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UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations

Self-Assess
United Arab Emirates — Dubai
v2023
13 domains
30 controls

The Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), established by Law No. 4 of 2022, is the world's first independent regulator dedicated to virtual assets. VARA regulates virtual asset service providers (VASPs) operating in or from Dubai (excluding DIFC). Comprehensive rulebooks cover: company, compliance and risk management, market conduct, technology and information, issuance, exchange, broker-dealer, lending/borrowing, custody, management/investment, and transfer/settlement services.

Verified

UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations is a compliance framework from United Arab Emirates — Dubai with 13 domains and 30 controls that map to 209 other frameworks. The largest domains are VARA Compliance and Risk Management Rulebook (5 controls), Market Conduct and Disclosure (4 controls), Risk Management and Regulatory Reporting (4 controls). Every control below carries what it requires and what an assessor expects to see.

Maintained by Gerard BlokdykVerified against the published standard Control text last updated

Framework summaries on this platform are AI-assisted interpretations for educational and compliance planning purposes. They do not reproduce or replace the official standards. Refer to the authoritative source for the definitive text. Framework names and trademarks belong to their respective organisations.

Framework Domains (13)

AML/CFT

1 controls
Controls in the AML/CFT domain of UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations — 1 controls
CodeTitle
UAEVARA-3AML/CFT and FATF Travel Rule

Client Assets and Custody

2 controls
Controls in the Client Assets and Custody domain of UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations — 2 controls
CodeTitle
VARA-04Client Asset Segregation
VARA-05Custody Arrangements

Conduct

1 controls
Controls in the Conduct domain of UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations — 1 controls
CodeTitle
UAEVARA-2Market Conduct, Customer Protection, Marketing Rules

Cybersecurity

1 controls
Controls in the Cybersecurity domain of UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations — 1 controls
CodeTitle
UAEVARA-4Technology Risk and Cybersecurity

Financial Crime Compliance

2 controls
Controls in the Financial Crime Compliance domain of UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations — 2 controls
CodeTitle
VARA-06AML, CFT and Sanctions
VARA-07Travel Rule Compliance

Licensing

1 controls
Controls in the Licensing domain of UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations — 1 controls
CodeTitle
UAEVARA-1Activity Licensing (Advisory, Exchange, Custody, Broker-Dealer, etc.)

Licensing and Prudential Requirements

3 controls
Controls in the Licensing and Prudential Requirements domain of UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations — 3 controls
CodeTitle
VARA-01Licensing and Permitted Activities
VARA-02Fit and Proper Senior Management
VARA-03Capital and Prudential Requirements

Market Conduct and Disclosure

4 controls
Controls in the Market Conduct and Disclosure domain of UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations — 4 controls
CodeTitle
VARA-08Market Conduct and Surveillance
VARA-09Disclosures and Marketing
VARA-10Suitability and Onboarding
VARA-11Conflicts of Interest

Records and Independent Assurance

2 controls
Controls in the Records and Independent Assurance domain of UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations — 2 controls
CodeTitle
VARA-19Recordkeeping and Audit Trails
VARA-20Independent Audit and Assurance

Reporting

1 controls
Controls in the Reporting domain of UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations — 1 controls
CodeTitle
UAEVARA-5Reporting, Governance, Enforcement

Risk Management and Regulatory Reporting

4 controls
Controls in the Risk Management and Regulatory Reporting domain of UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations — 4 controls
CodeTitle
VARA-15Risk Management Framework
VARA-16Regulatory Reporting
VARA-17Complaints and Dispute Resolution
VARA-18Token and Product Approval

Technology and Operational Resilience

3 controls
Controls in the Technology and Operational Resilience domain of UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations — 3 controls
CodeTitle
VARA-12Technology and Cyber Risk
VARA-13Business Continuity and Resilience
VARA-14Outsourcing and Third Party Risk

VARA Compliance and Risk Management Rulebook

5 controls
Controls in the VARA Compliance and Risk Management Rulebook domain of UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations — 5 controls
CodeTitle
CRM-1AML/CFT Compliance
CRM-2Sanctions Compliance
CRM-3Risk Management Framework
CRM-4Business Risk Assessment
CRM-5FATF Travel Rule

Your Compliance Coverage

If you comply with UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations, you already cover:

NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

13%

4 controls mapped

Compare →

NIST SP 800-82 Revision 3: Guide to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security

13%

4 controls mapped

Compare →

New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZISM)

13%

4 controls mapped

Compare →

+ 206 more: NERC CIP (13%), MTCS (Singapore) (13%)

