# ADGM VASP License

Operate With Confidence

An exchange, broker and custodian do different things. Define the activities, assets and controls in your business before preparing an ADGM application.

At a glance

## Is this the right service?

Virtual-asset businesses considering or preparing an ADGM application.

What it can cover

- Activity and asset map
- Custody and control review
- Application work plan

[Get Expert Advice](https://ape.law/#contact)

[Check if this fits](https://ape.law/services/adgm-vasp-license#service-fit)

01 · Check the fit

## When this service fits

### Your product combines several activities

Trading, custody, transfers and other features need to be examined together.

### You need an application plan

The legal, governance and operational work has to match the proposed business.

### You are bringing an overseas platform to ADGM

Your existing product, customers and controls need to be mapped to the new operating plan.

02 · What we can help with

## What the work covers

### Activity and asset map

Set out what the platform does, which assets it supports and where customers are located.

### Custody and control review

Examine wallet roles, key control, settlement, withdrawals and responsibility for client assets.

### Application work plan

Identify the legal documents, policies, governance and specialist inputs to prepare for the proposed route.

03 · How to get started

## What to bring

Start with what you have. These details help frame the first discussion.

Send the basics

- Product flows, supported assets and customer markets
- Your custody, wallet and settlement model
- Corporate records, existing permissions and application materials

Then define the scope

### Focus the first conversation on the decision you need to make.

The applicable permissions and requirements need current, activity-specific review. No authorisation or application timeframe is promised.

[Get Expert Advice](https://ape.law/#contact)

04 · See related matters

## How Ape Law approached similar questions

These published matters show the decision process. Another project's facts, rules and outcome may differ.

![Video thumbnail for Why This ADGM Exchange Needed a Phased Licence Strategy](https://ape.law/assets/legacy-pages/edcfc26be52ce5d6ba598b2b5c23dbd473c28b5113d462fbe5efa6eda9d7c3bf.png)

ADGM LICENSING

### [The biggest licence was not the right first step.](https://ape.law/case-studies/adgm-exchange-licensing-roadmap)

Started with the final licence

Watch or read the case study

05 · Common questions

## Common questions

Is an ADGM company the same as permission to operate?

Company formation and the assessment of financial-services permissions are separate tasks. This service addresses the proposed virtual-asset activities.

Can the review cover a business that already operates elsewhere?

Yes. The existing product, licences, customer access and group structure are important inputs to the ADGM analysis.

What if my business manages a fund?

The fund-manager service focuses on the manager, investment strategy, fund and investors. That is a different starting point from a trading or custody platform.

A free tool from Ape Law

### Check a UAE crypto licence

Check the company, licence status and permitted activities against the regulator’s register.

[Open the licence tracker](https://tracker.ape.law/)

## Which activities will your ADGM business perform?

Describe the product, who uses it and what your business controls.

[Get Expert Advice](https://ape.law/#contact)

Canonical page: https://ape.law/services/adgm-vasp-license