Deribit Obtains Broker-Dealer Licence from Dubai's VARA, Enabling Direct Coinbase Exchange Routing
Key Takeaways
- •Deribit, a Coinbase subsidiary, has obtained a Broker-Dealer Licence from Dubai's VARA, enabling direct order routing to Coinbase Exchange for spot trading.
- •The new authorisation is expected to improve liquidity and give clients access to a wider range of digital assets on the platform.
- •Assets purchased through the enhanced spot platform can serve as collateral for derivatives trading on Deribit, which leads the market in crypto options by open interest and volume.
- •VARA, established in 2022 as one of the first specialized virtual asset regulators globally, continues to attract licensed crypto firms to Dubai under its regulatory framework.

Deribit, a subsidiary of Coinbase, has been granted a Broker-Dealer Licence by Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The regulatory approval enables Deribit to route spot buy, sell, and trade orders directly to the Coinbase Exchange, significantly upgrading its spot trading product.
Enhanced Trading Capabilities
The VARA licence represents a key step for Deribit and its parent company Coinbase. With the new authorisation, Deribit can route client orders straight to Coinbase Exchange, which is expected to improve liquidity and provide clients with access to a broader range of assets. Assets acquired through the new platform can also be used as collateral for derivatives trading on Deribit.
Deribit operates as a cryptocurrency exchange specialising in derivatives trading, with a primary focus on options and futures products. It has long been the dominant venue for crypto options by open interest and volume, making the integration of spot access through Coinbase Exchange a notable expansion of its product surface.
VARA's Regulatory Role
The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) is Dubai's regulator overseeing virtual asset service providers. The authority ensures compliance with local laws and works to maintain a secure environment for digital asset trading. VARA, established in 2022, was among the first specialised virtual asset regulators globally and has become a central pillar of Dubai's effort to attract licensed crypto firms to the emirate. The licence adds to a growing roster of VARA-authorised entities operating under the framework.
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Source: Coinfomania