Basri Caneri 
Mantra Finance has decided to expand its operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region by obtaining the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license issued by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulator (VARA).
DeFi and Tokenization Services for Institutional Investors
On February 19, it was announced that Mantra Finance has been authorized to operate a digital asset exchange and provide broker-dealer, management and investment services. John Patrick Mullin, CEO of the company, stated that Dubai and VARA are world leaders in digital asset regulations and said:
“Dubai and VARA have become leaders in crypto regulation globally, establishing the most comprehensive and timely framework for virtual assets and Web 3.0 built from the ground up.”
With this license, Mantra Finance will be able to offer digital asset trading, investment management and broker services. This development is expected to boost solutions that combine DeFi with traditional finance.
New Partnerships for RWA Tokenization
Mantra aims to move billions of dollars of assets to the blockchain by partnering with major companies such as Damac, Libre, MAG, Novus Aviation and Zand.
CEO Mullin stated that the first projects will be announced by the end of the first quarter of this year, and that the opportunities offered by tokenization for institutional investors will grow thanks to the regulatory framework.
Dubai’s Crypto Regulations Toughen
Dubai has introduced strict regulations for crypto companies and imposed severe penalties on unlicensed firms. In 2024, seven unlicensed crypto firms were fined and suspended.
The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulator (VARA) aims to prevent unlicensed activities while tightening marketing rules for crypto firms.
By obtaining this license, Mantra Finance is expected to increase institutional investor interest in the region and expand DeFi services.
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