Ctrl Alt, a tokenization infrastructure platform, has announced that it has obtained a virtual asset broker-dealer license and an issuer license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). As of May 1, 2025, Ctrl Alt has successfully tokenized over $295 million in various assets, including real estate, private credit, funds, and litigation finance.

According to the press release, Ctrl Alt is the first virtual asset service provider (VASP) authorized to perform issuer-related services. This approval allows Ctrl Alt to expand its global presence while operating within stringent regulatory frameworks.

The ARVA license represents a new category introduced by VARA Dubai for tokens that are backed by real-world value, such as real estate, commodities, and income streams. This regulatory framework aims to enhance investor protection, provide legal clarity, and establish operational structure within the tokenization sector.

Key features of ARVA tokens include direct and fee-free redemption, real reserves held with licensed custodians, and mandatory independent audits. The term “stablecoin” is now exclusively reserved for approved ARVAs that meet specific real-world asset (RWA) backing requirements. ARVA tokens, as defined under Dubai law, signify direct or indirect ownership of real-world assets, entitling holders to receive or share income while maintaining a stable value linked to these assets.

Matt Ong, Founder and CEO of Ctrl Alt, expressed pride in receiving the VARA license, emphasizing their commitment to regulatory compliance in the UAE. He stated, “This achievement reflects our commitment to long-term regulatory alignment as we power the infrastructure for the next generation of financial products.”

Robert Farquhar, Head of MENA at Ctrl Alt, described the acquisition of the VARA license as a significant milestone for both Ctrl Alt and the broader digital asset ecosystem in the region. He noted that Dubai’s forward-thinking regulatory environment serves as a solid foundation for innovation in tokenization, and Ctrl Alt is eager to contribute to this vision by providing secure and compliant tokenization infrastructure for real-world asset issuance.

Recently, Ctrl Alt played a key role in the launch of Prypco Mint, the first licensed real estate tokenization platform in partnership with the Dubai Land Department and VARA. This initiative successfully issued the region’s first property token ownership certificate and fully funded a property, attracting over 224 investors from 40 different nationalities, with an average investment amount of $2,700.