The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a leading international financial centre renowned for its progressive regulatory framework, English common law foundation, and business-friendly ecosystem. For financial institutions, fintech innovators, and wealth managers, ADGM offers a strategic base to tap into the vast capital and opportunities of the region.
The regulatory environment in ADGM is governed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), which is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and efficient marketplace.
Key Advantages of ADGM:
- Independent Legal System:
ADGM operates under the direct application of English common law, providing legal certainty and predictability for businesses.
- Progressive Regulation:
The FSRA is known for its forward-thinking approach, particularly in areas like fintech, sustainable finance, and digital assets.
- 100% Foreign Ownership:
Firms established in ADGM can be fully owned by foreign nationals or corporations.
- Tax-Friendly Environment:
ADGM entities benefit from a 0% corporate tax on qualifying income and no restrictions on capital repatriation.
The ADGM Setup Process:
Establishing a financial services firm in ADGM is a structured process managed through its online portal.
- Strategic Scoping & Business Plan: The journey begins with defining the exact financial activities you intend to conduct. This will determine your FSRA license category. A comprehensive Regulatory Business Plan is then drafted, outlining your business model, financial projections, risk management, and compliance procedures.
- FSRA In-Principle Approval (IPA): The business plan and application are submitted to the FSRA for review. The regulator assesses the firm’s fitness and propriety, the competence of its key personnel, and its operational readiness. A successful review leads to an IPA.
- Company Registration: With the IPA in hand, you proceed to register your legal entity with the ADGM Registration Authority (RA). This involves submitting incorporation documents, appointing directors and an authorized signatory, and securing a registered office address within ADGM’s jurisdiction on Al Maryah Island.
- Final FSRA License: Once the company is legally incorporated and all pre-licensing conditions from the IPA are met (e.g., sufficient capital, key appointments in place), the FSRA will issue the final Financial Services Permission (FSP), allowing you to commence business operations.
Legal Structures in ADGM
ADGM supports a wide range of legal structures, including Private Companies (Ltd), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP), and special purpose vehicles (SPVs), providing flexibility for diverse business needs.
Our Expertise in ADGM
Our consultancy provides end-to-end support for your ADGM setup. We assist in developing a robust regulatory business plan, manage the entire FSRA and RA application process, and ensure all compliance and operational requirements are met for a successful launch.