Latest · 12 Oct – 18 Oct 2026
VARA enacts significant updates to Virtual Asset Issuance Rulebook.
This week, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has enacted several high-impact amendments to the Virtual Asset Issuance Rulebook. These changes are crucial for firms involved in virtual asset issuance, as they outline new compliance requirements. Additionally, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) has opened a consultation on a proposed regulatory framework for business centres in ADGM.
5
new items
3
high impact
2
regulators
1
open consultations
Key developments
1 · Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority · High impact
The amendment specifies new license requirements for Category 1 virtual asset issuance, impacting compliance procedures.
Who's affected: Firms issuing Category 1 virtual assets
Next step: Ensure that your licensing procedures align with the new Category 1 requirements.
2 · Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority · High impact
Virtual Asset Issuance Rulebook
The updated rulebook provides essential guidelines for virtual asset issuance, impacting compliance measures.
Who's affected: Firms involved in virtual asset issuance
Next step: Review the updated rulebook and ensure compliance with the new requirements.
3 · Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority · High impact
Updated whitepaper requirements ensure transparency and compliance in virtual asset issuance.
Who's affected: Firms preparing to issue virtual assets
Next step: Update your whitepaper documentation to meet the new requirements.
4 · Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM · Medium impact
Consultation Paper No. 7 of 2026 – Proposal to Introduce a Regulatory Framework for Business Centres
The consultation seeks feedback on a regulatory framework for business centres, potentially impacting licensing and operations.
Who's affected: Business centres operating within ADGM
Next step: Submit feedback on the proposed regulatory framework by the consultation deadline.
Patterns this week
- Virtual Asset Compliance. VARA's multiple amendments this week highlight a significant focus on enhancing compliance requirements for virtual asset issuance.
What firms are asked to do
- Ensure that your licensing procedures align with the new Category 1 requirements.Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority — D. Category 1 VA Issuance
- Review the updated rulebook and ensure compliance with the new requirements.Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority — Virtual Asset Issuance Rulebook
- Update your whitepaper documentation to meet the new requirements.Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority — B. Whitepaper Requirements
- Submit feedback on the proposed regulatory framework by the consultation deadline.Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM — Consultation Paper No. 7 of 2026 – Proposal to Introduce a Regulatory Framework for Business Centres
Coming up — next 45 days
Regulator activity
VARA was notably more active this week with 4 items, compared to a 0.3/week average over the prior 3 weeks.
| Regulator | This week | 3-week avg |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority | 4 ▲ | 0.3 |
| Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM | 1 | 1.7 |
| Dubai Financial Services Authority | 0 ▼ | 2.7 |
Found automatically on regulators' websites and summarised by AI, without manual review. Not legal advice — check the official source before relying on any item.