Circle Internet Group, Inc., a global financial technology company and stablecoin market leader, has secured In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to operate as a money services provider. This IPA is a crucial step toward Circle obtaining a Financial Services Permission (FSP) under ADGM’s regulatory framework, highlighting the company’s dedication to compliant innovation in digital finance throughout the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The approval follows Circle’s incorporation in ADGM in December 2024 and its expanding presence in the UAE.

Jeremy Allaire, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Circle, stated that the UAE is paving the way for responsible innovators to build the internet financial system. He added that the IPA advances their strategy to establish deep roots in markets embracing the onchain economy, creating new pathways for investment and innovation. Furthermore, it underscores Circle’s commitment to global stablecoin oversight—strengthening trust, compliance, and adoption worldwide.

Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development at ADGM, expressed excitement about Circle’s contribution to ADGM’s dynamic ecosystem, leveraging its regulatory-first approach, commitment to innovation, and global credibility in the stablecoin space. He looks forward to working with Circle as they expand their operations and contribute to the advancement of digital finance in the UAE.

Circle also announced a strategic collaboration with Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, to strengthen innovation within the digital assets space. Circle and Hub71 will explore initiatives around ADGM’s digital regulatory sandbox, offering founders access to grants, institutional networks, and opportunities to accelerate fintech innovation through hackathons, educational workshops, and mentorship programs. As part of the collaboration, Circle will join Hub71’s Digital Assets specialist ecosystem, contributing its global expertise to a community of more than 500 tech startups and venture capital partners.

Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, emphasized their commitment to positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for FinTech and digital assets. He added that Circle’s expertise will enrich their digital assets ecosystem, providing Hub71 founders with greater access to resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities. Through this partnership, they 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.

Dante Disparte, Circle’s Chief Strategy Officer & Head of Global Policy and Operations, stated that Circle’s IPA from ADGM represents a global signal that regulatory clarity and innovation can coexist. He noted that 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.

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Yasmin Werner reported that Circle has gained in-principle regulatory approval from ADGM’s FSRA for money services operations, and that its collaboration with Hub71 aims to boost digital finance innovation in the UAE, advancing Circle’s role in expanding the internet financial system across MEA. This collaboration grants Circle access to over 500 startups, enhancing innovation in digital assets and compliance. Circle’s Middle East expansion aligns with its global growth strategy, mirroring its success in Singapore and compliance efforts with the EU’s MiCA rule.

Circle’s recent IPA from the FSRA of ADGM marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of global digital finance, positioning Circle as a leading player in the MEA region. The FSRA’s emphasis on international regulatory alignment, combating financial crime, and sustainable finance aligns with Circle’s compliance-first approach to stablecoin issuance. The approval allows Circle to operate as a money services provider within the UAE, a critical step toward securing full Financial Services Permission (FSP) under ADGM’s framework.