Circle Wins Abu Dhabi License for Stablecoin Operations

Circle Internet Group has secured regulatory approval to operate as a financial service provider in Abu Dhabi's international financial center. The license allows Circle, the issuer of stablecoin USDC, to function as a Money Services Provider within the jurisdiction.

The company appointed Saeeda Jaffar as managing director for Circle Middle East and Africa. Jaffar previously served as senior vice president and group country manager for the Gulf Operation Council at Visa.

Circle co-founder and CEO Jeremy Allaire stated that the regulatory framework establishes high standards for transparency, risk management, and consumer protection. He noted these requirements are necessary for trusted stablecoins to support payments and finance at scale.