Flowdesk secures Dubai broker-dealer license from VARA

Flowdesk, a digital asset infrastructure provider backed by Coinbase Ventures, has received a full broker-dealer license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

The authorization allows Flowdesk to operate as a regulated entity in Dubai, a key financial hub in the Middle East. The license follows the company’s prior approval under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which it obtained in France earlier this year.

Flowdesk’s expansion into Dubai aligns with its strategy to establish regulated operations across major global markets. The company, which provides trading, custody, and liquidity solutions for digital assets, has emphasized compliance as a core pillar of its growth.

VARA’s approval grants Flowdesk the ability to offer broker-dealer services, including execution, settlement, and custody, within the emirate’s regulatory framework. The license also positions the firm to serve institutional clients seeking regulated crypto market access in the region.

The move reflects broader trends among crypto firms seeking regulatory clarity in high-growth markets. Dubai has positioned itself as a preferred destination for digital asset businesses, offering a structured regulatory environment under VARA’s oversight.

Flowdesk’s VARA license follows similar approvals granted to other major crypto firms in Dubai, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.