Circle Gains Major Regulatory Foothold in UAE With ADGM License to Scale Stablecoin Adoption

[Ben Graham]

Circle’s slow but steady expansion into the Middle East has taken a decisive step forward, as the USDC issuer secured a Financial Services Permission (FSP) license from Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

The move positions 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 actively developing clearer regulatory frameworks and attracting global crypto players, Circle’s entry underscores the central role stablecoins have come to play in payment infrastructure and cross-border finance.

Circle Secures ADGM Approval and Expands Regional Strategy

The license, granted by ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority, permits Circle to operate as a regulated Money Services Provider within the financial free zone.

This follows preliminary approval earlier this year and gives the firm formal permission to offer USDC-powered payment, settlement and on-chain financial tools to businesses and institutions across the UAE.

Alongside the approval, Circle appointed Dr. Saeeda Jaffar as managing director for the Middle East and Africa. A long-time 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 regional prospects.

Her appointment reflects Circle’s intent to localize operations and strengthen ties with banks, enterprises, and government entities.

UAE Supports Push Toward Regulated Digital Finance

Circle’s regulatory milestone comes as the UAE increases its efforts to build an institutional-grade digital asset ecosystem. ADGM and Dubai’s DIFC have both issued stablecoin and token frameworks designed to offer clarity for companies operating in the sector.

USDC and EURC were recognized earlier this year under Dubai’s crypto token regime, providing Circle with visibility across both major financial zones in the country.

The approval also coincides with a wave of regulatory progress for other major players. Binance received full authorization to operate its global platform under ADGM oversight this week, while Tether secured recognition for USDT across multiple blockchain networks.

These developments show how Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a global hub for regulated stablecoin activity, driven by remittance demand, trade flows, and a growing emphasis on compliance.

Stablecoin Adoption Enters New Phase

The UAE’s structured approach comes at a time when stablecoins are gaining broader acceptance in global finance.

With regulatory guardrails expanding internationally and stablecoins increasingly used for cross-border payments, Circle’s license opens the door for wider USDC adoption in corporate finance, developer applications, and digital-asset settlement.

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For Circle, the ADGM license marks a pivotal foothold in one of the world’s fastest-moving regulatory environments. For the UAE, it reinforces an ambition to lead in compliant digital-asset innovation while shaping standards for a rapidly evolving sector.

Cover image from ChatGPT, ETHUSD chart from Tradingview