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.
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Abu Dhabi has one of the most vibrant and holistic ecosystem for the development and adoption of fintech innovation in the region, setting many 'firsts' for the MENA region in terms of regulatory innovation, industry collaboration and financing enablers.
Recognised in the industry as the most progressive and innovative regulator pioneering the fintech agenda in the region, the FSRA is the first in the region to launch the ADGM RegLab, a regulatory sandbox that allows fintechs to test their innovation in a controlled environment under the guidance of the regulator. The RegLab allow us to have in-depth engagements with fintechs to understand the different business models and associated risks. In the process, we have to date developed some of the most comprehensive set of regulations in the region governing fintech and digital financial services.
To support the responsible adoption of fintech and digital transformation of the financial services sector, we launched the ADGM Digital Lab, a digital environment where fintechs and industry stakeholders can co-create and test solutions to address challenges in the sector, with participation and supervision by the regulator.
ADGM is partner and home to the global tech ecosystem Hub71, bringing together renowned corporations, national champions, and prominent investors to help founders grow and scale disruptive technology companies globally from the UAE capital.
At ADGM, we are committed to playing an active role in collaboration with industry stakeholders to accelerate the transformation of the financial services sector in the region. Notably, ADGM organises the largest finance event – the Abu Dhabi Finance Week – in the region every year, bringing together the traditional and digital finance community and policy makers from the world over to network and collaborate on transforming the financial services sector in the region.
The ADGM RegLab is a specially tailored regulatory framework which provides a controlled environment for fintech participants to develop and test innovative fintech solutions. The RegLab is designed to foster innovation within the UAE financial services market for both new market entrants and existing financial institutions.
By creating a regulated, safe environment, the RegLab has been designed to allow fintech innovation to be tested without being subject to the full suite of regulatory requirements at the onset that would otherwise apply to traditional financial services firms. The set-up will allow fintech participants to explore and develop fintech solutions in a risk appropriate and cost-effective environment.
The RegLab is for all participants active in the fintech space, from startups to existing, regulated companies. To qualify, fintech participants must demonstrate an innovative technological solution that is at the stage of development ready for testing and does not currently fall under our regulated activities. The solution should also contribute to the development of the financial sector in the UAE.
The ADGM Digital Lab serves as a centralised hub for financial institutions and fintech firms to test and develop solutions collaboratively within the regulator’s own secure cloud infrastructure. It comprises a:
Financial Services entities looking to set up in ADGM are required to secure approval from the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority before proceeding with registration.
Applicants are required to fill out the requisite forms and provide all the necessary information required when making an application.
With the information provided, the FSRA Authorisation Team will assess whether the applicants meet the admission requirements, including the following aspects:
A thoroughly and accurately completed application as specified in the forms, will expedite this process.
To download all Application Forms click here.
For information on applicable fees click here.
Call or meet with one of our FSRA Authorisation Team for an initial discussion on your requirements. In preparation for the meeting, Applicant will need to have a regulatory plan, setting out the planned regulated activities, internal controls and resources to address the related risks.
Submit the completed application form, and any documentation required, along with the application fee.
Authorisation Team will review your application, follow up on any clarifications, conduct interviews with the Approved Person and fill in any information gaps.
Applicant will be notified if the application has been approved in principle, subject to conditions.
If Applicant accepts the in principle approval conditions, the Applicant must prepare to satisfy these conditions and proceed with capitalisation and hiring and contacting the ADGM Registration Authority to start the process of Commercial Licence application.
Once these conditions are met, ADGM will issue the Applicant's Financial Services Permission.
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