The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has issued updated rules on the regulation of Crypto Tokens in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which will come into force on 12 January 2026.
The updated rules refine and strengthen the regime first introduced in 2022 and mark the next phase in the continued development of its digital assets regulatory framework.
Under the updated regime, firms providing financial services involving Crypto Tokens are directly responsible for determining, on a reasoned and documented basis, whether each Crypto Token they engage with meets the DFSA’s suitability criteria.
Therefore, the DFSA will no longer prescribe a list of Recognised Crypto Tokens.
This change is accompanied by enhanced safeguards for investors and proportionate reporting requirements that reflect market developments.
For businesses operating or seeking to operate in the DIFC, this means a more transparent, predictable, and structured pathway for Crypto Token activities.
The updated rules strengthen DFSA’s Crypto Token framework, provide greater clarity for market participants, and support the continued development of a safe and well-regulated digital assets environment.
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