TLDR
- Animoca Brands received in-principle approval from ADGM’s FSRA to operate as a regulated fund manager in Abu Dhabi.
- The company must meet capital, compliance and operational standards before securing full regulatory approval.
- This move follows previous approval in Dubai for a crypto broker license from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
- Animoca develops tokenized investment funds, including a partnership with DL Holdings on the XRP Ledger.
- The company manages over 600 projects in Web3 sectors and continues to expand its regulatory footprint in the Middle East.
Animoca Brands has received in principle approval to act as a fund manager in Abu Dhabi, marking an evolution of its regulatory work in the Middle East. The company secured early approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) for the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), enabling it to proceed towards full authorisation. The company must now meet specific capital, compliance and operational requirements to receive final approval.
Regulatory progress in the United Arab Emirates
The approval in principle gives Animoca trademarks the right to start final preparations to manage collective investment funds in ADGM. This move reflects a broader shift by the company to establish regulated operations in jurisdictions with defined digital asset frameworks.
Animoca’s current efforts are in line with its previously approved crypto broker license in Dubai, granted by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in October. The company has increased its presence in the region through several regulatory steps and investment programs. Animoca stated that a regulated fund structure in Abu Dhabi would support both traditional and digitally native investors.
The company positions itself to offer services of institutional quality under clear regulatory oversight. With offices already operating in Dubai, the firm is using the UAE as a strategic base to grow its investment platform across global Web3 initiatives.
Investment and tokenization projects
Animoca works with tokenized investment instruments linked to real assets. One such project includes a limited partnership fund with DL Holdings, structured on XRP Ledger. This initiative is part of a broader focus on digital property rights, tokenized platforms and infrastructure development.
The company manages a portfolio of over 600 projects in areas such as Web3 gaming and blockchain-based finance. The company also confirmed that its chairman, Yat Siu, is scheduled to speak at the Global Blockchain Show 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
This commitment follows the ongoing development of the company’s regulated footprint and continued activity in markets that have introduced specific rules for digital assets. Animoca’s move in Abu Dhabi demonstrates its continued commitment to expanding the regulated investment business in the region.
