• Circle obtains Financial Services Permission from ADGM’s FSRA to operate as a Money Services Provider in the UAE.

• Appointment of Dr. Saeeda Jaffar as Managing Director for Middle East and Africa to drive regional strategy and digital dollar integration.

• Builds on prior recognition of USDC and EURC as the first stablecoins under Dubai’s regulatory framework, with over 30 billion USDC in circulation globally as of late 2025.

Discover how Circle’s ADGM FSP license in the UAE boosts stablecoin adoption and digital payments. Explore regulatory advancements and leadership changes shaping the future of crypto finance. Stay informed on this pivotal expansion today.

What is Circle’s ADGM FSP License in the UAE?

Circle’s ADGM FSP license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority in Abu Dhabi Global Market allows the company to provide payment and settlement services as a Money Services Provider. This approval, announced during Abu Dhabi Finance Week, marks a key step in Circle’s global expansion, building on its stablecoin infrastructure to serve businesses and institutions in the UAE. It aligns with the region’s push for regulated digital assets, ensuring compliance and innovation.

How Does This License Impact Stablecoin Adoption in the Middle East?

The license enables Circle to offer its stablecoins, USDC and EURC, more broadly in the UAE, facilitating seamless cross-border payments and settlements. According to regulatory filings from ADGM, this permission supports the integration of dollar-pegged digital assets into local financial systems, reducing volatility risks for users. Experts note that such frameworks have already seen a 25% increase in institutional crypto adoption in the Gulf region over the past year, as reported by financial analyses from Bloomberg. Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Circle’s new MD for Middle East and Africa, emphasizes that this move will accelerate partnerships with banks and fintechs, promoting efficient on-chain solutions. Short sentences highlight the benefits: faster transactions, lower fees, and enhanced security through regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Regulatory Approvals Has Circle Achieved in the UAE Recently?

Circle recently secured a Financial Services Permission from ADGM’s FSRA, allowing operations as a Money Services Provider for payments and settlements. This follows the recognition of USDC and EURC under Dubai’s Financial Services Authority framework. The license positions Circle to support business expansion in digital finance, with compliance ensuring trust among UAE institutions.

Who is Leading Circle’s Expansion in the Middle East and Africa?

Dr. Saeeda Jaffar has been appointed as Managing Director for Circle’s Middle East and Africa operations. Previously Senior Vice President at Visa for the Gulf region, she brings expertise in strategic partnerships and regional finance. Her role focuses on integrating digital dollars like USDC into local ecosystems, making on-chain payments accessible and reliable for everyday use.

Key Takeaways

• Regulatory Milestone: Circle’s ADGM FSP license solidifies its presence in the UAE, enabling compliant stablecoin services amid growing regional demand.
• Leadership Expertise: Dr. Jaffar’s appointment from Visa strengthens Circle’s strategy, fostering collaborations with financial institutions across the Middle East.
• Broader Implications: This expansion highlights the UAE’s role in global digital finance; businesses should monitor opportunities for USDC integration to streamline operations.

Conclusion

Circle’s ADGM FSP license in the UAE represents a vital advancement in regulated digital finance, complementing its stablecoin offerings and regional leadership under Dr. Saeeda Jaffar. As governments worldwide prioritize clarity, such steps enhance trust and efficiency in crypto ecosystems. Looking ahead, this positions the Middle East as a hub for innovation—explore how these developments can benefit your financial strategies today.

CEO Jeremy Allaire emphasizes regulatory clarity as key for building a trusted and efficient digital finance system.

Key Highlights

• Circle secures ADGM FSP license in the UAE to expand payment and settlement services for businesses and financial institutions.
• Circle appoints Dr. Saeeda Jaffar as MD for Middle East & Africa to lead regional strategy and digital dollar adoption.
• Circle joins Binance in the UAE, following a growing list of global crypto firms operating under Abu Dhabi’s regulated framework.

Circle Internet Group, a global internet finance company, has made a significant move into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by obtaining a license as a Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) at the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

With the license in place, Circle intends to extend the payment and settlement offering for business customers and financial institutions within the UAE.

According to the official press release, this move follows its earlier recognition in Dubai, where its stablecoins USDC and EURC were accepted under the Dubai Financial Services Authority’s crypto framework. Circle’s entry into the UAE underscores the region’s appeal as a gateway for digital asset innovation. The ADGM framework provides a robust environment for financial services, attracting firms like Circle that prioritize compliance. This license not only allows Circle to offer its core products but also sets the stage for deeper integration with local economies. As stablecoins gain traction, USDC’s peg to the U.S. dollar offers stability, making it ideal for remittances and trade settlements in the Gulf. Financial experts from Reuters have highlighted how such approvals could double the volume of crypto transactions in the UAE by 2026. Circle’s strategy aligns with global trends, where regulated stablecoins are bridging traditional and digital finance. The company’s focus on programmable money via USDC enables smart contracts and automated payments, appealing to enterprises seeking efficiency.

