Why VARA

Licensing Matters

The world's inaugural regulatory body exclusively focused on digital assets, including cryptocurrency exchange services, brokerage solutions, custodial services, tokenization platforms, and Web3/NFT gaming initiatives.

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What VARA License provides

If you are considering the launch of a cryptocurrency exchange, brokerage, custody solution, tokenization platform, or a Web3/NFT gaming project, obtaining a VARA license is essential for legal compliance in Dubai.

Regulatory recognition that builds investor and customer trust

Holding a VARA license in Dubai signals to investors, partners, and customers that your business has passed strict due diligence. Licensed firms are seen as more reliable, transparent, and stable—helping you attract institutional investors, secure partnerships, and increase user adoption compared to unlicensed competitors.

Access to Dubai’s fast-growing crypto and Web3 economy

Dubai is positioning itself as a global hub for blockchain, tokenization, and Web3 projects. A VARA license gives you the right to operate within this regulated ecosystem, connect with leading crypto exchanges and investors, and expand into new digital markets across the UAE and GCC. Without it, your business risks being locked out of one of the world’s most progressive crypto economies.

Compliance with international standards in AML, cybersecurity, and governance

VARA requires licensed firms to adopt best-in-class anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CFT), cybersecurity, and governance controls. Meeting these standards not only satisfies regulators—it also strengthens your internal systems, reduces risks of fraud or data breaches, and positions your business as globally compliant when dealing with banks, payment providers, and cross-border regulators.

Protection against shutdowns and enforcement risks

Operating without a VARA license in Dubai can expose your business to fines, restrictions, and even forced closure. By becoming licensed, you secure legal recognition, avoid compliance disputes, and protect your brand from reputational harm. It ensures that you can scale safely, without the fear of sudden enforcement actions disrupting your operations.

Who Needs a VARA License in Dubai

Not every business in crypto and Web3 is the same, but they all share one thing in common: to operate legally in Dubai, they need a VARA license. Here’s who falls under its scope — and why.

Crypto exchanges & trading platforms expanding to the UAE

If you’re building or scaling a crypto exchange (spot, derivatives, or P2P), a VARA license is your gateway into Dubai’s regulated market. Licensing gives you the ability to list tokens, facilitate trading, and onboard both retail and institutional clients legally. Without it, you cannot attract serious investors, secure banking partners, or run marketing campaigns in the UAE.

Brokerage & intermediation firms connecting crypto buyers and sellers

Crypto brokerage firms help connect buyers and sellers, acting as the middle layer of trust. Under VARA, brokerage and intermediation services require clear oversight to prevent fraud and market abuse. Licensing allows your firm to legally facilitate trades, provide execution services, and operate as a trusted intermediary in Dubai’s rapidly expanding financial hub.

Custody providers & wallet operators securing client assets

Custody and wallet operators are responsible for safeguarding digital assets—a critical trust point in crypto. A VARA license proves that your infrastructure, cybersecurity, and operational processes meet international safety standards, reassuring clients that their assets are secure. This is especially important for institutional investors and funds who require regulated custody solutions.

Tokenization projects creating asset-backed or utility tokens

Whether you’re creating tokenized real estate, commodities, securities, or new utility tokens, VARA provides a legal pathway for issuance and distribution. A license ensures that your tokenization project can raise funds, attract partners, and trade tokens on exchanges without regulatory uncertainty. It bridges the gap between traditional assets and blockchain economies.

Web3 & NFT platforms powering digital economies and gaming ecosystems

From NFT marketplaces to metaverse gaming platforms, Web3 projects thrive on trust and adoption. With a VARA license, your platform is recognized as a legitimate and compliant player in Dubai, which helps you secure investors, brand collaborations, and mainstream users. Without licensing, platforms risk bans, payment restrictions, and investor hesitation.

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Know What VARA Regulates.

What Activities Fall Under a VARA License?

