Companies must meet several financial and operational criteria, such as minimum capital requirements and maintaining liquid assets.
The licensing process can take between 4 to 12 months and involves significant costs.
As crypto banking gains momentum, prospective entrants must prepare for the realization that licensing in this sector is not as straightforward as in traditional banking. How can one navigate these pitfalls in crypto licensing?
Since even traditional banking institutions like Deutsche Bank and Bank of America’s Merrill are stepping up their efforts to offer crypto services, the question of how to obtain a crypto license becomes more important. This is especially true in the UAE, where crypto adoption outpaces regional trends, with 72% of local investors flocking to Bitcoin.
In the traditional banking realm, an IT firm seeking to offer customer banking services can forge a white-label agreement with an existing bank, operating under the bank's license, albeit with some limitations. However, for banks intent on providing crypto services, such intermediary arrangements are non-starters.
First MVP, Then License, or Vice Versa?
Some enterprises prefer to launch minimum viable products (MVPs) to test their crypto service capabilities before rolling out the final product in an effort to mitigate risks. However, is this approach viable within the UAE context?
We’re proud to announce our latest milestone in global regulatory compliance and licensure.https://t.co/vCNztATSCO has secured its MVP Preparatory License from the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority in Dubai. 🇦🇪
Regrettably, no. Essentially, any institution engaging with crypto assets must obtain a crypto license. Regardless of the regulatory framework or jurisdiction, be it within a free zone or elsewhere, a crypto license is imperative.
Thus, the sequence dictates: first, secure the crypto license, then proceed with establishing the bank.
Timing and Budget
The licensing process can usually take 4 to 12 months and can be costly. For example, on the UAE mainland, the registration fee for crypto custody or exchange activities is around $30,000, with an annual fee of around $60,000. If the bank is willing to process money transfers, then the registration fee stands at around $10,000, with an annual fee of roughly $25,000.
#Binance is proud to have received a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
This milestone allows us to extend our services to the retail market alongside qualified and institutional investors.
The licensing process is segmented into three levels: initial permission for crypto activities, operational licensing, and obtaining a full-market product license. Only the latest one allows companies to work with individuals. Given that newly established banks often target individual clients, securing all three milestones is typically imperative.
Therefore, the full-market product license remains the sole authorization enabling banks to service individual clients.
However, fledgling firms have an alternative option. They can apply for the license directly via the Department of Economy and Tourism (for mainland entities), the relevant Free Zone Authority (for free zone enterprises), or directly to the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for unregistered entities.
Requirements for Securing a Crypto License
What criteria must companies fulfill to obtain a crypto license in the UAE? Enterprises seeking licensure must satisfy several requirements. The minimum share capital requirement varies from AED 500,000 for payment and transfer services to AED 1,500,000 for exchange services using a custodian.
Dubai's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) is exploring ways to ease the regulatory cost burden for smaller crypto firms.
During Paris Blockchain Week, VARA CEO Matthew White discussed potential solutions, including a model where larger entities support smaller ones.
This capital must be held in a trust account with VARA serving as beneficiary and as a surety bond provided by a guarantee company or in another manner. Companies must also maintain liquid net assets of at least 1.2 times their monthly operating expenses and reserve assets equal to 100% of client obligations.
Obtaining professional insurance, directors & officers, commercial crime/hot wallet insurance, and any other insurance required by VARA is mandatory.
However, companies may face some difficulties while applying for a license. One of the primary challenges is a lack of relevant expertise in crypto services. Regulators are more inclined to grant licenses to companies with prior experience in this field and a strong legal and compliance team.
Overall, obtaining a crypto license in the UAE is time-consuming and not straightforward, reflecting the authorities' commitment to safeguarding the financial system and protecting citizens.
We’re delighted to have secured in-principle approval of a financial services license from Dubai Financial Services Authority, unlocking our end-to-end managed payments services in the UAE. 🌍🇦🇪https://t.co/4zq8YPlgaG
Companies seeking to enter the crypto market must be prepared to navigate a rigorous licensing process and ensure compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. While challenging, adhering to these standards not only ensures legal operation but also fosters a secure and trustworthy crypto ecosystem within the UAE.
