SCA • VARA • DFSA • FSRA

UAE Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Compliance & Regulatory Advisory

ISECURION delivers end-to-end UAE VASP compliance and regulatory advisory services, enabling cryptocurrency exchanges, digital asset custodians, and Web3 platforms to operate confidently under SCA, VARA, ADGM FSRA, or DIFC DFSA regimes.

SCA VARA DFSA (DIFC) FSRA (ADGM)
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Secure & Compliant Virtual Asset Operations in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a global hub for cryptocurrency exchanges, virtual asset platforms, Web3 companies, and digital asset custodians. While the regulatory environment is progressive and innovation-friendly, it is also highly structured, multi-regulator, and enforcement-driven.

ISECURION provides end-to-end UAE VASP compliance and regulatory advisory services, enabling organizations to operate confidently under jurisdiction-specific regulatory frameworks with strict AML/CFT obligations, cybersecurity requirements, and governance expectations.

Regulatory Framework

UAE VASP Regulatory Landscape - Who Regulates What?

Understanding the correct regulator is the first and most critical step in UAE VASP compliance.

SCA
Securities and Commodities Authority

UAE Mainland and non-financial Free Zones

VARA
Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority

Dubai (excluding DIFC)

DFSA
Dubai Financial Services Authority

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

FSRA
Financial Services Regulatory Authority

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

ISECURION conducts a jurisdiction and regulatory applicability assessment to ensure you engage with the right authority from day one, avoiding delays, rework, or regulatory misalignment.

Our Clients

Who We Help

ISECURION supports early-stage, scaling, and enterprise-grade VASPs across the UAE

Centralized & Decentralized Crypto Exchanges
Virtual Asset Brokers & OTC Trading Platforms
Digital Asset Custody & Wallet Service Providers
Token Issuers, ICO/IEO Platforms & Blockchain Startups
NFT Marketplaces & Web3 Platforms
Crypto Payment Gateways & Remittance Providers
International VASPs Expanding into the UAE

We work closely with founders, compliance heads, CISOs, risk teams, and boards to translate regulatory expectations into practical, implementable controls.

Our Services

UAE VASP Compliance & Advisory Services

Comprehensive compliance lifecycle coverage from licensing readiness to ongoing regulatory support

Regulatory Applicability & Licensing Readiness Assessment
  • Identify the correct UAE regulator based on operations and location
  • Map business activities to regulator-defined VASP categories
  • Assess readiness against licensing requirements
  • Reduce regulator objections and approval delays
SCA VASP Compliance Advisory (UAE Mainland & Free Zones)
  • Federal UAE VASP regulatory alignment
  • AML/CFT frameworks aligned with UAE AML Law and FATF guidance
  • Governance, risk management, and internal controls
  • Cybersecurity and infrastructure compliance
VARA Compliance Advisory (Dubai VASPs)
  • Align with VARA rulebooks and guidance
  • Strengthen wallet security and private key management
  • Establish incident response and breach notification processes
  • Build audit-ready compliance documentation
ADGM (FSRA) VASP Compliance Support
  • FSRA crypto framework gap assessments
  • Custody, segregation of assets, and risk controls
  • Technology governance and cloud security reviews
  • Regulatory reporting and ongoing compliance readiness
DIFC (DFSA) Digital Asset Compliance
  • DFSA digital asset and VASP compliance readiness
  • Data protection and privacy alignment
  • Secure technology architecture reviews
  • Third-party and outsourcing risk assessments
AML/CFT & Financial Crime Compliance for VASPs
  • Conduct AML/CFT risk assessments
  • Design KYC, KYT, and transaction monitoring frameworks
  • Implement sanctions screening and STR workflows
  • Align with UAE AML Law and FATF Recommendations
Cybersecurity & Technology Risk Compliance
  • Wallet and private key security
  • Infrastructure and cloud security controls
  • Secure SDLC and DevSecOps practices
  • Incident detection, response, and recovery
Governance & Risk Management Framework
  • Board and management accountability structures
  • Risk appetite and tolerance frameworks
  • Internal audit and compliance functions
  • Regulatory reporting mechanisms
Ongoing Compliance & Regulatory Advisory Support
  • Continuous regulatory monitoring and updates
  • Periodic compliance health checks
  • Regulator communication and liaison support
  • Compliance training and awareness programs
Our Approach

Methodology - Built for Regulators and Real-World Operations

Our approach goes beyond documentation - we focus on real-world security, regulator-aligned controls, and audit-ready compliance.

