Flipster’s expansion into the UAE and what it suggests about competition in a regulated market

The UAE has created one of the clearest regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrency trading platforms. The Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority issues licenses, while the Abu Dhabi Financial Services Regulatory Authority regulates platforms operating in the Abu Dhabi Global Market. This clarity has attracted international platforms that seek formal authorization rather than operate in regulatory gray areas.

Last week, on February 12, 2026, the trading platform “Flipster” specialized in durable products registered a new step by joining the growing list of companies, as it obtains, through its local entity “Flipster FZE”, the … Initial approval From “VARA”. This is the first major regulatory green light for the platform in the UAE, paving the way for the start of regulated spot trading with more products expected to be launched once the full license is obtained.

BeInCrypto interviewed Benjamin Grolemund, Managing Director of Flipster FZE, to investigate the company’s decision: why the UAE has become Flipster’s first regulated market, what internal efforts have been made to strengthen compliance standards, and what this suggests about the future of competition between platforms in 2026.

Build in a specific framework

Grolemond explained that obtaining the initial approval demonstrates Flipster’s commitment to building a long-term presence in the UAE. Indeed, the clarity of regulations in the UAE was a key factor in the decision.

Grolemund noted that instead of responding ad hoc to cryptocurrencies, Dubai has established a dedicated supervisory body with clear expectations for operators. He told BeInCrypto:

Grolemund said the UAE combines clarity of regulations with economic ambition. This clarity is important. Clarity in regulations is a competitive advantage, especially for a platform that plans long-term expansion.

Geography also contributed to the decision. The UAE connects the main financial centers in Asia and Europe, providing platforms with a regulated basis to serve many markets. For a platform that expands beyond a region, this location gives it operational advantages.

Grolemund added:

Grolemund explained that there is also a long-term direction for how the digital infrastructure is built in the Middle East. Digital assets are part of efforts to diversify the economy and are not just treated as a passing phenomenon. This climate supports sustainable growth as opposed to expansion based on fluctuations.

Institutional preparation

Moving from initial approval to full licensing required operational discipline beyond product expansion.

The preparation of supervised activities in the United Arab Emirates involved the formalization of governance structures, the improvement of risk assessment methodologies, and the clarification of reporting lines in line with VARA’s expectations. Developed monitoring systems, enhanced onboarding controls, and distributed accountability across product, engineering, legal, and compliance teams.

Supervised growth requires clarity of responsibility, Grolemund said.

He believes that working in the UAE required integrating regulatory compliance into core processes rather than treating compliance as an external layer. Accountability structures were clarified, risk controls were strengthened, and reporting frameworks were adjusted from the ground up.

Flipster has also established a physical presence in Dubai, transferring some efficiencies from its global offices and recruiting local skills. He emphasized that the license is not treated as a structure for a temporary benefit only.

Grolemund said that some companies see obtaining a license as an expansion step, while we see it as a starting point to build something sustainable.

Monitored performance

The initial approval gives Flipster FZE the ability to move towards spot trading as its first licensed business in the UAE. As regulatory licensing becomes a standard among global trading platforms, the distinction lies increasingly in the way platforms operate once oversight comes into play.

Flipster built its infrastructure for active traders, prioritizing deep liquidity and efficient execution in perpetual futures markets. Grolemund said that entering a regulatory zone does not change that foundation, but rather raises the standards that surround it.

Grolemond emphasized that entering a regulated market does not change our focus on performance, but challenges us to maintain speed and product integrity while operating with stronger governance.

Describe the goal as integrating governance into the core of operations rather than viewing compliance as a separate layer. Compliance engines, liquidity systems and risk controls must operate within well-defined escalation paths and reporting structures.

Grolemund emphasized that speed without structure does not last.

Looking at the bigger picture, Grolemund explained, the UAE is expected to be a key regulatory market in Flipster’s broader expansion strategy in the coming years. The immediate priority is to move from initial approval to full licensing and maintain operations under VARA oversight.

The move reflects a broader reset in the platform sector. With the expansion of regulatory regimes, licensing has become a basic requirement rather than a differentiator. The difference may be in whether the platforms are able to maintain liquidity and quality of execution while operating under supervision.

“Our investment in the United Arab Emirates reflects how we intend to approach every market we enter,” Grolemund emphasized.