Capital.com is set to expand its digital asset offerings in the Middle East after its affiliate, Capital Vault Virtual Services L.L.C. - S.P.C. (Capital Vault UAE), secured a licence from the UAE's Capital Market Authority (CMA). The licence permits Capital Vault UAE to operate as a virtual asset dealer and custodian, providing execution, custody, and settlement services under the CMA's regulatory framework.
The approval positions Capital Vault UAE among the first firms to be licensed under the CMA's virtual asset regime, which was established to bring clarity and oversight to the region's growing crypto market. Once the services go live, Capital.com clients in the UAE will be able to buy virtual assets directly through the Capital.com app, with assets held under client-asset rules applicable to a CMA-licensed custodian.
Rahul Kumar, CEO of Capital Vault UAE, highlighted the significance of the licence, stating that the UAE is at the forefront of virtual asset regulation in the region. He noted that the company has established an office in Abu Dhabi and is building a local team dedicated to virtual assets, underscoring the strategic importance of the UAE market.
Tarik Chebib, CEO MENA at Capital.com, said that clients in the region have been seeking a straightforward, regulated way to buy and hold virtual assets alongside their existing trading activities. This licence enables the company to deliver that capability, with Capital Vault providing the underlying infrastructure and more products expected to follow.
The UAE expansion follows Capital Vault Europe's authorisation under the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework in December 2025, when it was among the first group of firms approved as crypto-asset service providers. Capital Vault operates as a separate regulated entity focused on virtual assets, with governance, custody, and risk arrangements kept distinct from Capital.com's other regulated businesses.
This move comes amid a broader trend of traditional financial platforms integrating digital assets. For instance, MEXC's Infinity Arena has introduced zero-fee stock trading, while Bull DeFi is lowering entry barriers to digital asset accumulation. These developments highlight the increasing convergence of traditional and digital finance.
Capital.com's entry into the UAE's regulated virtual asset space could attract investors seeking a compliant avenue to diversify into crypto. The company's existing client base in the region will gain access to spot trading, with assets safeguarded under the CMA's custody rules, which may appeal to institutional and retail investors alike.
Looking ahead, Capital Vault expects to expand its regulatory presence and virtual asset services for clients in the UAE, with additional products to be announced in the future. The company's dual regulatory approvals in Europe and the UAE position it to serve clients across multiple jurisdictions, potentially setting a precedent for other brokers looking to enter the crypto custody space.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
