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.
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.
Harness unparalleled opportunities for growth in a thriving financial ecosystem recognised for its transparency and adherence to international banking standards.
ADGM has become a hub and gateway for banks and money service businesses seeking to elevate their global presence and reputation in an esteemed financial centre renowned for its modern and conducive business environment. ADGM provides a progressive 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.
Join a prestigious community of financial institutions in ADGM, where innovation thrives and opportunities abound, enabling your firm to thrive in the areas of Private Banking & Wealth Management, Corporate & Transaction Banking, Investment Banking, Digital Banking and Payment Services.
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.
ADGM provides a perfect location for Private Banking and Wealth Management firms which focus on the needs of High Net-Worth (HNW) 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.
The UAE is a politically stable and safe country at the heart of a region with high levels of personal and family wealth. With one of the highest inflows of HNW individuals from across the world including EU, North America, GCC, China and India, there is a significant growth potential due to global macro-economic, geopolitical and tax changes, predicted to increase the amount of wealth domiciled in and managed out of the UAE.
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.
The cost-effective, digitally innovative regime is an ideal support for high volume businesses, and the bank's clients can look forward to a vibrant ecosystem of banking, professional service advisors, treasury services, FinTech and a strong technology resource base.
ADGM is home to Investment Banks that provide advisory and execution services to individuals, family offices, corporates and governments. Our services include raising capital by acting as an underwriter or as an agent to issue securities (either publicly or in private placement); advice on mergers & acquisitions and market making across all asset classes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. For calculation of Fees, click here.
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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