As crypto banking gains momentum, prospective entrants must prepare for the realization that licensing in this sector is not as straightforward as in traditional banking. How can one navigate these pitfalls in crypto licensing?
Since even traditional banking institutions like Deutsche Bank and Bank of America’s Merrill are stepping up their efforts to offer crypto services, the question of how to obtain a crypto license becomes more important. This is especially true in the UAE, where crypto adoption outpaces regional trends, with 72% of local investors flocking to Bitcoin.
In the traditional banking realm, an IT firm seeking to offer customer banking services can forge a white-label agreement with an existing bank, operating under the bank's license, albeit with some limitations. However, for banks intent on providing crypto services, such intermediary arrangements are non-starters.
First MVP, Then License, or Vice Versa?
Some enterprises prefer to launch minimum viable products (MVPs) to test their crypto service capabilities before rolling out the final product in an effort to mitigate risks. However, is this approach viable within the UAE context?
We’re proud to announce our latest milestone in global regulatory compliance and licensure.https://t.co/vCNztATSCO has secured its MVP Preparatory License from the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority in Dubai. 🇦🇪
Regrettably, no. Essentially, any institution engaging with crypto assets must obtain a crypto license. Regardless of the regulatory framework or jurisdiction, be it within a free zone or elsewhere, a crypto license is imperative.
Thus, the sequence dictates: first, secure the crypto license, then proceed with establishing the bank.
Timing and Budget
The licensing process can usually take 4 to 12 months and can be costly. For example, on the UAE mainland, the registration fee for crypto custody or exchange activities is around $30,000, with an annual fee of around $60,000. If the bank is willing to process money transfers, then the registration fee stands at around $10,000, with an annual fee of roughly $25,000.
#Binance is proud to have received a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
This milestone allows us to extend our services to the retail market alongside qualified and institutional investors.
The licensing process is segmented into three levels: initial permission for crypto activities, operational licensing, and obtaining a full-market product license. Only the latest one allows companies to work with individuals. Given that newly established banks often target individual clients, securing all three milestones is typically imperative.
Therefore, the full-market product license remains the sole authorization enabling banks to service individual clients.
However, fledgling firms have an alternative option. They can apply for the license directly via the Department of Economy and Tourism (for mainland entities), the relevant Free Zone Authority (for free zone enterprises), or directly to the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for unregistered entities.
Requirements for Securing a Crypto License
What criteria must companies fulfill to obtain a crypto license in the UAE? Enterprises seeking licensure must satisfy several requirements. The minimum share capital requirement varies from AED 500,000 for payment and transfer services to AED 1,500,000 for exchange services using a custodian.
Dubai's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) is exploring ways to ease the regulatory cost burden for smaller crypto firms.
During Paris Blockchain Week, VARA CEO Matthew White discussed potential solutions, including a model where larger entities support smaller ones.
This capital must be held in a trust account with VARA serving as beneficiary and as a surety bond provided by a guarantee company or in another manner. Companies must also maintain liquid net assets of at least 1.2 times their monthly operating expenses and reserve assets equal to 100% of client obligations.
Obtaining professional insurance, directors & officers, commercial crime/hot wallet insurance, and any other insurance required by VARA is mandatory.
However, companies may face some difficulties while applying for a license. One of the primary challenges is a lack of relevant expertise in crypto services. Regulators are more inclined to grant licenses to companies with prior experience in this field and a strong legal and compliance team.
Overall, obtaining a crypto license in the UAE is time-consuming and not straightforward, reflecting the authorities' commitment to safeguarding the financial system and protecting citizens.
We’re delighted to have secured in-principle approval of a financial services license from Dubai Financial Services Authority, unlocking our end-to-end managed payments services in the UAE. 🌍🇦🇪https://t.co/4zq8YPlgaG
Companies seeking to enter the crypto market must be prepared to navigate a rigorous licensing process and ensure compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. While challenging, adhering to these standards not only ensures legal operation but also fosters a secure and trustworthy crypto ecosystem within the UAE.
Founder and CEO at Investment Service Ukraine and IN SE Corporate Services Providers (Dubai)
Ivan has a deep expertise in servicing investment projects, sale, direct investments, structuring of foreign investment funds, trusts, venture funds, as well as asset management companies.
