Circle has now secured an ADGM Financial Services Permission license, which gives it approval to offer regulated payment tools across the UAE.
Circle has taken another major step toward expanding its regulated digital payment services.
It recently secured a Financial Services Permission license from Abu Dhabi Global Market, and the approval shows the steady rise of the United Arab Emirates as a home for clear rules and long-term regulatory stability
Circle Strengthens Its Position Through the ADGM License
Circle received its license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority within ADGM. The new approval lets the company operate as a Money Services Provider inside the financial free zone.
It builds on the firm’s earlier recognition in Dubai, where both USDC and EURC were registered under the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
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 ProviderThis milestone builds on USDC and EURC being the first stablecoins recognized by… pic.twitter.com/BCSDOpo3mb
— Circle (@circle) December 9, 2025
The license creates a defined structure for the company, and Circle can now offer payment and settlement tools that rely on its stablecoins. These services can support companies across the UAE that want predictable transactions, especially for cross-border uses.
Many firms inside the region deal with slow transfers or expensive international routes. Circle aims to offer a smoother option under regulated conditions.
The approval also means ADGM will supervise Circle’s activities. This oversight keeps transparency high and makes sure that the company follows every rule required within the financial zone.
New Regional Leadership Signals Long-Term Plans
Circle has named Dr. Saeeda Jaffar as its Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa. She previously worked at Visa and brings a strong background from the payments sector.
The appointment shows that Circle wants a solid regional presence rather than a short test run.
Her role includes building relationships with banks, fintech firms, local institutions and government groups. That work matters because growth in the digital payments space usually requires cooperation across several industries.
Banks need predictable settlement tools and fintech platforms look for support when adding stablecoin features. On the other hand, Government groups look for companies that can meet local rules without resistance.
As such, Circle wants to position itself as a partner for all three groups.
Why The UAE Attracts Regulated Digital Finance Firms
The UAE has spent several years building a regulated environment for digital assets.
Binance recently obtained licenses for exchange, clearing, and brokerage activity from the same authority that approved Circle. So far, the steady flow of regulated firms suggests the country has become attractive for companies that want stable oversight.
The local market also contains businesses that regularly deal with cross-border transactions.
Many companies need a reliable system for moving funds without delays, and stablecoins provide an option that keeps value steady and transfers fast. When these tools operate under clear rules, more firms feel comfortable using them.
Circle’s recognition inside Dubai earlier in the year brought USDC and EURC into the region’s regulated system.
The ADGM license thus builds on that entry and both approvals show that the country wants stablecoins to fit into regulated financial activity instead of remaining in grey areas.
Related Reading: UAE Becomes 4th Largest Government Bitcoin Holder
How Circle’s Approval Can Support Business Activity
Circle’s services can support more than retail transactions. Businesses inside the UAE can use USDC to pay partners, suppliers or remote teams.
Transfers also often settle faster than traditional routes, and that speed may attract startups and small firms that want predictable settlement times.
The license also allows Circle to integrate with banks and fintech firms. And while Banks include stablecoin rails for certain clients. Fintech apps will be able to let users send USDC for lower fees than standard transfers while Developers may adopt Circle’s tools for new digital products.
The government benefits as well because when companies operate under supervision, authorities gain insights to what’s going on under the hood, without blocking innovation. This balance encourages firms to enter the market without fear of sudden regulatory changes.
