The UAE Central Bank has issued its long awaited virtual assets and virtual assets service provider framework under the umbrella of a new guidance on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) for licensed financial institutions (LFIs) with a focus on the risks of dealing with virtual assets. The actual document is more telling than the initial press release . In reality the UAE Central Bank has clarified what is considers as virtual assets and who can offer services in this realm, as well as how banks and financial institutions will work with VASPs when it comes to opening accounts for them and meeting compliance requirements. It also makes clear that virtual assets are not considered a legal tender in the UAE. Now a lot has been made clear. Earlier this month, there was a position for a Fintech virtual assets senior manager job at a UAE Bank who was required to be specialized in Fintech and virtual assets compliance from a finance crime perspe...

  In a recent announcement by Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority ( VARA ), the Department of Economy and Tourism is now offering regulated virtual assets activities in its branches. This means that Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) seeking to conduct business in Dubai’s mainland or make changes to their current commercial licenses may submit their applications for the below-mentioned activities at DET branches. The list of Regulated Virtual Assets Activities (require a license from VARA) include, VA Advisory Services,   VA Broker-Dealer Services,   VA Custody Services,   VA Exchange Services, VA Lending and Borrowing Services and   VA Management and Investment Services. In addition to VA propriety trading which requires a NOC from VARA.  Firms carrying on VA activities in Dubai [except DIFC] prior to 7 February 2023 [Legacy VASPs], must have their applications seeking regulatory oversight or relevant guidance from VARA by the final deadl...

    UAE based EnjinStarter MENA, a web3 Launchpad and incubator,   has become the first launchpad globally to receive initial approval by Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority. According to the unilateral announcement, EnjinStarter will continue to undertake the in-depth process of applying for a licence, in accordance with VARA requirements. With the Middle East and North Africa considered to be a booming Web3 market, Enjinstarter is seeking a foothold in the region as it aims to be the premier Launchpad and incubator for Web3 metaverse, gaming, and entertainment experiences. Enjinstarter has ambitious plans to be the go-to provider for Web3 adoption in the region, including the addition of more portfolio projects focusing on impact and sustainability initiatives that complement the UAE’s commitment to climate action. “This is an important step for Enjinstarter. Getting initial approval and continuing with our license application makes clear our commitment...

  Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), with the commencement of its Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Phase, has announced Regulatory Guidelines on Marketing, Advertising and Promotions of VA across the Emirate of Dubai. The new VARA regulations specifically address marketing and communications activities, ahead of operationalizing the MVP licensees so that any mass-market information dissemination and consumer solicitation are designed to safeguard community interests. Regulations on Marketing, Advertising and Promotions of Virtual Assets cover all forms of outreach, communications and advertising, including publication of information, awareness building, customer engagement, and/or investor solicitation. VARA rules extend to VA related communications by any entity leveraging Dubai-based media sites, search platforms, and online or off-line publishing channels that explicitly target customers within the Dubai market, establishing guardrails on permissible audience...

  So even with the tumultuous times that the crypto market is seeing this past week, and despite the fear and apprehension on the state of crypto, stablecoins, and NFTs given the regulation discussions happening across the globe, one thing has kept my spirits high and optimistic. It is no other than the crypto TVC ad for BitOasis on MBC. This is big news! Big News because it gives me a premonition that crypto will soon become a regulated mainstream item in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Most will ask, why link the BitOasis Crypto TVC with possible regulations in Saudi Arabia. The answer to me is simple. MBC Group is a media conglomerate owned by the Saudi government based out of MENA with headquarters in Dubai UAE. So either MBC needs the money so badly it doesn’t care what ads air on their station, or MBC is warming up to crypto which could mean that the government of Saudi Arabia is warming up to crypto as well. It is not so surprising; In Ramadan Saudi MBC Group launched t...

So Now the UAE is being dubbed the Wall Street of Crypto. The terminology was first coined by no other than CZ (Zhao Changpeng) the Founder of Binance, whom a BloomBerg article noted as saying that the UAE is definitely the headquarters of Binance. This is the first time in the history of Binance where it actually announces it even has a headquarter. It would seem that the Wall Street of Crypto has ousted both France and Bahrain as the base for Binance, as well as Singapore which Binance retreated from several months ago. In the meantime Binance is actually bringing on Wall Street veterans such as Vishal Sacheendran, the former New York Mellon Bank executive who now holds the position of UAE based director for the Middle East and North Africa.   Richard Teng the head of Middle East and North Africa at Binance says more appointments from the banking sector will follow. So far the UAE has granted licenses to a handful of international and global crypto exchanges including the ...