Flipster secured a full operational Exchange license from Dubai's VARA on July 28, enabling regulated crypto services in the UAE. The license authorizes Flipster FZE to onboard UAE customers with spot trading as its initial offering. The approval marks Flipster's transition from in-principle approval to full operational capability under VARA's framework.
Flipster, a global cryptocurrency trading platform, secured a full operational Exchange license from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority on July 28, enabling the platform to offer regulated virtual asset services in the UAE.
"Regulation is essential to building long-term trust, and VARA sets a strong benchmark for balancing innovation with investor protection," Flipster said in a statement announcing the license, designated VL/26/07/002.
The license, granted under Flipster FZE, authorizes the platform to onboard customers in the UAE with an initial focus on spot trading. Flipster also offers access to real world asset perpetuals in supported jurisdictions, giving users exposure to both digital and traditional asset classes from a single platform. The approval marks Flipster's transition from regulatory readiness and in-principle approval to full operational capability under VARA's framework, which requires strong standards for custody, governance, and compliance. Operating under VARA's regime allows Flipster to provide a more secure and transparent trading environment, the company said.
The UAE has positioned itself as a leading hub for digital assets, with VARA's regulatory regime widely regarded as one of the most complete globally. VARA, established in 2022, oversees the regulation of virtual assets in Dubai and has issued licenses to a growing number of exchanges including Binance, OKX, and Crypto.com. Flipster, founded in 2023, first entered the Middle East in May 2025 with the appointment of Benjamin Grolimund as General Manager of Flipster FZE. The platform plans to gradually expand access to a broader global user base from its UAE base, competing for market share in a region that has attracted significant crypto capital as regulatory uncertainty persists in other jurisdictions.
The approval reflects a broader trend of crypto exchanges seeking regulatory clarity in jurisdictions with clear frameworks, as the US Securities and Exchange Commission continues its enforcement-focused approach and the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation takes effect. For Flipster, the VARA license provides a regulated gateway to serve both regional and international clients, with the company moving from market entry to delivering regulated services. The platform offers deep liquidity and industry-leading leverage across global markets, designed for traders seeking exposure to both digital and traditional asset classes through a single platform.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
