Dubai Regulator Fines 19 crypto firms up to $163K for operating without licenses, reinforcing investor protection and compliance standards.
Author: Akshat Thakur
October 6, 2025 — Dubai Regulator Fines 19 crypto firms for operating without licenses, reinforcing the emirate’s commitment to regulatory compliance and investor protection. The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) announced penalties of up to $163,000 and ordered all unlicensed entities to halt operations immediately.
VARA’s enforcement division said the sanctions stem from investigations into unlicensed activities and misleading promotions. Several firms were found offering virtual asset services and marketing campaigns without regulatory approval.
The Dubai Regulator Fines underscore VARA’s stance that unlicensed operations and unauthorized advertising threaten market transparency. The regulator said compliance will remain central to Dubai’s digital asset strategy, ensuring only approved firms engage with local investors.
The enforcement follows VARA’s earlier actions in 2024, where seven unregistered entities were fined. Officials noted that these steps reinforce responsible growth while establishing global best practices for crypto supervision.
VARA CEO Matthew White said the regulator’s framework enables innovation but demands adherence to governance standards. “Responsible oversight ensures investor trust and stable long-term growth in the digital asset sector,” he stated.
The Dubai Regulator Fines also serve as a reminder to investors to verify licenses before engaging with any virtual asset service provider. The authority said only registered entities appear in its public database, allowing users to confirm authenticity and avoid fraudulent schemes.
VARA continues to coordinate with the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) to unify crypto supervision and close regulatory gaps nationwide. The goal is to balance innovation with strict safeguards to protect consumers and institutions alike.
Dubai’s proactive enforcement mirrors growing global trends in digital asset regulation. While the city remains innovation-friendly, its compliance-first approach now resembles other key hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
Dubai’s framework continues to evolve as one of the most comprehensive among global crypto hubs. By enforcing strict licensing and marketing requirements, VARA aims to attract legitimate businesses while deterring speculative or fraudulent operators.
Experts believe such actions help position Dubai as a model jurisdiction where digital asset growth coexists with regulatory discipline an approach increasingly echoed worldwide.
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