Areas of focus
The work below describes the engagements Layla Hassan typically leads at the firm.
- VARA Categories 1–4 application strategy and pre-application gap analysis;
- ADGM FSRA Crypto Asset framework — institutional custody and broker-dealer;
- MAS PSA — MPI / SPI / DPT licensing under the Payment Services Act;
- SFC VATP applications and TCSP companion structures;
- AUSTRAC DCE registration and AFSL for tokenised products;
- Travel Rule implementation across MENA and APAC;
Publications and recognition
- Cambridge CCAF Crypto Working Group — author of MENA chapter;
- Speaker, Dubai FinTech Summit;
- Quoted in Bloomberg on VARA framework;
- Hong Kong Lawyer journal — VATP rulebook commentary;
Jurisdictions led by Layla Hassan
- Crypto license in United Arab Emirates — VARA / FSRA (ADGM) / DMCC / DFSA (DIFC), 9–14 months (VARA) · 6–10 months (ADGM).
- Crypto license in Singapore — Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), 9–12 months.
- Crypto license in Hong Kong — SFC, 12+ months (VATP).
- Crypto license in Australia — AUSTRAC, DCE 6–12 weeks · AFSL 6–9 months.
Services Layla Hassan leads
- Crypto License for a Crypto Exchange.
- Crypto License for a Custody Provider.
- Crypto License for an OTC Desk.
- Crypto License for a Crypto Broker.
Selected client testimonials
Layla’s team made the difference between a ‟maybe’ and a ‟yes’ from VARA. The pre-application gap analysis they ran caught two governance issues that would have stopped us cold at the assessment stage. Our VARA Category 2 licence was approved in 11 months — fast for this regime.
We initially planned for ADGM but were redirected to DMCC after a frank assessment of our capital and substance. The recommendation was right. Up and running in 14 weeks, banking sorted, full compliance pack delivered.
ADGM FSRA application for our institutional custody business. The team’s grasp of the FSRA Crypto Asset framework was the deepest we found across four firms we shortlisted. Application was clean, regulator interactions were professional, FSP was issued on schedule.