Animoca Brands has received in-principle approval from Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), marking a major step toward becoming a regulated fund manager in one of the Middle East’s most dynamic digital-asset hubs.
The Hong Kong–based Web3 investment company announced Monday that the approval moves it significantly closer to managing regulated investment funds within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), pending final authorization once required conditions are met.
The FSRA’s in-principle approval allows a firm to move through the final phases of regulatory assessment before receiving a full Financial Services Permission (FSP).
Once the remaining conditions are fulfilled, Animoca Brands will be permitted to operate as a collective investment fund manager in or from the ADGM, enabling it to manage capital in a regulated environment while expanding its institutional relationships in the region.
Strategic Expansion into Institutional Finance
For Animoca Brands, best known for its early investments in blockchain gaming, digital assets, and NFTs, the move represents a strategic push deeper into institutional finance.
The company has long positioned itself at the intersection of entertainment and blockchain technology. Its portfolio includes high-profile Web3 projects such as The Sandbox, Mocaverse, and numerous investments across decentralized gaming, metaverse infrastructure, and digital collectibles.
Abu Dhabi's Growing Digital-Asset Hub Status
Abu Dhabi has rapidly emerged as a global digital-asset hub due to its clear regulatory frameworks, government-backed support for innovation, and growing roster of licensed crypto firms.
Securing regulatory approval within ADGM gives Animoca a stronger foothold in the Middle East, a region increasingly attractive to blockchain companies seeking regulatory clarity and investment-friendly policies.
Alignment with Long-Term Strategy
Animoca Brands stated that the approval aligns with its long-term strategy to expand institutional asset-management capabilities and support the growth of the Web3 ecosystem. As digital-asset markets mature, regulated fund structures are becoming more important for institutional investors seeking exposure to blockchain-based opportunities.
Full authorization from the FSRA will follow once Animoca Brands satisfies the remaining regulatory conditions. Until then, the company views the approval as a significant milestone that reinforces its position as a key global player in the Web3 investment landscape.