ADGM Establishes Itself as the Leading Financial Center in the MENA Region with Over 11,000 Active Licenses

ADGM's Expanding Influence in the Financial Sector

The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) continues to assert its prominence as the foremost international financial center (IFC) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. By the end of the first half of 2025, ADGM has registered an impressive total of 11,128 active licenses, cementing its position at the forefront of financial service evolution in this dynamic region.

Growth Metrics

During the first six months of 2025, the ADGM experienced a remarkable growth spurt, noting a 42% increase in assets under management. This substantial growth trajectory underscores ADGM’s role as a focal point in enhancing the financial services contribution to Abu Dhabi's non-oil economy, which reported a 9.1% increase in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

With the total number of operational entities reaching 2,972 — marking a 42% year-on-year increase — the ADGM is not merely growing in numbers, but diversifying its portfolio. Among these entities, 308 are financial businesses, while the remaining 2,664 comprise non-financial enterprises.

The Surge of New Licenses

One of the standout achievements for ADGM in this period is the issuance of 1,869 new licenses, which represents a 47% increase compared to the previous year and is the highest number issued in any six-month span since ADGM's inception. The Financial Services Authority within ADGM issued 52 principle approvals for financial services companies, reflecting a 27% increase and enabling 45 new financial services permits, a substantial increase of 45%.

Strategic Partnerships and Global Presence

As a testament to its expanding global reach, ADGM has attracted a plethora of high-profile international firms, including Kimmeridge, Fortress Investment Group, and Bitcoin Suisse, amongst others. These organizations underscore the attractiveness of ADGM as a strategic base for global financial activities. Notably, Fortress has initiated a global co-investment partnership worth one billion dollars focusing on credit and real estate in collaboration with Mubadala, while Kimmeridge has entered into an agreement with Mubadala Energy to co-develop natural gas and LNG businesses, thereby establishing a transatlantic energy corridor.

Innovations and Initiatives

The innovation fostered by ADGM is evident with the establishment of an AI-driven reinsurance platform, projected to manage over USD 10 billion. This initiative is part of ADGM’s broader ambition to position itself as a hub for cutting-edge financial solutions, particularly those leveraging artificial intelligence technologies.

The regulatory framework of ADGM has also seen significant enhancements, with the introduction of strategic collaborations with regulatory counterparts from Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Hong Kong, and Sweden. These partnerships are aimed at promoting cross-border financial services and enhancing the region's global compliance standards.

Enhancements in Regulatory Framework

ADGM's registration authority has implemented vital improvements including the launch of AccessRP, a digital tool aimed at streamlining the verification of real estate interests and implementing updated commercial license rules for non-financial companies. These advancements signal ADGM's commitment to providing a flexible and business-friendly environment.

Participation in Global Conferences

ADGM representatives actively participated in the CityWeek 2025 conference in London, engaging with global financial leaders to discuss collaborative regulatory frameworks, sustainable finance, and the integration of AI in capital markets. Additionally, they represented Abu Dhabi in recent presentations held in China and Japan, further promoting ADGM's strategic advantages to potential investors.

Workforce Expansion

The continued growth of ADGM has also driven an increase in the workforce, with the number of work permits issued rising to 35,964 by the end of the first half of 2025. This inflow of talent is critical in sustaining the ongoing expansion and innovation that ADGM embodies.

Conclusion

As the ADGM approaches its tenth anniversary, its commitment to excellence and an evolving landscape in the financial sector highlights Abu Dhabi's increasingly influential role as a global financial powerhouse. With record figures and strategic partnerships bolstering its development, ADGM is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of growth and stability in the global financial market.

ADGM's journey is a clear testament to its vision, aligning with best international practices while constantly evolving to meet global financial demands.