DIFC Courts embrace blockchain tools for complex digital asset cases

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts have announced the introduction of specialised digital custodian and blockchain intelligence services for court users, as part of initiatives under the newly launched DIFC Courts Growth Strategy 2026-2030.

The services will be offered through approved third-party providers and will be available on a case-by-case basis for disputes that demonstrate a clear need for advanced digital asset support. The move reflects the DIFC Courts’ response to the growing number of complex cases linked to the digital economy, including cryptocurrencies and tokenised assets.

Under the new framework, Zodia Custody will provide secure and neutral custody for disputed digital assets during legal proceedings. Zodia Custody is backed by financial institutions including Standard Chartered and Emirates NBD, with its UAE entity regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market following its acquisition of Tungsten Custody Solutions earlier this year.

Blockchain analytics support will be provided by Crystal Intelligence, a platform specialising in crypto risk, compliance and investigation. Its services will include on-demand tracing, monitoring and analysis of blockchain transactions to support case management, enforcement and compliance in digital asset disputes.

H.E. Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of the DIFC Courts, said: “In recent years the DIFC Courts has dedicated resources and expertise to ensure that rapidly evolving financial and technological disputes, related to the digital economy, are provided with mechanisms to assist resolution.

“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 a level of assurance aligned with international best practice. This step further strengthens the Court’s ability to resolve complex digital asset cases efficiently, securely, and with the confidence expected of a world-class judicial institution.”

DIFC Courts launch digital custody services

The DIFC Courts said the new services are intended to enhance trust, transparency and procedural integrity in cases involving digital assets. They are also expected to support specialised areas such as digital asset inheritance disputes and the Courts’ Digital Assets Wills service.

Zane Suren, Managing Director for Commercial, Middle East and Africa at Zodia Custody, said: “As digital assets become more widely adopted, Zodia Custody welcomes the DIFC Courts’ integration of specialised digital custody and blockchain intelligence services for legal disputes.”

Navin Gupta, CEO of Crystal Intelligence, said: “Being selected as a service provider to the DIFC Courts marks a defining moment for Crystal Intelligence and blockchain intelligence in judicial proceedings. Our on-demand tracing, monitoring, and investigative capabilities will help the Court uphold the highest standards of fairness and efficiency when adjudicating digital asset disputes.”

The Courts said it will continue to evaluate additional third-party providers in the coming years to ensure neutrality, security and institutional credibility. The initiative builds on Dubai’s wider efforts to position itself as a leading jurisdiction for the resolution of complex financial and technology-related disputes within a common law framework.