Laser Digital Makes History: Secures Dubai’s First License for OTC Crypto Options Trading

Dubai just handed the crypto world a new benchmark—Laser Digital scored the city's first-ever license for OTC crypto options. Game on.

Why it matters: While traditional finance still debates regulation, Dubai's slicing through red tape to become the go-to hub for institutional crypto trading. Laser's win isn't just a permit—it's a power move.

The fine print: No specifics on trading volume caps or counterparty restrictions (yet). But with Nomura backing Laser, expect heavyweight players to flood in. After all, nothing attracts bankers like 'first-mover advantage'—until the next shiny license gets issued.

Bottom line: The desert just got hotter. And for once, it's not just the weather—it's the OTC crypto derivatives market heating up. (Cue the obligatory 'crypto winter is over' takes.)

Laser Digital to focus on Bitcoin options first

Laser Digital said it will begin with what it called “back-to-basics” products, starting with Bitcoin options. It won’t launch any complicated structured products yet.

According to Chief Product Officer Johannes Woolard, the plan is to use simple instruments to gain trust from counterparties and meet regulatory expectations. “We’re starting with vanilla options and building from there,” he said.

Laser Digital’s first batch of products will be medium-term vanilla options, plain contracts with fixed terms tied to crypto prices, according to its press release. The products will allegedly give institutional traders exposure to the crypto market without the added layers of risk from more exotic derivatives.

The company also said all trades will be handled through ISDA agreements. These documents are already standard in the traditional finance world and are used to set clear terms in over-the-counter derivatives.

Over time, Laser Digital said it plans to roll out more services in Dubai, which may reportedly include lending, spot trading, and yield-generating products. Every new offering will depend on VARA’s review and approval, according to the company.

Laser Digital has not given a timeline for launching additional services but said future products will expand based on market demand and regulatory greenlights.

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