Circle Receives Regulatory Approval in Abu Dhabi, Expanding UAE Operations
- Circle has obtained a Financial Services Permission license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
- This license allows Circle to operate as a Money Services Provider within the Abu Dhabi International Financial Center.
- Saeeda Jaffar has been appointed as managing director for Circle Middle East and Africa, previously serving at Visa.
- The ADGM has recently issued licenses to multiple crypto firms, including Tether and Binance.
- The UAE’s Central Bank is enhancing regulations for decentralized finance (DeFi) under new Federal Decree Law No. 6 of 2025.
Circle’s licensing marks a significant step in its strategy to establish a foothold in the UAE’s growing crypto market, which is actively promoting regulatory frameworks for digital assets. The recent approvals reflect the region’s commitment to becoming a global hub for cryptocurrency operations.
With Circle now licensed to provide financial services in Abu Dhabi, it joins other major players like Binance and Tether, highlighting the competitive landscape of stablecoin issuance in the region.
