GAP 3 Partners Secures VARA License, Pioneers Regulated Virtual Asset Advisory in Dubai

GAP 3 Partners (G3), an institutional virtual asset advisory firm based in Dubai, announced today that the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) granted an operational license, officially becoming Dubai’s first regulated Virtual Asset Advisor.

The license allows G3 to deliver its full suite of regulated advisory services to institutional clients, marking a key step in the maturation of the virtual asset ecosystem in the UAE and beyond. G3 will now offer its services to a broad range of institutional stakeholders, including sovereign funds, corporates, family offices, and institutions, seeking strategic entry into digital assets under the protection of a regulated framework.

A Firm Built by Industry Leaders

G3 was co-founded by prominent digital asset and Web3 figures, namely, Robin Janaway (formerly with Outlier Ventures), Chris Donovan (formerly with NEAR Foundation), and Adib Tohme, a seasoned blockchain advisor. They bring over a decade of collective experience in digital asset markets, strategic tokenomics, and institutional finance.

Their shared vision is to bridge traditional capital with the rapidly evolving Web3 and blockchain-based financial infrastructure, leveraging Dubai’s regulatory clarity and strategic positioning as a global center.

Comprehensive Services for the Digital Finance Era

With the Operational License now in place, GAP 3 Partners is officially authorized to deliver a comprehensive range of end-to-end advisory services tailored to institutional clients operating in the digital asset space. These services include developing and structuring digital asset strategies, guidance on regulatory licensing and compliance, and expert support in token design and market entry. 

The firm also offers advisory on treasury management and digital asset custody, execution strategies for participation in tokenized markets, and strategic consulting on tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs). This full-spectrum offering positions G3 as a one-stop advisory partner for institutions looking to navigate the complexities of the emerging digital financial ecosystem with confidence and regulatory clarity.

This positions G3 as a strategic partner for institutions looking to navigate the complexities of digital transformation in finance while remaining compliant with international regulatory standards.

Supporting Institutional-Scale Adoption

The approval is a major signal of confidence in Dubai’s regulatory framework and its commitment to becoming a global hub for blockchain innovation. It also comes at a time of rapidly accelerating institutional interest in virtual assets, with tokenized securities, RWAs, stablecoins, and programmable finance gaining mainstream traction.

In a joint statement, the founding team explained:

“Dubai’s regulatory leadership together with accelerating institutional interest in digital assets create a unique environment for growth. We are building G3 to be the region’s premier Virtual Asset Advisor—trusted by institutions to navigate complexity, unlock value, and lead in the next era of finance.”

Dubai’s Leadership in Regulated Innovation

VARA, established under the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, has become a model for forward-looking digital asset regulation globally. Its tiered licensing regime, technology-agnostic policies, and commitment to compliance have attracted global players seeking regulatory certainty.

G3’s license under VARA strongly endorses its internal controls and capacity to operate at the highest standards of governance and fiduciary responsibility.

About GAP 3 Partners

GAP 3 Partners, based in Dubai, operates as a licensed virtual asset advisor under the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) oversight. The firm is dedicated to supporting institutional clients by offering a wide range of advisory services that connect conventional finance with the evolving world of digital assets. Backed by a team of industry experts and a strong regulatory framework, G3 helps clients confidently navigate the digital asset landscape, delivering strategic, secure, and compliant solutions that drive long-term value.