- Revolut wins VARA in-principle approval for regulated crypto services in the UAE.
- UAE users will access Revolut app and Revolut X after final regulatory approval.
- Approval supports Revolut’s global expansion across regulated digital asset markets.
Revolut has received in-principle approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to expand its cryptocurrency services in the United Arab Emirates.
The approval moves the global fintech closer to offering regulated digital asset trading, investment, and exchange services through its retail app and Revolut X, although final regulatory authorization remains pending.
VARA Approval Advances Revolut’s UAE Crypto Plans
Revolut announced that it has secured in-principle approval for a Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) licence from Dubai’s VARA. The approval covers broker-dealer, management and investment, and exchange services for digital assets.
However, the company must still receive final regulatory approval before launching these services in the UAE. Until then, customers cannot access the planned crypto products.
Once fully licensed, eligible UAE users will be able to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies through the Revolut app and the standalone Revolut X trading platform. The company said the services will operate within Dubai’s regulated virtual asset framework.
THE BLOCK: Revolut receives in-principle approval from Dubai's VARA to offer crypto broker-dealer, investment, and exchange services in the UAE.
The fintech plans to offer crypto services through its retail app and standalone exchange, Revolut X, subject to final regulatory… pic.twitter.com/V6l734FyOR
— The Block (@TheBlockCo) July 15, 2026
The latest milestone follows another regulatory achievement earlier this year. Revolut received approval from the Central Bank of the UAE for its payments business, supporting its strategy to build a fully regulated financial ecosystem in the country.
Joseph Khair, Head of Revolut Digital Assets FZE, UAE, said the approval reflects the country’s transparent approach to digital asset regulation. He added that the company aims to support VARA’s objective of creating a secure and innovation-driven virtual asset ecosystem.
Revolut currently serves more than 75 million customers worldwide, including over 16 million crypto users across global markets.
UAE Strengthens Position as a Global Crypto Hub
Dubai has continued attracting major cryptocurrency firms through its dedicated regulatory framework. VARA has already granted full VASP licences to several leading digital asset companies, including Binance, Crypto.com, OKX, Deribit, BitOasis, and HashKey.
Revolut’s in-principle approval positions the fintech to join this regulated market after completing the remaining licensing requirements.
The expansion also aligns with Revolut’s broader international crypto strategy. The company already offers digital asset services across the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area while adapting its products to regional regulations.
Recently, Revolut confirmed it would phase out support for Tether’s USDT in eligible European markets to comply with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.
The UAE approval highlights the company’s continued focus on regulated growth. Although no launch date has been announced, securing final authorization would allow Revolut to introduce crypto services in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital asset markets while expanding its presence across regulated jurisdictions.
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