Capital.com is preparing to expand its cryptocurrency offering in the United Arab Emirates, moving beyond derivatives-based exposure after its affiliate Capital Vault secured a virtual-asset license from the country’s Capital Market Authority (CMA).
The approval will allow Capital Vault to provide virtual-asset dealing and custody services, potentially enabling UAE customers to buy and hold actual cryptocurrencies through the Capital.com platform.
From Crypto CFDs to Spot Ownership
Capital.com has traditionally offered cryptocurrency exposure through contracts for difference (CFDs), which allow traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying digital assets.
The planned spot offering would provide a different model. Once launched, UAE customers could purchase and hold cryptocurrencies directly through the Capital.com app, while Capital Vault would handle execution, custody and settlement.
Capital Vault will operate as a separate regulated entity, with its governance, custody infrastructure and risk-management arrangements maintained independently from Capital.com’s other businesses.
The affiliate has also established an office in Abu Dhabi and is building a dedicated local team focused on virtual-asset operations.
UAE Expands Its Crypto Regulatory Framework
Capital Vault’s approval comes as the UAE continues to broaden its regulatory framework for digital assets.
In April, the CMA introduced an expanded virtual-asset regulatory regime that increased the number of regulated activities from three to eight. The framework also introduced requirements covering business conduct, alternative trading systems, anti-money-laundering controls and prudential standards.
The regulatory expansion is designed to provide clearer rules for companies offering digital-asset services while strengthening oversight of custody, trading and risk management.
A Broader Crypto Push
For Capital.com, the UAE license represents a significant expansion of its cryptocurrency business. Moving from CFDs to spot assets allows the platform to offer customers both price exposure through derivatives and direct ownership through regulated custody infrastructure.
The planned service also reflects the growing competition among global financial platforms seeking regulated access to the UAE’s expanding digital-asset market.
Capital.com has not yet announced a specific launch date for its UAE spot crypto service. The rollout will depend on the completion of the necessary operational and technical preparations by Capital Vault.
