ADGM is home to Investment Banks that provide advisory and execution services to individuals, family offices, corporates and governments. Their services include raising capital by acting as an underwriter or as an agent to issue securities (either publicly or in private placement); advising on mergers and acquisitions and market-making across all asset classes. To support sell-side Investment Banking firms, ADGM provides a flexible and world-class legal and regulatory framework, access to clients in Asia, Middle East and Africa, access to large liquidity pools and global markets with first-class professional services support.
ADGM's ecosystem is rich with buy-side firms, corporates and their regional treasury centres. Government entities and family offices are already present and working with entities in ADGM for their Investment Banking business.
Financial services entities are required to meet specific resource requirements, either designated as Controlled Functions, which require approval by the FSRA, or as Recognised Functions, which are appointed by the entity itself and notified to the FSRA. For more information refer to Chapters 5.3 and 5.4 in the ADGM General Rulebook (GEN).
Entities that are either required or that want to have a physical presence, will find a wide range of Grade A office space on Al Maryah Island to choose from. The ADGM team will advise regarding office requirements on a case by case basis.
Investment Banking is one of five Banking focused areas at ADGM. The other areas include Private Banking and Wealth Management, Corporate and Transaction Banking, Money Service Business and Digital Banking.
Why set up an Investment Banking entity in ADGM
Product friendly
ADGM prides itself on being a product friendly jurisdiction recognising that Investment Banks require new and innovative solutions for ever-evolving client advisory and market-making needs.
Rule of law
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.
Exchanges
ADGM is working with exchanges ranging from traditional equities to crypto-assets to offer services to investment banks and their clients.
Full ecosystem
ADGM offers a full ecosystem of legal, accounting and servicing firms and enables the low-cost establishment and optimisation of businesses.
Flexible legal structures
Flexible legal structures, including special purpose vehicles, restricted scope companies, foundations and trusts, are fully supported.
Tax-efficient
A tax-efficient environment combined with inheritance structures such as trusts and foundations law and based on English common law, gives you comfort that long term planning for private banking clients can be undertaken with certainty.
Other banking solutions
ADGM provides a perfect location for Private Banking and Wealth Management firms which focus on the needs of High Net-Worth individuals and families who demand bespoke financial services with a high degree of customised advice & personal relationship management. This includes banking services, management of assets, financial services such as insurance, estate management and tax planning with concierge services.
ADGM has become a hub for Transaction Banks that provide corporate treasuries, governments and institutions with day to day operational and working capital financing needs. These include corporate banking, lending, trade finance, cash management and services supporting corporate treasuries.
Money Service Businesses or payment services from ADGM provide clients with the ability to convert currency or transmit money to individuals and corporates across the world. This can include, but is not limited to, foreign exchange services, payment services or intermediary payment services via traditional payment methods, via the internet and mobile technology, and by using innovative FinTech solutions.
The Digital Bank Licence from ADGM provides the ability to offer services in areas such as trade finance, small and medium enterprises (SME) lending and transactional accounts among others. Digital banking also promotes financial inclusion by extending services via innovative FinTech solutions to untapped, unbanked and underserved markets.
ADGM provides a perfect location for Private Banking and Wealth Management firms which focus on the needs of High Net-Worth individuals and families who demand bespoke financial services with a high degree of customised advice & personal relationship management. This includes banking services, management of assets, financial services such as insurance, estate management and tax planning with concierge services.
If you have questions or need any assistance, we're here to help.
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