BitGo MENA Secures VARA Broker-Dealer License in Dubai

Abbas Aziz By Abbas Aziz
3 Min Read

BitGo MENA, a leading digital asset infrastructure company, has received a Broker-Dealer license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The approval marks a major step in the firm’s expansion and reinforces Dubai’s growing status as a global hub for digital finance.

The new license enables BitGo MENA to provide regulated digital asset trading and intermediation services to institutional clients across the Middle East and North Africa. The company’s goal is to combine deep liquidity, strong compliance standards, and secure custody solutions to serve professional investors.

Expanded Institutional Services

With this license, institutional clients will gain access to BitGo’s integrated over-the-counter (OTC) trading desk and electronic trading platform for spot trading across a wide range of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

Key offerings include:

  • Access to aggregated liquidity from multiple exchanges and market makers
  • Competitive pricing and consistent execution
  • Institutional-grade custody and security infrastructure
  • Compliance-driven processes aligned with VARA standards

This combination provides institutions with a safe and efficient environment for digital asset transactions while meeting strict regulatory requirements.

Building on a Strong Regulatory Foundation

BitGo MENA’s latest license follows its earlier Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) operating license, received in May 2025. Together, these approvals strengthen BitGo’s footprint in the UAE. This will demonstrate its long-term commitment to regulated digital asset growth in the region.

According to Ben Choy, General Manager of BitGo MENA, “Receiving our Broker-Dealer license from VARA is a milestone for BitGo MENA and a testament to our commitment to compliance and Dubai’s progressive regulatory environment. This approval allows us to serve institutional clients with greater scale and confidence.”

He further emphasized that VARA’s clear and forward-thinking framework supports responsible innovation and sets an international benchmark for digital asset regulation.

Strengthening Dubai’s Digital Asset Ecosystem

Dubai continues to position itself as a leading jurisdiction for digital finance, with VARA at the center of its regulatory ecosystem. The authority has been instrumental in fostering innovation while ensuring investor protection and market transparency.

BitGo’s expansion aligns with these objectives by offering secure, compliant, and high-performance digital asset services tailored to institutional needs.

The company’s approach focuses on:

  • Upholding strong compliance and risk management practices
  • Promoting secure and transparent trading environments
  • Supporting long-term sustainability within the digital asset sector

With VARA’s support, BitGo MENA is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s digital economy.