by Outgoing head Henson Orser will remain a consultant after Matthew White takes over as the new
CEO of Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority.
Dubai’s dedicated crypto regulator, the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA),
is switching leaders as it prepares for the next phase of its “ramp up to full-scale market operations” in 2023.
In a statement sent to Cointelegraph, VARA said that its incumbent CEO, Henson Orser, will be
replaced by Matthew White, a global adviser who worked several roles at PwC.
VARA also explained that Orser will still help the regulator as a consultant.
Orser is a former banker who worked at Nomura Holdings. He led VARA in adopting a regulatory
regime for the crypto space that took effect earlier in 2023, right after the FTX collapse.
VARA said the Orser established a “specialist regulatory regime” within his term. After handing
over the position, he will still collaborate with the regulator. “His commitment to VARA is steadfast
as he will remain available in a consultative capacity hereon,
highlighting the strong collaboration between both parties,” VARA wrote.
