Animoca Receives ADGM Authorization, Opening a Regulated Avenue for Institutional Web3 Investments

Animoca Brands Secures Preliminary Approval to Operate as Regulated Fund Manager in Abu Dhabi

Animoca Brands, a prominent player in Web3 investments and infrastructure, has obtained initial approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to function as a regulated fund manager. This milestone is a significant advancement in Animoca’s mission to broaden its institutional presence in the Middle East and to connect traditional finance with blockchain-driven innovation. The in-principle approval, revealed on November 24, 2025, will allow Animoca to oversee collective investment funds within or from ADGM, contingent upon meeting all final regulatory requirements.

This regulatory nod is in line with Animoca Brands’ ongoing commitment to creating compliant avenues for institutional involvement in Web3. The company has long been at the forefront of gaming, NFTs, and digital asset sectors. The United Arab Emirates—especially Abu Dhabi and Dubai—has quickly become a global center for blockchain advancement, thanks to its progressive regulations and expanding digital asset infrastructure.

Animoca already operates in Dubai, and this latest approval further strengthens its strategy to develop regulated, institution-focused investment solutions in the region.

According to ADGM’s regulatory framework, this in-principle approval is subject to certain conditions. Animoca must satisfy requirements such as maintaining minimum capital levels, finalizing operational frameworks, and obtaining residency visas for key staff before it can receive full Financial Services Permission. Once these steps are completed, the company will be able to introduce regulated investment products focused on blockchain technology, gaming platforms, and tokenized assets.

With investments in over 600 Web3 projects—including notable names like Axie Infinity, The Sandbox, and OpenSea—Animoca aims to bring its extensive portfolio under a regulated umbrella, potentially paving the way for institutional-grade fund offerings.

Strategic Vision and Regional Impact

Omar Elassar, Animoca’s Managing Director for the Middle East, highlighted the UAE’s emergence as a major center for Web3 and digital assets. He emphasized that this regulatory progress is a crucial component of the company’s regional growth strategy. Additionally, this development aligns with Animoca’s recent plans for a reverse merger with Nasdaq-listed Currenc Group, aiming for a $1 billion valuation and a public listing by the end of 2026. This dual approach—focusing on regulatory compliance and market expansion—demonstrates Animoca’s ambition to strengthen its influence in both conventional and digital financial sectors.

The approval from ADGM is part of a broader movement in the UAE to establish itself as a global leader in digital asset regulation. By attracting innovative blockchain companies like Animoca, the region is positioning itself as a secure and transparent environment for technological advancement, while maintaining investor trust. For Animoca Brands, this conditional approval enhances its credibility and opens the door to greater access to regional capital and structured opportunities for institutional adoption of Web3 technologies.