Kraken Secures Full UAE Regulatory Approval, Plans Launch Within Weeks

Crypto exchange Kraken is preparing to launch regulated services in the United Arab Emirates within weeks after its parent company, Payward, secured Full Market Approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. The authorization allows Payward FZCO to operate as a licensed Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP), serving retail, professional and institutional investors. Kraken plans to introduce spot and margin trading, direct UAE dirham deposits and withdrawals, and AED-denominated trading pairs. The approval completes a licensing process that began with preliminary authorization in May 2026, when Payward received permission to establish its regulated operations ahead of the local launch.