3iQ Secures Key Regulatory Approval in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Crypto investment manager 3iQ Corp. has taken a significant step towards establishing regulated operations in Abu Dhabi, with its United Arab Emirates-based subsidiary, 3iQ Middle East Ltd, receiving in-principle approval for a Category 4 license. The announcement was made on October 12, 2026.
Financial Services Authority Greenlights Expansion
The approval was granted by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Full operational permissions are contingent upon 3iQ Middle East meeting further regulatory conditions.
A Category 4 license authorizes 3iQ Middle East to function in an advisory capacity and to offer non-discretionary investment arrangements. This means the firm can recommend and facilitate deals, but clients will retain ultimate decision-making authority over transactions.
Global Strategy Includes Abu Dhabi Hub
3iQ views this Abu Dhabi approval as integral to its broader strategy of building regulated operations in key digital asset markets worldwide. The company sees its presence in Abu Dhabi as crucial for serving accredited investors on a global scale.
Partnership Fuels Institutional Access
The license announcement coincides with a strategic partnership between 3iQ and Further, a local digital asset investment manager. This collaboration aims to enhance institutional access to digital assets via 3iQ’s Managed Account Platform, known as QMAP. QMAP has already secured $100 million in seed capital, linked to sovereign investment.
Proven Track Record in Regulated Products
3iQ is no stranger to regulated cryptocurrency products, having previously launched the first Bitcoin and Ethereum Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) on a major stock exchange.
Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, commented that the in-principle approval underscores the growing interest from international firms in the region’s digital asset landscape.
Local Presence to Attract Institutional Clients
The advisory and arranging license in Abu Dhabi, coupled with the QMAP platform and the partnership with Further, provides 3iQ with a local foundation to engage institutional clients in the region. This development is expected to bolster investor confidence in Abu Dhabi’s digital asset market.
Milestone Achieved, Further Steps Remain
While the in-principle approval represents a significant milestone, it is not the final step. 3iQ Middle East must satisfy all remaining regulatory conditions before it can operate with full permissions. The timeline for this process has not yet been specified.
3iQ’s expansion into Abu Dhabi could potentially encourage other firms to explore similar ventures within the UAE’s burgeoning digital asset sector.
