3iQ Middle East Wins In-Principle License Approval in Abu Dhabi
Canada's 3iQ Corp. says its UAE arm secured a Category 4 license nod from Abu Dhabi's IFC, expanding its global digital asset footprint.
Toronto-based digital asset investment firm 3iQ Corp. announced Monday that its UAE subsidiary, 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 regulatory milestone for the company's Middle East expansion.
The In-Principle Approval signals that the regulator has assessed the applicant and is prepared to grant a full license subject to remaining conditions being met. For 3iQ, which has positioned itself as a global pioneer in institutional-grade digital asset products, the development represents a meaningful step toward establishing a regulated operating presence in one of the Gulf region's most prominent financial hubs.
Read more 3iQ Wins Preliminary IFC Approval for Abu Dhabi Operations →
Abu Dhabi has emerged as an increasingly competitive destination for crypto and digital asset firms seeking regulated frameworks in the Middle East, alongside Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. A Category 4 license under the Abu Dhabi Global Market framework typically covers firms that arrange or advise on financial products but do not hold client assets directly, though the specific scope would be defined by the final authorization.
For 3iQ, which already operates regulated crypto investment vehicles in Canada and has sought to broaden its international reach, the UAE approval could open access to institutional and high-net-worth investors across the Gulf Cooperation Council region. The firm has not disclosed a timeline for receiving the full license or details on which products it plans to offer under the authorization.
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