Crypto Exchange License
Crypto exchange license services cover the regulatory and legal structuring required to operate centralized exchanges, decentralized exchanges, and hybrid platforms.
We advise on licensed, unregulated, and decentralized pathways depending on your operational model, target markets, and risk tolerance.
Our team secured the first-ever VC fund manager license in ADGM for virtual assets and has advised exchange operators across regulated and offshore jurisdictions.
Crypto exchange license services cover the regulatory and legal structuring required to operate centralized exchanges, decentralized exchanges, and hybrid platforms.
We advise on licensed, unregulated, and decentralized pathways depending on your operational model, target markets, and risk tolerance.
Our team secured the first-ever VC fund manager license in ADGM for virtual assets and has advised exchange operators across regulated and offshore jurisdictions.
What's Included
Exchange model assessment (CEX, DEX, hybrid)
Jurisdiction selection and regulatory pathway
Entity formation and corporate structuring
Exchange license application and business plan
AML/CFT compliance framework development
Technology and cybersecurity policy drafting
Order book, matching engine, and custody requirements
Smart contract and protocol legal review (DEX)
DAO and governance structuring (decentralized)
Terms of service and user agreements
Regulatory liaison through approval
Ongoing compliance support post-launch
Exchange Structures
VARA Licensed Exchange (Dubai) - Full regulatory approval under Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
ADGM Licensed Exchange (Abu Dhabi) - Operating a Crypto Asset Exchange under FSRA framework
DIFC Licensed Exchange (Dubai) - Investment token trading under DFSA regulation
Cayman VASP Exchange - Registered offshore exchange with VASP compliance
BVI Offshore Exchange - Flexible offshore structure for centralized platforms
Singapore MAS Licensed - Digital payment token exchange under MAS regulation
EU MiCA Licensed - Crypto asset service provider authorization
Decentralized Exchange (DEX) - Protocol-based trading with no central operator
Hybrid Exchange - Combined CEX/DEX model with partial decentralization
Unregulated Offshore - Structures in jurisdictions without crypto-specific licensing
What's Included
Exchange model assessment (CEX, DEX, hybrid)
Jurisdiction selection and regulatory pathway
Entity formation and corporate structuring
Exchange license application and business plan
AML/CFT compliance framework development
Technology and cybersecurity policy drafting
Order book, matching engine, and custody requirements
Smart contract and protocol legal review (DEX)
DAO and governance structuring (decentralized)
Terms of service and user agreements
Regulatory liaison through approval
Ongoing compliance support post-launch
Exchange Structures
VARA Licensed Exchange (Dubai) - Full regulatory approval under Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
ADGM Licensed Exchange (Abu Dhabi) - Operating a Crypto Asset Exchange under FSRA framework
DIFC Licensed Exchange (Dubai) - Investment token trading under DFSA regulation
Cayman VASP Exchange - Registered offshore exchange with VASP compliance
BVI Offshore Exchange - Flexible offshore structure for centralized platforms
Singapore MAS Licensed - Digital payment token exchange under MAS regulation
EU MiCA Licensed - Crypto asset service provider authorization
Decentralized Exchange (DEX) - Protocol-based trading with no central operator
Hybrid Exchange - Combined CEX/DEX model with partial decentralization
Unregulated Offshore - Structures in jurisdictions without crypto-specific licensing
What's Included
Exchange model assessment (CEX, DEX, hybrid)
Jurisdiction selection and regulatory pathway
Entity formation and corporate structuring
Exchange license application and business plan
AML/CFT compliance framework development
Technology and cybersecurity policy drafting
Order book, matching engine, and custody requirements
Smart contract and protocol legal review (DEX)
DAO and governance structuring (decentralized)
Terms of service and user agreements
Regulatory liaison through approval
Ongoing compliance support post-launch
Exchange Structures
VARA Licensed Exchange (Dubai) - Full regulatory approval under Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
ADGM Licensed Exchange (Abu Dhabi) - Operating a Crypto Asset Exchange under FSRA framework
DIFC Licensed Exchange (Dubai) - Investment token trading under DFSA regulation
Cayman VASP Exchange - Registered offshore exchange with VASP compliance
BVI Offshore Exchange - Flexible offshore structure for centralized platforms
Singapore MAS Licensed - Digital payment token exchange under MAS regulation
EU MiCA Licensed - Crypto asset service provider authorization
Decentralized Exchange (DEX) - Protocol-based trading with no central operator
Hybrid Exchange - Combined CEX/DEX model with partial decentralization
Unregulated Offshore - Structures in jurisdictions without crypto-specific licensing
Trusted by Web3 innovators and institutional partners
Trusted by Web3 innovators and institutional partners
Trusted by Web3 innovators and institutional partners
Trusted by Web3 innovators and institutional partners
Get Started Today
Why Choose Ape Law?
Our team handles crypto and Web3 legal matters from initial assessment through implementation and ongoing compliance. We have direct expertise across VARA, ADGM, DIFC, Cayman, Singapore, and EU frameworks.
Our team handles crypto and Web3 legal matters from initial assessment through implementation and ongoing compliance. We have direct expertise across VARA, ADGM, DIFC, Cayman, Singapore, and EU frameworks.
Get Started Today
Our team handles crypto and Web3 legal matters from initial assessment through implementation and ongoing compliance. We have direct expertise across VARA, ADGM, DIFC, Cayman, Singapore, and EU frameworks.
Crypto Exchange License
DIFC crypto license applications require approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) under the Innovation Testing License or full regulatory framework.
We handle the complete process from initial assessment through approval, including entity formation, documentation, and regulator engagement.
Our team has direct experience across all UAE crypto regulatory frameworks including VARA, ADGM, and DIFC, securing the first-ever VC fund manager license in ADGM for virtual assets.