Skip to content 
Growth of Digital Assets
Digital assets, from tokenised securities to spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), are entering the mainstream. Regulatory frameworks are evolving across the U.S., UK, and UAE, and firms need trusted partners to launch, scale, and stay compliant in this dynamic environment.
Key Market Drivers
The rapid growth of digital assets is driven by several key global trends:
- Institutional adoption: Traditional financial institutions, asset managers, and market infrastructure providers are increasingly entering the digital asset ecosystem.
- Regulatory evolution: Regulatory frameworks are advancing globally, including:
- SEC oversight in the U.S.
- The FCA’s evolving cryptoasset regime in the UK and new guidance on the operation of tokenised authorised funds
- The UAE’s multi-regulator digital asset framework across the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Capital Market Authority (CMA), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), and Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
- Tokenisation growth: Firms are exploring tokenised funds, securities, real-world assets, and new operating models enabled by blockchain infrastructure.
- Market maturity: Spot Bitcoin ETFs have scaled rapidly, reflecting growing investor demand and accelerating institutional participation in digital asset markets.
Signals to Watch
- Tokenisation is transforming public and private funds, bonds, stocks, and real estate, creating new investment vehicles and operational efficiencies.
- Regulatory challenges remain around defining securities, custody rules, and compliance frameworks. Expert guidance is essential.
Our Expertise
Industry Leadership
ACA Foreside is named legal underwriter and distributor for five of the industry’s first 10 Spot Bitcoin ETPs, serving about 50% of the entire market.
ACA supports firms navigating digital asset regulation globally, including SEC registration and compliance in the U.S., FCA cryptoasset readiness in the UK, and support identifying and navigating the appropriate UAE regulatory pathway across VARA, CMA, DFSA and FSRA.
Our Solutions
ACA delivers comprehensive support across the entire lifecycle of your digital asset strategy from launch to compliance and beyond.
Cybersecurity and Privacy Risk Management
Structuring and implementing robust cybersecurity frameworks, technology controls, and privacy programmes tailored to the unique risks of digital assets.
Compliance Program Development and Maintenance
Designing and sustaining compliance programmes that mitigate evolving regulatory and operational risks in crypto and tokenised products.
Product Launch Expertise
Guiding firms through the complexities of launching digital asset and crypto ’40 Act products, ensuring regulatory alignment and market readiness.
Performance Certification and Outsourcing
Providing investment performance certification or outsourcing support for digital asset track records to meet investor and regulatory expectations.
Strategic Advisory and Execution
Delivering project-based and ongoing advisory services backed by deep industry expertise and peer experience helping firms execute informed go-to-market strategies.
Cross-Border Regulatory Support
Digital asset regulation is increasingly jurisdiction-specific. ACA helps firms navigate differing regulatory expectations across key global markets, including:
- U.S.: SEC oversight, investment adviser compliance and digital asset product support
- UK: FCA cryptoasset regulatory readiness, governance enhancement and operational compliance frameworks
- UAE: Authorisation and licensing pathway support for firms navigating UAE digital asset and virtual asset regimes across VARA, CMA, DFSA and FSRA.
What You’ll Gain with ACA
ACA helps firms:
- Navigate evolving digital asset regulations across key global markets
- Strengthen governance, compliance, and operational readiness frameworks
- Launch products and services with greater regulatory confidence
- Develop scalable compliance and risk-management programmes
- Access practical guidance informed by deep market and peer experience
Ready to launch your next digital asset product?
