European crypto platform Bitpanda secures in-principle approval from VARA to enter UAE market
European crypto platform Bitpanda is accelerating its global growth by obtaining an in-principle approval from the UAE’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in under 8 months from submission. Once officially licensed Bitpanda will be able to to commence operations in the UAE as Bitpanda Broker MENA DMCC, marking its official entry into markets beyond Europe and solidifying its position as a trusted, global player in the digital assets space.
With the UAE emerging as a premier hub for digital finance and cryptocurrency trading, Bitpanda’s in-principle approval by VARA underscores its ambition to lead the global adoption of regulated virtual assets. The expansion follows a series of strategic moves, including the establishment of its Dubai office at the DMCC Crypto Centre earlier this year, onboarding a team of regional experts, and forming key partnerships with financial institutions such as The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (“RAKBANK”) and CoinMENA, one of the UAE’s leading licensed crypto platforms.
Eric Demuth, Co-Founder and CEO of Bitpanda, commented, “In Europe, we have built a reputation as the most trusted and regulated digital asset platform. Now, we are scaling this proven model globally, with Dubai and the UAE serving as our strategic launchpad for international expansion. The opportunities are immense, and we are uniquely positioned to seize them – both as Europe’s leading crypto broker and as a top infrastructure provider in the digital assets space.”
The UAE’s forward-thinking regulatory framework and status as a global digital asset hub make it the ideal choice for Bitpanda’s first step outside of Europe. VARA’s robust regulatory guidelines foster innovation while prioritizing investor protection—core principles that align seamlessly with Bitpanda’s mission to offer secure and accessible digital asset solutions worldwide.
Fabian Reinisch, General Counsel of Bitpanda, added, “Securing VARA’s in-principle approval in under eight months reflects the strength of VARA’s progressive regulatory framework and Bitpanda’s steadfast commitment to compliance and innovation. For over a decade, we have demonstrated that a compliance-first approach is the only path to sustainable and responsible growth in our industry. Now, we are extending this approach to markets beyond Europe.”
Bitpanda’s expansion reinforces the company’s commitment to operating in accordance with the highest regulatory standards, while actively supporting the global adoption of digital assets. With its track record as Europe’s most regulated crypto platform and rigorous focus on meeting and exceeding regulatory requirements, Bitpanda is well-positioned to deliver a secure and seamless experience to investors across the UAE and, ultimately, the wider region.
As it expands into the Middle East, Bitpanda is taking a decisive step toward a truly global presence, reaffirming its role as a pioneer in driving the adoption of digital assets around the world.
