In a pivotal move, Seychelles-based cryptocurrency exchange OKX has launched its regulated retail derivatives, making it the first global exchange to offer such services in the UAE. An official blog by the exchange highlighted that it will provide retail futures, perpetual contracts, and options within the regulated VARA pilot framework in the country. Virtual Regulatory Authority or VARA is the digital asset regulatory framework in the UAE.
What do the regulated derivatives offer to retail investors?
The new regulated crypto retail derivatives provide customers with a wide range of trading strategies across various market conditions and enhance flexibility. The retail investors can now access futures contracts, perpetual contracts, and options with up to 5x leverage, following local regulatory guidelines. These tools, according to OKX, “empower retail traders to respond more effectively to market trends, manage risk with greater precision, and tailor their strategies to both bullish and bearish environments, all within a secure, compliant, and high-performance trading environment.”
OKX sees growing crypto momentum in UAE
The OKX team launched the derivatives amid the strong momentum in the digital asset industry in the UAE. The crypto exchange also sees this expansion as the UAE’s growing reputation as one of the most advanced jurisdictions for digital asset regulation. “With Dubai and Abu Dhabi emerging as regional crypto hubs, the country continues to attract global players thanks to its regulatory clarity, supportive infrastructure, and emphasis on innovation”, said OKX executives. OKX launched its licensed crypto exchange for both retail and institutional investors in the UAE in October 2024.
