ADGM Celebrates a Decade of Growth as a Leading Financial Center in the Region

ADGM Celebrates a Decade of Unprecedented Growth

In a remarkable turn of events, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has marked its tenth anniversary, celebrating a decade that has been characterized by unprecedented growth, regulatory excellence, and financial innovation. Since its inception in 2015 as an international financial center (IFC), ADGM has attracted over 300 financial enterprises that manage global assets totaling an astounding $28.6 trillion, as reported by the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA). This achievement positions Abu Dhabi as a formidable player in the global financial landscape.

From 2021 to 2025, ADGM has seen rapid expansion, with the number of financial firms skyrocketing from 131 to 308. This translates to a 135% growth over just 42 months, making ADGM one of the fastest-growing financial hubs in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA). Its successful five-year growth strategy (2022-2027) was surpassed in a mere three years, demonstrating ADGM's strong competitive edge.

The ambition behind the formation of ADGM was to transform Abu Dhabi into a premiere business and financial center. The entity has overcome significant initial challenges to establish itself as a resilient and future-ready financial hub. Over the last few years, ADGM has experienced accelerated growth, becoming the region's leading financial center distinguished by active licenses.

From 2015 until the end of 2024, ADGM's assets under management (AUM) have shown a remarkable average annual growth rate of 123%. This exponential increase in fund activity has been bolstered by impressive compound annual growth rates of 62% in both the number of funds and fund managers. Active licenses grew at a compound annual rate of 71%, with operational entities increasing by 62%.

Leadership's Vision

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, commented on this significant milestone stating, "In alignment with the vision and guidance of Abu Dhabi's strategic leadership, ADGM has experienced unparalleled growth in its brief history and has firmly established itself as a global financial powerhouse. Looking forward to the next decade, our ambition to position ADGM among the top five global international financial centers is stronger than ever. Given our achievements thus far, what we can build in the next ten years will be even greater."

Recent figures from the first half of 2025 reflect ADGM's momentum in key indicators, showcasing a 42% year-on-year increase in AUM, with a total of 154 asset managers overseeing 209 distinct funds. The number of active licenses in ADGM reached an impressive 11,128, the highest in the region, with operational entities increasing by 42% to 2,972.

Building Trust and Attracting Giants

The robust regulatory framework established by ADGM, which is the first and only jurisdiction in the region to directly implement English common law, has evolved into a benchmark of trust and transparency for international investors. Since its establishment, the number of financial entities within ADGM has escalated at a compound annual growth rate of 55% until the end of 2024. Strong relationships with Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth funds, managing a total of $1.82 trillion, have made ADGM an attractive destination for global asset managers.

Some of the world's most prestigious financial institutions have set up operations in ADGM, including BlackRock, State Street Global Advisors, PGIM, Nuveen, Carlyle, and Apollo. In 2025 alone, new entrants included UBS, Davidson Kempner, Monroe Capital, and many others, further solidifying ADGM's standing in the financial sector.

Infrastructure Development

Moreover, ADGM has become one of the largest financial districts globally, spanning 14.3 million square meters between Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands. Expansion to Al Reem Island has allowed ADGM to tenfold its jurisdiction, meeting the growing demand from international firms seeking a strategic base in the region.

Developing Human Capital

ADGM plays a crucial role in developing the human capital that drives innovation, inclusion, and resilience. The workforce of ADGM has grown at a compound annual rate of 23% until late 2024. With the completion of its expansion to Al Reem Island, ADGM now covers both Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, housing over 36,000 individuals contributing to the dynamic and diversified ecosystem of the center.

This reflects Abu Dhabi's appeal as a prime location where individuals can live, work, and thrive in what is considered the safest and most livable city in the world.

Regulatory Innovations

ADGM has established itself as a regional leader in regulatory innovation, creating a future-ready legal environment that inspires trust among global investors. From introducing frameworks and guidelines surrounding virtual assets, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), and fiat-backed tokenization to private credit and sustainable finance, ADGM has been at the forefront of developing progressive regulations grounded in global best practices.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, ADGM aims to set new benchmarks in innovation and resilience across various sectors, including regulation, digital assets, AI, sustainable finance, and family wealth management. The next decade will strengthen this foundation, reaffirming commitment to global standards, inclusive growth, and future preparedness under the visionary leadership of the UAE. ADGM aspires to lead in regulation and innovation, redefining the concept of an international financial center as a global gateway, a platform for change, and an attraction for the next generation of financial talent.

With aspirations to rank among the top five international financial centers alongside New York, London, and Singapore, ADGM is advancing its global presence through a series of international engagements in partnership with key Abu Dhabi entities.