Circle Receives In-Principle Regulatory Approval from Abu Dhabi’s Regulator

Circle Internet Group has received In-Principle Approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market to operate as a money services provider. The approval moves the company closer to securing a full Financial Services Permission under ADGM’s regulatory framework.

The company incorporated in ADGM in December 2024 and has continued to expand its operations across the UAE. Circle said the approval supports its broader strategy in the Middle East and Africa and reflects its intent to meet regulatory standards in key global markets.

“The UAE is paving the way for responsible innovators to build the internet financial system”

Jeremy Allaire, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Circle, commented, “The UAE is paving the way for responsible innovators to build the internet financial system. This IPA from ADGM advances our strategy to establish deep roots in markets embracing the onchain economy, creating 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.”

The FSRA said the company’s approach aligns with ADGM’s development goals. Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development at ADGM, commented, “We are excited about Circle’s contribution to ADGM’s dynamic ecosystem leveraging their regulatory-first approach, commitment to innovation, and global credibility in the stablecoin space. Their presence aligns with ADGM’s position as a hub for innovation, offering a robust regulatory environment for the growth of next-generation financial services. We look forward to working with Circle as they expand their operations and contribute to the advancement of digital finance in the UAE.”

Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy and Operations at Circle, added, “Circle’s IPA from ADGM represents more than a regional milestone—it is a global signal that regulatory clarity and innovation can, and must, coexist. As forward-looking jurisdictions like the UAE establish clear pathways for digital finance, Circle continues to demonstrate how trusted infrastructure, built on rigorous compliance and transparency, can advance the safe adoption of stablecoins worldwide. This moment reinforces our belief that regulation is not a constraint on innovation, but its most powerful catalyst.”

Circle Partnered With Hub71 in Abu Dhabi

Circle also announced a collaboration with Hub71, a technology hub in Abu Dhabi. The partnership will include initiatives within ADGM’s digital sandbox and provide startups access to grants, networks, and acceleration programs.

Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, commented, “Our collaboration with Circle underscores our commitment to positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for FinTech and digital assets. 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.”

Circle described the approval and partnership as key steps in developing the infrastructure for regulated digital assets in new markets.