DFSA Opens Applications for Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox
The Dubai Financial Services Authority invites firms to participate in its Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox to test tokenised financial services, fostering innovation and regulatory compliance within Dubai’s growing digital finance hub.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is inviting firms to express their interest in participating in the DFSA’s Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox, an initiative designed for firms seeking to offer tokenised investment products and services.
As part of the DFSA’s Innovation Testing Licence programme, the licensed sandbox that allows firms to test innovation products and services in a controlled environment, the DFSA’s Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox will provide firms with an opportunity to test tokenised financial solutions, offering a regulatory pathway from experimentation to full authorisation. The DFSA’s Innovation Testing Licence has already been instrumental in supporting fintechs and digital finance pioneers in the DIFC. Expanding its scope to tokenised investments reinforces the DIFC, Dubai, and the United Arab Emirates’ position as a leading global hub for digital finance.
Who should apply?
The Expression of Interest is open to firms engaged in tokenisation-related financial services, including:
Firms issuing, trading, holding, or settling tokenised investments such as equities, bonds, sukuk, and collective investment fund units.
Existing DFSA Authorised Firms looking to expand into tokenisation.
Firms with a strong understanding of the applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
How to apply?
The Expression of Interest window is open from 17 March 2025 to 24 April 2025.
Interested firms will undergo an assessment process, and those that demonstrate strong business models and regulatory understanding may be invited to participate in the DFSA’s Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox, where they will receive tailored regulatory support and structured testing opportunities.
To apply, complete the Expression of Interest here: https://survey.dfsa.ae/f/136350/44dd/.
For more details, read the full guide on the initiative or access the DFSA website.
