Dubai regulator sets compliance deadline for updated crypto rules
Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has mandated that licensed digital asset companies comply with updated Rulebooks by June 19, 2025. Version 2.0 of the Rulebooks includes strengthened controls on margin trading and token distribution services, harmonized compliance requirements, and clearer definitions for collateral wallet arrangements. A 30-day transition period has been granted for compliance. VARA has enhanced supervisory mechanisms across various regulated activities, including advisory, broker-dealer, custody, and exchange services. The updates aim to reduce ambiguity in operational terms and align risk management and disclosure obligations. VARA has tightened leverage thresholds for margin trading to limit risks and introduced new licensing prerequisites and marketing restrictions for token distribution, particularly for retail offers, to align with global standards.
