Singapore-based digital asset trading firm QCP Group has secured a full licence from Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), cementing its position in one of the world’s most ambitious crypto hubs. The approval, granted under the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), gives QCP permission to offer spot and derivatives trading, market making, and structured products to institutional and professional clients.
This latest licence adds to the company’s existing Major Payment Institution licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, creating a dual regulatory presence in Asia and the Middle East.
A Strategic Step in QCP’s Expansion
QCP co-founder Darius Sit described the Abu Dhabi approval as a cornerstone in the firm’s global growth plan. He emphasised the Middle East’s growing importance to the digital asset ecosystem, while pointing to the confidence provided by ADGM’s regulatory framework.
“The licence not only allows us to broaden our client reach but also to provide institutional clients with strong security and oversight,” Sit said.
The dual licences now allow QCP to bridge liquidity between Asia and the Middle East while maintaining round-the-clock regulated trading, a key advantage in an industry that operates across time zones.
Abu Dhabi’s Rise as a Digital Asset Hub
Since introducing one of the world’s first comprehensive frameworks for virtual assets in 2018, Abu Dhabi has sought to position itself as a prime destination for crypto firms. ADGM’s regime has been built on strict compliance standards, clear legal frameworks, and attractive tax policies.
This approach has attracted major players, including exchanges, custodians, and token issuers, keen to operate in a jurisdiction that balances innovation with oversight. In March, Abu Dhabi’s MGX fund committed $2 billion to Binance, signalling the emirate’s intent to compete with global financial centres such as Singapore, London, and Hong Kong.
Market observers highlight that Abu Dhabi’s geographic position gives it a unique edge, acting as a bridge between the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Combined with regulatory clarity, this makes ADGM a natural base for firms aiming to expand regionally.
The Demands of Securing an ADGM Licence
Despite its advantages, the ADGM licensing process is far from simple. Applicants must navigate high costs, detailed compliance checks, and strict governance requirements. Firms are required to present robust business plans, anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) policies, and evidence of qualified leadership teams before approval.
For QCP, meeting these demands was essential to reinforcing its reputation as a regulated, institution-friendly trading platform. By securing approval in both Singapore and Abu Dhabi, the firm now covers two financial hubs known for their stringent standards. This dual presence enhances client trust while creating a regulated trading bridge across regions.
Abu Dhabi’s Ambition: A Magnet for Top-Tier Firms
Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, welcomed QCP’s entry, stressing the firm’s alignment with Abu Dhabi’s ambitions. “QCP’s focus on compliance and digital asset innovation fits well with ADGM’s goal of attracting top-tier financial institutions,” he said.
QCP joins a growing roster of companies seeking a foothold in Abu Dhabi as regulators worldwide increase scrutiny of digital assets. By securing one of the more challenging licences available, QCP has bolstered its institutional credentials and strengthened its ability to serve global clients.
As digital asset regulation continues to evolve globally, Abu Dhabi is betting that its mix of progressive oversight, tax advantages, and institutional credibility will attract further investment. QCP’s approval may well serve as a case study for how firms can leverage dual licences to operate seamlessly across continents.
A Gateway Between Two Regions
With licences in both Singapore and Abu Dhabi, QCP is strategically placed to serve as a regulated bridge for liquidity flows between Asia and the Middle East. For institutional investors, this means greater confidence in security, compliance, and 24-hour access to trading.
The move reflects a broader trend: digital asset firms are gravitating towards jurisdictions with clear rules and forward-looking regulators. By embracing ADGM’s framework, QCP has positioned itself at the intersection of two of the fastest-growing regions in global finance.
For Abu Dhabi, each new approval strengthens its ambition of becoming a global digital asset powerhouse. For QCP, it cements its role as a trusted player in an increasingly regulated and institutionalised market.