Regulatory and Jurisdiction Scoping

Identify applicable regulator and define compliance boundaries

Compliance and Risk Gap Assessment

Evaluate current state against regulatory requirements

Cybersecurity and Technology Assurance

Technical assessment of security controls and infrastructure

Policy and Framework Development

Create regulator-aligned policies and procedures

Implementation Support

Practical guidance for control implementation

Regulatory Readiness Validation

Pre-submission validation and final readiness review

Ongoing Compliance Advisory

Continuous support for regulatory changes and ongoing obligations

Focus Areas

Key Areas We Strengthen

Regulatory Governance & Accountability

AML/CFT & Financial Crime Prevention

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Resilience

Custody & Private Key Management

Incident Response & Breach Management

Data Protection & Privacy Compliance

Vendor & Outsourcing Risk Management

Continuous Monitoring & Reporting

Our Differentiators

Why ISECURION - What Sets Us Apart

Deep expertise across SCA, VARA, DFSA, and FSRA frameworks
A cybersecurity-first compliance approach, not template-based consulting
Audit-ready, regulator-aligned documentation
Strong understanding of crypto custody, blockchain, and Web3 risks
End-to-end support from readiness to ongoing compliance
Proven experience across regulated and high-risk industries
We don't just help you comply - we help you operate securely and scale with confidence
FAQs

UAE VASP Compliance - Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about UAE VASP compliance, licensing, and regulatory requirements

A VASP is any entity providing services such as exchange, transfer, custody, brokerage, or issuance of virtual assets in the UAE, including crypto exchanges, wallet providers, custodians, and Web3 platforms.

It depends on where you operate: SCA (Mainland/Free Zones), VARA (Dubai), DFSA (DIFC), or FSRA (ADGM). ISECURION helps identify the correct regulator based on your business operations and jurisdiction.

No. SCA does not regulate VASPs in DIFC, ADGM, or VARA-licensed Dubai entities. Each financial free zone has its own regulator.

Yes. All UAE VASPs must comply with UAE AML/CFT laws and FATF standards. This includes KYC, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and suspicious transaction reporting.

Yes. Regulators expect strong wallet security, infrastructure protection, incident response capabilities, and robust technology risk management frameworks.

Yes, subject to local incorporation, obtaining the appropriate license from the relevant regulator, and demonstrating full compliance readiness.

ISECURION provides licensing readiness and compliance advisory services, not regulatory approvals. We prepare your organization to meet all regulatory requirements before submission.

Typically 6-12 weeks, depending on jurisdiction, business complexity, existing controls, and the specific regulator's requirements.

Yes. Continuous monitoring, periodic audits, regulatory reporting, and ongoing compliance maintenance are mandatory post-licensing requirements.

Because we combine regulatory expertise, cybersecurity depth, and audit-ready execution under one trusted partner. We understand both the compliance requirements and the technical complexities of virtual asset operations.

VARA regulates virtual asset activities specifically in Dubai (excluding DIFC), while SCA regulates virtual assets in UAE Mainland and non-financial free zones. The regulatory frameworks and licensing processes differ between the two authorities.

Yes. We conduct comprehensive assessments of custody solutions, private key management, wallet security architectures, and asset segregation controls to ensure regulatory compliance.

You may need to engage with multiple regulators. ISECURION helps you navigate multi-jurisdictional compliance requirements and develop coordinated compliance strategies.

Yes. We help establish incident response frameworks, breach notification procedures, and forensic readiness aligned with UAE regulatory requirements.

Yes. We assist VASPs in establishing compliant relationships with other regulated VASPs, including due diligence, risk assessment, and secure data exchange protocols.

Ready to Achieve UAE VASP Compliance?

Partner with ISECURION for regulator-aligned, cybersecurity-driven VASP compliance advisory services across SCA, VARA, DFSA, and FSRA frameworks.

Schedule UAE VASP Consultation
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