Singapore’s QCP Group has secured a full licence from Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), cementing its position as a bridge between Asia and the Middle East in the fast-evolving digital asset industry.
The move gives QCP the ability to offer regulated spot and derivatives trading, market making, and structured solutions for institutional and professional investors under the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). With this development, QCP now holds dual licences in both Singapore and Abu Dhabi, two of the world’s leading financial hubs.
Expanding Footprint Across Asia and the Middle East
QCP already operates in Singapore under a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). By adding Abu Dhabi to its regulatory portfolio, the firm can now cater to clients across Asia and the Middle East more effectively, offering seamless, round-the-clock services.
Co-founder Darius Sit called the Abu Dhabi approval a “cornerstone” of QCP’s global strategy, noting the importance of the Middle East as a growing hub for digital asset activity. He also emphasised that ADGM’s clear regulatory framework provides institutional investors with greater confidence in security, compliance, and oversight, critical factors for firms engaging in large-scale crypto trading.
ADGM: A Growing Gateway for Crypto Firms
Abu Dhabi has been steadily positioning itself as a world-class centre for digital assets. Since 2018, the FSRA has enforced one of the first comprehensive regulatory frameworks for virtual assets, setting strict compliance rules while creating an attractive tax environment for international firms.
This proactive stance has helped the emirate attract leading exchanges, custodians, and token issuers. In March, Abu Dhabi’s MGX fund committed $2 billion to Binance, reinforcing the city’s determination to compete with global financial centres such as Singapore, Hong Kong and London.
Market observers highlight ADGM’s unique blend of clear regulations, favourable tax policies, and geographic reach, which allows it to act as a natural bridge between the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
The Challenges of Securing an ADGM Licence
Despite the benefits, the path to licensing in Abu Dhabi is not straightforward. The FSRA imposes rigorous requirements, including high application costs, extensive compliance checks, and stringent governance and cybersecurity standards.
Applicants must submit detailed business plans, anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) frameworks, as well as evidence of experienced leadership before approval is granted.
By passing this demanding process, QCP has strengthened its credibility among regulators and institutional investors alike. With licences in both Singapore and Abu Dhabi, it is well-placed to provide 24-hour regulated trading and liquidity solutions across two major time zones.
Abu Dhabi’s Bet on Regulatory Strength
ADGM officials have made it clear that they want to attract only top-tier firms. Arvind Ramamurthy, ADGM’s Chief of Market Development, welcomed QCP to the jurisdiction, stating that its focus on compliance and innovation aligns with ADGM’s strategy of building a trusted ecosystem for digital assets.
QCP now joins a growing list of international firms that see Abu Dhabi as a safe and strategic base for expansion. By securing one of the industry’s more challenging licences, the group has positioned itself at the forefront of institutional-grade digital asset services.
As global regulators tighten oversight on the sector, Abu Dhabi’s combination of progressive regulation, security standards and institutional credibility is likely to draw more firms in search of a trusted base of operations. For QCP, this move is not just a licence, but a gateway to broader influence across Asia and the Middle East.
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