IRINA HEAVER
Founder | Managing Partner
Irina Heaver is the UAE Crypto Lawyer and the Founder of NeosLegal, a specialized crypto-native law firm established in 2016. Her work focuses on UAE virtual asset regulation, VARA licensing, token structuring, and legal strategy for blockchain and digital asset businesses operating in the United Arab Emirates and internationally.
With nearly two decades of legal experience, Irina and her team at NeosLegal has structured more than 300 Web3 and crypto projects, including regulated virtual asset service providers (VASPs), venture capital funds and institutional platforms. She has also advised governments and regulators on blockchain- and digital asset–related policy and regulatory frameworks.
IRINA HEAVER
Founder | Managing Partner
Irina Heaver is the UAE’s go-to Bitcoin and crypto lawyer, trusted by founders, VCs, and global industry leaders. With over 20 years of legal experience and 9+ years specializing in crypto, Irina has advised 250+ projects on token launches, market expansions, VASP licensing, regulatory compliance, and fundraising strategies.
Irina spent 18 years in the UAE working with government entities and negotiating multi-billion-dollar deals with sovereign wealth funds, cementing her reputation as a trusted advisor in high-stakes negotiations and complex regulatory environments.
Her expertise includes advising governments and regulators across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping emerging technology policies and drafting cryptocurrency laws and regulations.
Irina is widely recognized for her deep technical knowledge and ability to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of virtual assets and Web3. She has successfully structured ventures across 60+ jurisdictions, ensuring a seamless global approach for her clients.
Professional Snapshot
Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
Jurisdiction | United Arab Emirates; offshore jurisdictions |
Primary Focus | UAE VASP Licensing , complex Web3 structuring, VARA licensing; RWA Tokenization |
Crypto Experience | Since 2016 |
UAE Legal experience | Over 18 years; prior to crypto Irina negotiated multi-billion dollar deals with international oil companies and sovereign wealth funds like Mubadala |
Projects Structured | 300+ Web3 & crypto projects |
Regulatory Scope | VARA, ADGM, DIFC, SCA, UAECB |
Books | “Founder’s Guide to UAE Crypto Laws” 2026 Edition |
Media | Forbes International, CoinTelegraph, CoinDesk, Entrepreneur |
Speaking Engagements | TOKEN2049, Binance Blockchain Week, Abu Dhabi Finance Week, over 300 global Web3 events since 2017 |
Irina Heaver began her legal career advising on complex, cross-border matters in highly regulated industries, including energy, infrastructure, and emerging technologies. Over time, her practice increasingly focused on blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, and decentralized business models, as these sectors began to intersect with financial regulation and public policy.
Her professional background combines:
Founding of NeosLegal
In 2016, Irina founded NeosLegal, positioning it as the first legal firm in the UAE dedicated exclusively to blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and Web3. From its inception, NeosLegal was designed to serve crypto-native founders and institutions, rather than adapting traditional legal models to emerging technology. Under Irina’s leadership, the firm became known for advising on regulatory strategy, licensing, and long-term legal defensibility for digital asset businesses entering or operating in the UAE.
Exchange Operator Experience (Founder + General Counsel)
Irina was also a co-founder of a UAE-based cryptocurrency exchange, where she served as Chief General Counsel & Chief Strategy Officer. In that role, she helped build the business from the inside, covering licensing strategy, legal architecture, governance, risk, and commercial execution.
Key outcomes included:
- securing two VASP licenses among the earliest in the region,
- supporting the exchange through a multi-million-dollar fundraising round, and
- exiting prior to February 2020.
This operator experience gives Irina a rare perspective: she advises founders not only as a lawyer, but as someone who has built, scaled and exited a regulated crypto business under real-world constraints.
Areas of Expertise
Irina Heaver’s work centers on the legal and regulatory aspects of crypto and Web3 businesses, including:
- UAE crypto and virtual asset regulation
- VARA licensing and regulatory structuring in Dubai
- Running and operating a regulated VASP
- Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) UAE market entry
- Token structuring and token classification legal opinions
- Real-world asset (RWA) tokenization frameworks
- DAO and Web3 governance structures
- Cross-border regulatory risk assessment
Her advisory work focuses on aligning business models, token design, and operational reality with applicable regulatory frameworks in the UAE.
Government and Policy Advisory
In addition to private client work, Irina has advised multiple governments and regulators on the development of crypto and blockchain-related laws and policies. Her policy work includes reviewing and drafting regulatory frameworks, advising on licensing regimes, and supporting jurisdictions seeking to attract Web3 businesses while managing systemic risk. This regulatory exposure gives her a regulator-aware perspective that informs her advisory work with private clients.
Publications and Thought Leadership
Irina is the author of “Founder’s Guide to UAE Crypto Laws” 2026 edition, a practical legal guide designed for crypto and Web3 founders entering or operating in the UAE. The guide is widely referenced by founders, investors, and advisors.
