XBTO Granted Full Financial Services Permission by Abu Dhabi’s FSRA

• XBTO receives full 3A license from ADGM, enabling regulated services across the UAE.
• Approval supports XBTO’s MENA expansion and upcoming UK regulatory entry.
• XBTO joins Hub71 cohort, advancing blockchain education and regional collaboration.

XBTO, a platform focused on institutional digital assets, obtained full regulatory approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), allowing the institutional digital asset platform to expand its services across the United Arab Emirates. The approval grants XBTO a Financial Services Permission (FSP) under the 3A license category, which follows an earlier in-principle approval (IPA) issued in September 2024.

The full FSP means XBTO can now operate a full range of financial activities both within and from the ADGM. These services include custody of digital assets, matched principal trading, providing investment advisory, and arranging investment deals. With this license, XBTO is now authorized to act as a regulated counterparty to key institutional clients in the region, such as sovereign wealth funds, regional banks, and family offices.

This approval aligns with ADGM’s regulatory framework for digital asset service providers, positioning XBTO to increase its direct engagement with stakeholders in the UAE’s financial ecosystem. With the license in place, XBTO can now promote its offerings across the region in accordance with regulatory standards.

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XBTO Eyes MENA Growth with ADGM License, Targets UK Market Entry Next

This regulatory achievement in Abu Dhabi is a strong endorsement of XBTO’s ongoing expansion strategy throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and it’s a key piece of its broader international roadmap. As previously reported, the company already holds regulatory recognition in Bermuda and is currently making preparations for market entry into the United Kingdom. 

The UAE license provides XBTO with a solid legal foundation to grow its operations in a jurisdiction that has been actively developing a comprehensive and clear regulatory approach to digital assets. Company leadership noted that the 3A license will allow them to integrate more deeply into the region’s institutional finance infrastructure.

XBTO Deepens Abu Dhabi Ties via Hub71

XBTO is an active member of the Hub71 digital asset group in Abu Dhabi and has partnered with this innovation community to deliver educational programs. These programs are focused on boosting blockchain literacy and promoting best practices in compliance within the digital asset space.

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According to officials at Hub71, XBTO’s licensing signals a wider trend of digital asset firms choosing Abu Dhabi as their operational base for the region. They stated that XBTO’s progression from participation in its innovation platform to achieving full regulatory status effectively showcases the power of the support mechanisms available in ADGM for early-stage digital finance firms.