Circle wins ADGM license in Abu Dhabi: strategic expansion of USDC in the Middle East

At the heart of Dubai’s time zone, Abu Dhabi is strengthening its position as a global center for regulated digital finance. Circle, the issuer of USDC, has taken a major step by obtaining its license from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), paving the way for a regulated presence in the United Arab Emirates. This approval formalizes Circle’s ambitions in a region that has become essential for digital asset companies.

Towards a full license as a Money Services Business

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the ADGM has granted Circle a Financial Services Permission (FSP), allowing it to operate as a money services provider within the Abu Dhabi Financial Free Zone. This license significantly expands Circle’s operational capabilities in the region.

The approval formalizes a process that Circle began in April 2025 with its preliminary recognition by the Abu Dhabi regulator. The USDC stablecoin can now support commercial payments, settlements, and various financial applications directly in the United Arab Emirates, positioning Circle as a key player in regional digital payments.

Saeeda Jaffar: a strategic appointment to lead the MEA region

To strengthen its presence, Circle has appointed Dr. Saeeda Jaffar as the head of operations for the Middle East and Africa, a recognized figure in the digital payments sector. This appointment enhances Circle’s local expertise, as Dr. Jaffar previously held leadership roles at Visa, the undisputed giant in payment processing.

This decision demonstrates Circle’s serious commitment to addressing regulatory and operational challenges specific to the MENA region, where the potential for growth in digital financial services remains substantial.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai: two pillars of a regulated ecosystem

Circle’s approval is part of a regulatory continuity. Indeed, the Dubai Financial Services Authority had already granted recognition to Circle earlier in 2025, allowing USDC and its euro counterpart EURC to operate under Dubai’s crypto regime.

Abu Dhabi thus reinforces its role as a decision-making hub for regulated digital assets, complementing the ecosystem established in Dubai. The convergence of these two regulations creates a favorable environment for financial innovation in the United Arab Emirates.

The Binance effect: a race for regulatory attractiveness

Highlighting the intensification of regulatory competition, Binance obtained its own ADGM licenses one day after Circle, securing approvals for trading, clearing, and brokering digital assets. These joint approvals demonstrate that the United Arab Emirates are not just regulating—they are building a comprehensive infrastructure for the digital assets industry.

Stablecoins, pioneers of cross-border payments

USDC and its counterparts like EURC embody a growing global trend: stablecoins are becoming essential tools in the international financial system. Valued collectively at around $300 billion, these instruments are increasingly adopted for cross-border payments, especially in regions where access to traditional banking infrastructure remains limited or costly.

Circle’s approval in the United Arab Emirates confirms that global regulators now recognize the transformative role of stablecoins in modernizing international financial flows.