3iQ Wins In-Principle Approval for Abu Dhabi Crypto License
Canadian digital asset firm 3iQ's UAE affiliate secured in-principle approval for a Category 4 license from Abu Dhabi's financial regulator.
3iQ Corp., a Toronto-based digital asset investment firm, announced that its UAE affiliate, 3iQ Middle East Ltd, has received in-principle approval for a Category 4 financial services license from Abu Dhabi's International Financial Centre, marking a significant step in the company's Middle East expansion.
The Category 4 license designation is granted by Abu Dhabi's financial regulatory authority and represents a formal threshold of regulatory recognition for firms seeking to offer investment management and advisory services within the emirate's financial ecosystem. For 3iQ, the approval positions its regional subsidiary to operate within one of the Gulf region's most closely watched financial hubs.
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3iQ has built its reputation as an early mover in regulated digital asset products, particularly in Canada, where it launched some of the first publicly traded cryptocurrency funds. The Abu Dhabi approval signals the firm's intent to extend that regulated-product model into the rapidly growing Gulf investment market, where demand for institutional-grade digital asset exposure has accelerated in recent years.
The UAE has emerged as a competitive destination for crypto and digital asset firms seeking regulatory clarity, with both Abu Dhabi and Dubai having established distinct licensing frameworks to attract global players. 3iQ's in-principle approval, while not yet a final license, indicates the firm has met preliminary regulatory standards set by the Abu Dhabi authority and is on track for full authorization.
Full details of the licensing timeline and the scope of services 3iQ Middle East Ltd intends to offer have not yet been disclosed. Continue reading at All Financial Services & Investing.
