
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority, abbreviated as FSRA, has confirmed that both USDC and USDT are accepted as reference tokens for fiat currency under ADGM rules.
Circle has obtained a full financial services license, allowing the company to offer regulated digital payment services, custody, and stablecoin business within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
Tether has received approval for USDT as a fiat reference token accepted across multiple blockchain networks. This allows USDT to serve institutional users who require compliant stablecoins for payments, settlements, and financial operations.
These approvals are significant as they mark the first time that two major global stablecoin issuers are placed under clear rules and operational requirements within the same regulated environment.
Stablecoins are digital tokens designed to maintain a stable value by pegging their price to currencies like the US dollar. This stability is maintained through reserve assets held by the issuer. The goal is to combine the speed and efficiency of cryptocurrencies with the predictability of fiat currencies.
For years, stablecoins have faced concerns regarding transparency, reserves, and compliance. The decision by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to approve USDC and USDT provides clarity for institutions that have been waiting for a regulatory pathway to adopt stablecoins for commercial operations.
The acceptance of regulation also indicates that stablecoins are shifting from trading tools to mainstream financial infrastructure.
The following is a clear comparison of the content provided by ADGM and the earnings obtained by the two companies.
| ADGM regulatory functions | The influence of Circle and Tether |
|---|---|
| Approval of fiat currency reference token | USDC and USDT have been officially accepted under ADGM regulation. |
| Currency service provider license | Circle has obtained comprehensive licenses to provide wallet services, payment, custody, and settlement operations. |
| Multi-chain stablecoin identification | Tether can use USDT for compliant activities on several approved blockchains. |
| Institutional Compliance and Regulation | Two issuers gain legitimacy for use by banks, enterprises, and financial institutions. |
This framework creates a regulated safe zone where stablecoins are no longer viewed as experimental products. Instead, they become trusted financial tools suitable for global trading and enterprise use.
In the past, institutions had limited interest in stablecoins due to unclear regulatory standards. The approach of ADGM provides a structured environment that meets compliance expectations.
This means that banks, remittance companies, asset management companies, and fintech companies can now legally adopt USDC and USDT in their operations. Multi-chain approval increases flexibility as institutions can choose the most suitable blockchain while remaining compliant.
For everyday users, this could lead to faster remittances, more reliable digital cash options, and a broader integration into payment applications.
This makes the UAE a leading hub for digital finance globally. More businesses can now establish payment, custody, and blockchain infrastructure in Abu Dhabi as the regulation for stablecoins is in place.
Under a respected regulatory framework, the approval of USDC and USDT enhances market confidence. Investors and traders can benefit in various ways.
The approval of USDC and USDT by the Abu Dhabi Global Market marks a significant evolution in the global stablecoin landscape. Circle now has a full financial services license, while Tether has received regulatory recognition for multichain use. These developments enhance trust, expand institutional usage, and support the growth of a compliant digital financial ecosystem.
For users of Gate.com, this marks greater stability and wider adoption of their commonly used stablecoin products in trading and asset management. The future of stablecoins is becoming more standardized, transparent, and global.
What is a stablecoin
Stablecoins are a type of digital asset designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to reserves of fiat currencies such as the US dollar.
Why is ADGM approval important?
Approve the provision of legal clarity, compliance standards, and consumer protection, enabling institutions to safely and confidently use stablecoins.
What did Circle obtain from ADGM?
Circle has obtained a full license to conduct USDC payments, custody, settlement, and wallet-based services within ADGM.
What did Tether achieve in ADGM?
Tether's USDT is regarded as a fiat currency reference token accepted across multiple blockchains within ADGM, enhancing institutional usability.
What are the benefits for Gate.com users?
Users may experience better liquidity, stronger trust in stablecoins, and broader adoption within regulated financial systems.