See all 209 mapped frameworks ↓

Maps to 209 other frameworks

30 total controls
NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
4 source controls mapped|7 target controls covered
13%
NIST SP 800-82 Revision 3: Guide to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security
4 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
13%
New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZISM)
4 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
13%
NERC CIP
4 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
13%
MTCS (Singapore)
4 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
13%
IMO Maritime Cybersecurity Guidelines (MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3/Rev.2)
4 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
13%
IEEE 1686
4 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
13%
German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG)
4 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
13%
FedRAMP Rev 5
4 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
13%
API 1164
4 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
13%
NIST SP 800-171A Rev 3 - Assessing CUI Security Requirements
4 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
13%
French Sapin II Law (Law No. 2016-1691)
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
10%
FATF Recommendation 16 - Virtual Asset Travel Rule
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
ISO/IEC 29147:2018
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
UK AI Regulation Framework
3 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
10%
TSA Pipeline Cybersecurity Directives
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
SEC Climate Disclosure Rule
3 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
10%
Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA) - NAIC Model Act
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
OECD AI Principles
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
NRF Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Framework (National Retail Federation)
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
NIST SP 800-39
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
10%
NIST SP 800-37
3 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
10%
NIST SP 800-30
3 source controls mapped|6 target controls covered
10%
NIST SP 800-146
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
NIST SP 800-145
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
NIST SP 800-144
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
NIST Privacy Framework
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
10%
Nigeria Open Banking Regulatory Framework (CBN, 2023)
3 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
10%
Nevada Gaming Control Board Cybersecurity Requirements
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
10%
Lloyd's of London Cyber Insurance Requirements and Underwriting Standards
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
Japan AI Guidelines
3 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
10%
ISMAP (Japan)
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
IRM Enterprise Risk Management Framework (Institute of Risk Management)
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
India CERT-In Cyber Security Directions 2022
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
IEEE 7000
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
ICAO Annex 17 - Aviation Security (AVSEC)
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
IAEA Nuclear Security Series - Computer Security at Nuclear Facilities (NSS-17-T Rev 1)
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
Ghana Cybersecurity Act
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
FTC GLBA Safeguards Rule (16 CFR Part 314)
3 source controls mapped|6 target controls covered
10%
Florida Digital Bill of Rights (FDBR)
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
10%
FISMA
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
10%
ISO/IEC 27557:2022 - Organisational Privacy Risk Management
3 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
10%
FBI CJIS Security Policy
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
APRA CPS 230 Operational Risk Management
3 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
10%
AML/CTF Act 2006 (Australia)
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
ISO 27019
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
10%
Kuwait National Cybersecurity Framework
3 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
10%
SSAE 18 - Attestation Standards (SOC Reporting)
3 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
10%
ISO/IEC 27003:2017
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
10%
ISO 31000
3 source controls mapped|6 target controls covered
10%
IEC 62443
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
10%
EASA Part-IS - Information Security in Aviation
3 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
10%
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programmes - Global Standards
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI)
3 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
10%
NIST SP 1800-32
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
10%
ISO 27005
3 source controls mapped|6 target controls covered
10%
NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
3 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
10%
South Korea ISMS-P
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
Singapore Government Instruction Manual on ICT&SS Management (IM8)
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
APRA SPS 220 Risk Management (Superannuation)
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
10%
ISO/IEC 23894:2023
3 source controls mapped|6 target controls covered
10%
SOC for Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity Risk Management Examination
3 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
10%
Annex 11 to EU GMP - Computerised Systems
3 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
10%
IAIS Insurance Core Principles (ICPs)
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
7%
Bahrain PDPL
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Virginia CDPA
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Vietnam PDPD
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Uruguay DPL
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
UNICEF Policy Guidance on AI for Children (2021)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
UK FCA/PRA Operational Resilience Framework
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
UK GDPR (UK General Data Protection Regulation)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Turkey KVKK
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Texas Data Privacy Act
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Taiwan PDPA
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Qatar DPL
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Privacy Act 2020
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
POPIA
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Personal Data Act (personopplysningsloven)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
PDPA Thailand
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
PDPA Singapore
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Oregon Consumer Privacy Act
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct (2023 Update)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
NIST SP 800-66
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
NIST SP 800-122
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 (NDPA)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
Nebraska Data Privacy Act
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
New Jersey Data Privacy Act
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
New Hampshire Data Privacy Act
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
NAIC Insurance Data Security Model Law (MDL-668)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
Montana Consumer Data Privacy Act
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Mexico LFPDPPP
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
MDS2 (Medical Device)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Mauritius DPA
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Maryland Online Data Privacy Act of 2024
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
MARS-E
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Malaysia PDPA 2010
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Liechtenstein DPA
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
LGPD
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Ley Orgánica de Protección de Datos Personales (LOPDP)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Law No. 172-13 on the Protection of Personal Data
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
South Korea PIPA
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Jamaica Data Protection Act 2020
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Iowa Consumer Data Protection Act
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Indonesia PDP Law
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
India DPDP Act
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Iceland Data Protection and Processing of Personal Data Act (Act No. 90/2018)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
IATF 16949:2016 - Quality Management System for Automotive Production
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
IACS Unified Requirements E26/E27 - Cyber Resilience of Ships and On-Board Systems
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
GLOBALG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) Standard v6
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
FSSC 22000 - Food Safety System Certification
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data (UAE PDPL)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
FDA 21 CFR Part 11
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
ASIS SPC.1-2009 - Organizational Resilience Standard
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
