Today, October 12, Canadian digital asset investment manager 3iQ announced that its UAE-based sister company, 3iQ Middle East Ltd, has secured in-principle approval for a Category 4 licence from Abu Dhabi Global Market's (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
The official announcement from 3iQ marks another step in the firm's regional expansion, building on its institutional partnerships in the UAE and its established portfolio of cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
The development comes as Abu Dhabi continues attracting international digital asset managers seeking access to institutional investors through a regulated financial centre.
ADGM Approval Advances 3iQ's Regional Expansion
The in-principle approval brings 3iQ closer to establishing a regulated investment presence in Abu Dhabi.
A Category 4 licence can cover activities including investment advisory and arranging investment transactions, depending on the specific permissions authorised by the FSRA.
However, the approval remains conditional. 3iQ must complete the remaining regulatory requirements before receiving its final licence and commencing the relevant regulated activities.
The expansion forms part of the firm's strategy to operate in major digital asset financial centres and extend its investment management services to accredited investors.
3iQ has maintained a UAE presence since 2023, led by Rachel Pether, its Head of Middle East.
$100 Million Partnership Strengthens Institutional Access
The regulatory milestone follows 3iQ's partnership with UAE-based Further Asset Management, which launched the Further x 3iQ Alpha Digital Fund in December 2025.
The fund launched with $100 million in seed capital from institutional, family-office and sovereign-linked investors.
The partnership uses 3iQ's Managed Account Platform (QMAP), providing institutional clients access to professionally managed digital asset investment strategies.
The arrangement gives 3iQ an established regional distribution relationship as it works toward securing full ADGM authorisation.
3iQ's Bitcoin, Ether, Solana and XRP ETFs
Founded in 2012, 3iQ has developed a range of regulated cryptocurrency investment products listed in Canada.
Its ETF portfolio includes the 3iQ Bitcoin ETF (BTCQ), 3iQ Ether Staking ETF (ETHQ), 3iQ Solana Staking ETF (SOLQ) and 3iQ XRP ETF (XRPQ).
The Ether and Solana funds incorporate staking strategies, allowing eligible holdings to participate in blockchain network validation rewards.
These products position 3iQ across several segments of the cryptocurrency investment market, with experience in fund administration, institutional custody and regulated exchange-traded structures.
Investors comparing cryptocurrency funds can explore Nukoud's Digital Assets ETF database, which tracks Bitcoin and other digital asset ETFs across international and UAE markets.
What 3iQ's Expansion Means for GCC Investors
The approval adds another established digital asset investment manager to Abu Dhabi's institutional financial ecosystem.
For GCC investors, 3iQ's regional expansion could broaden access to professionally managed cryptocurrency strategies through locally regulated investment services.
However, today's announcement does not include plans to list its existing Canadian ETFs on ADX or another regional exchange.
The next milestone will be 3iQ Middle East obtaining its final FSRA licence, which will determine the regulated services it can provide from Abu Dhabi.
