Abu Dhabi's International Financial Centre Sees Remarkable Growth in 2025 with 36% Increase in Assets Managed

Abu Dhabi's Prominent Financial Growth in 2025

Abu Dhabi's International Financial Centre (IFC), officially known as the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), is poised for remarkable growth in 2025, projecting a 36% increase in assets under management (AUM) and a 51% rise in workforce numbers. This surge is indicative of the increasing confidence in Abu Dhabi as a reliable global financial hub.

The ADGM has been a magnet for foreign capital, top talent, and leading financial institutions, reinforcing the city's status as the 'Capital of Capital.' By the end of 2025, the ADGM's count of active licenses surpassed 12,000, while the workforce ballooned to 44,339, an impressive rise from 29,338 employees the previous year.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the ADGM, emphasized that 2025 marked a significant chapter for the organization, showcasing continuous growth in AUM and a successful bid to attract prominent global players to the region. The institution's emphasis on building a robust ecosystem of partnerships and innovation has solidified its international reputation.

Among the notable firms establishing a presence in the ADGM are leading enterprises in fintech, digital assets, banking, and sustainability consultancy, including Circle, Carta, and Bitcoin Suisse, marking the center as an essential regional hub for finance.

The establishment of Binance as the first global cryptocurrency exchange, licensed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the ADGM, further accentuates the center's progressive regulatory framework. This framework is designed to enhance operational success while upholding compliance standards.

Throughout 2025, a total of 171 asset managers and funds operated within the ADGM, managing 244 funds collectively. The total financial institutions based in the ADGM reached 347, of which 80 received licensing in 2025.

Additionally, the FSRA granted 120 foundational approvals, nearly a 32% increase from the previous year, alongside issuing 94 new financial service licenses. These figures highlight the ADGM's escalating influence in the MENA region's financial landscape, as it endeavors to attract multinational corporations.

The ADGM's broader ecosystem welcomed an additional 3,495 operational companies, underscoring the center's appeal as a diverse business environment. This growth drew attention from the NYU Stern School of Business, which ranked Abu Dhabi as the leading financial center in the MENA region and placed it 12th globally in its Financial Centre Competitiveness Index (FCCI).

November 2025 saw Abu Dhabi hosting the annual meeting of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IFSWF), further reinforcing its role as a facilitator of global capital flows and fostering strategic partnerships.

ADGM's international outreach intensified in 2025 with delegations participating in roadshows in China, Japan, London, New York, Singapore, and India, aimed at promoting business and investment opportunities in fast-growing sectors.

As the only IFC in the region operating under the English common law, the ADGM enhanced its regulatory framework to bolster market integrity and consumer protection. Furthermore, regulatory reforms were implemented to meet international standards, focusing on transparency and oversight.

The ADGM also integrated its real estate jurisdiction with Al Reem Island, providing streamlined real estate services, including transaction facilitation and licensing. This was complemented by a significant joint venture announced by Mubadala and Aldar to amplify infrastructure developments on Al Maryah Island.

The Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025 was a notable success, featuring over 68 events and 394 thematic sessions, gathering influential participants managing assets exceeding $60 trillion, effectively promoting Abu Dhabi's ambition for growth over the next decade.

Through its strategic initiatives and robust growth trajectory, the ADGM strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a formidable player in the global financial landscape, ensuring the emirate continues to thrive as an international financial hub.