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) covers every major function in the crypto and Web3 economy. If your business falls into any of these categories, you will need a VARA license to operate legally in Dubai:

Brokerage & Intermediation Services

Brokerage firms and intermediaries act as the middlemen between buyers and sellers of digital assets. Under VARA, these businesses must be licensed to execute trades, match orders, and offer market-making services. Licensing guarantees transparency, prevents market abuse, and gives your firm the ability to legally provide brokerage services in the UAE.

Custody & Wallet Services

Custody providers and wallet operators are responsible for the safekeeping of client assets, which is one of the most sensitive areas of crypto. A VARA license validates that your infrastructure, cybersecurity, and recovery processes meet strict regulatory standards. This is essential for institutional clients, funds, and high-net-worth investors who will only trust regulated custody solutions.

Advisory & Asset Management

If your business offers investment advice, portfolio management, or structured products involving virtual assets, you must hold a VARA license. This ensures that clients receive regulated, compliant advice and that your firm operates with proper governance, AML/CFT controls, and market integrity. Licensed asset managers can attract institutional investors and participate in Dubai's growing digital asset fund ecosystem.

Tokenization & Issuance

From real estate tokenization to utility token launches, VARA regulates how tokens are created, issued, and distributed in Dubai. A license gives your project legal standing, allowing you to raise capital, list tokens on exchanges, and market to investors without regulatory risk. Tokenization projects with VARA approval benefit from trust, investor protection, and scalability in the UAE and beyond.

Settlement & Transfers

Payment and transfer solutions—such as crypto payment gateways, settlement systems, and clearing services—are also under VARA's scope. Licensing ensures these services follow AML rules, fraud prevention measures, and cybersecurity standards. With a license, your company can legally provide domestic and cross-border settlement services in Dubai's digital economy.

Efficiency Boost

Whether you're building a spot exchange, derivatives platform, or peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace, VARA licensing is required. This ensures your platform can legally list tokens, process trades, and provide liquidity to retail and institutional investors in Dubai. A VARA-licensed exchange gains credibility, investor confidence, and access t Dubai's regulated financial system.

What VARA Demands, We Deliver

VARA License Requirements

Getting a VARA License in Dubai is not just about submitting an application - it's aboyt proving that your business is safe, transparent, and built for long-term success. To meet the regulator's standards, your company must demonstrate the following:

Strong Governance

VARA expects licensed firms to have fir-and-proper directors and senior management who are accountable for the business. This means:

- A clear organizational structure with defined roles and responsibilities.
- Decision-makers with proven experience in finance, compliance, or technology.
- Independent oversight, ensuring your company is not controlled by qualified or high-risk individuals.

Good governance gives investors, banks, and regulators confidence that your company is well-managed and can be trusted with client funds.

AML & CFT Compliance

One of the most critical VARA license requirements is a strong framework for anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT). You must show:

- KYC (Know Your Customers) processes for onboarding clients.
- Sanctions screening against global watchlists (UN, OFAC, EU, UK-HMT)
- A process for filing suspicious transaction reports (STRs)
This ensures Dubai remains a safe and globally respected crypto hub, and it protects your business from being used for illicit activities.

Technology & CYbersecurity

VARA requires all licensed firms to prove that their technology infrastructure is secure and resilient. You must demonstrate:

- Strong access controls an duser authentication.
- Encrypted storage of customer data and private keys.
- Incident response plans for cyberattacks or system outages.
Regular penetration testing and vulnerability scans.

In crypto, a single failure can destroy trust. Licensing ensures your systems are battle-tested and regulator-approved.

Market Transparency

To protect investors and ensure fair markets, VARA demands that businesses operate with openness and integrity. This includes:

- No market manipulation, wash trading, or insider dealing.
- Clear disclosures of risks, fees, and conflicts of interest.

Transparency builds trust, attracts institutional players, and ensures Dubai's digital asset markets remain competitive and credible.

Regulatory Reporting

A VARA license comes with ongoing responsibilities - not just one-time approval. Firms must:

- Submit periodic compliance reports (financials, AML, cybersecurity status)
- Notify VARA immediately of major incidents (hacks, breaches, governance changes)
- Maintain accurate records for audits and inspections.
Regular reporting keeps your license in good standing and shows regulators you are a responsible, long-term player in Dubai's economy.

