# Crypto Exchange License

Operate With Confidence

Choose the licensing route around the exchange you are building. Start with trading, custody, settlement and customer access, then compare the jurisdictions.

At a glance

## Is this the right service?

Exchange, brokerage and OTC teams choosing a UAE operating and licensing route.

What it can cover

- Trading-model review
- Route comparison
- Readiness plan

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

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

01 · Check the fit

## When this service fits

### You are comparing jurisdictions

You need a route assessment based on the exchange model rather than a headline licence price.

### The product has several functions

Order matching, brokerage, custody, fiat rails or other features sit in the same platform.

### An overseas exchange is expanding

You need to decide which products and customers the UAE business will serve.

02 · What we can help with

## What the work covers

### Trading-model review

Map order books, OTC flows, liquidity sources, asset movements and who controls each step.

### Route comparison

Compare the legal questions for the proposed activities, jurisdictions and customer markets.

### Readiness plan

Identify the legal, compliance, banking and specialist work needed before application or launch.

03 · How to get started

## What to bring

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

Send the basics

- Trading, settlement and custody flow diagrams
- Target customers, asset list and intended markets
- Current licences, company structure and launch plan

Then define the scope

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

A route comparison does not establish eligibility for a licence. Each proposed activity needs to be checked against the relevant current rules.

[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 This Crypto Exchange Thought the Licence Was the First Step](https://ape.law/assets/legacy-pages/1aac83037c2358a9b5066ac9fa9466416f38df9a04ed93fb415a1963f8982b10.png)

Licensing

### [The licence was not the first step.](https://ape.law/case-studies/crypto-licence-starts-before-application)

Started with the application

Watch or read the case study

05 · Common questions

## Common questions

Should I start here or with the VARA page?

Start here if you are still choosing a route. The VARA page focuses on preparing an application once that route is being pursued.

Can this cover an OTC or broker model?

Yes. The assessment starts with how trades are arranged, priced, executed and settled, rather than relying on the platform's label.

Can one review cover custody and fiat payments?

Those functions can be mapped together. Any separate legal or specialist work they require should be identified in the scope.

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/)

## Choose the route before you file.

Explain the exchange model and which jurisdictions you are considering.

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

Canonical page: https://ape.law/services/crypto-exchange-license