Google updates UAE ad rules for licensed crypto and forex firms.
From 21 October, Google is updating who can advertise crypto exchanges, software wallets, CFDs and rolling spot forex to UAE users. Crypto exchange ads have been allowed for licensed firms since 2023; the update adds the Capital Market Authority to the list of accepted regulators, and for CFD and forex providers the CMA takes the place of the Securities and Commodities Authority, according to Finance Magnates. Each advertiser needs a licence from a named UAE regulator and certification from Google.
Google's policy update, posted this month, says crypto exchange and software wallet advertisers targeting the UAE must be licensed by the Capital Market Authority (CMA), the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) or the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). For CFDs and rolling spot forex, the list is the CMA, DFSA and FSRA; VARA is not included. In both cases advertisers must also be certified with Google and follow local law, and Google says it will warn at least seven days before suspending an account that breaks the rules.
Crypto Briefing, which reported the change on 19 October, says it clarifies licensing requirements after recent regulatory changes in the UAE. Google's policy applies globally to any account advertising these products, and advertisers have to meet the rules of every market they target. Google's page is not perfectly clear in how it maps products to sections, so advertisers should read it against their own licence before applying.
The update says nothing about Saudi Arabia or the other GCC markets, and Google has not said how long certification takes.
For the UAE's growing crypto and trading sector, this keeps Google Search and YouTube open as paid channels for firms that hold the right licence, and closes them more firmly to those that do not. Agencies with fintech clients in Dubai and Abu Dhabi should check which regulator licenses each client and start certification now. Saudi fintech marketers should watch for a similar move, but there is no sign of one yet.
Why it matters
Licensed UAE crypto and trading firms now have clearer licence rules for Google ads, with certification tied to named regulators. Agencies need to match each client's licence to Google's list.
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