"Dubai Financial Services" Begins implementation of the updated regulatory framework for crypto tokens
DUBAI, 12 JANUARY / WAM / The Dubai Financial Services Authority, the independent regulatory body for banking, financial services and markets in the Dubai International Financial Centre, today announced the entry into force of the updated regulatory framework for crypto tokens in the Dubai International Financial Centre.
These new enhanced rules, which will come into effect from today, January 12, 2026, work to strengthen the Authority’s regulatory system, provide greater clarity to market participants, and contribute to the development of a safe and transparent digital environment, based on solid regulation.
The launch of the updated regulatory framework comes as a culmination of the consultative process conducted by the Authority in October 2025, and reflects the evolution of the Authority’s regulatory approach since the launch of the crypto token system in 2022.
The Authority confirmed that, over the past three years, it has carefully followed market changes, and interacted closely with stakeholders in the sector and its counterparts from regulatory bodies to ensure that the rules it approves maintain the robustness of the rules it approves, their compatibility with global standards, and their support for innovation within the Dubai International Financial Centre.
One of the most notable changes in the updated system is the shift from the “suitability assessment” model previously undertaken by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, to the “delegated assessment to companies” model.
Under this shift, companies providing financial services that include crypto tokens are directly responsible for a well-founded and documented assessment of the extent to which each crypto token they deal with meets the authority’s suitability standards.
As a result, the DFSA will stop publishing a list of recognized crypto tokens.
This amendment is accompanied by strengthening the guarantees provided to investors, revising behavioral and operational requirements, and imposing proportionate reporting obligations that optimally reflect the reality of the global digital assets market at its current stage.
Charlotte Robbins, Director General of Policy and Legal Affairs, said on this occasion that the improvements made by the Dubai Financial Services Authority to the encrypted token system reflect our progressive approach to innovation, and our proactive response to market changes and the opinions of interested parties.
She explained that these updated rules provide greater clarity and flexibility for companies, and ensure that our regulatory system for encrypted tokens continues to be aligned with international best practices. As digital assets continue to develop, our goal remains clear in maintaining a transparent and predictable regulatory framework that preserves the integrity of the market and supports its sustainable and responsible growth in the Dubai International Financial Centre.
For companies operating in the DIFC or seeking to operate there, the updated framework provides a clearer and more regulated path for token-related activities, including trading, fund and asset management, custody services, advisory, and other related financial services.
To enhance market understanding of the updated regulatory framework, and provide a broader vision of how the DFSA and DIFC can support innovation in digital assets, the DFSA will hold a webinar on 27 January 2026 at 10:30 am.
The symposium provides an overview of the Dubai Financial Services Authority’s regulatory approach to encrypted tokens, the stages of development of this system, and the role of the DIFC system in supporting responsible innovation in this field.
The session will be useful to current and potential market participants who wish to have a deeper understanding of the regulatory environment and growth opportunities within the DIFC system, especially companies seeking to establish or expand the scope of their activities in the field of digital assets in accordance with the rules of the DIFC.
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