HashKey MENA wins Dubai approval for virtual asset derivatives on July 17, 2026

The VARA authorization expands HashKey MENA’s licensed activity beyond spot trading to exchange-traded derivatives, including perpetual futures, though launch timing and product details remain undisclosed.

34d ago

Fact Check

Multiple sources corroborate the claim. The original Wublockchain report states HashKey MENA received VARA approval on 17 July 2026 for Virtual Asset Exchange-Traded Derivatives Services covering perpetual futures, expanding beyond its existing spot trading—matching the claim precisely, including the date, regulator, entity, scope, and the note that product/launch details remain undisclosed. The VARA public register confirms HashKey MENA FZE is an active licensed VASP in Dubai. Blockchainreporter and Coincu independently corroborate the BTC/ETH perpetual derivatives scope. The only minor discrepancy is that the VARA register still lists Broker-Dealer/Exchange Services rather than explicitly listing derivatives, which is consistent with the newly granted authorization not yet being fully reflected on the register.

Summary

HashKey MENA said it received approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority on July 17, 2026 to expand its permitted activities to include Virtual Asset Exchange-Traded Derivatives Services, extending its regional business beyond spot trading. The authorization covers exchange-traded derivatives including perpetual futures, a product that accounts for most global crypto derivatives activity, and puts HashKey ahead of many Dubai-based exchanges still operating under more limited licensing stages. The approval marks a further step in Dubai’s effort to build a regulated virtual asset market, though HashKey has not yet disclosed launch timing, trading pairs or leverage limits for the new products.

Terms & Concepts

perpetual futures: Futures-style contracts with no fixed expiry date, allowing traders to keep positions open continuously.
spot trading: The direct purchase or sale of an asset for immediate settlement.
exchange-traded derivatives: Standardized derivative contracts offered on a regulated trading venue rather than through direct ownership of the underlying asset.