# UAE financial and virtual asset regulation evolution > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uae-financial-and-virtual-asset-regulation-evolution > Updated: 2026-08-24T10:25:03.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Financial regulatory frameworks in the United Arab Emirates are expanding to accommodate virtual assets and asset management. Initially, firms such as Capital Vault Virtual Services L. L. C in Abu Dhabi and Arbeat Group FZE in Dubai secured licenses from the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to provide services including exchange, brokerage, and custody. Regulatory developments have since progressed to include specific licensing pathways in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The ADGM Category 3C license allows for discretionary asset management and the management of collective investment funds, subject to specific capital requirements and governance standards. Additionally, these evolving UAE regulations intersect with expanding UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules, which require UAE-based crypto businesses serving UK clients to comply with new standards regarding exchange, custody, and staking activities. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: UAE and UK financial regulations evolve for asset managers and crypto firms Regulatory updates in the UAE and UK are impacting financial services, specifically regarding ADGM asset management licensing and the FCA’s expanding oversight of cryptoasset firms serving UK clients. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uae-and-uk-financial-regulations-evolve-for-asset-managers-and-crypto-firms ### 2026-08-19: UAE firms secure regulatory licences for virtual asset services Capital. com affiliate Capital Vault and Dubai-based Arbeat Group have secured regulatory licences to provide virtual asset and cryptocurrency services in the UAE. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uae-firms-secure-regulatory-licences-for-virtual-asset-services --- Cite as: UAE financial and virtual asset regulation evolution. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uae-financial-and-virtual-asset-regulation-evolution