Henri Arslanian-Led Nine Blocks: First Crypto Hedge Fund to Secure VARA License in Dubai

In a groundbreaking move, Nine Blocks Capital Management FZE (Nine Blocks) has successfully obtained the Virtual Asset Management and Investment Services license from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), solidifying its status as the inaugural crypto hedge fund to achieve such recognition in the city.

VARA License Details

The recently acquired Virtual Asset Management and Investment Services license from VARA marks a pivotal milestone in Nine Blocks' trajectory. This authorization empowers the company to serve Institutional Investors and Qualified Investors, underscoring Nine Blocks' steadfast commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational due diligence and regulatory practices in the dynamic realm of crypto asset management.

About Nine Blocks Capital Management

Founded in 2021 and backed by Hong Kong's Nine Masts Capital, Nine Blocks Capital Management has swiftly emerged as a trailblazer in the digital asset management landscape. Operating as the investment manager of the Nine Blocks Master Fund, the firm specializes in market-neutral crypto strategies, employing techniques such as relative value, arbitrage, and quantitative methods. Boasting over two years of experience and an impressive $100 million in Assets under Management (AuM), Nine Blocks caters to a diverse global clientele, ranging from regulated financial institutions and private banks to public companies and fund of funds.

Henri Arslanian

Visionary Co-Founder: At the core of Nine Blocks' success stands co-founder Henri Arslanian, a luminary in the crypto and finance space. Arslanian's leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping the firm's mission and strategic direction. Beyond co-founding Nine Blocks, Arslanian is acknowledged as a leading crypto hedge fund expert, host of the "Crypto Capsules" social media series, and the voice behind "The Future of Money" podcast. With accolades as a best-selling author, keynote speaker, educator, and university professor, Henri Arslanian brings a wealth of experience and insights, enriching the Nine Blocks journey.

Dubai Named Global Headquarters

In a strategic move, Nine Blocks has announced its decision to establish Dubai as its global headquarters. This strategic alignment with Dubai's forward-looking regulatory environment and growing prominence as a fintech hub reinforces Nine Blocks' mission to become the world's premier institutional-grade crypto asset management entity.

Trailblazing Recognition in Dubai

As the first crypto hedge fund to secure the VARA license in Dubai, Nine Blocks sets a historic precedent. The acquisition of this license, facilitated through a collaborative process initiated with an MOU between Nine Blocks and VARA, underscores the company's unwavering commitment to industry best practices and regulatory excellence.

Henri Arslanian's Perspective

Commenting on this milestone to Unlock, Henri Arslanian, co-founder, and managing partner of Nine Blocks, stated: "We believe that a regulatory regime tailored for the fast-moving digital assets space can not only provide comfort to institutional allocators but also contribute to the growth of a healthy crypto ecosystem. The UAE is quickly becoming a leading jurisdiction globally for digital assets, and we are honored to be part of this journey."

Future Prospects under Henri Arslanian's Leadership

Nine Blocks Capital Management's journey, under the visionary guidance of Henri Arslanian, signifies not only a groundbreaking achievement for the company but also a significant leap forward for the crypto hedge fund industry in Dubai. As the firm establishes its global headquarters in Dubai, it paves the way for continued growth, innovation, and leadership in the evolving landscape of digital asset management.