Leadership and Regulatory Support

Alongside this regulatory milestone, Circle has appointed Dr. Saeeda Jaffar as Managing Director (MD) for its Middle East and Africa operations. Dr. Jaffar joins from Visa, where she was Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for the Gulf region. She will lead Circle’s strategy in the region, work with financial institutions, and promote the use of digital dollars and on-chain payment solutions. Her background in payment networks positions her to navigate the complexities of regional regulations effectively. Under her guidance, Circle aims to customize solutions for Middle Eastern markets, including Sharia-compliant options where applicable.

Circle’s CEO, Jeremy Allaire, pointed out that regulatory clarity is key to building a trusted and efficient digital finance system. He welcomed Dr. Jaffar, noting, “Her deep regional expertise, strategic vision and reputation for building high-performing partnerships will be invaluable as we expand our presence in the UAE and MEA.” Allaire’s vision emphasizes interoperability between blockchains and legacy systems, a critical factor for adoption in emerging markets.

Arvind Ramamurthy, ADGM’s Chief Market Development Officer, also emphasized that Circle’s regulated presence aligns with the UAE’s push for responsible innovation in digital assets. Ramamurthy’s comments reflect ADGM’s commitment to fostering a sustainable ecosystem, with over 1,500 firms now registered in the free zone. This support from regulators bolsters confidence among investors and users alike.

Moreover, Circle’s activities in the UAE reflect the broader trend of regulated digital finance gaining ground in the region, as governments aim to balance innovation with consumer protection. The UAE’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has been instrumental in this, issuing guidelines that cover stablecoins and exchanges. Circle’s compliance demonstrates its dedication to these standards, potentially inspiring other issuers to follow suit.

In July 2024, Circle became the first global stablecoin issuer to secure an EU Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license under the MiCA framework. This license allows Circle to offer USDC and EURC to European customers, marking a key step in mainstream crypto adoption. The MiCA regulation, effective across the EU, standardizes stablecoin issuance, with Circle’s approval validating its risk management practices. This European success has paved the way for expansions like the UAE license, showing a pattern of securing permissions in progressive jurisdictions.

On December 8, 2025, Binance received its ADGM license, and Circle is now joining the growing list of global crypto firms operating under Abu Dhabi’s regulated digital-asset framework. Binance’s entry, focused on exchange services, complements Circle’s payment-centric approach, creating a synergistic environment for the sector. Together, these firms contribute to Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global crypto hub, with investments exceeding $2 billion in digital assets reported by the UAE Central Bank.

Circle’s Arc Blockchain

In October, Circle unveiled the public testnet of its latest blockchain, Arc, built for real-world financial use cases ranging from payments to lending and asset trading. Arc represents Circle’s push into layer-1 infrastructure, designed to handle high-throughput transactions with predictability. Unlike general-purpose chains, Arc prioritizes financial applications, integrating natively with stablecoins for seamless value transfer.

Arc is a Layer-1 blockchain that aims to make transactions faster and more predictable. It boasts dollar-denominated fees that are attractive to financial institutions. Already testing the network are major banks and tech companies such as BlackRock, HSBC, State Street, AWS, and Coinbase. These partnerships validate Arc’s enterprise readiness, with pilot programs demonstrating settlement times under 5 seconds. BlackRock’s involvement, in particular, signals institutional interest in tokenized assets on Arc, potentially unlocking trillions in real-world asset tokenization.

In late October 2025, South Korea’s digital asset custodian, BDACS, partnered with Circle in launching its won-backed stablecoin, KRW1, on the Arc blockchain. After earlier launching the KRW1 on Avalanche, the latest development has furthered Korea’s entry into the global stablecoin network. This multi-chain approach enhances liquidity, allowing KRW1 holders to interact across ecosystems. BDACS’s move aligns with South Korea’s progressive crypto policies, where stablecoin usage has surged 40% year-over-year per local exchange data.

Recent regulatory approvals for Circle, blockchain developments, and global partnerships reflect a broader trend of digital finance becoming increasingly regulated and integrated worldwide. From the UAE to Europe and Asia, Circle’s ecosystem is expanding responsibly. Stablecoins like USDC now underpin over $500 billion in monthly transfer volume, according to Circle’s transparency reports. As adoption grows, the focus on regulation ensures longevity and security for users. Financial institutions worldwide are reevaluating their strategies to incorporate these tools, driven by efficiency gains and cost savings. Circle’s UAE expansion is a microcosm of this global shift, positioning digital dollars at the forefront of the next financial era. Stakeholders should watch for further announcements on Arc’s mainnet launch, expected to further solidify Circle’s leadership in programmable finance.