The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has released guidelines for trading cryptocurrency derivatives on exchanges. These requirements apply to all platforms licensed in the emirate (VASP).
The new document sets strict boundaries for the more volatile market segment. The rules govern asset segregation, margin control, and disclosure standards.
Both institutional and retail investors will be able to trade derivatives.
Exchanges are now required to thoroughly assess ordinary users: their financial status, trading experience, and risk tolerance. Access is denied if the product is unsuitable for the client.
For the retail sector, leverage is capped at 5:1 (initial margin 20%). This figure is significantly lower than the conditions on offshore crypto exchanges, where leverage can reach 100x.
In times of crisis and market instability, the regulator can intervene in platform operations without prior notice. VARA has the authority to suspend trading, forcibly liquidate positions, increase margin requirements, and utilize insurance funds.
The new rules formalized previous market experiments in the UAE. In 2024, the exchange OKX launched crypto derivatives trading in Dubai exclusively for institutional investors. In July 2025, the platform tested futures and options for retail clients with leverage up to 5x. This format is now mandatory for all licensed companies.
Back in 2025, the UAE authorities strengthened their position in digital finance and the PropTech sector.