Animoca Brands Gets ADGM Licence to Launch Institutional Crypto Fund in Abu Dhabi

Animoca Brands, the Hong Kong-based Web3 and gaming giant, has received regulatory approval from Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to manage collective investment funds. The licence, granted to its Abu Dhabi subsidiary, allows the company to offer regulated fund products to institutional investors, marking a significant step in its expansion into the Middle East’s growing digital asset hub. This move positions Animoca to attract large-scale capital from family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and other institutional players seeking exposure to blockchain and metaverse ventures. By operating under ADGM’s framework, Animoca gains credibility and access to a market that has aggressively courted crypto firms with clear rules and tax incentives. The development underscores a broader trend of Web3 companies seeking regulated onshore footholds to bridge traditional finance and digital assets. Animoca’s portfolio of over 400 investments spans NFTs, gaming, and DeFi, and this fund-management capability could accelerate its deal-making while offering investors a compliant vehicle. As Abu Dhabi competes with Dubai and other global financial centres, Animoca’s approval signals the emirate’s ambition to become a premier destination for institutional crypto capital. Expect more licensed crypto fund managers to follow suit in the region.