Capital.com plans to introduce virtual asset investment services to clients in the United Arab Emirates. The expansion follows a licence granted to its affiliate, Capital Vault Virtual Services L.L.C, by the Capital Market Authority (CMA), which serves as the federal regulator for virtual assets in the UAE.
Capital Vault UAE is positioned among the first firms to receive a licence under the CMA’s virtual asset framework. The approval enables the entity to deal in virtual assets as an agent or matching principal, as well as provide custody services for virtual assets on behalf of clients.
Operating from an office in Abu Dhabi, Capital Vault provides the regulated infrastructure covering execution, custody, and settlement. Once live, clients of Capital.com in the UAE will be able to purchase virtual assets outright via the Capital.com app. These assets will be held in accordance with client asset rules mandated for a CMA-licensed custodian.
Rahul Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Capital Vault UAE, noted that the CMA’s review process reflects the region's rigorous virtual asset regulation. Meanwhile, Tarik Chebib, Chief Executive Officer MENA at Capital.com, highlighted that regional clients have sought a regulated method to buy and hold virtual assets alongside traditional markets.
Capital Vault operates independently from Capital.com’s other regulated businesses, maintaining separate governance, custody, and risk arrangements. The development follows Capital Vault Europe receiving authorization under MiCA’s CASP framework in December 2025. Capital Vault anticipates expanding its regulatory footprint and client-facing services in the UAE, with further virtual asset products expected in the future.
