Animoca Brands Gains In-Principle Approval for ADGM Fund Management

A fresh regulatory milestone is taking shape in Abu Dhabi as Animoca Brands secures in-principle approval that could soon open the door to fully regulated fund management in the ADGM financial center. The move highlights how the Web3 company continues to expand across global capital hubs while deepening its institutional presence in the Middle East.

Good to Know

• FSRA issued an in-principle approval that allows Animoca Brands to begin the final steps toward fund management authorization
• Approval covers Managing a Collective Investment Fund in or from ADGM once all conditions are met
• Animoca Brands holds investments in more than 600 companies across digital assets and Web3

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM granted Animoca Brands an in-principle approval that positions the company to operate as a regulated Fund Manager after completing required conditions. Once the final authorization is delivered, the company will have clearance to perform Managing a Collective Investment Fund inside the Abu Dhabi Global Market or from within that jurisdiction.

The approval aligns with the company’s broader strategy to scale its institutional capabilities while working within regulated frameworks across international markets. Abu Dhabi continues to shape itself into a central location for digital assets, and the new clearance offers another foothold for Animoca Brands as it builds out operations in the region.

Animoca Brands describes itself as a leader in digital assets, with activity across blockchain, tokenized assets, advisory work, and investment management. Its portfolio spans more than 600 Web3 and digital asset firms, connecting founders, early-stage projects and enterprise players.

The company already has an active base in Dubai to support Web3 adoption, and the new milestone offers further progress in its Middle East expansion plan.

Omar Elassar, Managing Director for Middle East and Head of Global Strategic Partnerships at Animoca Brands, said:

“The UAE is a growing hub for activity in Web3 and digital assets. This in-principle approval supports our regional strategy to build regulated, institutional pathways for participation while continuing to partner with founders and enterprises across the ecosystem.”

ADGM leaders also welcomed the development.

Arvind Ramaurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, said:

“We congratulate Animoca Brands on receiving their IPA, a key step toward full Financial Services Permission. This achievement reflects their commitment to operating within ADGM’s dynamic ecosystem. ADGM is dedicated to enabling businesses like Animoca to advance the adoption of blockchain and digital assets within a trusted, transparent, and well-regulated environment.”