Circle Secures Abu Dhabi Money Services License to Expand Stablecoin Operations
Circle Internet Group has obtained a Financial Services Permission license from Abu Dhabi Global Market's financial regulator, marking another milestone in its global regulatory expansion. The approval enables Circle to provide institutional payment and settlement services within ADGM's international financial center.
The license follows Circle's earlier recognition by Dubai International Financial Centre, where USDC became the first DFSA-approved stablecoin. With these UAE footholds, Circle positions USDC as infrastructure for regional payments, forex, and settlements.
Newly appointed managing director Saeeda Jaffar—a Visa veteran overseeing Gulf Cooperation Council strategy—will lead Middle East and Africa operations. The MOVE signals Circle's commitment to compliant onchain finance under evolving digital asset frameworks.