Consumer Protection & Risk Management

VARA requires firms to safeguard customers by implementing strong risk management and consumer protection measures.

- Transparent communication of risks to clients.
- Segregation of client funds from company assets.
- Mechanisms for dispute resolution and customer complaints.
- Insurance or reserve requirements to protect clients in case of insolvency.

Protecting clients strengthens trust in your company and builds credibility in Dubai’s fast-growing digital asset ecosystem.

To obtain a VARA license, you need more than a business plan - you need a robust governance model, international AML/CFT compliance, secure technology, transparent market practices, and ongoing reporting. Meeting these requirements not only satisfies the regulator, it also gives your company credibility, investor trust, and a competitive edge in the UAE digital asset market.

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Dubai VARA License Fees, Simplified

VARA License Cost in Dubai

One of the most common questions investors and founders ask is: "How much does a VARA license cost in Dubai?" The truth is, the cost is not fixed, it depends on your business activity, scope of operations, and risk profile.

Here's what typically makes up the cost of a VARA license:

Application Fee

When applying to VARA, you must pay a non-refundable application fee. This covers the regulator's review of your business model, governance framework, and risk assessment. While the fee is relatively modest compared to overall setup costs, it is mandatory and must be submitted with your application.

Annual Supervision Fee

Getting a VARA license in Dubai is only the first step. To keep your license valid, every licensed firm must pay an annual supervision fee. This fee is how VARA funds its ongoing oversight, compliance monitoring, and regulatory support.. It also ensures that businesses remain aligned with Dubai's standards as the digital asset market grows.

Capital Requirements

Beyond paying application and supervision fees, every company applying for a VARA license in Dubai must meet minimum paid-up capital requirements. These are not optional—they prove to the regulator that your business has the financial strength to operate safely, absorb risks, and protect customers.
The capital requirement varies by the type of activity your business performs:

Your Chosen Activity

Different activities carry different levels of risk, which directly affects license fees and capital requirements.

* Crypto exchanges: Higher costs due to trading volume, liquidity management, and market risk.

* Custody providers: Costs tied to how much client money or assets you safeguard.

* Brokerage firms: Moderate costs, focused on compliance and fair trading practices.

* Tokenization & Web3 projects: Usually lighter costs, but adjusted based on the scale of issuance or marketplace activity.

Business Size, Structure & Target Markets

A small startup token project will not be treated the same as a global crypto exchange expanding to Dubai.

* Larger firms with international investors and complex structures often pay more due to higher compliance expectations.

* Target markets also matter: if you’re serving retail investors, VARA applies stricter requirements compared to B2B or institutional-only firms.

Technology & Cybersecurity Requirements

VARA places strong emphasis on cybersecurity and system resilience. The more complex your tech stack, the higher your compliance and infrastructure costs.

* An exchange must implement advanced transaction monitoring, fraud prevention, and trading surveillance tools.

* A custody provider must show strong wallet security, encryption, and recovery systems.

* Web3 projects may have lower requirements, but still need to demonstrate data protection and secure architecture.

Dubai VARA License Fees, Simplified

VARA License Cost in Dubai

Mainland Company Setup (DED) vs Free Zone

To apply for a VARA license, you generally need a local Dubai entity. Most firms choose a mainland company registered with the Dubai Economy & Tourism Department (DED).

Mainland companies often come with higher initial setup and compliance costs, but allow wider scope of activities.

Some projects may operate from free zones depending on their structure, which can reduce costs but may limit business activities.

How SVG Helps You

Secure VARA

License in Dubai

Applying for a VARA license is not just about filling out forms—it’s about navigating complex regulatory, financial, and legal requirements. Many firms waste months (and thousands of dollars) because they underestimate how costs vary, what documents regulators expect, or which entity structure works best for them.

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Talk To Expert For Clarification

This is where SVG makes the difference.

