HashKey Secures Dubai VASP License, Expands Digital Asset Services into MENA

HashKey Group, a prominent digital asset financial services provider in Asia Pacific, has officially entered the UAE market after receiving a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This approval, granted to HashKey MENA FZE, authorizes the firm to offer both virtual asset exchange and broker-dealer services in Dubai and beyond.

With Dubai rapidly emerging as a regional crypto hub, HashKey Global MENA aims to serve both retail and institutional clients seeking secure, compliant access to virtual assets.

Bridging Traditional Finance and Digital Assets

To meet the region’s evolving financial needs, HashKey Global MENA plans to introduce a comprehensive suite of services tailored for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and institutional players. Key offerings will include:

Fiat On/Off Ramps (USD & AED): Users will benefit from seamless deposits and withdrawals, facilitated through a partnership with Standard Chartered. This integration ensures efficient fiat-crypto transactions within a regulated framework.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Services: The platform will provide competitive block trading with transparent pricing and instant execution, designed to minimize slippage and meet large-scale liquidity demands.
Access to Top-Tier Digital Assets: Institutional clients can trade leading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and major stablecoins (USDT, USDC) through a regulated, VARA-licensed platform equipped with robust custody solutions.

“Our goal is to empower institutions and high-net-worth individuals across the GCC with reliable, cost-effective access to global crypto markets,” said Sherif Sanad, Country Manager of HashKey Global MENA. “By prioritizing compliance and security, we’re reinforcing the UAE’s status as a leader in blockchain innovation.”

Commitment to Compliance and Global Growth

HashKey’s entry into the UAE aligns with its broader vision of balancing innovation with regulatory responsibility. The company already holds licenses in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Bermuda, with additional registrations in Ireland. Furthermore, HashKey is actively pursuing a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in the European Union to strengthen its regulatory presence.

Sanad emphasized that compliance remains central to HashKey’s mission: “The future of digital assets relies on building within trusted regulatory frameworks. Our expansion into MENA reflects that commitment.”

The UAE now ranks as the third-largest crypto economy in the Middle East and North Africa, offering fertile ground for HashKey’s growth.

The HashKey Global MENA exchange is scheduled to go live on May 19.