Abu Dhabi Strengthens Web3 Institutional Presence with Animoca’s Regulatory Endorsement

Animoca Brands, a prominent Web3 investment company, has

from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi to function as a regulated fund manager within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This milestone represents a crucial advancement in Animoca's efforts to strengthen its institutional footprint in the Middle East and for Web3-related assets. The approval supports Abu Dhabi’s rising status as a center for blockchain and digital asset development, with Animoca now within a regulated environment.

The company, which already operates in Dubai, has made the UAE a key part of its regional growth strategy. Omar Elassar, Animoca’s managing director for the Middle East, highlighted that this approval advances their mission to "develop regulated, institutional routes for involvement" in Web3, an area the firm has consistently supported

. This step also aligns with Animoca’s larger goals, such as its recent disclosure of intentions to .

Animoca Brands oversees a portfolio exceeding 600 Web3 investments,

and token-based platforms. This makes the company one of the most active supporters in the sector, concentrating on building institutional-grade opportunities in a fast-changing landscape. With the ADGM’s approval, Animoca can now move forward with finalizing its operational, compliance, and capital obligations to , which would allow it to introduce structured fund offerings to investors worldwide.

Animoca’s integration into the ADGM ecosystem highlights the region’s attractiveness for Web3 businesses aiming to connect traditional finance with decentralized technology.

The timing of this approval coincides with growing momentum in Abu Dhabi’s financial industry. ADGM has become a preferred location for blockchain companies looking for regulatory certainty, with organizations such as KKR recently

.

Animoca’s regulated strategy fits this movement, providing a structure for conventional investors to access Web3 assets while reducing risks tied to unregulated markets.

, with more than 95% of ETF holdings owned by individuals aged 55 and above, institutional reliability has become increasingly important in the crypto sector.

Animoca’s fund management license still requires the company to meet certain operational standards before final approval is granted. Nonetheless, this initial endorsement demonstrates strong regulatory trust in Animoca’s expertise and dedication to compliance. As Abu Dhabi continues to draw international investment, Animoca’s growth could further reinforce the UAE’s role as a central hub for Web3 advancement and institutional participation.