In recent developments, major cryptocurrency exchanges Binance and OKX have made significant strides in expanding their presence in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with the launch of Gulf Binance in Thailand and OKX obtaining a regulatory license in Dubai.
Gulf Binance Opens in Thailand
Following the official unveiling of Gulf Binance, a cryptocurrency exchange joint venture between Binance and Gulf Innova, the platform has been granted a license to operate from Thailand’s finance ministry, signaling the exchange’s regulatory compliance in the country. The establishment of Gulf Binance in Thailand aims to provide a secure and regulated platform for trading digital assets with local currency pairs, fostering greater participation in the global digital asset ecosystem for Thai investors.
Nirun Fuwattananukul, CEO of Gulf Binance, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to launch their local platform in Thailand, emphasizing the close collaboration with Thai regulators and the commitment to security, transparency, and service quality.
Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, also highlighted the strategic significance of Thailand’s role in the global digital finance landscape, underscoring the transformative power of blockchain technology and digital assets in fostering financial inclusion.
OKX Obtains Regulatory License in Dubai
In parallel with Binance’s expansion efforts, cryptocurrency exchange OKX has obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), enabling it to offer retail crypto services in the region. The regulatory approval positions OKX to provide spot and spot-pair services to qualified retail and institutional customers, in alignment with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global hub for the cryptocurrency industry.
Rifad Mahasneh, OKX General Manager for the MENA region, expressed enthusiasm for the regulatory license and its potential to facilitate the seamless deposit and withdrawal of funds in local currency for both retail and institutional clients in the UAE.
The Growing Interest in Southeast Asia and the Middle East
The expansion of Binance and OKX into Thailand and Dubai reflects the growing interest from major players in establishing a presence in these regions and leveraging their potential as thriving crypto markets. With Binance Coin (BNB) trading at $316 and exhibiting notable price movements, the continued developments in Southeast Asia and the Middle East hold significant implications for the broader digital asset landscape.
The launch of Gulf Binance in Thailand and OKX’s regulatory license in Dubai marks pivotal advancements in expanding the reach of cryptocurrency exchanges in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, signaling a growing maturation of these markets in the global crypto industry.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this research report is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or investment advice. The NFT and cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and readers should conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.

