Dubai Tightens Crypto Regulation as DFSA Bans Privacy Tokens in DIFC
Dubai's financial regulator has taken a decisive step toward stricter crypto oversight, banning privacy-focused tokens within the Dubai International Financial Centre. The MOVE aligns the emirate with global anti-money laundering standards while reshaping the landscape for digital asset firms operating in the region.
The DFSA's sweeping prohibition covers all aspects of privacy coin activity—from trading to derivatives—and extends to transaction-masking tools. This regulatory hardening comes as jurisdictions worldwide grapple with balancing innovation and compliance in cryptocurrency markets.
Stablecoin frameworks are also being refined, though details remain forthcoming. The changes signal Dubai's pivot from crypto-friendly policies toward measured institutional adoption, with transparency now outweighing technological experimentation.
