As institutional crypto adoption accelerates in the Middle East, the demand for regulated custody solutions has surged. Exchanges, family offices, and fund managers all require secure, compliant custody infrastructure.
Why Custody Matters in MENA
The Middle East has significant concentrations of high-net-worth individuals and institutional capital. These investors require institutional-grade custody that meets both regulatory standards and the security expectations of sophisticated capital allocators.
Regulatory Requirements
Both VARA and the FSRA mandate specific custody arrangements for licensed virtual asset service providers. These requirements cover cold storage ratios, insurance coverage, key management procedures, and segregation of client assets.
Leading Custody Providers
Several global custody providers have established MENA operations, including Fireblocks, Copper, and BitGo. Regional players are also emerging, offering custody solutions tailored to local regulatory requirements and client preferences.
Self-Custody vs Third-Party
The choice between self-custody and third-party custody depends on your regulatory category, scale of operations, and risk appetite. Most regulated entities in the UAE opt for qualified third-party custodians to satisfy regulatory requirements.
Building a Custody Strategy
We advise exchanges and institutional investors on custody architecture, vendor selection, and regulatory compliance. The right custody solution balances security, accessibility, and regulatory satisfaction.