Circle has secured a significant foothold in the Middle Eastern financial landscape after obtaining full regulatory approval from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This authorization enables the company to operate its USDC services under stringent regulatory oversight within the UAE.
Circle expands its regulatory footprint in the UAE
Announced at Abu Dhabi Finance Week:
→ Secured an @ADGlobalMarket FSRA Financial Services Permission to operate as a Money Services ProviderThis milestone builds on USDC and EURC being the first stablecoins recognized by… pic.twitter.com/BCSDOpo3mb
— Circle (@circle) December 9, 2025
A Strategic License with Extensive Reach
The Financial Services Permission granted by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) empowers Circle to function as a fully regulated Money Services Provider within Abu Dhabi’s financial free zone. This pivotal approval not only establishes Circle’s operational base in one of the globe’s most dynamic jurisdictions for digital asset regulation but also facilitates a plethora of financial services.
The license encompasses:
– Payment processing
– Settlement services
– Digital asset offerings linked to USDC for businesses and financial institutions
Operating under such a robust regulatory framework positions Circle to support wholesale payment systems, cross-border settlement mechanisms, and custody-linked services with institutional-grade compliance standards. Consequently, this development significantly enhances ADGM’s burgeoning reputation as a secure and predictable environment for digital asset firms.
A Catalyst for the UAE’s Digital Asset Aspirations
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been actively courting enterprises engaged in the creation of fiat-referenced tokens, tokenized financial services, and sophisticated payment infrastructures. Abu Dhabi, in particular, has strategically positioned itself as a leading center for compliant cryptocurrency activities. Circle’s recent entry serves to reinforce this ambition.
The UAE has meticulously cultivated a reputation for establishing clear regulatory parameters for stablecoins and digital finance entities, which has emerged as a significant attraction for global platforms seeking regulatory certainty. Moreover, Circle’s expansion coincides with an evolving global context wherein stablecoins are acquiring more formal regulatory frameworks, particularly following the enactment of the GENIUS Act in the United States. This legislation introduced a federal structure governing the issuance and supervision of fiat-backed tokens.
The passage of the GENIUS Act has ignited a surge in stablecoin initiatives emanating from prominent U.S. financial institutions, thereby amplifying demand for licensed, enterprise-ready providers such as Circle. Notably, the UAE’s dual financial districts are converging around stablecoin oversight:
– Earlier this year, Dubai acknowledged USDC and EURC under its Financial Services Authority’s crypto token regime.
– Tether’s USDT has also been recognized as an approved fiat-referenced token across multiple blockchain platforms.
– Binance secured full authorization to operate its flagship platform under ADGM oversight.
These advancements reflect a deliberate transition toward a more structured and transparent digital asset marketplace within the UAE.
Circle Fortifies Regional Strategy through Leadership Appointment
Circle is poised to capitalize on immediate opportunities in facilitating expedited corporate payments, treasury operations, and trade settlements now that it can extend these services to regional businesses under an established regulatory framework.
This operational capability signifies that companies in the Middle East can now execute transactions in mere seconds rather than days, all through a trusted and licensed issuer. In alignment with its regional strategy, Circle has appointed Dr. Saeeda Jaffar as Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa. Dr. Jaffar, who previously held a senior executive role at Visa, will spearhead Circle’s strategic initiatives, foster institutional partnerships, and expand the utilization of USDC within business payments and financial infrastructure.
