Abu Dhabi, your destination for investing and trading in virtual assets
Investors are seeing the benefits of investing and trading with regulated virtual asset players and interest and demand for access to virtual assets in regulated markets is increasing.
ADGM is the leading jurisdiction worldwide for the regulation of virtual asset activities. Its comprehensive framework addresses the full range of associated risks, including those related to financial crime, consumer protection, technology governance, custody and exchange operations.
The risks of trading and investing in virtual assets are extensive, and consumers often fall for false advertising that promises quick gains without requiring financial or investment literacy. FSRA’s setting out a comprehensive regulatory framework for firms engaging in virtual asset activities require that firms provide clear guidance on the risks associated with the process of trading and investing in virtual assets.
ADGM is an advocate of informed consumer decision making and encourages individuals and asset managers to research their options before engaging in virtual asset activities.
What are the benefits of investing with regulated virtual asset trading companies and exchanges?
Buying and selling virtual assets through regulated entities helps protect investors against a number of technology, legal, and financial risks.
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Enhanced protection against phishing, hacking and manipulation attempts
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Prevents unwitting involvement in the illegal movement of funds by money launderers, terrorists, tax evaders, and organised crime groups
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Market transparency and integrity
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Preventing conflicts of interest and unsound investment advice
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FSRA-regulated virtual asset firms have to go through a stringent process to be able to offer virtual assets on their platform, which reduces investor risk to virtual assets that could be prone to illiquid or “immature” virtual assets
What are virtual assets?
“Virtual Asset” means a digital representation of value that can be digitally traded and functions as (1) a medium of exchange; and/or (2) a unit of account; and/or (3) a store of value, but does not have legal tender status in any jurisdiction.
A virtual asset is:
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(a) Neither issued nor guaranteed by any jurisdiction, and fulfils the above functions only by agreement within the community of users of the Virtual Asset
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(b) Distinguished from Fiat Currency5 and E-money
For example, virtual assets include non-fiat virtual currencies such as Bitcoin or Ether or crypto ‘exchange tokens’
