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ADGM: A Decade of Exceptional Growth and Innovation

On October 31, 2025, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade filled with remarkable achievements in growth, regulatory excellence, and financial innovation. Since its establishment in 2015, ADGM has successfully attracted over 300 financial firms managing approximately $28.6 billion in global assets, establishing Abu Dhabi as a global capital markets hub. This includes various entities like hedge funds, banks, major asset managers, private equity, venture capital firms, and credit funds.

Rapid Growth in Recent Years

The past three years have seen an extraordinary surge in ADGM’s progress, with the number of financial enterprises skyrocketing from 131 in late 2021 to 308 in the first half of 2025, marking a staggering growth of 135% within just 42 months. This transformation places ADGM among the world's fastest-growing financial centers in the MEASA region. Notably, ADGM has accomplished its five-year growth strategy (2022-2027) in a remarkably short timeframe.

Advancements in Financial Assets

From 2015 until the close of 2024, the Assets Under Management (AUM) in ADGM displayed an astonishing compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 123%. Such performance has been fueled by exponential growth in fund activities, where both the number of funds and fund managers have shown solid CAGRs of 62% during the same period. Concurrently, active licenses climbed with a robust CAGR of 71%, while operational entities surged by 62%.

According to S.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, “In alignment with Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision, ADGM has experienced unparalleled growth in its short history and emerged as a global financial powerhouse, attracting some of the world's leading financial institutions. As we look ahead to the next decade, our ambition to position ADGM among the top five international financial centers is stronger than ever.”

Record-Breaking Figures in 2025

Recent figures from the first half of 2025 illustrate sustained momentum with a 42% year-on-year increase in AUM. Notably, 154 fund managers now oversee 209 funds within ADGM, and total active licenses have reached 11,128, the highest in the region—a testament to ADGM’s continued appeal. Additionally, operational entities have risen by 42%, totaling 2,972.

Building Trust with Strong Regulations

ADGM’s robust regulatory framework, being the first jurisdiction in the region to apply common law directly, has established it as a benchmark for trust and transparency among international investors. Since its inception, the count of financial entities within ADGM has increased at an impressive average annual growth rate of 55%, positioning the financial center as a magnet for global asset managers.

Prominent financial institutions such as BlackRock, State Street Global Advisors, PGIM, Carlyle, and many others have found a home at ADGM. Institutions like UBS, Davidson Kempner, and HarbourVest joined in 2025, enhancing ADGM’s reputation within the global financial landscape.

Infrastructure Development

Over the past decade, ADGM has transformed into one of the world’s largest financial districts, spanning 14.3 million square meters across the Al Maryah and Al Reem islands. The expansion into Al Reem has notably enhanced ADGM’s jurisdictional reach, addressing the growing demands from international enterprises eager to establish a strategic presence in the region.

Human Capital Enhancement

ADGM has played a critical role in fostering a skilled workforce that emphasizes innovation, inclusion, and resilience. By the end of 2024, employee numbers at ADGM had grown at an impressive annual average rate of 23%. With the completion of its expansion into Al Reem, ADGM now services over 36,000 individuals contributing to its dynamic and diverse ecosystem, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s appeal as one of the safest and most livable cities globally.

Pioneering Regulations for Future Finance

As a regional leader in regulatory innovation, ADGM has created a future-ready legal environment that garners confidence from global investors. From frameworks on virtual assets to alternative investment funds and sustainable finance, ADGM has established progressive regulations anchored in global best practices.

Initiatives like RegLab and Fintech and Digital Sandbox demonstrate ADGM’s commitment to integrity within the market, fostering a resilient financial ecosystem.

Vision for the Future

Looking forward, ADGM aims to continue setting benchmarks in innovation and resilience across various sectors, including digital assets, AI, green finance, and family wealth management services. With a renewed commitment to global standards, inclusive growth, and future readiness, ADGM is determined to redefine the essence of an international financial center, emerging as both a global gateway and a hub for the next generation of financial talent.

By striving to be among the top five international financial centers alongside New York, London, and Singapore, ADGM is poised for a future filled with ambition and substantial achievements.