VARA's 2026 Register Adds New Virtual Asset Licence Holders in Dubai

Dubai's virtual asset regulator has added a fresh batch of active VASP licenses in 2026, and the mix is worth a closer look. The public register shows new active licenses this year mainly in broker-dealer services, with some firms also licensed for advisory, management and investment, or lending and borrowing activities. That makes the register useful as more than a list of names. It gives a clearer view of which parts of VARA's framework are turning into active market permissions.

What the register shows

VARA's public register includes firms that are fully licensed as well as firms that hold in-principle approval. It also makes an important distinction: an IPA is only a conditional stage in the process, and holders cannot begin operations or serve clients until a full VASP license is issued.

Among the active 2026 entries visible on the register are CoinCorner Virtual Assets Broker & Dealer Services, First Crypto Exchange, Liquidity Fintech, Daman Virtual Asset Brokerage, Amber Premium, RIV Technologies, XBase Virtual Assets Broker & Dealer Services, Animoca Brands Middle East Advisory, and Nova Digital. Their issue dates run from January through May 2026.

The clearest pattern is the continued weight of broker-dealer permissions. Several of the new active licences cover broker-dealer services alone. Others combine broker-dealer services with management and investment services, lending and borrowing services, or advisory services. That matters because VARA allows a VASP to hold multiple regulated activities under one overarching licence, but custody is treated differently. Under VARA's activity rules, custody must be segregated and carried out through a distinct legal entity with its own standalone license.

What it means for businesses

For founders, fintech operators, and service providers, the register works best as a regulatory reference rather than a promotional ranking. It shows which activity types VARA is prepared to license and how broad or narrow a firm's authorized scope may be. It does not, by itself, prove demand, scale, or market success.

The broader activity framework is also worth noting. VARA lists eight regulated virtual asset activities, including advisory, broker-dealer, custody, exchange, lending and borrowing, management and investment, transfer and settlement, and Category 1 issuance. The new 2026 entries currently visible on the register are concentrated in broker-dealer-led models, with some broader combinations, rather than showing a balanced spread across every category.

What readers should avoid assuming

A license on the register does not make a firm risk-free, widely adopted, or suitable for every customer or counterparty. It means the provider has cleared VARA's process for the specific activities listed. That is useful, but it is not the same as an endorsement.

Readers and businesses still need basic due diligence on the legal entity involved, the exact permissions granted, fees, custody arrangements, contract terms, and operational controls. The steadier takeaway is that Dubai continues to build a more structured and visible licensing environment for virtual asset firms, with clearer categories and public records that businesses can plan around.

Key Takeaways

• VARA's public register shows multiple new active 2026 VASP licenses, with broker-dealer services appearing most often and some firms also holding advisory, management and investment, or lending and borrowing permissions.
• VARA allows multiple regulated activities under one overarching licence, but custody is handled separately and must be carried out through a standalone legal entity with its own license.
• The register is a compliance reference, not an endorsement, so businesses and readers should still check the legal entity, authorized activities, fees, custody model, and contract terms before relying on any provider.

Sources: VARA Public Register, VARA Licensed Activities, VARA.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, investment, cybersecurity, medical, business, career, or other professional advice. Verify important information with official sources or qualified professionals before acting.