While others stop at filing paperwork, SecureVisa Group goes further—aligning your business with VARA’s requirements, streamlining every step of licensing, and embedding compliance frameworks regulators approve. We turn a complex, time-consuming process into a clear, fast, and audit-ready journey.

Transparent Cost Breakdown

Before you spend on legal, compliance, or tech upgrades, SVG provides a clear and detailed estimate of:
Application fees based on your activity type (exchange, custody, tokenization, brokerage, Web3).

* Annual supervision fees calculated according to your operational scale.

* Capital requirements specific to your risk category.

👉 With upfront numbers, you can budget realistically and avoid unexpected regulatory costs later.

Budget & Compliance Planning

Beyond fees, VARA looks at long-term sustainability. SVG creates a budget roadmap to ensure you meet financial, cybersecurity, and reporting requirements without overspending. We align your capital reserves and compliance investments to what VARA expects.

👉 Firms that fail to plan often run into capital shortfalls or compliance delays, which can put the entire license at risk.

Advisory on the Right Entity Structure

Setting up the wrong company structure can double your costs or delay your license approval. SVG helps you decide whether a mainland company under the Dubai Economy & Tourism Department (DED) or a free zone structure is the most cost-efficient and regulator-friendly for your business model.

👉 Choosing the right structure from the start saves time, money, and compliance headaches.

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The SecureVisa Group

Advantage

Unlike generic business setup firms, SecureVisa Grouo combines deep regulatory knowledge, compliance technology, and cybersecurity expertise. We don’t just process paperwork—we ensure your firm is cost-optimized, regulator-ready, and positioned for long-term success in Dubai’s digital asset economy.

👉 With SecureVisa Group, you know exactly what your VARA license will cost, how to structure your company, and how to meet all regulatory requirements—before you even engage with the regulator.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a VARA License in Dubai (VASP)

In Dubai before you get a VARA (Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority) license, preparation is the key.

Scoping & Regulatory Fit

Define exactly what VASP activity(ies) you’ll be undertaking (e.g., brokerage, custody, exchange).Identify which license category is the most aligned with your business model.Engage advisors to develop a structured assessment and roadmap to avoid regulatory overlaps.This ensures you’re not applying for the wrong license, which would waste time and money.

Pre-Application Readiness Work

Before you even file, build out the compliance framework:
- Submit internal business model, ownership structure, financial forecast, and resourcing.

- Create/align frameworks including AML/CFT policies, KYC processes, and cybersecurity.
- Assemble board members, senior managers, and compliance officers who meet regulatory fit-and-proper requirements.

Formal Submission

Submit your full license form, supported by evidence documents. Respond to VARA clarifications—many times there will be multiple Q&As to make sure your framework is solid.

- VARA assesses your submission, queries your policies, and requests clarifications.
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- This back-and-forth is standard and ensures all evidence is regulator-ready.

Conditions & Implementation (In-Principle → Final)

After in-principle approval, VARA will set conditions you must meet:

- Implement systems (audits, testing, training, controls).

- Appoint additional officers if required (e.g., MLRO, compliance officer).

- Submit attestations proving frameworks are working.

- Provide external assurance reports if requested by VARA (audit, penetration testing, compliance certifications).

Go-Live & Ongoing Supervision

Even once you get a VASP license, ongoing risk and performance-based supervision follows.
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VARA requires ongoing reporting, attestations, inspections, and audits. This includes:

- Submitting annual reports, compliance attestations, and policy updates.

- Keeping systems updated to meet evolving regulatory standards.Demonstrating ongoing compliance to avoid enforcement (fines, license suspension, revocation).

- This ensures your license remains valid and your business remains trusted and audit-proof year after year.

Expansion & Strategic Growth

With your VARA license secured, plan for future expansion while staying within the regulatory framework:

- Add new services or activities with VARA’s approval.

- Scale operations into additional jurisdictions or free zones.

- Strengthen partnerships with banks, investors, and fintech ecosystems.

‍Why it matters: Sustainable growth depends on expanding responsibly while maintaining regulatory confidence.

