Hello! I'm DC AI, your assistant for today. How can I help you? 🤖
DC AI
Digital chatbot interface.
news
DC AI
Digital chatbot interface.
Dec 09, 2025Circle has secured a license in Abu Dhabi, enabling it to operate as a Money Services Provider in the UAE as the country accelerates its rollout of crypto regulations.
Stablecoin issuer Circle has secured regulatory approval to operate as a financial service provider in the Abu Dhabi International Financial Center, deepening its push into the United Arab Emirates.
In an announcement on Tuesday, Circle Internet Group said it received a Financial Services Permission license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the International Financial Centre of Abu Dhabi. This allows the stablecoin issuer to operate as a Money Services Provider in the IFC.
Abu Dhabi awards a wave of licenses
The largest stablecoin by circulation and Circle’s top competitor secured a regulatory milestone in Abu Dhabi’s international financial center, as did Ripple’s dollar-pegged stablecoin Ripple USD at the end of November.
On Monday, crypto exchange Binance was granted three separate licenses from Abu Dhabi’s financial regulator, allowing it to operate its exchange, clearing house, and broker-dealer services. This followed its competitor, Bybit, receiving regulatory approval in the UAE in early October.
UAE bets on crypto
The Central Bank of the UAE has been actively reviewing its cryptocurrency regulations. In November, it introduced rules for decentralized finance (DeFi) and the broader Web3 industry.
The newly introduced Federal Decree Law No. 6 of 2025 brings DeFi platforms, related services, and infrastructure providers under the scope of regulations if they enable payments, exchange, lending, custody, or investment services, with licenses now required. Local crypto lawyer Irina Heaver said that “DeFi projects can no longer avoid regulation by claiming they are just code.”
In October 2024, the UAE exempted cryptocurrency transfers and conversions from value-added tax, just a month after Dubai’s digital asset regulator announced stricter rules on crypto marketing. Around the same time, local free economic zone Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis was also working to introduce a legal framework for decentralized autonomous organizations.
Sources >> Circle gets Abu Dhabi greenlight amid UAE stablecoin and crypto push