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VARA
Compliance

Support for virtual asset service providers under Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority framework — cybersecurity controls, IT risk management, compliance programme design, and regulatory liaison.

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Overview

Meet Dubai’s virtual asset rules.

Dubai’s VARA framework sets specific technology and cybersecurity obligations for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) seeking to operate in the emirate. Meeting them is central to authorisation and ongoing good standing.

We design and implement the cybersecurity and IT-risk controls VARA expects, build your compliance programme and documentation, and support liaison with the regulator — backed by crypto and digital-asset experience.

Scope

What we deliver.

The technology and cyber controls VARA expects from VASPs.

Framework: Dubai VARA VASP obligations IT risk management ISO 27001 mapping
FAQ

VARA FAQ

The questions we're asked most about scope, cost, and timing.

How much does VARA compliance cost?
VARA support is typically from €3,000 per month, with final pricing depending on activities, scope, and overlap with frameworks like ISO 27001. Contact us for a tailored figure.
Who needs VARA compliance?
Virtual asset service providers (VASPs) — exchanges, custodians, brokers — seeking to operate in or from Dubai under the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority framework.
What does the cybersecurity part of VARA involve?
A documented security control framework, IT and ICT risk management, technology governance, incident management, and supporting policies — much of which maps to ISO 27001.
How long does VARA readiness take?
It depends on current maturity and the activities you are authorised for; we scope a realistic timeline during the gap analysis.
Do you work with crypto businesses?
Yes — crypto and digital-asset compliance is core to our practice, including wallet and key-management security.
Who regulates virtual assets in Dubai?
The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA); we support the technology and cybersecurity obligations VASPs must meet.
How does VARA compare to MiCA?
Both regulate virtual-asset businesses with cybersecurity and risk obligations; we support firms operating under either or both.
Do you advise on custody security?
Yes — wallet, key-management, and custody security are core to VASP engagements.
Can existing ISO 27001 work be reused?
Yes — an ISO 27001 ISMS provides much of the control framework VARA expects.
How long does readiness take?
It depends on your maturity and authorised activities; we scope a realistic timeline during the gap analysis.
Related services

Explore more.

Parent serviceSecurity Compliance→ RelatedMiCA→ RelatedDORA→ RelatedCrypto Security→

Ready for VARA?

A 30-minute scoping call costs nothing. A blocked licence costs considerably more.

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