Mr. Matthew White, VARA’s CEO, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, the SCA’s Chairman stressed on the importance of cooperation between different regulatory authorities across the nation to attract global businesses and organizations to operate within its dynamic financial sectors, including that of virtual assets. He indicated that investing in virtual assets continues to see substantial interest and exponential growth, which required joint efforts to build unified and effective frameworks that promote sustainable development and bring stability to this vital sector.

HE Al Shorafa remarked that the cooperation agreement signed with Dubai’s VARA is aligned with the government’s directives to regulate the local virtual assets sector, control its activities, and enhance overall monitoring to protect investors. It also ensures compliance with local anti-money laundering regulations as well as those related to the financing of terrorism and illegal organizations, which boosts investor confidence in the UAE and its resilience in the face of global challenges.

For his part, His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, Chairman of VARA’s Executive Board commented that this agreement underscores a joint national commitment to leveraging regulations as an enabler to secure business enablement within the Virtual Assets ecosystem, so that the global industry can sustainably evolve to becoming a cornerstone for the New Economy. Dubai’s 2033 Economic Agenda has outlined a defined roadmap to becoming the global hub for tomorrow’s Innovation economy – and such regulatory collaboration and clarity is foundational to assuring consumers, investors, and the international business community, of the UAE’s position as a world-leading hub for the Future of Finance.

In collaboration with Dubai’s virtual asset regulator, VARA, the 10th P2P Financial systems workshop

In collaboration with Dubai’s virtual asset regulator, VARA, the 10th P2P Financial systems workshop

In collaboration with Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority ( VARA), The DLT Science Foundation will host the 10th P2P Financial Systems International Workshop (P2PFISY 2024). This premier international event will convene global industry leaders, regulators and academics to explore the future of finance and the pivotal role of decentralized technologies including discussions on CBDCs, tokenization, DeFi, and more.


The workshop will take place on October 16-17, 2024 coinciding with the Future Blockchain Summit and GITEX happening in Dubai.
Previous editions have been hosted by institutions such as the Federal Reserve, Deutsche Bundesbank, Bank of Italy, and the European Central Bank, with support from other prominent central banks including the Bank of England, Bank of Canada, and De Nederlandsche Bank.


The 10th anniversary edition of P2PFISY will feature a two-day program packed with keynote speeches, panel discussions, and presentations from leading experts in the field. The workshop will delve into critical topics such as:

  1. National Sovereignty and Currency Neutrality
  2. Stablecoins & Security Tokens
  3. Central Bank Digital Currencies
  4. Real World Asset Tokenization in the Financial Landscape and Real Estate Tokenization
  5. Sustainable Finance and ESG Integration
  6. Consumer Protection in the face of Generative AI
  7. Financial Inclusion
    Academics may submit their research through the Workshop’s Call for Papers.
    “We are thrilled to be partnering with Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to host the 10th P2PFISY,” said Dr. Paolo Tasca, co-founder and chairman of the DLT Science Foundation. “Dubai has clearly positioned itself at the forefront of crypto adoption in the past few years. Since its inception, I have had the pleasure to liaise with VARA, and experienced first-hand their foresight and expertise. We believe this workshop will provide a valuable platform to learn from their experience and will facilitate crucial conversations at the cutting edge of financial technology”.

Matthew White, CEO of VARA said, “We are honored to have supported bringing the 10th P2P Financial Systems International Workshop to Dubai. This is a testament to our commitment to foster innovation and collaboration in the digital finance sector. This event marks a significant milestone, celebrating a decade of pioneering research and discussions that have helped to shape the future of finance. At VARA, we are dedicated to creating a robust and innovate regulatory environment that supports the growth and integration of decentralized technologies. We look forward to engaging with global leaders, academics, and industry experts to continue driving the evolution of P2P financial systems”

Charles Adkins, President of Hedera, commented, “Dubai has cemented its status as a leading financial and technology hub through its forward-thinking approach to virtual assets, exemplified by the establishment of VARA. This event will unite global leaders in decentralized technologies, promoting both learning and collaboration within this rapidly evolving industry.”

Roma receives crypto broker license from VARA in UAE

Roma receives crypto broker license from VARA in UAE

Roma focus is bridging the gap between fiat and digital assets for institutions fiat on ramping, announced that it has obtained an operational Virtual Asset Service Provider license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

However Roma states that its license will allow it to offer regulated broker-dealer services in virtual assets, serving customers with digital asset on-ramp/off-ramp, brokerage and OTC services.

Amit Jain, a former Managing Director at Sequoia Capital and Founder of Roma secured a $22 million seed funding round in 2022. The round was led by Sequoia Capital India with participation from several global company CEOs as angel investors towards a mission of building the financial infrastructure of the future, one where tokenization and digital assets are an integral component.

Roma already operates globally with licenses in Europe and Canada, and serves enterprises, financial institutions, funds and family offices, marketplaces and leading Web3 chains and exchanges. Roma is set to launch support for AED local rails on-ramps and off-ramps, and support customers in the region.

