INTEGRTY

VARA licensing and VASP compliance in Duba

INTEGRTY Partners provides high quality, cost-effective and practical solutions for VASPs

VASPs in Dubai operate under the Virtual Assets and Related Activities Regulations and a suite of compulsory and activity specific rulebooks issued by VARA, the authority for virtual assets across Dubai outside the DIFC. Whether you provide custody, exchange, issuance or broker dealer services, the regime sets clear expectations for risk management, governance, fit and proper standards, technology and cybersecurity, reporting and market conduct, together with rigorous AML, CFT and sanctions obligations. The 2025 rulebook updates strengthen these areas and underline Dubai’s position as a leading and well-regulated place to build and scale your virtual assets business.

For many firms though, these requirements absorb leadership attention, stretch application timelines and create friction across compliance and operations. More than the risk of fines, the immediate cost is lost time to market when launches are deferred to satisfy licence conditions, update policies and evidence that monitoring works, with visible impact on counterparties and investors.

How INTEGRTY Partners supports VASPs regulated by VARA
We help CEOs, Compliance Officers, MLROs and CISOs meet requirements in a way that fits how a VASP actually operates. We prepare clean submissions and organise evidence that matches how VARA reviews materials. We design and refresh AML programmes and arrange the required AML policy attestation, align technology governance with the rulebook, brief teams on market conduct, and prepare you for inspections and recurring reporting, all with a focus on clear ownership and workable controls.

Services for VASPs licensed by VARA

1. VARA licensing and renewals

We guide you from readiness through to licence, with clear documentation and precise responses to supervisor questions. Submissions are complete and supported by the frameworks VARA expects to see.

This includes:

  • Readiness review against the regulations and relevant activity rulebooks
  • Preparation and submission of application documents and supporting evidence
  • A policy index and management information pack for the file of record
  • Liaison to clarify questions and minimise follow ups.

2. VARA compliance assessment and remediation

We pinpoint control gaps against VARA expectations and give you a practical plan to close them with minimal disruption to product and engineering roadmaps.
Includes:

  • Rapid triage of high-risk issues that need immediate action
  • Full gap analysis mapped to the VARA Rulebooks
  • A remediation roadmap with timelines, accountabilities and evidence requirements
  • Updated core policies and a workable compliance monitoring programme

3. AML, CFT and sanctions compliance with independent attestation

We design AML arrangements that fit your risk profile and channels, and we organise the required third-party attestation of AML policies and procedures for licensing.

Includes:

  • Business and client AML risk assessments tailored to your business context
  • AML Policies, CDD, EDD KYC and screening processes, as well as goAML reporting routines and Travel Rule controls
  • Third party AML policy attestation and timely submission to VARA
  • Mandatory AML training & awareness programmes.

4. Inspection and ongoing reporting readiness

We prepare you for supervisory engagement and recurring obligations so you can respond with confidence and evidence.

Our services include:

  • Document reviews and file sampling against the relevant rulebooks
  • Mock inspections aligned to current notices and circulars
  • Corrective action plans with progress tracking
  • Evidence packs for onsite and desk-based reviews

5. Compliance training and advisory

We build capability across your organization, so compliance is understood and applied at every level. Our training focuses on practical application, and our advisory desk ensures you have expert support when it matters.

This includes:

  • Mandatory AML/CFT training for all staff as per VARA requirements
  • Regulatory change briefings and operational impact guidance
  • Scenario-based AML, conduct, and governance workshops
  • On-demand advice for time-sensitive regulatory queries

Why choose INTEGRTY Partners?

  • Deep working knowledge of VARA regulations and rulebooks
  • Practical solutions that balance compliance with commercial priorities and go to market strategy
  • Flexible engagement models from project based to retained support
  • Transparent scope and pricing with no hidden costs
  • Senior Dubai based team with regional insight and operational experience.

Let us handle compliance so you can focus on building and scaling

Whether applying for a license, preparing for a supervisory review or growing into new activities, INTEGRTY Partners helps your leadership team, compliance function and operations meet VARA requirements with clarity, confidence and control.

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INTEGRTY Partners

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