The United Arab Emirates (UAE) took a significant step toward harmonizing its approach to crypto regulation. The country’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) announced a strategic partnership to unify the UAE’s approach to crypto regulations. Last September, the regulators expressed their intention to work together toward unifying crypto frameworks…
Laser Digital, the digital asset subsidiary of Japan’s investment bank Nomura, has become the first company licensed under Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) pilot framework to offer regulated over-the-counter (OTC) crypto options. The “limited license” will allow Laser Digital to offer OTC crypto options to institutional clients under strict oversight, the company said Wednesday. OTC desks…
The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (Rakbank), a government-owned bank in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is the first conventional bank in the country to offer retail crypto trading. In a Tuesday news release, the bank announced the launch of a crypto brokerage service through its mobile banking app, allowing customers to buy, sell and swap…
Key takeaways Dubai now has clear laws for buying property with crypto via VARA and the UAE Central Bank. Major developers like Damac and Emaar accept BTC, ETH and stablecoins for property sales. Crypto payments are faster, cheaper and easier for global buyers. Stablecoins and tokenized real estate are driving Dubai’s next property boom. It’s…
Key takeaways With no personal income or capital gains tax and recent VAT exemptions on crypto transactions, the UAE provides an unmatched financial incentive for crypto investors. Dubai’s VARA and Abu Dhabi’s FSRA lead with retail and institutional frameworks, while RAK, Sharjah and others are developing tailored zones and policies for Web3 innovation. Free zones…
Opinion by: Irina Heaver, crypto lawyer The crypto markets are undergoing a hard reset. The speculative hype of 2021 is now a thing of the past. Memecoins and DeFi derivatives no longer move markets like they used to. Investors are no longer chasing vapor; they are looking for substance. They want tangible assets, real returns…