Circle’s slow but steady expansion into the Middle East has taken a decisive step forward, as the USDC issuer has secured a Financial Services Permit (FSP) license from Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
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The move places the company at the center of the UAE’s growing digital asset ecosystem, strengthening its ability to scale stablecoin adoption across the region.
For a market that is actively developing clearer regulatory frameworks and attracting global crypto players, Circle’s entry underscores the central role of stablecoins in payment infrastructure and cross-border financing.
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Circle secures ADGM approval and expands regional strategy
The license issued by him ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authorityallows Circle to operate as a regulated money services provider within the Free Financial Zone.
This follows a preliminary approval earlier this year and gives the company official permission to offer USDC-powered payment, settlement and on-chain financial tools to businesses and institutions across the UAE.
With the approval, Circle has appointed Dr Saeeda Jaffar as Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa. A longtime payments executive with leadership experience at Visa and major consulting firms, she will guide Circle’s expansion efforts, deepen local partnerships and help integrate USDC into the regional outlook.
Her appointment reflects Circle’s intention to localize operations and strengthen ties with banks, businesses and government bodies.
The UAE supports the move towards regulated digital finance
Circle’s regulatory milestone comes as the United Arab Emirates ramps up its efforts to build an institutional-grade digital asset ecosystem. ADGM and Dubai’s DIFC have issued stablecoin and token frameworks designed to offer clarity to companies operating in the sector.
USDC and EURC were recognized earlier this year under Crypto token regime in Dubaiproviding Circle visibility in both major financial zones of the country.
The approval also coincides with a wave of regulatory progress for other major players. This week, Binance received full authority to operate its global platform under the supervision of ADGM, while Tether secured recognition for USDT on multiple blockchain networks.
These developments demonstrate how Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a global hub for regulated stablecoin activity, driven by demand for remittances, trade flows and an increasing emphasis on compliance.
Stablecoin adoption is entering a new phase
The UAE’s structured approach comes at a time when stablecoins are gaining acceptance in global finance.
With regulatory guardrails expanding internationally and stablecoins increasingly being used for cross-border payments, Circuit License opens the door to wider adoption of USDC in corporate finance, application development and digital asset settlement.
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For Circle, the ADGM license represents a key foothold in one of the fastest-changing regulatory environments in the world. For the UAE, this reinforces the ambition to be a leader in compliant digital asset innovation while shaping the standards for a rapidly evolving sector.
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