ADGM Hits 11,128 Licences and 42% AUM Growth in H1 2025

Abu Dhabi, UAE – September 10, 2025 - The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has solidified its position as the largest and fastest-growing international financial centre (IFC) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) during the first half of 2025. ADGM reported 11,128 active licences and a 42% increase in assets under management (AUM), marking a record-breaking performance in its nearly decade-long history.

ADGM also emerged as the region’s largest IFC by the market capitalisation of registered entities listed on a stock exchange, further strengthening its role in boosting Abu Dhabi’s non-oil economy, which grew 9.1% in Q1 2025.

Strong Growth Across Key Metrics

In the first six months of 2025, ADGM experienced unprecedented growth:

1,869 new licences were registered, a 47% year-on-year increase and the highest six-month figure since ADGM’s inception.

The total number of operational entities reached 2,972, up 42% year-on-year, including:

• 308 financial firms
• 2,664 non-financial firms

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) issued:

• 52 In-Principle Approvals (IPAs) for financial services firms (+27% YoY)
• 45 new Financial Services Permissions (FSPs) (+45% YoY)

This growth was supported by ADGM’s business-friendly environment, progressive regulatory framework, and unique position as the only jurisdiction in the region applying English Common Law directly, making it attractive for both new entrants and established global firms.

“As we approach a decade of operations, ADGM’s sustained commitment to excellence is strongly reflected not just in its growth numbers, but also in the rising global confidence in Abu Dhabi’s role as a financial powerhouse and the ‘Capital of Capital’,” said Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM. “Record numbers can only be achieved through the depth of our global, regional, and local strategic partnerships and the clarity of our vision.”

Major Global Names Establish Presence

A growing number of international financial leaders now operate within ADGM, including Kimmeridge, Fortress, Circle, Partners Group, Carta, Bitcoin Suisse, Polen Capital, Arcapita, Seviora, Aquila Group, Skadden, PATRIZIA, Investindustrial, and Digital Climate Middle East (DCME).

By the end of June 2025:

• The number of registered fund and asset managers reached 154
• The total number of funds increased to 209
• ADGM-based AUM grew 42% year-on-year

Nuveen, a leading US-based investment manager, opened its first Middle East office at ADGM in 2024 and currently manages between $3 billion and $5 billion from the centre. Nuveen expects its AUM in the region to double within three years.

Transformative Deals and Partnerships

H1 2025 was defined by several landmark deals, demonstrating ADGM’s role as a hub for institutional-scale investment flows:

• Fortress Investment Group established a permanent office and signed a $1 billion global credit and real estate co-investment partnership with Mubadala.
• Kimmeridge opened its ADGM office and signed an MoU with Mubadala Energy to co-develop natural gas and LNG ventures, creating a transatlantic energy corridor.
• IHC, BlackRock, and ADGM-based Lunate launched an AI-native reinsurance platform valued at $1 billion+, with ambitions to manage $10 billion in liabilities, positioning ADGM as a centre for AI-driven financial solutions.
• Mubadala and Alpha Dhabi expanded their private credit joint venture to $2.5 billion, reflecting the financial centre’s increasing significance to Abu Dhabi’s largest institutional investors.

Market Capitalisation Milestone

By the end of H1 2025, the total value of ADGM-based firms listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) exceeded $136 billion (AED 500 billion), making ADGM the region’s largest IFC by market capitalisation.

This milestone reflects the depth and quality of ADGM’s ecosystem, where legal structures are actively driving capital formation, investor confidence, and market activity.

Expanding International Engagement

ADGM has strengthened its global presence through international outreach:

• Participated in CityWeek 2025 in London, engaging with leaders on sustainable finance, AI, and capital market innovation.
• Joined Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) on roadshows to China and Japan to promote Abu Dhabi as a global investment destination.

Growing Workforce and Economic Impact

The workforce across Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, both under ADGM’s jurisdiction, reached 35,964 professionals by mid-2025. This growth aligns with Abu Dhabi’s overall population increase, which rose 7.5% in 2024, surpassing 4.14 million residents.

ADGM’s rapid expansion continues to attract top global talent, reinforcing its role as a hub for human capital and business excellence.

Regulatory Enhancements

The FSRA introduced key legislative updates in H1 2025 to align with international best practices:

• Enhanced frameworks for cyber risk, Basel Core Principles, and fund regime reporting
• Issued guidance on sanctions compliance, cybercrime prevention, and cybersecurity
• Signed four new MoUs with regulatory authorities in Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Hong Kong, and Sweden

The Registration Authority (RA) launched several initiatives:

• AccessRP, a digital tool for streamlined property interest verification
• Commercial Permits Regulations for non-financial firms, offering greater operational flexibility
• Updated and reduced Fees Rules, lowering market entry costs
• A strategic MoU with the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to promote cooperation and mutual recognition of Operating Digital Platforms (ODPs)

Supervisory activity increased sharply, with 223% more supervision assessments conducted compared to H1 2024, emphasizing ADGM’s commitment to high governance standards.

Judicial and Educational Advancements

ADGM Courts launched the Pro Bono Mediators Panel, featuring internationally accredited mediators, further strengthening its Court-Annexed Mediation Scheme introduced in 2019.

The International Bar Association (IBA) announced its flagship IBA Arbitration Day will be held at ADGM in January 2026, bringing global arbitration and legal experts to Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, the ADGM Academy delivered 100 training sessions to over 2,600 participants and hosted 49 sector-specific events with 1,300+ attendees in H1 2025.

As part of its Emiratisation mandate, the academy:

• Created 900+ private-sector job placements
• Supported by 23 globally recognised certifications and nine specialised upskilling tracks

The ADGM Academy Research Centre published eight influential papers on AI, cybersecurity, digital asset custody, and financial crime prevention.

ADGM’s 10th Anniversary

As ADGM approaches its 10th anniversary in October 2025, the centre remains focused on delivering long-term impact through:

• Regulatory innovation
• Institutional partnerships
• Building a resilient, future-ready ecosystem for global financial growth

With record-breaking performance and a growing international reputation, ADGM continues to position Abu Dhabi as the "Capital of Capital" in the global financial landscape.