HashKey Group Launches Its Operations in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) Region with a VASP License from Dubai's VARA

HONG KONG, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HashKey Group (“HashKey”), a leading end-to-end digital asset financial services group in Asia Pacific, has secured a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

HashKey Group, a leading end-to-end digital asset financial services group in Asia Pacific, has announced the launch of HashKey Global MENA following the grant of a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license by Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The license was awarded to HashKey MENA FZE (VL/18/03/002), the operating entity of HashKey Global MENA in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

HashKey Global MENA is now authorized to provide both Virtual Asset Exchange Services and Virtual Asset Broker-Dealer Services within, and originating from, the Emirate of Dubai. Securing this VASP license marks a significant milestone in HashKey's market expansion strategy into the region.

As the UAE establishes itself as the premier hub for digital assets in the Middle East, HashKey Global MENA will serve consumers and enterprises seeking trusted, compliant access to virtual asset services. The company's products and services will be distinguished by several best in class features:

*Seamless fiat-crypto gateway: Catering to institutional needs, HashKey Global MENA will offer a licensed platform for seamless transactions between fiat and crypto currencies.

*Institutional-grade safeguards: All operations will be backed by institutional-grade safeguards, ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance.

*Strategic partnerships for optimal service: The company will leverage partnerships with Standard Chartered and other industry leaders to provide clients with optimal service and a global reach.

HashKey Global MENA's regional expansion ambitions, with a strategic focus on the GCC, are rooted in empowering MENA's institutions and HNWIs with seamless, cost-efficient access to global crypto markets. This move will reinforce the UAE's position as a hub for blockchain innovation while prioritizing compliance and client protection at every step.

“We are excited to announce the launch of HashKey Global MENA, following the receipt of the VASP license from VARA. This marks a significant milestone in our journey to expand our services to a wider audience. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in the future of finance, and we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible experience,” said Sherif Sanad, Country Manager, HashKey Global Mena.

The UAE has rapidly become the third-largest crypto economy in the MENA region. To meet the needs of this expanding market, HashKey Global MENA will not just deliver virtual asset trading services but will continue to evolve and develop innovative digital asset products, designed and delivered within VARA's robust regulatory and compliance framework.

“At HashKey, we believe innovation in crypto shouldn't come at the cost of compliance. In fact, the industry's future depends on building boldly—while staying within clear, trusted regulatory frameworks. That’s why we're committed to working closely with regulators around the world to deliver reliable digital asset products and services on a global scale,” added Sherif Sanad, Country Manager, HashKey Global Mena.

HashKey Group already holds digital asset-related licenses from regulators in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Bermuda, as well as VASP registration in Ireland. As part of its ongoing commitment to building a world-class regulatory footprint, the company is also actively pursuing a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in the European Union. The HashKey Global MENA exchange will be live starting from May 19th.