Animoca Brands: green light to operate as a fund in the UAE

Animoca Brands takes a decisive step toward full regulated operation in Abu Dhabi, strengthening its institutional presence in the Web3 sector.

What does Animoca Brands’ Abu Dhabi approval cover?

Animoca Brands announced it had received in-principle approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM, the international financial center of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. Subject to conditions and final regulatory approval, the company will be authorized to manage a Collective Investment Fund in or from ADGM as a regulated fund manager.

This IPA is a preliminary step toward full authorization. However, it already signals regulatory confidence in Animoca’s governance and risk framework. Once all FSRA requirements are satisfied, the firm will be permitted to conduct fund management activities under ADGM rules, supporting institutional investors seeking exposure to digital assets.

How is Animoca Brands positioning itself in Web3 and digital assets?

Animoca Brands describes itself as a global digital assets leader focused on blockchain and tokenized assets that advance the future of Web3 innovation. The company operates three integrated business pillars: Web3 businesses to drive blockchain adoption, digital asset advisory services, and investment management operations. Moreover, its portfolio includes investments in over 600 companies across the broader digital economy.

This diversified structure allows Animoca to combine operational expertise, advisory capabilities, and capital deployment. That said, the new regulatory path in Abu Dhabi is expected to enhance its ability to structure and manage institutional products aligned with regional compliance standards.

Why is the Middle East central to Animoca Brands’ strategy?

Animoca Brands is currently expanding across the Middle East, where it already maintains a presence in Dubai to support Web3 activity. The IPA announced in Abu Dhabi marks another step in building its regulated footprint in the region and globally. However, all operations will remain subject to local approvals and licenses in each jurisdiction.

The company views the region as strategically important due to its fast-growing digital asset ecosystem and regulatory innovation. As a result, Animoca is strengthening institutional capabilities to better serve investors and partners under clear and transparent rules.

What did Animoca Brands’ leadership say about the approval?

Omar Elassar, Managing Director for Middle East and Head of Global Strategic Partnerships at Animoca Brands, highlighted the UAE’s role in the sector. He said the UAE is a growing hub for Web3 and digital asset activity, and this in-principle approval supports the firm’s regional strategy. Moreover, he emphasized the goal of building regulated, institutional pathways for participation while continuing to partner with founders and enterprises across the ecosystem.

His comments underline the company’s dual focus: serving institutional investors through compliant structures and maintaining close collaboration with early-stage builders. That said, the final regulatory approval from ADGM will be critical before any full-scale launch of managed investment products in the jurisdiction.

How does ADGM view Animoca Brands’ regulatory progress?

Arvind Ramaurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, congratulated Animoca Brands on receiving its IPA, calling it a key step toward full Financial Services Permission. He said the achievement reflects the firm’s commitment to operating within ADGM’s dynamic ecosystem, which has become an important center for digital assets fund management.

Moreover, Ramaurthy reiterated that ADGM is dedicated to enabling businesses such as Animoca to advance the adoption of blockchain and digital assets. The focus remains on fostering growth within a trusted, transparent, and well-regulated environment, aligned with UAE policy objectives.

What does this mean for future regulated Web3 investment products?

The in-principle approval in Abu Dhabi strengthens Animoca Brands’ institutional credentials as it builds regulated structures for digital asset exposure. While final authorization is still pending, the move positions the company to launch future products from a major international financial center.

In summary, the ADGM decision marks a significant milestone in Animoca Brands’ global strategy, reinforcing its role at the intersection of Web3 innovation, investment management, and emerging regulation in the Middle East.