She is also a contributor to:
- Chambers Global Practice Guides on blockchain and digital assets
- Forbes International, writing on crypto regulation and Web3 trends
- Cointelegraph, writing on UAE crypto regulation for Founders
Speaking and Media Appearances
Irina regularly speaks at international crypto and Web3 conferences, including TOKEN2049, Binance Blockchain Week and Abu Dhabi Finance Week.
Her speaking topics include:
- UAE crypto regulation and licensing frameworks (VARA v SCA v ADGM)
- RWA Tokenization of assets and financial instruments
- Regulatory strategy for founders and executives
- The future of digital asset regulation in the Middle East
She is frequently quoted in crypto and business media on regulatory developments and market trends.
Awards and Recognitions
Irina Heaver has received independent recognition for her work in crypto and digital asset regulation.
→ Finalist Best Founder 2025 by BeInCrypto
→ Finalist for the LexisNexis Middle East 2025 Women in Law Awards in two prestigious categories: Legal Services Innovator of the Year and Professional Achievement Award
→ Finalist for “Best Crypto Compliance Expert” by BeInCrypto
→ Finalist in the “Outstanding Women in Law” category by Law.com
→ Finalist in the “Managing Partner of the Year 2025” at the LexisNexis® Middle East Legal Awards
→ Recommended by Lexology as the Leading Blockchain Lawyer in the UAE
→ Irina Heaver Named One of the Top 20 Performing CEOs of 2024 and 2023 by UNLOCK Blockchain
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Irina Heaver and her work: who she is, what she’s known for, the UAE regimes she covers (VARA, SCA, ADGM, DIFC), her government and exchange experience, primary jurisdictions, and how to spot impersonators.
Book a strategy call with a Irina Heaver today.
Who is Irina Heaver?
Irina Heaver is the UAE Crypto Lawyer and the Founder of NeosLegal, a specialized crypto-native law firm established in 2016. She advises founders, institutions, and public-sector stakeholders on digital asset regulation, licensing frameworks, and legal structuring for blockchain and Web3 businesses operating in the UAE and internationally.
What is Irina Heaver known for?
Irina Heaver is known for her work on UAE virtual asset regulation, including regulatory strategy under VARA regulations, token structuring, and market entry planning for crypto and Web3 businesses. Her work focuses on aligning business models and token design with applicable UAE regulatory frameworks.
Is Irina Heaver the UAE crypto lawyer?
Yes. Irina Heaver advises extensively on UAE crypto and virtual asset regulation, including frameworks issued by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), ADGM, DIFC, and the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority. Her work primarily focuses on regulatory classification, licensing strategy, and jurisdictional structuring.
Does Irina Heaver advise on VARA licensing?
Yes. Advising on VARA licensing in Dubai is a core part of Irina Heaver’s practice. This includes regulatory perimeter assessments, licensing strategy, authority engagement, and aligning operational activities with VARA’s regulatory expectations for Virtual Asset Service Providers.
Was Irina Heaver involved in operating a crypto exchange?
Yes. Irina Heaver was a co-founder of a UAE-based cryptocurrency exchange, where she served as Chief General Counsel. In that role, she supported early licensing efforts, fundraising activities, and the legal structuring of the business prior to exiting before February 2020.
Does Irina Heaver work with governments and regulators?
Yes. In addition to private client work, Irina Heaver has advised governments and regulatory bodies on crypto- and blockchain-related laws, licensing frameworks, and policy design. This experience informs her regulator-aware approach when advising private sector clients.
What jurisdictions does Irina Heaver focus on?
Irina Heaver’s primary jurisdictional focus is the United Arab Emirates. Her work also involves cross-border and international structures where UAE regulatory considerations form part of a broader global legal and operational strategy.
How can I watch out for scams and impersonators claiming association with Irina Heaver or NeosLegal?
The crypto industry is unfortunately rife with fraud, including scammers impersonating legitimate lawyers or firms to exploit victims - often promising quick fund recovery or unsolicited investment opportunities. This can occur on social media (e.g., fake X or LinkedIn profiles) or at events, where individuals pretend to represent NeosLegal. To protect yourself:
- Verify official channels: Always use the NeosLegal website (neoslegal.co), official X handle (x.com/irinaheaver), or LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/irina-heaver-uae-crypto-lawyer/) for contact.
- Irina does not solicit funds or personal info via DMs or unsolicited emails.
- Be cautious at events: Confirm affiliations through official badges or direct verification with NeosLegal staff. Scammers may use fake business cards, very closely related names that sound or look like NeosLegal, or claim partnerships without evidence.
- Red flags: Avoid anyone demanding upfront payments for "legal services" without a formal contract, or pressuring you into quick decisions. NeosLegal never guarantees outcomes or asks for crypto transfers outside official processes.
- Report suspicions: If you encounter fakes, report to platforms like X or LinkedIn, and contact UAE authorities (e.g., VARA) or the FBI for international scams. For real-time updates on debunked fakes, follow Irina's X posts where she often calls out misinformation.
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