Crypto-asset service providers seeking to operate within the DIFC or ADGM must obtain a Financial Services Permission from the DFSA or FSRA respectively.
DIFC & ADGM Licensing of CASPs covers legal assessment, documentation and practical support in the UAE. It is typically relevant to businesses, investors and founders establishing or operating under federal, emirate-level or free-zone rules. The applicable requirements and competent authority depend on the activity, place of establishment and where the service or transaction is performed.
The applicable framework depends on the activity, place of establishment and place of performance. UAE federal law, the relevant emirate’s law and free-zone rules are distinguished as the matter requires.
Last reviewed: 22 September 2026
Crypto-asset service providers seeking to operate within the DIFC or ADGM must obtain a Financial Services Permission from the DFSA or FSRA respectively. Each regulator applies a distinct classification framework, capital regime, and set of conduct-of-business rules. We manage the end-to-end licensing process.
We determine the correct licence category based on your planned activities - exchange operation, custody, brokerage, asset management, or advisory - and prepare the application dossier covering governance, technology, compliance, and capital-adequacy requirements.
Post-licensing, we support ongoing obligations: regulatory-return preparation, material-change notifications, and adaptation of compliance manuals as the DFSA and FSRA update their guidance.