DFSA Bans Privacy Coins and Tightens Stablecoin Rules in Dubai Crypto Overhaul
On Jan 12, 2026 the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) announced a ban on privacy-focused tokens, saying such assets are incompatible with global compliance standards as it moves to a firm-led token suitability framework. The regulator named tokens traded under tickers DASH, XMR and ZEC as examples of privacy coins that run counter to AML/KYC expectations, signaling a stricter stance on anonymity-enhancing assets.
The DFSA also introduced more clearly defined stablecoin categories aimed at tightening issuer obligations, reserve requirements and custody practices. Together, the changes increase compliance costs for exchanges, custodians and issuers seeking access to Dubai’s regulated markets and could prompt token delistings or operational shifts; market participants and regional regulators will be watching for wider ripple effects across the Gulf and other crypto hubs.