DUBAI, Saturday, November 18– The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) announced a leadership transition as it gears up for full-scale market operations on November 16. 1
Matthew White, a seasoned technology and digital trust expert with over 20 years of global advisory experience, will take over as CEO from Henson Orser, who successfully oversaw VARA’s launch and establishment.
White, currently a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, brings extensive expertise in blockchain, crypto, and digital asset protection.
He played a key role in VARA’s creation and led the expansion of PwC’s Cybersecurity and Digital Trust team, now comprised of over 100 specialists.
His strong academic background, with degrees from the MIT Sloan School of Management and the University of Oxford, complements his practical experience. The leadership change comes as VARA prepares to ramp up its regulatory activities and welcome more virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to the Dubai market. The authority has already established comprehensive regulations for this nascent industry, including licensing frameworks and anti-money laundering measures.
This leadership transition is seen as VARA’s commitment to attracting top talent and driving its ambitious market expansion plans.
White’s appointment, effective November 2023, ensures seamless continuity and paves the way for VARA to further solidify its position as a leading global hub for virtual assets.
- Vara: https://www.vara.ae/en/vara-news/vara-moves-to-full-market-operations-with-leadership-transition-matthew-white-to-take-over-from-henson-orser-as-new-ceo/[↩]
