Circle Secures ADGM License to Expand USDC Services Across the UAE

Circle, the company behind the $78 billion USDC stablecoin, has strengthened its presence in the Middle East after receiving a Financial Services Permission (FSP) license from Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The approval, granted by ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), authorizes Circle to operate as a regulated Money Services Provider within the UAE’s financial free zone. This development follows the firm’s initial in-principle approval earlier this year and marks a significant step in expanding compliant stablecoin services in the region.

With this license, Circle can now offer USDC for business payments, settlements, and a broad range of financial applications across the UAE. The move aligns with the country’s growing status as a global hub for regulated digital asset activity, providing a clear framework for companies offering crypto-related financial services. The organization also appointed Dr. Saeeda Jaffar as its new managing director for the Middle East and Africa, bringing leadership experience from her previous role at Visa to support Circle’s regional growth strategy.

The approval comes shortly after Binance secured multiple licenses from Abu Dhabi’s FSRA for exchange, clearing, and brokerage operations, highlighting the UAE's accelerating push to attract major players in the digital asset ecosystem. Earlier in the year, Circle gained recognition in Dubai when USDC and its euro-backed counterpart EURC were registered under the Dubai Financial Services Authority’s crypto regulatory regime.

As stablecoins continue to integrate into global finance, USDC is becoming increasingly important as a tool for cross-border payments and financial access, especially in regions where traditional banking options remain limited or expensive. Circle’s latest regulatory milestone strengthens its ability to deliver secure, compliant stablecoin infrastructure as global demand for digital dollars continues to rise.