Regulated OTC derivatives with Laser Digital
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Laser Digital, a subsidiary of Nomura, has obtained the first license issued by the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) of Dubai to offer regulated crypto OTC options, with a direct impact on the derivatives offering related to Bitcoin and beyond. What is the VARA license of Dubai for OTC crypto options? The new “limited” VARA license allows Laser Digital to operate OTC desks for options on digital assets, intended exclusively for controlled institutional clients. The OTC (Over The Counter) refers to platforms where large volumes of Bitcoin and other assets are traded directly, without going through a public exchange, reducing slippage (i.e., the price variation between the order and its execution) and offering greater flexibility on prices. The permission was granted under rigorous supervision regulatory, marking the first true opening of Dubai (and the Middle East) to clearly managed crypto derivative finance. Who are the recipients of regulated Bitcoin OTC derivatives? The target of Laser Digital primarily includes hedge funds, asset managers, trading companies, and institutional operators with a high volume of capital. For these entities, the ability to access regulated products on Bitcoin in OTC mode represents an advantage in terms of managing volatility, hedging strategies, and seeking alternative yield. This initiative can simplify the entry into the crypto market for traditional operators, still hesitant due to a lack of certain rules and protections. Furthermore, it represents a growth lever for Dubai as an innovative financial hub. What changes for the crypto derivatives market in Dubai after Laser Digital’s move? The crypto derivatives market in Dubai remains small in size compared to the United States, but the data confirms a growing trend: 167 million dollars in 2024, with an average annual growth of 3.7% estimated until 2031. With the arrival of the VARA license for OTC options, the sector…
Filed under: News - @ August 7, 2025 9:27 am