UAE introduces new financial law to regulate DeFi and Web3
The United Arab Emirates has adopted a new financial law that expands the central bank's authority over decentralized finance (DeFi) and the Web3 industry. The law, known as the Federal Decree Resolution No. 6 for 2025, is considered one of the most significant regulatory changes for the crypto industry in the region. According to Irina Heaver, a local cryptocurrency lawyer, the new rules cover protocols, DeFi platforms, and other services that enable financial transactions.
Source Cointelegraph
The law, which will come into force on September 16, 2025, provides that any person carrying out licensed financial activities will be subject to regulatory control by the central bank. According to key articles of the law, such projects can no longer evade regulation by pointing to their decentralized nature. The authorities have already begun to apply new sanctions, which include fines of up to AED 1 billion (about $272 million) for unregistered activities.
This legislative initiative may have a significant impact on cryptocurrency wallet providers, as they may also face new licensing requirements. Experts from Karm Legal note that businesses operating in this area should carefully analyze their operations for compliance with the new regulations. Further clarification from the central bank is expected, but so far individuals are not subject to the new restrictions.
