Circle Wins ADGM License, Expands USDC Operations in Middle East
Circle has secured a license from Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), enabling it to broaden USDC payment and settlement solutions throughout the United Arab Emirates. The approval allows Circle to provide on‑ and off‑ramp infrastructure to banks, payment providers and corporate treasuries, making USD‑pegged stablecoin rails available for more commercial use cases across the emirates.
The ADGM license is a regulatory milestone that could accelerate stablecoin-led payments and cross‑border settlement in the Middle East. By lowering friction for remittances, trade finance and B2B settlement, the move strengthens USDC’s role alongside existing banking rails and central bank experiments. Market participants view the development as a positive sign for wider adoption of tokenized liquidity across the GCC.