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Step-by-Step: How to Get a VARA License in Dubai (VASP)

The VARA licensing process removes uncertainty for both businesses and regulators. By following the steps, VASPs prove they are financially sound, technologically secure, and compliant with Dubai’s virtual asset laws. This builds trust with investors, protects customers, and ensures your operations can scale without regulatory setbacks.

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How SecureVisa Group Guides You Through the VARA Licensing Process

Securing a VARA license in Dubai isn’t about filling out forms—it’s about proving your business model, systems, and controls meet regulatory expectations from day one. SecureVisa Group breaks this into five clear phases:

Scoping: Defining Your Path to VARA Approval

We identify the exact license category you need under VARA, map regulators that may overlap (e.g., VARA vs DFSA vs FSRA), and assess whether a DED mainland entity or free zone entity best suits your goals. You also get a costed roadmap—so there are no surprises on application, supervision, or operational expenses.

Readiness: Building the Compliance Foundation

Before filing, we prepare your AML/CFT and KYC policies, cybersecurity frameworks, and governance models. We align your capital adequacy plan and assemble the evidence VARA requires, ensuring your submission is backed by a regulator-ready compliance suite.

Submission: Managing Your VARA Application

SVG handles the entire filing process—structuring your application, responding to regulator queries, and acting as your liaison with VARA. This reduces costly delays and keeps your approval timeline on track.

Conditions: Implementing Controls VARA Expects

Once conditional approval is issued, we help implement required systems—testing controls, training teams, and ensuring all attestations are complete. This ensures you are audit-proof before launch, minimizing enforcement risk.

Supervision: Staying Compliant After Licensing

VARA doesn’t stop after granting a license—it requires ongoing reporting, policy upkeep, and audits. SVG supports your cadence, keeping your files, logs, and registers ready for inspection—so you stay compliant and trusted year after year.

Growth: Expanding Within the Regulatory Framework

After licensing, we guide your expansion—adding new services, scaling operations, or entering additional markets—while ensuring continued compliance with VARA requirements. This proactive approach lets you grow confidently without regulatory setbacks.

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What You Need to Prepare for a VARA License?

Before you can secure a VARA license in Dubai, you’ll need to provide specific documentation that proves your business is credible, compliant, and financially prepared. Each requirement exists to protect both your business and the wider market. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:

Shareholder & Ownership Details

VARA needs a full picture of who owns and controls your business. This includes passports, corporate documents, and ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO) structures.

👉 Why it matters: This protects Dubai’s market from hidden risks, ensures transparency, and builds regulator and investor trust.

Business Model & Financial Projections

An all-in-one customer service platform Your business plan must explain what you do, how you’ll generate revenue, and how your model fits within Dubai’s economy.
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👉 Why it matters: Strong financials show VARA that you’re sustainable—not just an experimental project—and reassure investors.

Compliance & Risk Framework

ou’ll need to show policies for anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CFT), sanctions screening, and risk monitoring.

👉 Why it matters: Compliance is the core of VARA licensing. Without it, your application won’t move forward. It also signals to banks and partners that you’re safe to work with.

IT & Cybersecurity Documentation

This covers your technology stack, system security, incident response plan, data protection measures, and penetration testing results.

👉 Why it matters: In crypto, a single breach can destroy credibility. VARA wants proof your infrastructure is secure enough to protect users and withstand attacks.

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FAQs About VARA Licensing

From application fees to supervision costs, entity setup, timelines, and compliance requirements—these are the most common questions businesses ask before applying for a VARA license in Dubai. Get clear, regulator-aligned answers so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.

Do I need a Dubai entity?

Yes. A local company registered with the Dubai Economy & Tourism Department (DED) is usually required to apply for a VARA license.

How are activities classified?

VARA licenses cover crypto exchanges, custody providers, brokerages, tokenization projects, and Web3/NFT services. SVG helps you map your activities correctly.

What reports are required?

Firms must file regular compliance returns, AML reports, and incident notifications to stay in good standing with VARA.

