Abu Dhabi boasts first-class infrastructure and unparalleled global connectivity, making it a premier international destination. Its exceptional qualities make it an ideal location to live, work, and conduct business.
A financial centre that provides transparency, efficiency, and integrity, through its progressive frameworks, future focused infrastructure, all within a familiar independent legal jurisdiction – ADGM is the perfect platform for success.
ADGM, the centre for a transparent and thriving sustainable finance ecosystem.
Our community of business professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors can depend on ADGM to provide timely news and reliable insights.
At ADGM, we offer various support options, including contact details, FAQs, enquiry forms, and a whistleblowing form.
Information for Company Service Providers (CSPs)
Being granted an ADGM Company Service Provider (CSP) Licence enables CSPs to be appointed to provide company services (e.g. company formation, registered office address and company filing services) to non-exempt SPVs and foundations, under ADGM’s CSP Framework.
To obtain a CSP Licence, entities must apply for and be granted approval from the ADGM Registration Authority to undertake the business activity “7025 – Company Service Provider”.
The CSP Framework contains a comprehensive range of requirements for CSPs with the aim of ensuring the provision of high-quality company services in the ADGM. To be granted and maintain a CSP Licence, a firm must have adequate financial, human and technical resources, systems and controls and staff physical presence in the ADGM.
The licensing requirements under the CSP Framework include but are not limited to:
- staff physical presence in ADGM registered office;
- requirements to be fit and proper;
- minimum professional indemnity insurance coverage;
- regulatory capital of at least USD 50,000;
- obligations concerning the holding of client money;
- annual staff certification;
- mandatory annual compliance returns; and
- the filing of audited accounts annually.
Applying for a CSP Licence
Applicants for a CSP licence must establish a legal person in the ADGM and apply for a commercial licence to conduct controlled activity “7025 - Company Service Provider”.
All applicants must:
- Satisfy all of the specific conditions of licence as set out in Rule 12 and Schedule 1 of the Commercial Licensing Regulations 2015 (Conditions of Licence and Branch Registrations) Rules 2023.
- Complete the CSP pre-application form on Online Registry Solution to qualify for this activity. Please see the guidance note below on how to access and complete this application form.
Professional Indemnity Insurance Update
The RA has received feedback from the CSP community around the challenges to obtaining cover that would satisfy the requirement for a minimum ‘run off’ period of 6 years as per Condition 3, Schedule 1, Commercial Licensing Regulations (Conditions of Licence and Branch Registration) Rules 2023.
The RA understands the challenges faced and is engaging with the CSP community as well as insurers in the region. To that end, and until further notice, the RA will accept insurance cover which includes ‘run off’ period cover for a period of 12 months as opposed to 6 years.
Last updated: 05 July 2024
Guidance and resources
To assist ADGM Licensed Persons or new applicants with the applications process, the Registration Authority has provided checklists and guidance material available below.