Payward Secures Full Crypto License in Dubai, Expanding Kraken's Global Footprint
The parent company of Kraken has obtained a full Virtual Asset Service Provider license in Dubai.
The parent company of Kraken has obtained a full Virtual Asset Service Provider license in Dubai. This is an original TLT brief synthesising 2 outlets (Bitcoin World, CryptoNewsZ), plus live market data, as of Tue, 13 Oct 2026 09:15:02 UTC.
This license allows Payward to operate as a regulated crypto exchange in Dubai, enhancing its presence in a key global market and signaling growing regulatory acceptance for crypto services in the region.
- Payward, Kraken's parent, gains full VASP license in Dubai.
- Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority grants approval.
- License boosts Kraken's regulated presence in a major crypto market.
Both BitcoinWorld and CryptoNewsZ report that Payward, the parent company of Kraken, has secured a full Virtual Asset Service Provider license from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. This license allows Payward FZCO to operate as a regulated crypto exchange in Dubai. While both outlets confirm the core development, CryptoNewsZ emphasizes the 'full market approval' aspect, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the regulatory green light.
- Kraken Secures Final Approval to Launch Dirham Trading in Dubai
- Payward Secures Full Crypto License in Dubai, Expanding Kraken's Global Footprint — this brief
Payward, the parent company of the prominent cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, has obtained a full Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license for its Dubai-based entity, Payward FZCO. This development comes after approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), as reported by both BitcoinWorld and CryptoNewsZ.
The license grants Payward the authorization to offer a range of crypto services in Dubai, including trading, custody, and asset management. This move underscores the exchange's strategic focus on expanding its regulated operations in key international markets.
The development is corroborated by both outlets, with CryptoNewsZ specifically highlighting the 'full market approval' as a significant milestone. This suggests that Payward has met stringent regulatory requirements, reflecting Dubai's proactive approach to integrating crypto into its financial ecosystem.
Dubai has been positioning itself as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction, with VARA playing a crucial role in establishing a regulatory framework that balances innovation with consumer protection. The approval of Payward's license is a testament to the emirate's commitment to becoming a global crypto hub.
As of the latest market data, the total crypto market cap stands at $2.89 trillion, with 
Bitcoin trading at a 24-hour decrease of 0.61%. The overall market sentiment, as indicated by the Fear & Greed index, remains in 'Greed' territory at 57. This regulatory advancement for Payward could potentially attract more institutional interest and investment into the crypto space.
Figures and sectors in this story, checked live against on-chain aggregators · October 13, 2026.
TLT reads these figures directly from on-chain aggregators (DeFiLlama, mempool.space) at build time — independent of what any outlet reported. Sector totals aggregate every protocol DeFiLlama tracks in that category. Values are live and will change.
Payward Secures Full Crypto License in Dubai, Expanding Krak — questions & answers
What is a VASP license and why is it important?
A VASP license allows companies to legally offer crypto services like trading and custody. It is crucial for operating in regulated markets.
How does this affect Kraken's operations?
This license expands Kraken's regulated presence, allowing it to serve customers in Dubai under a compliant framework.
What is Dubai's stance on crypto?
Dubai is actively fostering a crypto-friendly environment through its regulatory framework and licensing process.
Which outlets reported this story?
This is an original TLT brief that synthesises reporting from Bitcoin World, CryptoNewsZ, with the key figures cross-checked for agreement across them. It is not a copy of any one article — follow the source links above for the original reporting.
Original summary — not financial advice. This is an original TLT brief that summarises a development reported elsewhere and adds live market data for context; it is not the original article and reproduces no part of it. Follow the source link above for full details. Crypto is volatile and high-risk — always do your own research.