The Dubai Financial Services Authority DFSA, the independent regulator of the Dubai International Financial Centre DIFC, has brought into force an updated regulatory framework for Crypto Tokens in the DIFC, effective 12 January 2026. The enhanced rules are designed to provide greater clarity for market participants, strengthen investor safeguards, and support the development of a safe, transparent, and well-regulated digital assets environment.
The updated framework follows a consultation process conducted in October 2025 and reflects the evolution of the DFSA's approach since the launch of the Crypto Token regime in 2022. Over the past three years, the DFSA has actively monitored global market developments and engaged with industry stakeholders and regulatory counterparts to ensure that its rules remain robust, globally aligned, and supportive of innovation.
A key reform under the new framework is the shift from a DFSA-led suitability assessment to a firm-led assessment. Financial services firms operating with Crypto Tokens are now directly responsible for determining-on a reasoned and documented basis-whether each Crypto Token meets the DFSA's suitability criteria. Consequently, the DFSA will no longer publish a list of Recognised Crypto Tokens.
