Google mandates licenses for crypto ads in the UAE

Google has updated its financial products policy to tighten regulations for cryptocurrency advertisements within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), effective October 21. To promote crypto services, companies must now secure specific licenses and obtain Google Ads certification.

For cryptocurrency exchanges and software wallets, advertisers must hold a license from either the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai or the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi. Physical hardware wallets that do not offer trading or exchange functions may be subject to different requirements, provided they comply with local laws.

Forex and Contracts for Difference (CFD) products follow a separate regulatory path. Providers must be authorized by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), or the FSRA to promote these complex speculative instruments in the region.