Cryptocurrency has been gaining popularity over the past decade, with its Market capitalization reaching nearly 1 trillion dirhams. While it is undoubtedly an attractive investment to many, the cryptocurrency market comes with unique risks and considerations due to its relative newness and lack of robust regulation.
This article will discuss the roles and regulations that exist in the cryptocurrency market in the UAE – offering insight into how these regulations can both protect investors and limit their potential profits.
Regulatory framework
The UAE has a robust regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency market, with several entities overseeing and regulating crypto assets:
- The United Arab Emirates Central Bank (UAECB) sets crypto-related regulations and policies that all other parties must comply with when they buy crypto in the UAE. It includes warning investors about the potential risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies.
- The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) is tasked with monitoring activities related to digital assets to detect any suspicious transactions or behavior that might indicate money laundering or terrorist financing.
- Exchanges must register as financial institutions by following specific standards set by UAECB & SCA.
Investor protection
The UAE has implemented several measures to protect investors from the risks of investing in cryptocurrencies. For instance, the UAECB requires exchanges to ensure customer funds are protected and segregated from company assets. Exchanges must also provide customers with detailed information about the types of digital assets they trade and their price movements to inform investment decisions.
Additionally, exchanges must take all necessary steps to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing activities. Moreover, exchanges must have a dispute resolution process to address customer grievances quickly and fairly.
Market manipulation
Market manipulation is one of the most severe concerns for cryptocurrency investors. As such, the UAE has taken steps to limit any potential attempts at market manipulation by setting guidelines regarding insider trading, false information, and other unfair practices.
UAECB also requires exchanges to monitor the market for suspicious activities that might affect prices and inform authorities if such activities are detected. Furthermore, the SCA has implemented a comprehensive monitoring system to detect potential attempts at market manipulation.
Taxation
The UAE is one of the few countries with clear regulations on how cryptocurrencies should be taxed. Cryptocurrency transactions in the UAE must be reported to the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). The profit from cryptocurrency trading is treated as income and must be subject to taxation according to Section 12 of Value Added Tax Law No. (8) of 2017.
In addition, individuals who hold cryptocurrencies must pay capital gains taxes on any profits earned. Furthermore, the UAE has implemented Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules that require exchanges to ensure compliance with these regulations when conducting cryptocurrency transactions.
Security
Exchanges must ensure the security of customer data and funds, and information related to trading activities. It includes employing encryption, two-factor authentication, and other technologies to protect against malicious actors. Additionally, exchanges must periodically audit their systems for potential vulnerabilities and adopt best practices for risk management. Furthermore, exchanges must store customer data in secure databases only accessible by authorized personnel.
AML/CFT
The UAE has strict Anti Money Laundering (AML) laws regarding cryptocurrency transactions which all exchanges must comply with when conducting business. It includes implementing Know Your Customer (KYC) processes to verify that customers are legitimate and creating a system for monitoring and reporting suspicious activities.
Furthermore, exchanges must comply with the Combating of Financing Terrorism (CFT) regulations set by SCA which involves preventing funds from being used to finance terrorist activities or money laundering. Exchanges must ensure all customer transactions are adequately documented and reported to the relevant authorities.
In conclusion
The UAE is one of the few countries with comprehensive cryptocurrency regulations and strategies. These measures, which include market manipulation protection, taxation guidelines, security protocols, and AML/CFT regulations, are designed to protect investors from potential risks associated with cryptocurrency trading.
As these regulations become increasingly crucial in the growth of the local cryptocurrency market, exchanges must adhere to these guidelines to ensure a safe and secure trading environment.
The post The Roles of Regulations in the Cryto Market appeared first on StreetWise Journal.
