Abu Dhabi / Singapore — Singapore-based digital asset firm QCP Group has secured a full Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy.
The license authorizes QCP to provide a broad range of regulated services — from spot and derivatives trading to market making and structured digital asset solutions — tailored to institutional and professional investors.
The move builds on QCP’s earlier achievement of obtaining a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from Singapore’s Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), cementing the firm’s presence across two leading financial hubs.
Strengthening Global Reach
QCP’s founder, Darius Sit, described the Abu Dhabi approval as a cornerstone in the company’s strategy to operate seamlessly across global markets.
“ADGM’s robust regulatory framework not only strengthens client trust but also positions us at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for digital asset adoption,” Sit noted. “By combining our Singapore and Abu Dhabi licenses, we can deliver round-the-clock trading services while bridging liquidity between Asia and the Middle East.”
The dual-regulated model is designed to reassure institutional clients by emphasizing security, compliance, and transparency — three factors increasingly demanded in today’s crypto market environment.
Abu Dhabi’s Rise as a Crypto Hub
Since introducing its comprehensive virtual asset framework in 2018, ADGM has emerged as one of the world’s most progressive regulatory jurisdictions for digital assets. Its favorable tax regime, strict compliance standards, and proactive regulatory approach have attracted a steady stream of exchanges, custodians, and token issuers.
Earlier this year, the emirate underlined its ambitions when its sovereign wealth fund, MGX, committed $2 billion to Binance, signaling Abu Dhabi’s intent to compete with global finance centers such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and London.
Arvind Ramamurthy, ADGM’s chief market development officer, welcomed QCP’s entry: “We are pleased to see firms like QCP choose ADGM as a base for innovation and institutional-grade services. Their arrival reflects our mission to attract leading financial institutions committed to growth under a transparent and trusted framework.”
A Rigorous Licensing Journey
Obtaining an ADGM license is no small feat. Applicants must comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) standards, along with stringent cybersecurity protocols. Regulators also demand detailed business plans, governance models, and evidence of senior leadership with industry expertise.
While these requirements can be costly and time-intensive, they are designed to ensure that only qualified firms operate in Abu Dhabi’s digital asset ecosystem.
For QCP, clearing this regulatory bar strengthens its credibility at a time when crypto markets are under heightened global scrutiny. The firm’s compliance-first approach positions it as a trusted counterparty for institutions cautious about entering the volatile digital asset sector.
Serving Institutional Demand
QCP’s expansion reflects a broader trend of digital asset companies adapting to rising institutional interest. As more hedge funds, family offices, and asset managers explore crypto exposure, firms like QCP are prioritizing regulated environments to deliver products that meet investor expectations.
With its dual presence in Singapore and Abu Dhabi, QCP can now:
Offer 24-hour trading that follows global time zones.
Bridge cross-market liquidity between Asia and the Middle East.
Provide structured solutions designed for sophisticated investors.
This positions the firm to capitalize on shifting investor behavior, where regulatory compliance and operational resilience are as important as innovation and returns.
Positioning for the Future
The timing of QCP’s expansion is significant. Global regulators are tightening oversight of digital assets, making compliance a prerequisite for credibility. At the same time, institutional adoption continues to accelerate, driving demand for firms that can offer both innovation and security.
By embedding itself in two of the world’s most forward-looking jurisdictions for digital finance, QCP has secured a competitive advantage. Singapore provides a gateway to Asia’s thriving markets, while Abu Dhabi offers access to the Middle East’s growing pool of investors and sovereign wealth capital.
Together, these dual licenses enable QCP to provide a regulated pathway for clients navigating an increasingly complex global financial landscape.
About QCP Group
Founded in Singapore, QCP Group is a leading digital asset firm specializing in trading, market making, and structured solutions for institutional clients. With regulatory approval from both the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), QCP offers regulated access to global crypto markets while maintaining a strong focus on compliance, transparency, and innovation.
