Amber Premium Secures VARA In-Principle Approval in Dubai

The approval was granted to Amber Premium FZE, the Dubai-based arm of Amber International Holding Limited, a global digital-asset firm listed on Nasdaq under the ticker AMBR. Receiving in-principle approval places the company at the final stage of VARA’s licensing process, with full authorization contingent on completing the remaining regulatory and operational requirements.

While in-principle approval does not allow a company to begin full commercial operations, it signifies that the applicant has cleared initial regulatory review steps and can proceed to complete the remaining requirements before full authorization is issued. Firms with IPA are not permitted to conduct virtual asset activities until they obtain a full VASP license from VARA.

The company said the approval supports its broader strategy to deliver institutional-grade digital wealth management services within a regulated environment. Amber Premium positions itself as a platform designed for professional and high-net-worth clients, with a focus on compliance, governance, and long-term sustainability in digital-asset markets.

Michael Wu, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Amber Premium, described VARA’s in-principle approval as a key step in the company’s long-term strategy. "VARA's in-principle approval is a milestone in our long-term build. We are deliberate in pacing growth with governance," Wu said. "This advances our goal to bring institutional-grade digital wealth management capabilities to clients in the UAE. Sustainable participation starts with compliance-first decisions - we are committed to aligning with regulatory expectations, safeguarding clients, and contributing to market integrity. We look forward to continuing the licensing process with VARA."

The development comes as Dubai continues to strengthen its digital-asset regulatory framework through VARA, the authority responsible for licensing, supervision, and compliance across virtual asset activities in the emirate. VARA’s approach centers on structured authorization processes, operational safeguards, and ongoing regulatory engagement, reinforcing Dubai’s focus on regulated participation rather than informal market activity.

For firms looking to operate in the UAE’s digital-asset sector, regulatory clarity has become increasingly important. Companies seeking authorization typically undergo multi-stage reviews covering internal controls, risk management practices, technology infrastructure, and governance arrangements. In-principle approval marks a key step in that process, signaling regulatory confidence while maintaining oversight until all licensing conditions are satisfied.

Amber Premium’s progress reflects a broader industry shift toward regulated market access as digital-asset firms expand globally. As institutional and professional clients place greater emphasis on regulated environments, licensing milestones have become an important way for firms to demonstrate credibility and operational maturity.

Securing approval in Dubai supports its long-term vision of building regulated digital financial services capable of operating across major financial centers. Although no timeline was provided for final licensing, the IPA allows Amber Premium to continue working with VARA to meet the remaining requirements for full authorization.

From a market perspective, regulatory approvals are widely seen as foundational steps rather than end goals. Firms that complete licensing processes gain access to regulated markets, but they also assume ongoing compliance obligations, supervisory engagement, and reporting responsibilities. These frameworks are designed to support innovation while safeguarding investor protection and financial stability.

Amber Premium’s announcement highlights the continued development of Dubai’s virtual asset ecosystem, as regulators and market participants work to establish clear and structured pathways for participation. As more firms seek authorization under VARA, the regulatory framework is expected to play an increasingly influential role in shaping how digital-asset services evolve in the region.

The in-principle approval marks both progress and responsibility, advancing its entry into the UAE market while committing the company to the regulatory standards governing virtual asset activity in Dubai. The next phase will focus on completing the remaining licensing steps before fully regulated operations can begin.