Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has introduced a new set of rules governing exchange-traded crypto derivatives, effective immediately.
Dubai Introduces New Rules for Crypto Derivatives Trading
31 March 2026 - 08:00 CEST
By Sandmark staff
The requirements are contained in version 2.1 of VARA’s Exchange Services Rulebook and apply to all licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) offering derivatives products in Dubai.
The framework sets out obligations on client suitability assessments, leverage and margin controls, asset segregation, disclosure standards, and regulatory intervention powers.
VARA said the rules are intended to increase oversight of the derivatives segment, which has seen significant growth in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the past two years.
Rising derivatives activity
Demand for crypto derivatives in the UAE has increased markedly in recent years. The new rules come as global regulators continue to examine how best to supervise complex virtual asset products.
Ruben Bombardi, General Counsel at VARA, said: "Derivatives are a natural next step in the evolution of virtual asset markets, but they demand a higher standard of governance."
