Dubai grants Bitpanda dealer license for brokerage operations

Bitpanda has obtained a Broker-Dealer license from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), marking its first fully licensed expansion beyond Europe.

This authorization allows Bitpanda to provide its digital asset platform to investors in the UAE, offering access to over 500 virtual assets, including crypto indices and savings plans.

Dubai has established itself as a prominent digital asset hub, with VARA delivering regulatory clarity and investor protection.

Bitpanda aims to align with this vision, setting a new standard for secure and compliant virtual asset investing in the region.

The company has set up a permanent office at the DMCC Crypto Centre and built a regional team to customize its offerings for the UAE market. Onboarding for investors is expected to start in the coming months.

In January, Bitpanda received a MiCA license from Germany's financial regulator, enabling it to operate under a unified framework across all 27 EU member states. This license established a single regulatory regime for Europe's crypto industry, addressing previous fragmentation.

Experience in security and regulation

Deputy CEO Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad emphasized Bitpanda's dedication to security and accessibility, stating, "Our VARA licence ensures that investors and financial institutions in the UAE have access to a fully compliant digital asset platform."

General Counsel Fabian Reinisch praised VARA's progressive framework, adding that the swift approval underscores Bitpanda's decade of regulatory experience and commitment to the highest compliance standards.

Bitpanda holds multiple regulatory approvals across Europe, including a MiCAR license from BaFin, UK FCA registration, a PSD2 E-money license, and a MiFID II license. Its regulatory-first approach has positioned it among the most trusted platforms in the industry.