The UAE Digital Asset Market: Profitability, Compliance Challenges, and the US Competition

The UAE has positioned itself as a global leader in the digital asset space, attracting major players and fostering a progressive regulatory environment. Unlike many jurisdictions, a UAE digital asset license is not solely intended to serve the local market; rather, it provides businesses with a gateway to international expansion. Many firms that obtain a VARA license, for example, find it easier to secure additional licenses in other jurisdictions, as the UAE’s regulatory standards are recognized globally. This regulatory advantage has attracted both startups and established firms to set up in the region, aiming to leverage its progressive policies and international credibility. However, as the market matures, profitability concerns, rising compliance costs, and increasing competition from the US present significant challenges. Industry participants must navigate these complexities to ensure sustainable growth.

This article is based on insights gathered during a roundtable discussion organized by Unlock Blockchain, where key industry players openly debated the challenges and opportunities shaping the UAE’s digital asset landscape.

Profitability in a Crowded Market

With over 30 licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) operating in the UAE, the market is becoming increasingly competitive. While the regulatory framework has been instrumental in legitimizing the industry, questions remain about whether the local market size is sufficient to sustain the growing number of players.

For some, the answer lies in targeting a broader audience beyond the UAE. The country’s strategic position as a global financial hub enables firms to serve international clients, leveraging its strong regulatory reputation. However, this expansion requires significant investment in compliance, operations, and market penetration strategies.

Another key factor in profitability is differentiation. Established global exchanges and financial institutions entering the UAE create pressure on smaller players. Yet, local firms hold an advantage in their deep understanding of the regional market, regulatory landscape, and customer behavior. Firms that can offer specialized services, maintain strong banking relationships, and optimize operational efficiency will be better positioned to remain profitable.

The Rising Cost of Compliance

A new layer of complexity has been introduced with VARA now conducting direct interviews with compliance officers before granting approvals. This additional scrutiny ensures that compliance professionals meet a high regulatory standard but also creates a new challenge for VASPs. An approved compliance officer from VARA is now considered a valuable asset, making it even harder for firms to retain talent—especially under the existing labor laws that allow for frequent job transitions. This further exacerbates the talent drain issue and increases operational uncertainty for businesses.

While regulation has been a key driver of the UAE’s digital asset success, the cost of compliance is a growing concern. Strict regulatory requirements, extensive reporting obligations, and the demand for high-caliber compliance officers have significantly increased operational costs.

One of the biggest hurdles faced by industry players is talent acquisition. The demand for experienced compliance professionals has led to a sharp increase in salaries, making it difficult for smaller firms to compete. The roundtable discussion revealed that compliance officers often jump from one exchange to another, leveraging their regulatory approvals to negotiate higher salaries. This talent drain disrupts operations and forces firms to continuously invest in hiring and training new staff.

Some industry participants argue that allowing outsourced compliance solutions—a model adopted in other jurisdictions—could alleviate some of these challenges. Others suggest that a more streamlined regulatory framework could help balance innovation and oversight, reducing unnecessary duplication of compliance structures across different regulatory bodies in the UAE.

The US Challenge: Can the UAE Stay Ahead?

The United States has long been criticized for its fragmented approach to digital asset regulation. However, recent developments suggest that the US is moving towards a clearer regulatory framework, with potential implications for global competition.

If the US successfully implements comprehensive digital asset regulations, it could create a more attractive environment for institutional investors, drawing liquidity and capital away from other markets. The UAE, which has benefited from regulatory uncertainty in other jurisdictions, may no longer enjoy the same first-mover advantage.

However, the UAE still holds several key advantages that can help it maintain its leadership position:

1. Regulatory Stability: Unlike the US, where regulatory shifts can be subject to political changes, the UAE offers long-term regulatory consistency and clarity.
2. Institutional Support: The UAE’s strong ties with banks, sovereign wealth funds, and financial institutions provide a foundation for continued digital asset growth.
3. Innovation in Tokenization: The tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) represents a major opportunity. The UAE is well-positioned to become a hub for tokenized commodities, real estate, and financial instruments—areas where regulatory uncertainty in other markets has hindered progress.

The Path Forward: Strengthening UAE’s Competitive Edge

To remain a global leader, the UAE must continue to refine its regulatory approach, address compliance cost challenges, and foster deeper engagement with traditional finance. Several key steps can ensure long-term success:

• Regulatory Harmonization: Greater alignment across UAE regulatory bodies (VARA, ADGM, DIFC, SCA) can reduce complexity and compliance costs for businesses.
• Encouraging Institutional Adoption: More engagement with traditional financial institutions will drive liquidity and market depth.
• Scaling Tokenization Projects: Facilitating large-scale tokenization initiatives in real estate, commodities, and capital markets can differentiate the UAE from other jurisdictions.
• Strengthening Banking Relationships: Ensuring digital asset firms have access to stable and supportive banking services will be essential for growth.

As global competition intensifies, the UAE must evolve beyond being an early adopter to becoming a true financial innovation hub. The next phase of the digital asset industry will be defined not just by who enters the market, but by who builds a sustainable, profitable ecosystem that integrates seamlessly with traditional finance.

*This roundtable discussion was conducted under the Chatham House Rule, allowing participants to speak freely while ensuring anonymity. A representative from VARA was present during the discussion. Great appreciation for all participants: Vinit Shah, Talal Tabbaa, Mehtap Onder, Dominic Longman, Kokila Alagh & Akos Erzse.