When it comes to running a crypto business today, VARA licensing, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority’s requirement for digital asset service providers to operate legally. Also known as VASP licensing, it’s no longer optional in places like Georgia, Thailand, and other jurisdictions cracking down on unregulated platforms. If you’re using a crypto exchange, running a node, or even operating a Bitcoin ATM, you’re likely affected by this rule. VARA licensing isn’t about slowing things down—it’s about making sure the people handling your money aren’t flying under the radar.
This isn’t just about big exchanges. It’s about the whole ecosystem. VASP licensing, the legal framework requiring companies to register, verify identities, and report suspicious activity. Also known as virtual asset service provider rules, it’s why Georgia shut down unlicensed Bitcoin ATMs in 2025. It’s why Thailand banned five foreign P2P platforms—to force users onto local, licensed exchanges. And it’s why platforms like LCX Exchange and Bitfinex stay in business: they play by the rules. Without VARA-style compliance, you’re not just risking fines—you’re risking your funds disappearing into a ghost exchange like Uzyth, with no team, no reviews, and no accountability.
For users, this means one thing: you can’t ignore regulation anymore. If you’re trading, staking, or earning from airdrops, you need to know if the platform you’re using is licensed. A token like COLLAR or ASPIRIN might look cheap, but if the platform behind it isn’t licensed, your investment has zero legal protection. Even if a project like WiFi Map (WIFI) has real utility, it’s still vulnerable if the exchange it’s listed on isn’t compliant. VARA licensing isn’t about stopping innovation—it’s about stopping scams. And that’s exactly what this collection of posts dives into: real cases where regulation caught fraud, where unlicensed platforms vanished, and where users lost everything because they didn’t ask the right questions.
Below, you’ll find deep dives into crypto exchanges that made the cut, airdrops that turned out to be empty promises, and jurisdictions that are enforcing rules with real teeth. Whether you’re trying to avoid a scam or just want to trade safely, the answers aren’t in hype—they’re in compliance.
The UAE has built one of the world’s clearest crypto frameworks. Learn how Bitcoin and altcoins are regulated in 2025, from licensing to taxes, DeFi, and NFTs-plus what businesses and traders need to know.
