News

The Registration Authority (RA) of ADGM issues this alert to members of the public concerning the unauthorised use of the ADGM Academy name, logo and branding by persons claiming to offer investment opportunities and trading services through third-party websites purporting to be the ADGM Academy and communication channels, including WhatsApp.

The RA confirms that:

• ADGM Academy is the knowledge arm of ADGM, focused on education, professional development, and building future-ready capabilities. It does not provide investment opportunities or trading services.
• ADGM Academy is an education and knowledge institution focused on learning, professional development and capability building. It does not undertake regulated financial activities, including requesting or collecting investment funds from members of the public.

It has come to the attention of the RA that third-party websites and persons not associated with ADGM or ADGM Academy appear to be using the ADGM Academy name, logo, branding and identity in connection with purported investment opportunities and trading services. The ADGM Academy is not licensed to offer investment opportunities, provide trading services, or collect funds from members of the public.

Members of the public should exercise caution and independently verify any claimed association with ADGM or ADGM Academy, particularly where investment opportunities, requests for payment, or requests for personal or financial information are involved. Particular caution should be exercised where funds are requested to be transferred to bank accounts outside the UAE.

The RA reminds the public that the unauthorised use of another person’s or entity’s identity, including the impersonation of ADGM, the ADGM Academy, or other government-related entities, the creation of websites or communication channels that falsely imply an affiliation with such entities, and the use of false, forged or misleading documentation in connection with investment or trading activities, may constitute serious offences under applicable ADGM legislation and UAE Federal laws. Such conduct may result in regulatory enforcement action by ADGM, including the imposition of financial penalties where applicable, and may also be referred to the relevant law enforcement authorities and Public Prosecution for investigation and potential criminal prosecution.

Public Guidance

• Exercise caution when contacted by any person or entity claiming to be associated with ADGM or the ADGM Academy, particularly where investment opportunities, requests for payment, or requests for personal or financial information are involved.
• Verify that any website claiming to be associated with ADGM uses an official adgm.com domain.
• Independently verify the identity of any person claiming to represent ADGM or ADGM Academy before transferring funds or providing personal or financial information.
• Exercise particular caution where payment is requested to bank accounts outside the UAE by persons claiming to be associated with ADGM, ADGM Academy or an ADGM entity.
• Submit a complaint to the Registration Authority through the complaints portal available here.

Individuals who believe they may have been affected by the activities described in this Regulatory Alert may wish to consider reporting the matter to the relevant law enforcement authorities and seek appropriate legal advice. Information on cybercrime reporting and digital security resources in the United Arab Emirates is available through the UAE Government Portal: Cyber Safety and Digital Security.