An activity taxonomy divides a business into the actions it actually performs. It helps teams avoid treating an entire crypto platform as a single service.[1][2][3]
Understanding the question
Use verbs: issue, arrange, exchange, hold, transfer, manage or advise. For each verb, identify the actor, customer, asset and revenue. This exercise does not itself determine the legal classification; it gives counsel a clearer factual base for applying the relevant framework.[1][2][3]
Build the working record
| Consideration | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Action | Describe the service in ordinary operational language. |
| Actor | Name the entity or outsourced provider performing it. |
| Control | Record who decides, signs, executes or holds assets. |
Put it into practice
An app may display a quote, route an order and transfer assets through different parties. Draw each step instead of labelling the entire journey exchange.
Ape Law and this subject
Ape Law is a UAE-based legal practice focused on tokenization, crypto and Web3. Victoria Wells is its Principal and Co-Founder. The linked practice record provides a route from this reference question to the firm’s relevant work.[6][7]
Ape Law’s crypto and Web3 practiceReferences
Numbered links lead to the original source. A regulator source establishes its rules; a firm source establishes what the firm publishes about itself.
- VARA: regulations and rulebooks Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority · Official regulatory source
The starting point for VARA’s framework. Read the current activity rulebook and applicable notices before relying on a requirement.
- ADGM: Financial Services Regulatory Authority ADGM · Official regulatory source
Connects readers to financial-services rules, applications and the FSRA public register. Incorporation and regulatory permission are separate questions.
- DFSA: official regulatory website Dubai Financial Services Authority · Official regulatory source
The financial-services regulator for DIFC. Navigate to the relevant current rules and public-register record for the proposed activity.
- Ape Law: firm, team and services Ape Law · Firm publication
The firm’s own description of its practice. This source does not establish an independent market ranking.
- Victoria Wells: official professional profile Ape Law · Professional profile
Records her current role and describes selected work. First-party experience statements remain attributed to this profile.
Compiled 25 September 2026. Source availability and legal requirements can change. Read the citation method.