From 21 October, Google will apply updated licensing requirements to ads for crypto exchanges, software wallets, CFDs and rolling spot forex targeting users in the United Arab Emirates. Firms in all four categories need a licence for the service they promote and separate Google certification before their ads can run. Who Can Advertise Crypto to UAE Clients? A crypto exchange or software-wallet provider can seek approval with an appropriate licence from one of the four regulators: the Capital Market Authority (CMA), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) or Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). For CFD and rolling spot forex advertising, Google recognises licences from the CMA, DFSA and FSRA. In either category, the advertiser must also comply with local law and complete Google’s certification process through its Google Ads account. These are rules for ads targeting the UAE, not just for companies based there. A multi-asset brokerage group therefore needs to check which of its legal entities provides each advertised service. A licence held by one entity, or approval to advertise CFDs, does not automatically cover a crypto campaign run under the same brand. What Changes on 21 October? Licensed crypto exchanges and software-wallet providers have been able to advertise to UAE users since February 2025. Google’s currently published policy specifies a VARA licence or an FSRA licence to operate a multilateral trading facility. The October update lists the CMA and DFSA as well, and no longer limits the FSRA route to multilateral trading facilities. The change for CFD and rolling spot forex brokers is narrower. Google’s existing policy already accepts licences from the SCA, DFSA and FSRA. The new wording substitutes the CMA for the SCA, which it replaced as legal successor in January 2026. For a broker offering both leveraged trading and crypto services, the practical distinction is that each campaign must qualify under the rules for its own product. October’s wider set of licensing routes could change the position for crypto ads; the CFD update primarily brings Google’s regulator name up to date.This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.