SQF Code Edition 9 - Safe Quality Food
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
ISO/IEC 29134:2023
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
ISO/IEC 27031:2011
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
BSI IT-Grundschutz
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
7%
AWWA Cybersecurity Guidance for the Water Sector (American Water Works Association)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Barbados Data Protection Act 2019
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Switzerland New Federal Act on Data Protection (nFADP/nDSG, 2023)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) - Connected Product Safety
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) - Responsible Minerals Assurance Process
2 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
7%
ISO 13485
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
NFPA 1600 - Standard on Continuity, Emergency, and Crisis Management
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Saudi Arabia PDPL
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
UK Age Appropriate Design Code (Children's Code)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
ISO 22313:2020 - Guidance on Business Continuity Management Systems
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
ISO 27017
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
SANS Incident Handler's Handbook and PICERL Methodology
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
NIST SP 800-190
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
FedRAMP High
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
NIST SP 800-53 Revision 5.1 HIGH
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
FedRAMP Moderate
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 MODERATE
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 LOW
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
GDPR
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
UK Modern Slavery Act 2015
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
ISO 27018
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
ISO 22000
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
ISO 45001
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
ISO 27799
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
Singapore Cybersecurity Act 2018
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
ISO 26262:2018 - Functional Safety for Road Vehicles
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
AICPA Privacy Management Framework (PMF)
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
UK Security and Emergency Measures Direction (SEMD) - Water Industry
2 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
7%
ICH E6(R3) - Good Clinical Practice
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
7%
Pakistan Personal Data Protection Bill 2023
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ITAR - International Traffic in Arms Regulations
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
Uganda Data Protection and Privacy Act (2019)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
Singapore Payment Services Act (PSA) - Digital Payment Token Regulation
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
US OFAC Sanctions Compliance Framework
1 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
3%
US Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) - CBP Trade Data Requirements
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
US ITAR and EAR - Export Control and Data Security
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
Sweden Data Protection Act (Dataskyddslag, 2018:218)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT)
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
SASB Standards
1 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
3%
Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) Release 2024
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
PSD2 SCA
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
PIC/S Guide to Good Manufacturing Practice for Medicinal Products
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
OSFI B-13
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
Open Banking Security
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
OECD Recommendation on Artificial Intelligence (2024 Update)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
OCC Heightened Standards (12 CFR Part 30, Appendix D)
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
O-RAN WG11 Security Specification
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
NIS2 Directive Implementing Acts
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
Monetary Authority of Singapore Technology Risk Management Guidelines
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ICMM Mining Principles (2024 Update)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ICH Q10 - Pharmaceutical Quality System
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
HKMA SPM
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
GLI-33 - Gaming Laboratories International Event Wagering Systems
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
GLBA
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
BS 65000:2014 - Guidance on Organizational Resilience
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
APRA CPS 234
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
AS9100D - Aerospace Quality Management System
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 38500:2024 - Governance of IT
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
IEC 60601-1 - Medical Electrical Equipment Safety
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
Aged Care Quality Standards 2019 (repealed edition)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
Singapore AI Governance Framework
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ISO 22320:2018
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
FFIEC IT Examination Handbook
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
ISO 15189:2022 - Medical Laboratories Requirements for Quality and Competence
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ISO 37000:2021 - Governance of Organizations
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
PCI PIN Security
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
ISO 20400:2017 - Sustainable Procurement
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
PCI SSF
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
Solvency II
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
ISO 28001:2007 Supply Chain Security Management
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
Telecommunications Sector Security Reforms (TSSR)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
TISAX - Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange
1 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
3%
PCI P2PE
1 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
3%
US Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) - Higher Education Safeguards Rule
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
GHG Protocol
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
IFRS 17 - Insurance Contracts
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
MiFID II / MiFIR
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 27006:2024
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
ISO/IEC 27400:2022
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
TEFCA - Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
OWASP DevSecOps Maturity Model (DSOMM)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
Oman National Cybersecurity Framework
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
Japan FSA Cybersecurity Guidelines for Financial Institutions
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
HKMA Cyber Resilience Assessment Framework (C-RAF)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
3%
Compare UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations with NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

What is UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations and who does it apply to?

UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations is a compliance framework from United Arab Emirates — Dubai with 13 domains and 30 controls. The Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), established by Law No. 4 of 2022, is the world's first independent regulator dedicated to virtual assets. VARA regulates virtual asset service providers (VASPs) operating in or from Dubai (excluding DIFC). Comprehensive rulebooks cover: company, compliance and risk management, market conduct, technology and information, issuance, exchange, broker-dealer, lending/borrowing, custody, management/investment, and transfer/settlement services. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

What does UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations actually require?

UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations has 30 controls organised across 13 domains. The largest domains are VARA Compliance and Risk Management Rulebook (5 controls), Market Conduct and Disclosure (4 controls), Risk Management and Regulatory Reporting (4 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.

If I already comply with another framework, how much of UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations do I already cover?

UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations maps to 209 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 (13% coverage), NIST SP 800-82 Revision 3: Guide to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security (13% coverage), New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZISM) (13% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.

How do I implement UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations?

Start your UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about UAE Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) Regulations requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 30 controls and track your progress.

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