Unmatched liquidity and coin selection. The go-to exchange for active crypto traders despite ongoing regulatory complexity in some jurisdictions.
Read ReviewVARA
Last updated
4
Regulated Exchanges
Country
United Arab EmiratesJurisdiction
Dubai, UAE
Tier
Tier 2
Established AML/KYC and registration framework. Provides meaningful oversight, though with fewer investor protections than Tier 1.
Official Website
vara.ae
The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) is Dubai's dedicated crypto regulator, established in 2022 as the world's first independent authority focused exclusively on virtual assets. VARA-licensed exchanges operating in the Dubai Mainland must meet capital, custody, and conduct requirements. The VARA framework is generally regarded as one of the most developed and detailed crypto regulatory regimes globally, positioning Dubai as a major hub for regulated crypto activity.
Verify on official register
Check an exchange's licence status directly on VARA's public register.
VARA Regulated Crypto Exchanges
4 brokers
Top-tier derivatives liquidity and a best-in-class copy trading ecosystem. The preferred choice for active crypto derivatives traders.
Read ReviewBest-in-class for CeFi/DeFi integration. The strongest platform for traders who want both exchange trading and on-chain DeFi access in a single interface.
Read Review4.1/ 5
Best overall ecosystem for new crypto users. The Visa card, accessible app, and broad regulatory presence make it the easiest entry point into crypto.
Read ReviewPersonalised recommendation
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Find my brokerFrequently Asked Questions
VARA is classified as a Tier 2 crypto regulator. Established AML/KYC and registration framework. Provides meaningful oversight, though with fewer investor protections than Tier 1.
We currently list 4 crypto exchanges regulated or registered under VARA. The full list is shown above, sorted by overall rating.
VARA is based in United Arab Emirates and covers the Dubai, UAE jurisdiction. As a Tier 2 regulator, it requires AML/KYC registration and provides meaningful oversight, though investors should also verify whether the exchange holds additional licences.
Visit the official VARA website and use their public register or licence verification tool. Enter the exchange's registered name to confirm its current status. This is the most reliable way to verify regulatory standing.
VARA regulation primarily addresses licensing, AML/KYC compliance, and operational standards. Compensation for hacks depends on the exchange's own insurance fund or Proof of Reserves commitments, not typically a government-backed compensation scheme. Always choose exchanges with published cold storage ratios and Proof of Reserves attestations.