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Flipster is now able to offer crypto exchange services. It will work towards obtaining a full license.
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The company will initially focus on the spot trading of major crypto currencies.
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Flipster has partnered with Chainalysis in order to upgrade its internal security tools.
Flipster FZE, a global crypto exchange, has received an in-principle approval from Dubai’s crypto regulator Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. This brings the company closer towards offering fully licensed crypto trading in the UAE.
Flipster can now offer crypto exchange services under the preliminary license (IPA/26/01/004) and work towards obtaining a full license in Dubai’s VARA regulations. The company will initially focus on spot trading major cryptocurrencies with the goal of providing traders with a safe, regulation-compliant, way to trade.
Flipster is busy preparing for the licensing requirements and preparing their systems. The approval was granted by the government on January 30th, 2026.
Flipster’s leaders said that the approval shows regulators trust Flipster’s commitment to follow the rules and offer users a safe and legal way to trade cryptocurrency.
Benjamin Grolimund said on the subject: “This milestone represents a meaningful vote in confidence of our long-term commitment towards the region. The Middle East is now a model for how digital assets are regulated and adopted. VARA’s framework is clear and allows for innovation, while putting trust and security first. We are committed to developing trading solutions that meet global standards.
Flipster is also upgrading internal security and compliance. It has teamed up with blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis to improve transaction tracking, risk detection, and anti-money-laundering systems, which are all key areas regulators look at.
These upgrades help Flipster not only meet VARA requirements, but also position it to expand into other regulated market around the world.
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Dubai and the UAE: A Crypto Regulatory Hub
Dubai’s crypto regulator VARA has created one of the most organized and strict licensing systems in the entire world. It’s designed so that crypto companies can innovate while investors are protected. VARA supervises crypto service providers in most of Dubai including its free zones, mainland and DIFC (except for the financial center).
VARA’s detailed rules, which are regularly updated, define the expectations for compliance, anti money laundering efforts, customer assets protection, and business conduct. Since at least 2025, discussions around these regulations are in motion.
Amber Premium FZE and other firms received similar approvals as early as 2025. The growing number of licensed players shows the UAE is establishing regulated digital assets services.
Dubai’s regulatory approval is seen as an important entry point to the Middle Eastern crypto market, since its regulations are more transparent than those in the rest of the world.
Related:Dubai Launches phase two of Property Tokenisation Project
