ADGM Proposes New Regulatory Framework for Crypto Mining Activities

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has published Discussion Paper No. 1 of 2026, outlining proposed guidance for crypto mining activities conducted within or from ADGM, and inviting industry stakeholders to submit feedback.

Issued by the ADGM Registration Authority (RA), the proposals aim to introduce regulatory clarity for crypto mining operations while supporting responsible innovation, governance, and risk-based supervision across the sector.

Proposed ADGM Crypto Mining Regulatory Framework

According to the Registration Authority, the proposed framework would regulate crypto mining as a commercial activity, rather than a financial service, under ADGM’s existing licensing regime.

Key elements of the proposed ADGM crypto mining regulation include:

• Technology-neutral scope: Applicable to all consensus mechanisms, including Proof-of-Work (PoW), Proof-of-Stake (PoS), and future blockchain technologies.
• Commercial licensing approach: Crypto mining would fall under the Registration Authority’s commercial licensing framework, providing clarity on regulatory classification.
• Governance and transparency standards: Expectations would include corporate governance, beneficial ownership disclosure, and operational integrity.
• Risk-based supervisory oversight: Regulatory supervision would be proportionate to the size, scale, and complexity of mining operations.
• Global operations oversight: ADGM-registered entities overseeing or managing overseas crypto mining operations would be subject to the proposed guidance.

Who the Consultation Applies To

The Registration Authority is seeking responses from:

• ADGM-registered entities currently engaged in, or planning to engage in, crypto mining
• ADGM-registered headquarters overseeing global crypto mining operations
• Service providers, technology vendors, auditors, and other industry stakeholders

The consultation reflects ADGM’s broader approach to clarifying regulatory treatment of non-financial blockchain activities within the financial free zone.

Consultation Timeline

Stakeholders can submit feedback on Discussion Paper No. 1 of 2026 – Proposed Guidance on Crypto Mining Activities until 20 March 2026.