Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)- a key financial free zone — has issued updated rules on crypto tokens that take effect today, January 12, 2026.
Key points from the update:Privacy coins/tokens (such as Monero/ #XMR and Zcash/ #ZEC ) are now prohibited in the DIFC. This includes bans on their use, trading, promotion, or any derivative activity involving assets that anonymize transaction history or holders.
This aligns with broader global regulatory trends against anonymous crypto to address anti-money laundering (AML), sanctions compliance, and illicit finance risks.
Note: Earlier bans or restrictions on privacy coins existed under Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA — covering most of Dubai outside DIFC), dating back to 2023.
