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A platform that offers limitless opportunities and paves the way for a brighter future

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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Providing an environment that empowers the future

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.

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ADGM, the centre for a transparent and thriving sustainable finance ecosystem.

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  • Business Areas

    Wealth and Asset
    Management

    Setting up in ADGM FinTech Wealth and Asset Management
    The premier hub with over a trillion dollars in assets and private wealth

    With a geographic location at the heart of the MENA region and the East/West corridor, ADGM is the ideal gateway to serve the markets of GCC, South Asia and Africa.

    Abu Dhabi, the capital of capital that is home to some of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world, is perfectly placed to take advantage of local and regional investment and asset management opportunities. With a geographic location at the heart of the MENA region and the East/West corridor, ADGM is the ideal gateway to serve the markets of GCC, South Asia and Africa. This greater regional representation in Emerging Markets Indices and Abu Dhabi’s rise in prominence as a hub for financial technological innovation, ESG finance, and government debt issuance, have led to international, regional and local asset managers increasing their focus on the region.

    Whether you are in the business of Investment Management or Asset Servicing, enhance your client offerings in ADGM recognised for its progressive well-regulated environment, to offer a comprehensive selection of investment strategies.

    Financial services entities that wish to carry on financial services activities in ADGM must apply for a Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) under the applicable financial services regulations.

    Entities will find a wide range of Grade A office space on Al Maryah & Al Reem Island to choose from. The ADGM team will advise regarding office requirements on a case-by-case basis.

    Why set up in ADGM Wealth and Asset Management activities Application process Steps to setting up Learn more
    Why set up your Wealth and
    Asset Management business
    in ADGM
    ADGM supports the development and expansion of financial services business models, offering a vibrant financial market and supporting ecosystem of legal, accounting and asset management servicing firms.
    ADGM offers a tax-efficient environment supported by a comprehensive suite of legal structures such as trusts and foundations, special purpose investment vehicles and restricted scope reporting companies, which gives you the comfort that long term planning for wealth management can be undertaken with certainty.
    A strong rule of law through the direct application of English common law, strong judiciary, speed of judgment facilitated by world's first e-Courts, seat of arbitration, and a strong system of enforceability of judgments.
    Wealth and Asset Management activities supported in ADGM

    The ADGM funds framework balances a business-friendly environment for industry practitioners whilst retaining appropriate levels of investor protection, allowing investment managers to establish a comprehensive selection of funds, including Sharia-compliant and green / climate transition products.

    Managers and investors can benefit from a wide range of investment structures including fund vehicles, asset holding vehicles (SPVs) and trust vehicles, that allow for the management of sophisticated portfolios. ADGM funds may be distributed across the UAE, which has led to a thriving environment for established local and international firms.

    ADGM’s beneficial tax environment and the UAE's strong network of Double Taxation Treaties has made ADGM an ideal location for management of both regional and international portfolios.

    ADGM also recognises that the ease for new players to enter the market is key to developing a robust and diversified funds industry. As such, ADGM has tailored frameworks that cater to start-up and boutique fund managers, as well as venture capital fund managers.

    ADGM is home to a vibrant ecosystem supporting the growth of its funds management, institutional asset management and private wealth management industries. The English common law environment and sophisticated regulatory regime has provided the ideal platform for the growth of Asset Servicing Providers (ASPs), providing a home at ADGM for the full lifecycle of asset servicing. Increasingly clients require, and entities are providing:

    • Funds Accounting Administration
    • Trustee Services
    • Custody of Traditional and Digital Assets
    • Asset Financing
    • Depositary Services
    • Risk Management
    • Outsourcing Services

    With the increasingly sophisticated needs of institutional and private asset managers across traditional asset classes, alternatives and digital assets, the demand for effective and efficient asset services continues to grow. ADGM provides an effective platform for these services in a tax efficient location and with access to skilled resources and technology innovators.

    Wealth and Asset Management
    Application process

    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:

    • Operational, financial and regulatory track record of the entity and shareholders
    • Fitness and propriety of senior management and key appointment holders
    • Resources, systems and controls of the entity to ensure proper corporate governance and compliance with all applicable rules and regulations

    A thoroughly and accurately completed application as specified in the forms, will expedite this process.

    Download all Application FormsCalculation of Fees
    Steps to setting up in
    ADGM

    1. Contact us

    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.

    2. Submit form

    Submit the completed application form, and any documentation required, along with the application fee. For calculation of Fees, click here.

    3. Interviews

    Authorisation Team will review your application, follow up on any clarifications, conduct interviews with the Approved Person and fill in any information gaps.

    4. Notification

    Applicant will be notified if the application has been approved in principle, subject to conditions.

    5. Acceptance

    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.

    6. Permission

    Once these conditions are met, ADGM will issue the Applicant's Financial Services Permission.

    You may also be interested in

    ADGM Investment Funds brochure

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    ADGM Tax Environment brochure

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    Family Wealth brochure

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