3iQ Middle East Wins In-Principle Approval for Abu Dhabi IFC License
3iQ Corp.'s UAE affiliate secured in-principle approval for a Category 4 license from Abu Dhabi's financial regulator, expanding its digital asset footprint in the Gulf.
Canadian digital asset investment firm 3iQ Corp. announced Tuesday that its UAE-based affiliate, 3iQ Middle East Ltd, has received in-principle approval for a Category 4 license from Abu Dhabi's International Financial Centre, marking a significant regulatory milestone for the Toronto-headquartered company's regional ambitions.
3iQ describes itself as a global pioneer in digital asset investment solutions. The in-principle approval signals that regulators have provisionally green-lit the firm's application, a standard precursor to full licensing under Abu Dhabi's financial framework. Category 4 licenses in Abu Dhabi's regulatory structure typically govern firms engaged in investment management and advisory services.
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The development positions 3iQ Middle East to deepen its presence in the Gulf, a region that has emerged as one of the world's most active jurisdictions for cryptocurrency and digital asset regulation. Abu Dhabi and neighboring Dubai have both pursued aggressive frameworks to attract institutional digital asset businesses, making the UAE a focal point for firms seeking regulated exposure to the asset class.
For 3iQ, which has built much of its business around institutional-grade crypto investment products in Canada, the Abu Dhabi foothold represents a natural extension of a strategy targeting regulated markets globally. The in-principle approval does not constitute a final license grant; the firm is expected to satisfy remaining regulatory conditions before full authorization is confirmed.
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