The United Arab Emirates has moved decisively to bring decentralized finance and Web3 platforms under its formal regulatory perimeter, marking one of the region’s most consequential policy shifts for digital assets. The new rulebook, Federal Decree Law No. 6 of 2025, significantly expands the authority of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), ending long-used arguments that blockchain protocols fall outside regulation simply because they are “just code.”
A New Regulatory Perimeter for Web3 and DeFi
Effective since Sept. 16, Federal Decree Law No. 6 provides the CBUAE with sweeping powers over entities that enable digital asset activities tied to payments, lending, custody, exchange services or investment functionality. The law extends beyond traditional financial institutions to encompass DeFi protocols, middleware, infrastructure providers, and platforms that support stablecoins or tokenized real-world assets.
Under Articles 61 and 62, any person or entity that “offers, issues, or facilitates” a licensed financial activity — “through any means, medium, or technology” — must now fall under CBUAE licensing requirements. This language is broad by design, capturing decentralized smart-contract systems alongside conventional service providers.
The shift forces Web3 builders operating in or targeting UAE users to reassess their structures and prepare for a compliance transition ahead of the September 2026 deadline.
End of the “Just Code” Defense
For years, DeFi projects have often relied on decentralization as a liability shield, asserting that autonomous code does not constitute a regulated financial service. The new law eliminates this distinction. If a protocol enables a regulated function — such as transferring value, routing liquidity, custodying assets, or offering interest-bearing services — it is now within regulatory scope regardless of decentralization claims.
Penalties for unlicensed activity are severe. Violations can trigger fines up to 1 billion dirhams ($272 million), with potential criminal sanctions also available. Enforcement has already begun, creating heightened urgency for projects to assess their operational exposure.
Self-Custody Not Affected — But Wallet Providers Face Scrutiny
The expansion of “stored value services” has triggered confusion among users and developers over whether self-custody could be restricted. UAE legal experts clarify that the law does not ban individuals from using non-custodial wallets or holding private keys themselves.
The regulatory focus instead applies to companies offering wallet-based services that facilitate payments, transfers, or financial transactions for UAE users. These entities may require licensing depending on their product design and user base.
Several law firms have already fielded inquiries from fintech startups seeking clarity. The CBUAE is expected to release more detailed guidance as the implementation phase unfolds.
A Decisive Moment for the Region’s Web3 Ecosystem
The UAE has spent years establishing itself as a regulatory hub for digital assets, with Dubai’s VARA framework and Abu Dhabi’s ADGM regime attracting major exchanges and blockchain firms. Federal Decree Law No. 6 marks a shift from sector-specific oversight toward a unified national approach that places the central bank at the center of Web3 regulation.
While the legislation raises compliance obligations for DeFi and infrastructure protocols, it also signals the UAE’s long-term commitment to integrating digital assets into its mainstream financial architecture. For global Web3 firms, the message is clear: operations targeting the region’s users must align with regulated financial conduct and licensing standards.
More detailed implementation guidance will emerge in the months ahead, shaping how DeFi protocols, wallet providers, stablecoins, and infrastructure platforms adapt to the new regulatory era.
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