Galaxy Digital Expands Middle East Reach with Strategic ADGM Office Launch in UAE
Galaxy Digital just planted its flag in the Middle East—opening a new office in Abu Dhabi's financial free zone. This isn't just another branch; it's a direct play for the region's vast capital and its growing appetite for digital assets.
Why Abu Dhabi Matters
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) isn't your average business park. It operates under its own common-law framework and is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). For a firm like Galaxy, that means a clear, recognized rulebook to operate under—a rare and valuable commodity in global crypto. The move signals a long-term commitment, not a speculative dip.
The Institutional Gateway
This expansion is about courting sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals who call the UAE home. Galaxy's suite of services—trading, asset management, investment banking—is tailor-made for institutions testing the crypto waters. The ADGM base provides a trusted, regulated platform for those conversations.
A Calculated Bet on Regulatory Clarity
While other regions wrestle with regulatory uncertainty, the UAE has been proactively building its digital asset framework. Galaxy's establishment there is a bet that clarity attracts capital. It's also a hedge, diversifying its geographic footprint amid shifting political winds elsewhere.
The move is a masterclass in institutional strategy: follow the money, but only where the rules of the road are being paved, not potholed. It turns the region's oil wealth into a potential catalyst for the next wave of crypto adoption—proving that sometimes, the smartest money goes where the old money is learning new tricks.
A new base in Abu Dhabi’s financial hub
Galaxy confirmed on December 10 that it will set up a new entity under the Registration Authority of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the UAE capital’s international financial centre.
Galaxy is officially expanding into Abu Dhabi.
Today, we announced our new @ADGlobalMarket office, strengthening our global reach and deepening our commitment to one of the world’s most dynamic financial centers.
Read the announcement here: https://t.co/YEw7dZw8ae pic.twitter.com/hifgY2F05J
The office will sit in the heart of ADGM and expand the company’s presence across three continents. Novogratz said the expansion strengthens the firm’s global strategy as demand for regulated digital asset services rises in the region.
“As we continue to expand our operations and deepen our partnerships around the world, this milestone paves the way for greater collaboration and innovation in the UAE,” he said in the announcement.
The new office will be led by Galaxy’s Managing Director Bouchra Darwazah, who will oversee the firm’s regional growth. She said the Middle East has become an important market for the company’s network of investors and clients.
“The Middle East is a rapidly growing financial hub that is home to some of the world’s most sophisticated investors and innovators,” Darwazah said. “It has become a particularly influential region for our investors, clients, and portfolio companies.”
Why Abu Dhabi matters
ADGM has positioned itself as one of the world’s most active regulatory hubs for digital assets. The jurisdiction offers a clear framework for trading, stablecoins, and blockchain-based financial services, attracting companies seeking long-term stability.
ADGM Chief Development Market Officer Arvind Ramamurthy welcomed Galaxy’s arrival, saying the decision highlights the strength of the region’s ecosystem. “Their decision to establish an office here reflects the strength and appeal of ADGM’s progressive ecosystem, which offers a robust regulatory framework, world-class infrastructure, and a collaborative environment for innovation,” he said.
Galaxy’s growth and investments over time
Galaxy’s Middle East expansion comes shortly after the company reported $505 million in net income for the third quarter of 2025, with $3.2 billion in equity.
Since 2018, the company has played a major role in institutional crypto investing. One of its recent initiatives includes its plan to participate in a $1.65 billion solana (SOL) treasury fund alongside Cantor Fitzgerald, Multicoin Capital, and Jump Crypto.
Solana, trading at around $129.79, remains one of the assets attracting institutional attention as blockchain activities continue to grow.
Middle East builds rapid momentum in crypto
Galaxy’s MOVE follows a wave of regulatory actions in the UAE as it aims to become a global hub for blockchain and digital assets.
This week, ADGM recognized Tether’s USDt as an “accepted fiat-referenced token,” adding to the region’s expanding list of approved stablecoins. In November, Ripple’s RLUSD also received clearance from ADGM-regulated entities.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have granted regulatory approval to several global exchanges, including Binance and Bybit, as they expand into the Middle East.
Circle’s expansion offers parallel momentum
Galaxy’s announcement follows another major development in the region. On December 9, Circle Internet Group, the issuer of USDC, secured a Financial Services Permission (FSP) license from ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
The license allows Circle to expand its payment and settlement services for institutions in the UAE. Circle also recently appointed Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, formerly a senior executive at Visa, as Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to the region.
A region gaining global influence
The fast rate of regulatory development in the UAE, along with the increasing institutional need, has made Abu Dhabi and Dubai significant entry points to digital asset firms in need of stable structures beyond the United States and Europe.
The entry of Galaxy and licensing of Circle has made the region a target to global companies looking into new markets, regulatory transparency and long term growth opportunities.
Also Read: Plume Secures ADGM License in Abu Dhabi as RWA Expansion Accelerates