How long does the approval process take?

Timelines vary, but most applications take 3–6 months depending on readiness, documentation quality, and regulator feedback. Preparing thoroughly upfront helps shorten approval time.

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Why This Matters?

These requirements are not “red tape.” They are what separates licensed, trusted businesses from unlicensed players. Meeting them ensures:

Regulatory Approval and Long-Term License Stability

Getting a VARA license isn’t just a stamp of approval—it’s proof that your company has met Dubai’s strict virtual asset regulations on AML, cybersecurity, governance, and capital requirements. This approval gives you the legal foundation to operate and scale in the UAE and GCC. By keeping your license in good standing with annual supervision fees and compliance upkeep, you ensure long-term stability without disruptions.

Investor and Banking Confidence in Your Company

With VARA licensing, your business is no longer “unregulated.” Investors, financial institutions, and banking partners can see that you meet recognized global standards for transparency and risk management. This gives them the confidence to open accounts, process payments, and fund your growth—trust that is often impossible to gain without VARA oversight.

Protection Against Shutdowns, Fines, or Reputational Damage

Operating without proper licensing or weak compliance exposes businesses to enforcement actions—including heavy fines, suspension, or even being shut down. Under VARA supervision, you minimize these risks by embedding operational controls and ongoing audits. This not only protects your bottom line but also shields your brand reputation in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital asset hubs.

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SecureVisa Group

Ready to Get Licensed?

Securing a VARA license isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of building a serious, scalable, and trusted business in Dubai’s digital asset economy. Without it, you risk delays, denials, or worse—being shut out of one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

This is where SecureVisa Group makes the difference.

We don’t just guide you through paperwork. We map your regulatory pathway, design your AML and cybersecurity frameworks, manage your filings, and keep you audit-ready year after year. With us, you skip the confusion, cut down approval timelines, and prove to VARA, investors, and banks that you are ready to operate at the highest standard.

If saving time means winning clients faster and avoiding the headache of regulator back-and-forth, then the choice is simple: invest in doing it right the first time.

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Tokenization & Issuance

See how SVG integrates compliance, cybersecurity, and advisory into one regulator-ready stack.

Why Act Now?

Every month lost in licensing is market share lost to competitors. Dubai is already becoming a global hub for Web3, tokenization, and digital assets. With VARA at the center of that growth, being licensed early means being trusted first.

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Client Success Stories

Hear What Our Clients Are Saying

Our clients choose SecureVisa Group for our dedication and expertise across the UAE ecosystem. Find out how their success became ours with our comprehensive services.

"SecureVisa Group transformed our VARA licensing process. What typically takes 18 months, they accomplished in 8 months with zero rejections. Their compliance technology integration saved us months of post-approval setup."

Amanda Estrelia
CEO, CryptoTech MENA
Dubai

VARA Licensed

"The expertise across all UAE regulators is unmatched. They guided us through SCA approval for our remittance platform and their cybersecurity framework exceeded CBUAE requirements. Highly recommended."

Nathan Drizz
Founder, BlockPay Solutions
Abu Dhabi

SCA Licensed

"Their ecosystem approach is revolutionary. Not just licensing - they provided the complete compliance technology stack and ongoing regulatory support. Our DFSA approval was seamless."

Dan Ruiz
CTO, TokenVault
California

DIFC Licensed

"SecureVisa Group's deep understanding of ADGM regulations and their proactive compliance monitoring helped us scale rapidly. Their expertise is evident in every interaction."

Elena Rodriguez
Chief Compliance Officer
FinTech Innovations

ADGM Licensed

“SecureVisa Group simplified our crypto licensing in record time. From endless delays to full approval in just 6 months — with expert guidance at every step.”

Amanda Estrelia
COO, ChainLinkX
Sharjah

VARA Licensed

“They handled our cross-border licensing and digital asset compliance under DFSA with precision. Their compliance stack saved us weeks of back-and-forth with regulators.”

Pete Clark
Managing Director
DIFC

DFSA Licensed