3iQ Secures Preliminary License Approval in Abu Dhabi's IFC
Canadian digital asset firm 3iQ has received in-principal approval for a Category 4 license from Abu Dhabi's financial center.
3iQ Corp., a Toronto-based digital asset investment firm, announced that its UAE subsidiary 3iQ Middle East Ltd has received in-principal approval for a Category 4 license from Abu Dhabi's International Financial Centre, marking a significant step in the company's regional expansion.
The in-principal approval represents a formal preliminary authorization from the regulator, signaling that 3iQ's Middle East operation has met foundational requirements ahead of a full license grant. Category 4 licenses in Abu Dhabi's financial regulatory framework typically govern firms engaged in investment management and advisory activities.
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The development underscores a broader trend of Canadian and North American digital asset companies seeking regulated footholds in Gulf Cooperation Council jurisdictions, as UAE financial authorities have positioned the country as a hub for compliant crypto and digital asset business. Abu Dhabi's International Financial Centre has increasingly attracted global asset managers looking to serve institutional and high-net-worth clients across the Middle East and beyond.
3iQ describes itself as a global pioneer in digital asset investment solutions, with its Canadian operations already offering regulated cryptocurrency investment products. The Middle East expansion through a dedicated sister company suggests a deliberate strategy to build regionally specific entities that meet local licensing standards rather than relying on cross-border passporting arrangements.
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