Binance secures MVP licence from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority

Global blockchain services provider Binance has received a minimal viable product (MVP) licence from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), following the issuance of its provisional licence earlier in March.

Read: Binance secures licence by Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority

The MVP licence means that Binance can offer an approved range of virtual asset related services to suitably qualified retail and institutional investors in Dubai within its internationally benchmarked legislative framework for virtual asset service providers.

Binance will cater to a clientele approved by VARA and customers can now benefit from the local banking channels unlocked by this first-of-its kind regulatory license. Users will also benefit from increased levels of consumer protection by trading on a regulated platform under the supervision of VARA in Dubai.

With the transition to a MVP licence, Binance can open a client money account with a domestic bank and provide services to qualified customers, including virtual asset exchange services, conversion between virtual assets and fiat currencies, transfer of virtual assets, custody and management of virtual assets, virtual token offering and trading services, and virtual assets payments and remittance services

The licence is an important milestone that follows a number of registrations for Binance’s local entities in the MENA region and across Europe in Italy, France and Spain.

Helal Saeed Almarri, chairman of VARA said, “We are pleased to have Binance licensed to operate within the VARA MVP Programme. The VARA regime aims to strike an effective balance between value creation and risk mitigation, enabling open market innovation while assuring protection for the economically vulnerable. The MVP Phase, is designed for select global players across the value chain, that are committed to responsible industry participation and VARA looks forward to Binance being an active contributor, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment towards creating a next-gen secure ecosystem for this future economy.”

Changpeng Zhao, founder and CEO of Binance, said: “At Binance, we welcome regulations that are globally consistent, enable responsible innovation, protect users, and give them choice. VARA’s unique operating model is setting a benchmark for the global industry, and this most recent registration is an acknowledgement of our compliance and safety processes in the new regulatory framework.  We strongly believe there is a significant opportunity to work with our industry peers to develop consistent implementation standards around the world as we have been doing in Dubai.”

Alexander Chehade, Binance Dubai GM, added: “Our registration in Dubai is a reflection of the country’s progressive stance on blockchain technology and its willingness to embrace this sector through collaboration. We look forward to continued partnership as we build upon our team and operations in Dubai to roll out additional services including local banking capabilities and enhanced products.”