Circle Gets Full ADGM License to Expand USDC Services in UAE

Highlights:

• Circle secured a full UAE license to expand regulated USDC services nationwide.
• The new license allows Circle to operate as a Money Services Provider.
• ADGM approval positions Circle to grow USDC adoption across corporate payments.

Circle reached an important regulatory milestone in the United Arab Emirates by receiving a Financial Services Permission license from the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority. In a Tuesday press release, the company said the license allows Circle to operate as a fully regulated Money Services Provider in the UAE’s capital market free zone.

Circle expands its regulatory footprint in the UAE

Announced at Abu Dhabi Finance Week:
→ Secured an @ADGlobalMarket FSRA Financial Services Permission to operate as a Money Services Provider

This milestone builds on USDC and EURC being the first stablecoins recognized by… pic.twitter.com/BCSDOpo3mb

— Circle (@circle) December 9, 2025

Circle Expands USDC Services in the UAE with Regulatory Approval

With this approval, Circle can offer regulated payment, settlement, and digital-asset services linked to USDC. The move gives the company a formal presence in one of the fastest-growing hubs for compliant crypto activity worldwide. Circle co-founder and CEO Jeremy Allaire said that regulatory clarity is key to a more open and efficient internet financial system. He added that the company is honored to work with the FSRA in ADGM.

Circle has appointed Dr. Saeeda Jaffar as Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa on December 9. She previously worked at Visa, covering the GCC region. At Circle, she will guide strategy, build partnerships, and promote USDC use in business payments.

The company plans to use its new license to expand USDC in corporate payments, settlement systems, and developer tools. This follows Dubai’s recognition of USDC and EURC under the DFSA’s crypto rules, giving clear regulatory support in the UAE’s main financial zones. The UAE is becoming a global hub for digital-asset regulation. ADGM has introduced rules to attract companies using fiat-linked tokens and tokenized financial services. This helps the country become a safe and compliant center for crypto businesses.

Circle’s full UAE license signals growing confidence in regulated stablecoins. Stablecoins have grown faster since July, when President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law. The law set a federal framework for stablecoin issuance and oversight. Big financial firms like Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and Robinhood started new initiatives.

ADGM Approvals Strengthen Stablecoin and Crypto Market Growth

Tether’s USDT also got ADGM approval as a fiat-referenced token. Licensed companies in Abu Dhabi can use USDT on many blockchains, including Aptos, Celo, Cosmos, Tezos, Kaia, Near, Polkadot, TON, and TRON. Earlier approvals covered Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche. The UAE has clear rules for stablecoins and digital assets. These rules make the market easier for institutions. Companies entering the market can follow clear rules. They can stay compliant, create new services, and grow safely in the region.

On Monday, Binance said it got full approval to run Binance.com under ADGM rules. This approval came after years of review. Binance will work through three legal entities: an exchange, a clearing house, and a broker-dealer. This setup is like traditional financial markets. It allows regulated trading, custody, settlement, and off-exchange services. 

Major milestone 🏁#Binance is the first-ever digital assets trading platform to secure a full suite of licenses from FSRA under @ADGlobalMarket.

This marks a breakthrough moment that raises global standards for regulation, security, and trust.

It reflects our commitment to… pic.twitter.com/ItRofJoAOC

— Binance (@binance) December 8, 2025