Choose Rich Live
Crypto News

Kraken parent Payward wins full Dubai regulatory approval for UAE launch

Kraken parent company Payward has secured full market approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, clearing the exchange to launch regulated crypto trading and direct dirham transactions in the UAE in the coming weeks.

Silhouette of a hand holding a smartphone displaying the Kraken logo against a vibrant purple background.
Image: @analyticsinme

Crypto exchange Kraken is preparing to launch in the United Arab Emirates in the coming weeks after its parent company, Payward, received full market approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The license, issued to Payward FZCO, allows the company to operate as a regulated virtual asset service provider serving retail, professional, and institutional investors, following an initial preliminary approval secured in May.[1][5][6][7]

At launch, UAE customers will be able to deposit and withdraw funds directly in dirhams (AED), alongside trading AED-denominated spot and margin pairs. The platform will also support on-chain staking, tokenized stocks through xStocks, and Krak crypto transfers, while institutional clients will gain access to over-the-counter spot trading and Kraken Prime.[1][3][4][5][8]

Payward also plans to offer embedded trading infrastructure to regional partners. Additional products, including crypto derivatives and expanded yield offerings, remain subject to further regulatory approvals and are scheduled to follow later in 2026 and into 2027.[1][2][4][5]

Key facts

  • Payward, the parent company of Kraken, received full market approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
  • The full license builds on preliminary VARA approval granted to Payward in May.
  • Kraken plans to launch in the UAE in the coming weeks, serving retail, professional, and institutional clients.
  • Launch features will include direct AED deposits and withdrawals, AED spot and margin trading, staking, xStocks, and Krak transfers.
  • Institutional clients will have access to OTC spot trading and Kraken Prime.
  • Crypto derivatives and yield products are targeted for late 2026 into 2027, subject to further regulatory clearance.

Sources · 8 sources

  1. WB

    Wu Blockchain@WuBlockchainPost on X ·

    Payward Receives Full Market Approval from Dubai’s VARA; Kraken Plans UAE Launch in the Coming Weeks Kraken parent Payward has received full market approval from Dubai’s VARA, allowing regulated virtual-asset services for retail, professional and institutional investors. Kraken plans to launch in the UAE within weeks, with AED-denominated spot and margin trading, direct AED deposits and withdrawals, onchain staking and tokenized stocks via xStocks. Institutional clients will also get OTC spot and Kraken Prime. Crypto derivatives and other products are planned for late 2026 into 2027, subject to further approval. Payward received preliminary VARA approval in May.

    Open source
  2. CN

    crypto.news@cryptodotnewsPost on X ·

    JUST IN: Kraken secures full regulatory approval to expand crypto services in Dubai The approval allows UAE customers to access spot and margin trading, AED trading pairs, staking and crypto transfers, while institutions gain access to OTC trading and Kraken Prime; derivatives and other yield products are planned for 2026 and 2027, respectively.

    Open source
  3. CB

    Coin Bureau@coinbureauPost on X ·

    🚨BREAKING: Kraken to launch in the UAE after full VARA approval, allowing local crypto users to fund and withdraw in dirhams (AED).

    Open source
  4. BS

    BSCN@BSCNewsPost on X ·

    Kraken Gets the Green Light for a Big UAE Expansion Payward, Kraken’s (@krakenfx) parent company, has received full market approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. The approval will give UAE-based customers access to spot and margin trading, AED pair, staking, and crypto transfers via Kraken. Meanwhile, institutional clients will be able to use OTC spot trading and Kraken Prime. Derivative crypto and other yield products are expected to launch in 2026 and 2027 respectively.

    Open source
  5. TB

    The Block@TheBlockCoPost on X ·

    THE BLOCK: Kraken parent Payward has secured Dubai's final regulatory approval ahead of the exchange's planned UAE launch in the coming weeks. Kraken plans to offer AED-denominated spot and margin trading, staking, xStocks, and Krak transfers, alongside institutional OTC spot trading and Kraken Prime. Crypto derivatives remain subject to further approval.

    Open source
  6. CO

    CoinDesk@CoinDeskPost on X ·

    NEW: @krakenfx receives UAE regulatory approval with @Payward FZCO licensed by VARA to offer spot and margin trading in AED-denominated pairs to retail, professional and institutional clients, launching in the coming weeks. https://t.co/oKQsXjrpy4

    Open source
  7. CT

    Coin TelegraphArticle ·

    Kraken parent clears Dubai’s final hurdle for dirham trading rollout Payward received full market approval from Dubai’s VARA to expand its digital asset services in the UAE, building on the preliminary approval received in May.

    Open source
  8. CO

    CoinGape@CoinGapeMediaPost on X ·

    🚨 #Kraken Secures Full Dubai Approval @krakenfx parent Payward received full #VARA approval to launch #UAE crypto services, including #AED trading, staking and tokenized stocks. 🔗 Know more in comments

    Open source