Retail Traders Get Tokenized US IPO Allocations at Offer Price as Payward Expands xStocks
Featured Videos
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
Buying The Deep: Digital Asset Adoption in APAC and Beyond
Buying The Deep: Digital Asset Adoption in APAC and Beyond
Buying The Deep: Digital Asset Adoption in APAC and Beyond
Buying The Deep: Digital Asset Adoption in APAC and Beyond
Buying The Deep: Digital Asset Adoption in APAC and Beyond
Buying The Deep: Digital Asset Adoption in APAC and Beyond
The persisting price drops test the industry's commitment to crypto adoption. While on-chain innovation is making headway across market mechanics, from stablecoins to tokenization, investors remains cautious.
This session brings together market structure experts and institutional investors to explore how a prolonged bear market affects their long-term strategy, and where the opportunities lie ahead of the next cycle.
Attendees will walk away with:
First-hand account of the bear market's impact on various industry players
Understanding of what custody, connectivity, and settlement gaps still hamper growth in APAC
Insight into how client mandates and operational readiness are shaping who moves and who waits
Perspective on what institutional investors need to move toward actual digital asset capital deployment
The persisting price drops test the industry's commitment to crypto adoption. While on-chain innovation is making headway across market mechanics, from stablecoins to tokenization, investors remains cautious.
This session brings together market structure experts and institutional investors to explore how a prolonged bear market affects their long-term strategy, and where the opportunities lie ahead of the next cycle.
Attendees will walk away with:
First-hand account of the bear market's impact on various industry players
Understanding of what custody, connectivity, and settlement gaps still hamper growth in APAC
Insight into how client mandates and operational readiness are shaping who moves and who waits
Perspective on what institutional investors need to move toward actual digital asset capital deployment
The persisting price drops test the industry's commitment to crypto adoption. While on-chain innovation is making headway across market mechanics, from stablecoins to tokenization, investors remains cautious.
This session brings together market structure experts and institutional investors to explore how a prolonged bear market affects their long-term strategy, and where the opportunities lie ahead of the next cycle.
Attendees will walk away with:
First-hand account of the bear market's impact on various industry players
Understanding of what custody, connectivity, and settlement gaps still hamper growth in APAC
Insight into how client mandates and operational readiness are shaping who moves and who waits
Perspective on what institutional investors need to move toward actual digital asset capital deployment
The persisting price drops test the industry's commitment to crypto adoption. While on-chain innovation is making headway across market mechanics, from stablecoins to tokenization, investors remains cautious.
This session brings together market structure experts and institutional investors to explore how a prolonged bear market affects their long-term strategy, and where the opportunities lie ahead of the next cycle.
Attendees will walk away with:
First-hand account of the bear market's impact on various industry players
Understanding of what custody, connectivity, and settlement gaps still hamper growth in APAC
Insight into how client mandates and operational readiness are shaping who moves and who waits
Perspective on what institutional investors need to move toward actual digital asset capital deployment
The persisting price drops test the industry's commitment to crypto adoption. While on-chain innovation is making headway across market mechanics, from stablecoins to tokenization, investors remains cautious.
This session brings together market structure experts and institutional investors to explore how a prolonged bear market affects their long-term strategy, and where the opportunities lie ahead of the next cycle.
Attendees will walk away with:
First-hand account of the bear market's impact on various industry players
Understanding of what custody, connectivity, and settlement gaps still hamper growth in APAC
Insight into how client mandates and operational readiness are shaping who moves and who waits
Perspective on what institutional investors need to move toward actual digital asset capital deployment
The persisting price drops test the industry's commitment to crypto adoption. While on-chain innovation is making headway across market mechanics, from stablecoins to tokenization, investors remains cautious.
This session brings together market structure experts and institutional investors to explore how a prolonged bear market affects their long-term strategy, and where the opportunities lie ahead of the next cycle.
Attendees will walk away with:
First-hand account of the bear market's impact on various industry players
Understanding of what custody, connectivity, and settlement gaps still hamper growth in APAC
Insight into how client mandates and operational readiness are shaping who moves and who waits
Perspective on what institutional investors need to move toward actual digital asset capital deployment
