Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago

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My interview with Sean McHugh, Head of Market Assurance at #VARA.

- VARA has grown from 14 to 36 licensed firms in just over a year

- Biggest applicant mistakes: unclear business plans and shifting models

- How VARA uses #AI and #blockchain analytics to supervise licensees

- Four regulatory priorities: customer protection, AML/KYC, financial soundness, cybersecurity

- Path toward global harmonisation and passporting of crypto regulation

- The importance of marketing rules and enforcement in Dubai’s ecosystem

- Sean’s personal reflections on moving from Wall Street to regulation

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