Dubai continues to solidify its status as a global leader in the digital asset space. The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) plays a key role in regulating the expanding blockchain and virtual asset industries. In this exclusive interview, Nicholas McNicholas, Head of Regulatory Affairs and Enforcement at VARA, shares insights into the Authority’s enforcement priorities, the challenges of regulation, and the future of Dubai’s virtual asset sector.
From Europe to Dubai: McNicholas’ Journey
Nicholas McNicholas brings extensive experience in regulation and enforcement to VARA, having previously worked with the European Central Bank and the Central Bank of Ireland. His expertise spans governance, compliance, and legal enforcement in Europe’s financial sector. This background makes him well-equipped to lead VARA’s mission of shaping Dubai’s digital asset landscape.
After moving to the UAE in 2023, McNicholas officially joined VARA in June 2024. He now spearheads efforts to ensure that Dubai’s regulatory environment remains secure and innovative, benefiting both businesses and investors.
Building a Robust Enforcement Mechanism
One of VARA’s key priorities, as emphasized by McNicholas, is the development of a fast and effective enforcement mechanism. As more Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) are licensed under VARA, the enforcement arm will play a critical role in ensuring compliance and addressing violations swiftly.
“We are building a robust enforcement framework that is both fair and credible. As VASPs scale their operations in Dubai, we need to ensure they stay within regulatory boundaries. Any breaches will be dealt with through quick and efficient enforcement processes,” McNicholas explained.
VARA’s day-to-day supervision of licensed VASPs is expected to intensify as more companies come under its jurisdiction. This supervision will involve identifying weaknesses, assessing deficiencies, and addressing breaches of regulations as they arise. VARA’s enforcement division will serve as a critical pillar in maintaining the integrity of the virtual asset ecosystem, ensuring that VASPs uphold their self-supervisory responsibilities.
“VASPs are the first line of defense. If they adhere to the rules, our enforcement should only be needed in rare cases. But when breaches do occur, we are committed to swift action,” McNicholas added.
This proactive approach underscores VARA’s determination to maintain market integrity, ensuring a safe and compliant environment for all players in the virtual asset space.
Navigating the Complex Regulatory Landscape
rapid pace of technological development in blockchain requires an agile and forward-looking regulatory approach. VARA has tailored its framework to remain adaptive and evolving, acknowledging that today’s regulations might need revisions within months due to the industry’s dynamic nature.
This approach demands continuous engagement with the industry, from startups to established VASPs. It helps VARA stay informed about the latest developments and anticipate changes in business models and technologies. “We don’t just guess what’s coming; we work with the industry to stay informed,” McNicholas noted.
SCA Agreement: Strengthening Cooperation and Licensing Clarity
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between VARA and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) marks a major step. It helps harmonize the regulatory environment for VASPs across the UAE. The agreement lets VASPs licensed by VARA in Dubai offer services throughout the UAE. This provides much-needed clarity for new entrants in the virtual asset space.
McNicholas expressed optimism about this MOU, stating, “We hope the agreement brings clarity to the industry.” He added, “It will make it easier for VASPs to operate across the UAE.” This is just the start, with more MOUs to follow. VARA plans to enhance cooperation with both local and international regulators.
Addressing Banking Challenges and Off-Ramp Capabilities
One of the key issues for VASPs globally, including in Dubai, is banking access. Traditional banks have been hesitant to fully engage with virtual assets due to perceived risks. McNicholas acknowledged this challenge but noted that developments in the sector, such as Standard Chartered and Morgan Stanley entering the digital asset custody and ETF markets, are positive signs.
“VARA’s role includes educating banks and working with VASPs to ensure a mutual understanding of the risks and opportunities. We are starting to see more traditional financial institutions come on board, which should improve banking access for VASPs,” he said.
Real World Asset Tokenization: The Future of Digital Assets
McNicholas also discussed the rapidly expanding sector of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, which is projected to reach $4 trillion by 2030. VARA is actively working to integrate this trend into its issuance rulebook, covering tokenized assets such as gold, property, and fixed-income instruments.
“This is an exciting space, and VARA is preparing to regulate these new types of assets,” McNicholas said. “We’re adapting our framework to ensure that businesses involved in real-world tokenization can operate safely and effectively in Dubai.”
Supporting Innovation: Easing the Path for Smaller Projects
VARA is also looking into ways to support smaller blockchain projects by providing easier access to licensing. McNicholas acknowledged the hurdles small projects face when navigating regulatory requirements and suggested that regulatory hosting could be one way forward. This would allow larger licensed entities to “host” smaller, innovative projects under controlled conditions.
“Our goal is not to exclude small players but to ensure that innovation can flourish. We are exploring mechanisms that will allow smaller firms to enter the market while maintaining regulatory standards,” he explained.
A Look Ahead
As Dubai’s digital asset space continues to expand, VARA remains focused on enforcement and compliance to safeguard the ecosystem. McNicholas emphasized that VARA’s enforcement framework is essential for maintaining order and ensuring that VASPs follow the rules while promoting a culture of compliance.
“Education, outreach, and robust enforcement are key pillars of our strategy,” McNicholas concluded. As VARA continues to regulate and support Dubai’s virtual asset market, the authority aims to stay agile, adaptable, and vigilant in the face of a rapidly evolving industry.
