Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has secured initial approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi.
The approval, announced on April 29, allows Circle to move closer to receiving a full Financial Services Permission (FSP) to operate within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
This progress comes just months after Circle’s incorporation in ADGM in December 2024. It marks a significant step in the stablecoin issuer’s plan to offer compliant financial services across the Middle East and Africa (MEA).
Circle stated that the approval strengthens its position as a trusted player in the expanding world of regulated digital finance.
The firm continued that the move would allow it to expand the reach of USDC, the second-largest US dollar-pegged stablecoin by market capitalization, throughout the Middle East.
According to the firm, this would significantly boost USDC’s adoption in a region increasingly turning toward digital assets and adequately compete against Tether’s USDT, the largest stablecoin by market cap.
Circle’s CEO, Jeremy Allaire, said:
“[This creates] new pathways for investment and innovation in the region. It also underscores Circle’s enduring commitment to global stablecoin oversight—strengthening trust, compliance, and adoption worldwide, while laying a resilient foundation for the internet financial system.”
Collaboration with Hub71 to boost innovation
Beyond its regulatory success, Circle has partnered with Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s leading global tech ecosystem.
This partnership is focused on promoting digital asset innovation and strengthening the region’s fintech infrastructure.
Circle will work with Hub71 to tap into ADGM’s digital regulatory sandbox, a framework designed to test and support new financial technologies. The collaboration will give fintech founders access to grants, funding networks, and opportunities to scale their businesses.
Additionally, Circle will become part of Hub71’s Digital Assets Specialist ecosystem. This growing community includes more than 500 tech startups and venture capital partners.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said:
“Circle’s expertise will enrich our digital assets ecosystem, providing Hub71 founders with greater access to resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities. Through this partnership, we are enabling the adoption of leading digital financial infrastructure that supports startup growth and drives the evolution of Web3 and digital finance from Abu Dhabi.”
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