🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi (Emirate) Subdivision of United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) provides a progressive and transparent regulatory framework for crypto businesses, fostering a crypto-friendly environment with robust AML/CFT compliance and international tax reporting obligations.

Overview

Statuscrypto_friendly
Risk Score15/100 (Low Risk)
Regionmiddle east
CurrencyAED

Tax Information

VAT on CryptoNo

The regulatory text does not specify explicit tax rates or rules for crypto activities, but the jurisdiction is known for a tax-friendly environment.

Licensing & Registration

RequiredYes
RegulatorADGM FSRA / SCA
FrameworkADGM Financial Services and Markets Regulations (FSMR) and SCA regulations
Easemedium

Licensing is governed under the FSMR and SCA regulations with a structured application process via the ACCESSADGM portal.

Enforcement Activity

Level: Low

No significant enforcement actions reported; jurisdiction actively encourages crypto business

AML / KYC

KYC RequiredYes
Travel RuleYes
FATF MemberNo
FATF Statusfsrb_only
FATF BodyFATF
Suspicious-Activity ReportingYes

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: regulated

DeFi activities are regulated under the ADGM framework, ensuring compliance with AML and financial regulations.

Stablecoins

Status: regulated

Stablecoins fall under the regulatory scope of ADGM's financial services regulations, ensuring oversight and compliance.

NFTs

Status: no_rules

No specific NFT regulation; generally permitted

Mining

LegalYes
Electricity Cost$0.06/kWh
Renewable Energy5%
Infrastructuregood

Mining is legal with access to competitive electricity rates and good infrastructure in Abu Dhabi.

Geopolitical Risk

Stabilitystable
SanctionsNo
Corruption Index67/100
Banking Accessopen

Sources

Last reviewed: 2026-04-13 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map

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