Animoca Brands bags second in-principle license for UAE fund management

Animoca Brands, a digital assets entity, building blockchain and tokenized assets for Web3, has received its second in-principle approval in the UAE. The first was with VARA Dubai for a regulated crypto broker license, and today, it received the nod from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the ADGM in Abu Dhabi for a regulated Fund Manager license, out of ADGM.

As per the press release, the regulated Fund Manager license is subject to the fulfillment of conditions and final regulatory approval. On approval, Animoca Brands will be authorized to manage a Collective Investment Fund in or from the ADGM.

The company, which has three integrated business pillars, including a Web3 business to advance blockchain adoption, digital asset advisory services, and investment management, with a portfolio of investments in over 600 companies, is expanding in the Middle East, building its presence in Dubai, and now in Abu Dhabi.

Animoca Brands restates UAE MENA commitment

Omar Elassar, Managing Director for Middle East and Head of Global Strategic Partnerships at Animoca Brands, noted that the UAE is a hub for Web3 and digital assets activity and that the in-principle approval supports their regional strategy.

He explains, “Animoca Brands seeks to build regulated institutional pathways for participation while continuing to partner with founders and enterprises across the ecosystem.”

Arvind Ramaurthy, Chief Market Development Officer, ADGM, believes that the in-principle approval is a key step toward full financial services permission. He explains that the achievement reflects Animoca’s commitment to operating within the ADGM’s dynamic ecosystem.

He adds, “ADGM is dedicated to enabling businesses like Animoca to advance the adoption of blockchain and digital assets within a trusted, transparent, and well-regulated environment.”

Animoca entered UAE in April 2025 as part of MENA expansion 

Back in April 2025, Animoca Brands opened an office in Dubai to meet the growing demands of Web3 organizations moving into the region. The company also appointed Omar Elassar as Managing Director for the Middle East and Head of Global Strategic Partnerships.

The Dubai office aimed to serve as a hub to engage with both local and international partners to foster innovation, guide strategic direction and operations and develop partnerships.

In 2024, Animoca Brand led a strategic funding round for UAE-based Param Labs, an independent Web3 blockchain gaming and technology studio, for $7 million. This was one of many investments for Animoca Brands in the UAE and KSA.