Flipster, an international cryptocurrency trading platform, has obtained a full operational Exchange license (License No. VL/26/07/002) from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) through its regional entity, Flipster FZE. The approval allows the company to begin offering regulated virtual asset services in the UAE and represents a major milestone in Flipster's international growth strategy.

Under the newly granted license, Flipster FZE can onboard customers in the United Arab Emirates, with plans to gradually extend its regulated services to a wider global audience. The platform also provides access to real-world asset perpetuals in eligible jurisdictions, enabling traders to gain exposure to both digital assets and traditional financial markets. Initially, Flipster's regulated offerings will center on spot trading, laying the groundwork for a broader suite of compliant products.

Receiving the operational license signifies Flipster's progression from obtaining in-principle approval and meeting regulatory requirements to becoming a fully authorized exchange under VARA's regulatory framework. VARA is widely regarded as one of the world's leading authorities for the oversight of virtual assets, known for its comprehensive approach to digital asset regulation.

By operating within VARA's regulatory framework, Flipster aims to deliver a secure, transparent, and compliant trading experience. The platform's operations are supported by stringent requirements governing custody, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance, reinforcing its commitment to protecting users while ensuring dependable access to digital asset markets.

The licensing achievement also underscores Flipster's dedication to maintaining high standards of regulatory compliance in global financial markets. The company views effective regulation as a key driver of long-term trust and recognizes VARA's framework for successfully balancing innovation with strong investor safeguards.

Flipster announced its expansion into the Middle East in May 2025 with the appointment of Benjamin Grolimund as General Manager of Flipster FZE. Securing the full operational license marks the next stage of this regional strategy, enabling the company to move beyond market entry and begin delivering fully regulated virtual asset services within one of the world's most advanced digital asset ecosystems.

HashKey Group, part of HashKey Holdings Limited, has announced a preliminary agreement to form a strategic alliance with ANAP Holdings Inc. (TSE: 3189), a publicly traded company in Tokyo and among Japan’s leading Bitcoin treasury firms. The companies aim to finalize formal agreements by the end of April 2026.

HashKey Japan’s Lending Service, an institutional-level wealth management solution built on HashKey Capital’s asset management and fund platform, will play a central role in this partnership. Through this collaboration, HashKey Japan will work with ANAP to deliver Bitcoin lending services, allowing ANAP to more effectively manage and optimize a portion of its Bitcoin reserves via a structured lending approach.

As of April 15, 2026, ANAP holds approximately 1,417 BTC, placing it among the top three publicly listed Bitcoin-holding companies in Japan. As part of its broader ambition to evolve into a Bitcoin-focused ecosystem company, ANAP is exploring ways not only to hold digital assets but also to generate returns from them. This partnership represents a significant step in HashKey Group’s strategy to expand its digital asset financial services presence in Japan, with HashKey Japan acting as the local operational hub. Initially centered on Bitcoin lending, the collaboration may extend into wider areas such as digital asset management, treasury optimization, and on-chain financial services.

By utilizing HashKey’s institutional-grade infrastructure and risk management expertise, the partnership is designed to help ANAP advance its strategy of storing, utilizing, earning from, and promoting Bitcoin. It also highlights HashKey Group’s ongoing commitment to the Japanese market, where it is building a localized platform to offer trading, asset management, and tokenization services aligned with regulatory requirements.

This collaboration with ANAP marks an important milestone in executing that vision, showcasing how institutional digital asset solutions can assist publicly listed companies in managing and generating value from Bitcoin treasury holdings. Both organizations are currently working through the necessary review processes to ensure full regulatory compliance ahead of a formal announcement and service launch. Looking ahead, HashKey Group and ANAP intend to explore broader cooperation in digital asset management and the wider Bitcoin ecosystem, fostering innovation and institutional adoption within Japan.