Kucoin Faces Cease-and-Desist Order From Dubai Crypto Regulator

Kucoin Ordered to Halt Operations by Dubai Regulator

Heightened regulatory scrutiny continues to shape the global virtual asset sector. Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), the emirate’s dedicated crypto regulator, issued an alert on March 4, warning that Kucoin-linked entities may be offering virtual asset services to Dubai residents without authorization.

VARA identified Phoenixfin Pte Ltd., MEK Global Ltd., Peken Global Ltd., and Kucoin Exchange EU GmbH as entities associated with the platform operating under the name Kucoin. Officials indicated the firms may be providing services to users in Dubai while allegedly misrepresenting their licensing status. The announcement states:

“The company has been instructed to cease and desist all unlicensed VA activities.”

“Kucoin does not hold any licence to provide Virtual Asset services in/from Dubai. Any activities related to Virtual Assets advertised or conducted by this company are therefore in breach of the VARA Regulations,” the regulator stressed.

The authority oversees virtual asset service providers, including crypto exchanges, broker-dealers, custodial platforms, and firms involved in token issuance, trading, transfers, and advisory services. Its mandate covers mainland Dubai and local free zones such as the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and Dubai Internet City, while the Dubai International Financial Centre falls under the separate supervision of the Dubai Financial Services Authority.

VARA also warned that any promotion or solicitation connected to Kucoin has not received regulatory approval in Dubai. The announcement further states:

“VARA advises consumers and investors in Dubai to avoid engaging with Kucoin for the purpose of virtual asset services, and to exercise caution when considering interactions with unregulated entities.”

Within the broader UAE regulatory structure, crypto oversight varies by jurisdiction. VARA regulates virtual asset activity in Dubai. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority oversees Abu Dhabi Global Market, the Dubai Financial Services Authority supervises the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), while the Securities and Commodities Authority regulates virtual asset activity across the remaining emirates.

Following the order, Kucoin issued a statement addressing the regulator’s notice and its operational structure across jurisdictions. “Kucoin operates through different entities serving users in different jurisdictions, and regulators may reference different entities in public notices, but each entity operates within its respective scope. Kucoin Exchange EU GmbH, for example, operates as a MiCAR-regulated entity focused on the EU market. It serves EU users and does not accept users residing outside the EU or conduct active marketing outside the EU. Regulatory frameworks for digital assets are developing rapidly across many jurisdictions, and regulators are increasingly clarifying their expectations for the industry,” the company stated, adding:

“Kucoin respects applicable laws and regulatory processes globally and maintains a cooperative approach with regulators while supporting the development of a responsible digital asset ecosystem.”

Editor’s note (March 9, 2026, 5:10 p.m.): This article was updated to include a statement from Kucoin.

FAQ 🧭

• Why did Dubai regulators warn investors about Kucoin?
  Dubai’s VARA says Kucoin-linked entities may be offering crypto services in the emirate without the required regulatory license.
• Does Kucoin currently have a license to operate in Dubai?
  VARA states that Kucoin does not hold authorization to provide virtual asset services in or from Dubai.
• What risks does this create for crypto investors in the UAE?
  Investors using unlicensed platforms may face reduced protections and higher regulatory or operational risks.
• How strict is the UAE’s crypto regulatory framework?
  The UAE uses multiple regulators across jurisdictions, with VARA overseeing virtual asset activity in Dubai.