Dubai Crypto Compliance Deadline Set for June 19 as New Rules Take Effect

Highlights:

• Dubai sets June 19 as the deadline for digital asset firms to meet new activity-based rule changes.
• New rules include tighter margin trading controls and clear standards for token distribution services.
• Updated rulebooks define key terms and expand oversight across custody exchange and lending services.

The Virtual Assets Authority of Dubai has announced a June 19 deadline for digital asset companies to follow its updated activity-based rules. The authority published the revised rulebooks today. In addition, they have given companies 30 days to meet the new requirements. The changes in the framework are meant to enhance surveillance and bring consistency to all activities overseen by the authority.

🚨JUST IN: DUBAI’S REGULATORY AUTHORITY, VARA, SETS DEADLINE TO JUNE 19TH FOR VASPS TO COMPLY WITH NEW CRYPTO RULES

— BSCN (@BSCNews) May 19, 2025

The new rules cover margin trading and the distribution of tokens. They also define terms that are widely used and gradually improve supervision in the industry. Within the required time, licensed digital asset providers should update their operations since the changes influence custody, exchange, lending and asset management.

The latest version of the Rulebooks seeks to provide greater continuity among all the licensed services. The new rules fill in the gaps in the earlier rule by explaining words such as client assets and qualified custodians. They also clarify what constitutes collateral. They will help firms deal better with services that overlap, including brokerage, custody and exchange.

Updated Rules Strengthen Dubai Crypto Compliance with Clear Controls

The revised guidelines have set out specific duties and improved internal checks for margin trading services. The authority has narrowed the leverage allowed and outlined what collateral can be used. It has also improved how providers supervise those trading on futures. The purpose is to prevent big losses from happening to organizations during economic recessions that can result from very large and risky positions.

In addition, the new version covers token distribution services. It sets out how individuals may obtain a broker-dealer license and outlines what they are allowed to sell. It also lists the rules for advertisements. The authority has put extra attention on retail offers in order to meet the requirements of international consumer protection.

The authority explained that its aim was to help service providers handle multiple rules across different services more easily. The updates also reflect the experience gained since licensing began. As a result, the authority can close previous gaps and align with industry practices in other major financial markets.

A spokesperson from the authority confirmed that the new definitions help remove confusion across the different activity-based rules. The spokesperson gave examples like “client assets” and “collateral requirements” as terms now defined in a clearer and more consistent way. 

Oversight Strengthened Across Custody and Lending Services

The revised rulebooks also expand supervision across areas that include custody, broker-dealer functions, lending, virtual asset management, advisory, and transfer services. The aim is to build a structure that can support responsible growth while applying the lessons learned through past experience in licensing.

The rules for broker-dealer and exchange activities have added new controls around leverage and collateral. These changes support risk control standards used in other international markets and strengthen the framework for virtual asset trading.

The general counsel of the authority, Ruben Bombardi, said that the updated rulebooks help lay the foundation for a safe market. He added that the changes reflect the real-world experience gained from licensing firms over time, along with input from international practices. These updates continue the city’s efforts to provide a clear and reliable structure for digital asset businesses.

Dubai has stood out as a major hub for virtual assets. MANTRA recently secured a license to operate as a virtual asset exchange.