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Academy
VARA · Compliance Series

VARA Compliance Series

A 7-chapter, 21-episode video series breaking down Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority framework — licensing, rulebook architecture, custody, technology standards, AML/CFT, and marketing rules — module by module, in 60-second episodes.

Chapter 1 · Introduction to VARA & Dubai's Crypto Ecosystem

What is VARA and Its Scope?
Ep 01.1

What is VARA and Its Scope?

Law No. 4 of 2022 Explained
Ep 01.2

Law No. 4 of 2022 Explained

VARA vs DFSA vs SCA Jurisdiction
Ep 01.3

VARA vs DFSA vs SCA Jurisdiction

Chapter 2 · The Core Rulebook Architecture

The 4 Compulsory Rulebooks
Ep 02.1

The 4 Compulsory Rulebooks

Company & Management Governance Rules
Ep 02.2

Company & Management Governance Rules

Technology & Information Safeguards
Ep 02.3

Technology & Information Safeguards

Chapter 3 · Regulated Activities & License Categories

Exchange & Broker-Dealer Services
Ep 03.1

Exchange & Broker-Dealer Services

Custody & Wallet Services
Ep 03.2

Custody & Wallet Services

Asset Management, Staking, & Lending
Ep 03.3

Asset Management, Staking, & Lending

Chapter 4 · Licensing Roadmap & Application Stages

Initial Approval & IDQ Stage
Ep 04.1

Initial Approval & IDQ Stage

Operational Readiness & VASP Authorization
Ep 04.2

Operational Readiness & VASP Authorization

Common Application Pitfalls & Fees
Ep 04.3

Common Application Pitfalls & Fees

Chapter 5 · Technology, Cyber & Custody Standards

Wallet Architecture & Key Management
Ep 05.1

Wallet Architecture & Key Management

Smart Contract & Blockchain Audits
Ep 05.2

Smart Contract & Blockchain Audits

Cybersecurity & Incident Response
Ep 05.3

Cybersecurity & Incident Response

Chapter 6 · AML/CFT & Market Conduct Compliance

Travel Rule & Transaction Monitoring
Ep 06.1

Travel Rule & Transaction Monitoring

Market Integrity & Preventing Abuse
Ep 06.2

Market Integrity & Preventing Abuse

Compliance Officers & MLRO Requirements
Ep 06.3

Compliance Officers & MLRO Requirements

Chapter 7 · Marketing & Promotion Rules

Marketing Guidelines & Disclosures
Ep 07.1

Marketing Guidelines & Disclosures

Influencers, Sponsorships, & Events
Ep 07.2

Influencers, Sponsorships, & Events

Enforcement, Fines, & Penalties
Ep 07.3

Enforcement, Fines, & Penalties

Explained in video

VARA, step by step

Short explainer series narrated over diagrams, with the article behind every claim. Each video is about two minutes and starts the next.

Virtual asset licensing, explained

6 videos · about 13 min

The regulated board, explained

7 videos · about 15 min

Arakan Lexara Weekly

The week in UAE regulation, every Monday.

Key developments and what they mean, what firms are asked to do, and the deadlines coming up — from the DFSA, FSRA, VARA, CBUAE, FTA and more. Read the latest

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11 apps

Comply

Your compliance manager

Govern

Governance and board compliance

Onboard

Client onboarding (KYC/CDD)

Shield

Clients' regulatory compliance

Ledger

Clients' FTA compliance

Scout

Planning your UAE setup

Atlas

UAE setup reference

Verify

Sanctions and PEP screening

Lexara

UAE rulebook library

Vault

Statutory records storage

Scope

What applies to you

Business setup by activity

All 2,100+ activities
Trading & ServicesManufacturingReal Estate & Business ServicesPersonal & Social ServicesTransport, Storage & LogisticsConstruction & ContractingFinancial ServicesVirtual AssetsHealth & Social WorkEducationAgriculture & FishingProfessional & Technical ServicesAccommodation & Food ServicesMining & QuarryingUtilities & Energy
Free zone setup costsFree zone price indexSetup cost calculatorMainland vs free zoneWhich zones permit your activity

UAE free zones by emirate

View all
Dubai
DMCCDIFCJAFZADAFZADSODWCDICDubai Media CityDHCCIFZAMeydanDSCDPCDKPDOCDSPD3DIACDCCDubai Maritime CityDWTCGDP
Abu Dhabi
ADGMKEZADMCFZtwofour54ADAFZICADAAIAFZ
Sharjah
SPCSHAMSHFZASAIFSRTIPSHCC
RAK
RAKEZRAK DAO
Ajman
ACMFZAFZAMC
Fujairah
FOIZFCCFFZ
UAQ
UAQIZUAQ FTZ

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