Trading platform Capital.com is set to expand its services in the UAE by offering spot cryptocurrency trading through its affiliate, Capital Vault, which has secured a virtual-asset license from the UAE’s Capital Market Authority (CMA). The licence permits Capital Vault to act as an agent or matching principal and provide custody services, allowing UAE users to purchase and hold physical crypto assets via the Capital.com app. This marks a shift from Capital.com’s existing contracts for difference (CFD) services, which do not involve direct ownership of underlying assets.
The CMA’s regulatory framework, introduced in April, broadened the scope of licensed activities from three to eight, imposing stricter requirements for business conduct, anti-money laundering controls, and prudential standards. Capital Vault operates as a distinct regulated entity, with separate governance, custody, and risk management structures from Capital.com’s other operations. The move underscores the UAE’s growing role as a hub for cryptocurrency innovation, as regulators seek to balance industry growth with consumer protection.
Capital.com’s expansion into spot crypto services follows a global trend of traditional financial firms integrating digital assets into their offerings. The UAE’s licensing regime, which now includes alternative trading systems and custody arrangements, aims to create a transparent environment for virtual-asset businesses while mitigating risks associated with unregulated markets. Analysts note that the success of Capital Vault’s licence could influence other firms to pursue similar regulatory pathways in the region.
Written by Steven Cook
Regulation Desk