Commenting on securing the license, Roma founder Amit Jain said: “We are delighted to receive the VARA license. It has been an absolute pleasure working with VARA in this journey, and we’re looking forward to working closely with their team to shape the future of financial infrastructure globally”.

He added “This is a significant milestone for Roma in our mission towards bridging the gap between fiat and digital assets across the globe, with the absolute highest standards of regulatory compliance. We are excited to partner with customers in the region, as MENA continues to rapidly become a hub for digital innovation globally”.

VARA has already licensed more than 20 VASP operations from Dubai since it commenced its operations.

Former European central bank executive Joins Dubai’s VARA

Former European central bank executive Joins Dubai’s VARA

Dubai’s virtual asset regulator (VARA) has hired Nicholas McNicholas as Senior Director of regulatory Affairs and Enforcement. McNicholas previously held the position of Principal supervisor at the European Central Bank (ECB). His experience centers around regulator compliance and enforcement. Prior to his role at the ECB he held the position of senior enforcement lawyer at the Central Bank of Ireland.

As per VARA post, Nicholas McNicholas will be responsible for cooperation with national and international regulators and the enforcement of breaches of the legislative framework including AML.

As per VARA post, “He has been instrumental in shaping regulatory frameworks and leading enforcement investigations across Europe. His expertise in governance and emerging financial technologies will be integral as we continue to drive towards common global standards for the industry.”

McNicholas noted on his linkedIn page that he will be working together with committed professionals, leading an ambitious program in regulatory development; relationships with local and international regulators; relationships with local law enforcement agencies to ensure fast, effective and robust enforcement mechanism to protect investors.

VARA has been building its virtual asset regulatory framework over the past two years, and recently noted that it plans to cooperate and coordinate more with other regulatory entities across the globe.

The announcement also comes just after the UAE Central Bank came out with its stablecoin regulatory framework.

Key UAE Blockchain figure is backing up GCEX crypto broker in UAE

Key UAE Blockchain figure is backing up GCEX crypto broker in UAE

A prominent Blockchain and cryptocurrency figure in UAE, Saeed Al Darmaki is backing GC Exchange FZE part of the GCEX Group. He has not only been appointed as a Non-Executive Director for the UAE region, but will focus on driving growth of GCEX, which recently received a VASP crypto brokerage license from Dubai’s regulator VARA.

He is CEO of Sheesha Finance and co-founder of the Alphabit investment fund. He began his career in traditional finance, working at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) for nine years, and has subsequently held a number of advisory and Board Director roles, playing a key role in helping innovative businesses scale.

Mehtap Önder, Managing Director, GCEX Dubai stated, “We are delighted to welcome Saeed to our Board. With his extensive network, industry expertise and regional experience, he will be a huge asset to GCEX, enabling us to maximize growth opportunities and reach our potential in the region.”

Saeed Al Darmaki, Non-Executive Director, GCEX MENA added, “This is a great opportunity for me to extend my contribution to the crypto ecosystem in the region. I have known the team at GCEX and their investors, True Global Ventures, for a while, and they tick all the boxes for me regarding their credibility and integrity, the experience of their team, their growth ambitions and their commitment to VARA and the UAE I feel confident that I can add value to the business, using my trad-fi and de-fi experience and network, as well as my in-depth understanding of the local infrastructure.”

the crypto broker opened its Dubai office in July 2022, empowering institutional and professional clients to access deep liquidity on digital assets, alongside trading and conversion of digital assets. It accepts AED and SAR, alongside many other fiat and cryptocurrencies. With a strong focus on client protection, GCEX has only partnered with regulated institutional digital custodians and staking providers and segregates all client money in Client Money Accounts.

True Global Ventures are investors in GCEX.

Tokinvest receives provisional crypto broker license from Dubai regulator

Tokinvest receives provisional crypto broker license from Dubai regulator

Tokinvest marketplace for real-world asset tokenization, has been granted a provisional broker-dealer license by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

As per the press release this license underscores Tokinvest’s commitment to compliance and innovation in the real-world asset tokenization industry.

The company will continue to build its scalable and regulated platform that simplifies buying, selling, and managing real-world asset investments. It offers comprehensive services that cover every aspect of the digital token lifecycle, from ideation to trading to asset servicing.

Scott Thiel, CEO of Tokinvest, says, “Obtaining regulated status in the region is crucial for us. It shows our dedication to complying with international standards and establishing robust, transparent processes prioritizing investor protection. Receiving the provisional broker-dealer license from VARA is a significant validation of our mission to create the leading regulated marketplace that connects real-world asset issuers with investors on a global scale. This provisional license sets us on the path to serving our clients with the highest standards of regulatory assurance.”

Tokinvest advisory board includes Ralf Glabischnig Founder of Inacta Ventures, and founder of UAE based Crypto Oasis and Swiss based Crypto Valley. 

He says: “Tokinvest is leading the charge in real-world asset tokenization with a first focus on Middle East. I’m excited to offer my expertise to support their ambitious goals and connect it with our other securitization and tokenization portfolio companies in Europe and beyond.”