The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has announced the launch of a new suite of specialised services for complex digital-asset cases, introducing formal institutional custody and blockchain intelligence support as part of its DIFC Courts Growth Strategy (2026–2030). The move positions the DIFC Courts as the first commercial court globally to offer secure, neutral, court-approved digital-asset custody during litigation.
Under the newly introduced framework, Zodia Custody—backed by Standard Chartered and Emirates NBD and regulated in the UAE under the FSRA (ADGM)—will provide safekeeping of disputed cryptocurrencies and tokenised assets. This marks the first time a global court system has integrated a regulated digital-asset custodian into its operational processes, offering litigants a formally recognised mechanism to prevent unauthorised asset movement and ensure enforceability of outcomes.
The service is available for cases that demonstrate clear necessity and aims to enhance the integrity, transparency, and security of proceedings in disputes involving digital assets. It represents a significant evolution in judicial infrastructure as courts worldwide face rising volumes of crypto-related litigation but have yet to establish practical tools for asset preservation in fast-moving blockchain environments.
Complementing the custody capability, Crystal Intelligence has been approved to provide on-demand blockchain analytics, tracing, and investigative support. These services will aid judges, litigants, and case managers in assessing risk, verifying evidence, and navigating complex digital-asset flows across global networks.
H.E. Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of the DIFC Courts, said the initiative reflects the Court’s commitment to providing effective mechanisms for resolving disputes linked to the rapidly expanding digital economy. “By reviewing and permitting the use of third-party providers for niche dispute requirements, we are further enabling the safeguarding of assets, data verification, and supporting court users with assurance aligned with international best practice,” he said.
The Court’s new capabilities will support a wide range of cases, including digital-asset disputes, inheritance matters, and enforcement proceedings. DIFC Courts officials confirmed that additional providers may be evaluated in the coming years to build a broader ecosystem of trusted digital-economy services.
With this announcement, the DIFC Courts become the first judicial body to operationalise institutional-grade digital-asset custody as part of litigation—a step set to serve as a global reference point for courts seeking to modernise their approach to crypto-related disputes.
