Dubai, United Arab Emirates:
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts have announced the introduction of specialised services designed to support the resolution of complex digital-asset disputes. As part of the newly launched DIFC Courts Growth Strategy (2026–2030), court users will now be able to access next-generation digital custody and blockchain intelligence services through approved third-party providers.
These emerging technology services will be available on a case-by-case basis, subject to demonstrated necessity, and will complement a growing range of digital economy-focused solutions being developed by Dubai’s common law jurisdiction.
The integration of third-party specialised providers reflects the DIFC Courts’ continued evolution toward delivering justice that is both principled and practical. By enabling secure digital-asset custody and advanced blockchain analytics for relevant claims, the Courts aim to uphold the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and technological sophistication in judicial proceedings.
Under this initiative, Zodia Custody will offer secure and neutral custody of disputed digital assets throughout court proceedings. The global digital asset custodian is supported by leading financial institutions, including Standard Chartered and Emirates NBD. Zodia Custody UAE operates under regulatory oversight following its acquisition of Tungsten Custody Solutions Ltd earlier this year.
In parallel, Crystal Intelligence, a globally recognised blockchain analytics and crypto-risk platform, will provide on-demand tracing, monitoring, and investigative services. These capabilities will support case management, compliance, and enforcement in complex matters involving digital assets.
H.E. Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of the DIFC Courts, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating that the Courts have invested significantly in expertise and resources to address rapidly evolving financial and technological disputes. He noted that permitting carefully reviewed third-party providers strengthens asset protection, data verification, and procedural assurance, in line with international best practices. This development further enhances the Courts’ ability to resolve digital-asset cases securely, efficiently, and with the confidence expected of a world-class judicial institution.
Strengthening Trust, Transparency, and Enforceability
The new services are designed to enhance trust, procedural integrity, and enforceability in cases involving cryptocurrencies and tokenised assets. Building on recent innovation milestones, these capabilities will support the entire lifecycle of digital-asset disputes—from asset preservation and risk oversight to evidence-based investigation.
The initiative represents a significant step in expanding the DIFC Courts’ capacity to manage digital asset-related disputes and inheritance matters. Over the coming years, the Courts will continue to evaluate additional third-party providers through a structured assessment process to ensure they meet strict standards of neutrality, security, and institutional credibility.
Through Zodia Custody, court users will benefit from secure and impartial custody of assets under judicial review, protection against unauthorised asset movement during litigation, enhanced enforceability of judicial outcomes, and increased public and institutional confidence in the DIFC Courts’ adjudicatory framework.
Zane Suren, Managing Director for Commercial, Middle East and Africa at Zodia Custody, welcomed the initiative, noting that as digital assets gain broader adoption, the integration of specialised custody and blockchain intelligence services into legal proceedings represents a critical advancement. He reaffirmed Zodia Custody’s commitment to expanding its presence in the UAE and supporting secure digital-asset dispute resolution.
Crystal Intelligence will provide advanced investigative and compliance tools, including transaction monitoring, multi-hop asset tracing, sanctions and high-risk wallet screening, and visual mapping of fund flows across public blockchains.
These services will be deployed selectively and will also support oversight of the Digital Assets Wills service, alongside specialised training and certification programs for DIFC Courts personnel.
Navin Gupta, CEO of Crystal Intelligence, described the appointment as a milestone for blockchain intelligence in judicial proceedings. He stated that the platform’s investigative capabilities would assist the DIFC Courts in maintaining the highest standards of fairness, efficiency, and technological rigour when adjudicating digital-asset disputes, reinforcing the Court’s position as a leading global judicial institution.
