Circle has gained regulatory approval in Abu Dhabi to operate as a licensed Money Services Provider, strengthening its expansion as the UAE advances its crypto regulatory framework.
The company secured a Financial Services Permission license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority within Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), allowing it to offer money services in the international financial center.
Circle also appointed Saeeda Jaffar as managing director for the Middle East and Africa. Jaffar, who also holds a senior role at Visa, will guide the firm’s regional strategy and partnerships.
CEO Jeremy Allaire said ADGM’s rules set high standards for transparency, risk controls, and consumer protection—benchmarks he believes are essential for stablecoins to scale safely.
Circle’s approval comes amid a broader influx of crypto firms into the UAE, including Tether’s USDT and Ripple’s stablecoin, both recently licensed in ADGM. Binance also received multiple regulatory approvals on December 9, 2025.
