Google will expand the licensing options for cryptocurrency exchange and software wallet ads targeting the United Arab Emirates on Oct. 21, allowing advertisers to qualify through four regulators.
Under the revised policy, an appropriate license may come from any of four bodies: the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Capital Market Authority (CMA), Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) or Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Google certification is a separate requirement, as is compliance with UAE law.
Google’s existing UAE crypto ad policy specifies an FSRA license to operate a multilateral trading facility or a VARA license. The CMA became the legal successor to the Securities and Commodities Authority under a law that took effect Jan. 1, 2026.
A separate part of Google’s update has inconsistent wording. Its heading refers to complex speculative financial products, and it lists the CMA, DFSA and FSRA. The text beneath that heading, however, describes crypto exchanges and wallets. Google’s current policy for complex products explicitly covers contracts for difference (CFDs) and rolling spot forex, while its UAE regulator list names the former Securities and Commodities Authority, the DFSA and the FSRA. The update does not clearly establish a new list for CFD or forex advertisers.
The revised policy applies to accounts worldwide when they advertise covered products to UAE audiences. Google says it will warn advertisers at least seven days before suspending an account for a policy violation. The new crypto licensing options take effect Oct. 21.
