Circle Secures Abu Dhabi Global Market License, Appoints Regional Managing Director
According to ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority, Circle’s FSP license strengthens its Middle East presence and supports stablecoin adoption amid UAE’s push for regulated digital finance.
Circle announced it has secured a Financial Services Permission (FSP) from Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority, permitting it to operate as a regulated Money Services Provider within ADGM’s financial free zone. This final approval follows preliminary clearance earlier in 2025 and enables Circle to deliver USDC-powered payment, settlement, and on-chain financial solutions to businesses and institutions across the UAE. The company also appointed Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, an experienced payments executive formerly with Visa, as Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa to lead regional expansion. The milestone comes amid rapid regulatory progress in the UAE, with ADGM and Dubai’s DIFC issuing stablecoin frameworks, and other major players like Binance and Tether securing similar authorizations, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a hub for regulated stablecoin activity.
- Financial Services Permission (FSP): A license issued by Abu Dhabi Global Market’s FSRA authorizing firms to conduct specified financial activities within its jurisdiction.
- USDC: A U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin issued by Circle, widely used for digital payments, settlements, and trading.
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): An international financial center in Abu Dhabi, UAE, overseeing regulated financial services through its Financial Services Regulatory Authority.