Dubai’s VARA tightens crypto AML rules, forcing firms to track FATF blacklists in real time

On June 12 Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority issued AML guidance forcing licensed crypto firms to adopt data-driven, frequently updated risk assessments and to integrate FATF high-risk and increased-monitoring jurisdictions into compliance processes. The rules elevate risk monitoring and senior management accountability, likely increasing compliance costs and operational burden for exchanges and VASPs while aiming to strengthen market integrity and security.