Overview
The Registration Authority, in addition to registering and licensing legal entities, is the commercial regulator of the ADGM, responsible for monitoring and, where necessary, enforcing compliance with ADGM’s commercial legislation. The Registration Authority is also responsible for regulating Auditors and Insolvency Practitioners and administering the UAE’s Economic Substance Regulation (ESR) in the ADGM.
ADGM’s commercial legislation covers a broad range of areas including companies law, commercial licensing, beneficial ownership, insolvency, employment, and auditors’ requirements.
Under an agreement with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, the Registration Authority is also responsible for monitoring compliance with anti-money laundering requirements by ADGM licensed Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), such as Company Service Providers.
The Registration Authority strives to prevent and deter conduct that may cause harm to ADGM businesses, their clients and / or investors via transparent and risk based regulatory interventions that are appropriate and proportionate to the circumstances.
The fair and proportionate use of the Registration Authority’s enforcement powers plays a critical role in fulfilling the objectives of the ADGM. The Registration Authority will act swiftly and decisively to address and deter conduct that may adversely affect the integrity of the ADGM.
More information concerning the RA’s approach to regulatory actions and enforcement can be found in the
RA Decision Procedures and Enforcement Manual.
Registration Authority’s Regulatory Objectives and Priorities 2022-2023
With over 5,000 registered entities in ADGM and growing, the Registration Authority (RA) is committed to continuously enhancing ADGM’s reputation as a reputable, credible and attractive jurisdiction from which to do business.
Publishing the RA’s regulatory objectives and priorities assists ADGM’s business community to understand the RA’s approach and supervisory focus, which contributes to the above commitment and provides transparency with ADGM businesses.
The report includes an explanation of ADGM RA’s regulatory priorities, functions and monitoring framework and sheds light on the Authority's supervisory work plan for the period through to end of 2023.
