coinspress.com
Circle has strengthened its global footprint by obtaining a full Financial Services Permission (FSP) license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the Abu Dhabi Global Market.
The approval marks a major milestone for the company and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s ambition to lead regulated digital finance in the region.
A Regulated Base For USDC Adoption In The UAE
The new license officially recognizes Circle as a supervised money services provider within ADGM. This status gives the company the regulatory certainty needed to expand USDC into payments, settlements, and digital financial infrastructure across the United Arab Emirates. Firms operating under ADGM must meet strict standards for compliance, transparency, and consumer protection.
These requirements align closely with the region’s long-term strategy to attract global financial institutions. With a clear framework in place, banks, fintech developers, and corporate partners in the UAE can now integrate USDC with greater confidence. This shift may accelerate new settlement systems, faster cross-border transfers, and more efficient onchain financial services.
Leadership Moves And Regional Partnerships Support Expansion
Circle has appointed Dr. Saeeda Jaffar as Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa. Her leadership experience at Visa, where she served as Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for the GCC, highlights Circle’s commitment to operating at a high institutional level in the region. Her expertise also positions Circle to engage closely with regulators, payment networks, and financial institutions.
This license also builds on earlier progress. The company secured in-principle approval in April 2025, giving it a head start on regulatory alignment. Circle has also partnered with Lulu Financial Holdings to modernize remittances and cross-border payment rails. The UAE is one of the world’s busiest remittance hubs, making it a strategic environment for USDC-powered financial innovation.
A Strategic Move With Regional Impact
Circle’s approval signals a broader shift toward regulated digital assets in the Middle East. USDC now has a clear pathway to support institutional payment solutions, corporate transactions, and emerging onchain financial tools. The license positions Circle to help shape the next stage of financial modernization across the UAE, Africa, and neighboring markets.