Case Study
NeosLegal Advises on Structuring a UAE Family Office for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Crypto Founder
TL;DR:
NeosLegal advised an ultra-high-net-worth individual, with multiple exits in the crypto space, on the establishment of a UAE-based family office to serve as a formal platform for investing in virtual and traditional assets. The engagement involved jurisdiction selection, entity formation, governance, and regulatory analysis. The structure was designed to support token investments, equity in blockchain ventures, and broader Web3 exposure, all within a legally sound and tax-considered framework. The result enabled the client to invest in digital assets compliantly, at scale, and in alignment with private wealth principles.
Client Objectives
The client sought to move beyond personal holdings into a formalised, scalable family office structure to support a long-term digital asset strategy. Objectives included:
- Establishing a legal structure aligned with private wealth principles and asset protection
- Gaining clarity on regulatory classification, custody, and compliance boundaries
- Ensuring tax efficiency under UAE federal and free zone frameworks
- Building a structure capable of supporting token investments, equity, and broader virtual assets exposure
NeosLegal’s role was to design and implement a compliant investment vehicle that preserved confidentiality, flexibility, and readiness for future regulatory developments.
UAE Regulatory Context
The UAE had introduced multiple virtual asset and related regulations, requiring all activities to be performed in line with the existing framework and, to the extent possible, designed to be future-proof.
Key considerations included:
- Distinguishing regulated services (custody, exchanges, VASPs) from unregulated private investment into the regulated businesses
- Assessing federal corporate laws, economic substance requirements, and free zone rules
- Evaluating UAE tax implications for capital gains, investment income, and cross-border structuring
- Ensuring the structure did not inadvertently trigger reporting obligations
This regulatory mapping ensured the family office could manage digital asset exposure compliantly, while maintaining regulatory neutrality and flexibility under UAE law.
NeosLegal’s Solution
NeosLegal led the establishment of a family office vehicle within a UAE free zone, selected for regulatory positioning and long-term adaptability. Our work included:
1. Securing 10-Year UAE Golden Visas
We obtained long-term residency for the client and their family under the UAE’s Golden Visa program, leveraging their track record of Web3 successes to qualify under the “specialised talent” category.
2. Entity Formation & Governance
Formed a dedicated family office entity, drafted governance documents, and developed internal protocols to manage digital assets within a private wealth context.
3. Regulatory Alignment
Ensured the structure remained outside the scope of current VASP licensing, while retaining flexibility to adapt to future rules.
4. Investment Scope Design
Created a framework supporting direct token exposure, blockchain equity positions, and secondary market participation.
5. Asset Protection & Custody
Advised on segregation of assets, control mechanisms, and recordkeeping practices aligned with institutional standards.
6. Tax & Cross-Border Considerations
Reviewed UAE federal and free zone tax rules, ensuring treatment of capital gains and income remained efficient and compliant.
Results and Outcomes
The family office was successfully established and became operational within a short timeframe. Outcomes included:
- A clear legal framework for digital and traditional asset investments
- Compliance with UAE corporate, tax, and regulatory frameworks
- Governance structures enabling disciplined decision-making and risk management
- Asset segregation and wealth planning integration for long-term protection
- A scalable model supporting broader Web3 investment strategies
The client is now positioned to deploy capital confidently into digital assets while remaining adaptable to evolving regulatory standards.
Why This Matters
As digital assets enter mainstream wealth strategies, high-net-worth individuals require institutional-grade structures to invest with confidence. Many remain exposed due to informal holdings or unclear legal frameworks.
This case demonstrates how NeosLegal bridges that gap by:
1
Formalising private crypto wealth into a regulated, compliant structure
2
Aligning digital asset strategies with traditional private wealth standards
3
Leveraging the UAE’s position as a global hub for digital asset investment
By structuring a UAE-based family office, the client achieved clarity, compliance, and control, creating a scalable foundation for long-term participation in the Web3 economy.
Speak with our legal team about your project.
We’ll review your objectives and provide a clear plan with scope, timelines and next steps.
Clients & Partners
Feedback & Endorsements
Juliet Su
Founding Partner
NewTribe Capital
“This partnership is about making sure founders aren’t left in the dark when it comes to legal questions. With NeosLegal’s support, we can offer more than funding. We can offer confidence.”
Alex Scott
Superteam UAE, Solana
“Having NeosLegal by our side means our founders building exciting Web3 projects with confidence and a solid legal foundation. We’re grateful for NeosLegal’s expertise, professionalism and commitment to helping the ecosystem grow.”
We Look Forward to Supporting You
Reach out to discuss how we can support your crypto venture with expert legal guidance.
