Animoca's ADGM Approval Paves Regulated Path for Institutional Web3 Investment

Animoca Brands, a leading Web3 investment and infrastructure firm, has received in-principle approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to operate as a regulated fund manager. This development marks a pivotal step in the company's strategy to expand its institutional footprint in the Middle East and solidify its role in bridging traditional finance with blockchain innovation. The IPA, announced on November 24, 2025, authorizes Animoca to manage collective investment funds in or from ADGM once final regulatory conditions are met.

The approval aligns with Animoca Brands' broader efforts to establish regulated pathways for institutional participation in Web3, a sector it has long positioned itself at the intersection of gaming, NFTs, and digital assets. The UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai, has emerged as a global hub for blockchain innovation due to its supportive regulatory frameworks and growing digital-asset infrastructure. Animoca already maintains an operational presence in Dubai, and this IPA strengthens its regional strategy to create compliant, institutional-grade investment channels.

Under ADGM's regulatory process, the IPA is conditional. Firms must fulfill requirements such as meeting capital thresholds, finalizing operational systems, and securing residence visas for key personnel before obtaining full Financial Services Permission. Once these conditions are satisfied, Animoca will be authorized to launch regulated investment products focused on blockchain development, gaming infrastructure, and tokenized assets. The company, which holds stakes in over 600 Web3 ventures-including Axie Infinity, The Sandbox, and OpenSea-plans to integrate its investment ecosystem into a regulated structure, potentially unlocking institutional-grade fund offerings.

Omar Elassar, Animoca's managing director for the Middle East, emphasized the UAE's role as a "growing hub for Web3 and digital assets" and highlighted the IPA's significance in advancing the firm's regional strategy. The move also complements Animoca's recent announcement of a reverse merger with Nasdaq-listed Currenc Group, targeting a $1 billion valuation and public listing by late 2026. This dual focus on regulatory compliance and market expansion underscores the company's ambition to scale its influence in both traditional and digital finance.

The ADGM approval reflects broader trends in the UAE's push to lead global digital-asset regulation. By attracting blockchain firms like Animoca, the jurisdiction aims to position itself as a rules-based environment for innovation while maintaining investor confidence. For Animoca, the conditional green light represents a credibility boost, enabling deeper access to regional capital pools and structured opportunities for institutional Web3 adoption.