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.
financemagnates.com
