Circle Internet Group has secured a financial services permission license from Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority to operate as a Money Services Provider in the Abu Dhabi International Financial Centre, enabling regulated payments and settlement activities through its platform.

This approval positions Circle to deepen its footprint in the UAE fintech scene by expanding regulated payment and settlement services tied to USDC for businesses and financial institutions under a robust regulatory framework.

The license allows Circle to offer payment, settlement, and digital-asset services linked to USDC, enhancing enterprise-grade capability within UAE regulatory boundaries.

The UAE has been moving toward comprehensive crypto regulation, exemplified by 2024 VAT exemptions on crypto transfers and Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis pursuing a framework for DAOs.

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has intensified enforcement by cracking down on unlicensed crypto firms, signaling strict sector oversight.

Regulatory expansion continues, with the UAE Central Bank and authorities introducing DeFi and wider Web3 rules under Federal Decree Law No. 6 of 2025, requiring licenses for permitted activities.

Regulatory momentum mirrors US developments like the GENIUS Act and related recognition of stablecoins in the UAE, underscoring a coordinated push toward regulated, enterprise-grade stablecoin services.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are moving toward institutional-grade payment rails, with USDC and EURC integration under local regimes and ADGM oversight as part of the broader strategy to recognize fiat-referenced tokens.

ADGM has issued licenses to multiple crypto firms, including Tether, Ripple USD, and Binance for exchange, clearing, and broker-dealer activities, reflecting a crypto-friendly but regulated UAE environment.

Circle CEO emphasizes that the new regulation sets high standards for transparency, risk management, and consumer protection to enable trusted stablecoins at scale.

Circle appointed Saeeda Jaffar as Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa to lead regional strategy, partnerships, and growth, leveraging her role as senior VP and group country manager for the GCC at Visa.

Jaffar will steer Circle’s regional strategy, expanding USDC usage in business payments and financial infrastructure across the Middle East and Africa.