Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
ADGM is an international financial centre that offers a world-class regulatory framework for businesses seeking expansion into the UAE — including Holding Companies, SPVs, and Foundations for wealth management and corporate structuring.
What is ADGM?
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an internationally recognised financial centre and free zone located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Operating as an independent jurisdiction, ADGM has its own legal system, courts, and regulatory framework based on English common law principles, providing businesses with transparency, legal certainty, and investor confidence.
ADGM is a preferred jurisdiction for company formation, Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), Foundations, holding companies, family offices, fintech businesses, and regulated financial institutions. With 100% foreign ownership, strong corporate governance standards, and a business-friendly environment, ADGM supports corporate structuring, wealth preservation, and cross-border investment strategies. Its strategic location and global reputation make ADGM an ideal platform for businesses seeking long-term growth and international expansion in the UAE.
Key Features of ADGM
Independent legal system based on English common law
Highly regulated financial services environment
Strong investor protection and transparency standards
International arbitration and dispute resolution framework
Strategic location in Abu Dhabi's financial district
Internationally aligned regulatory environment
Why Choose ADGM?
ADGM offers a stable and internationally respected jurisdiction for businesses seeking regulatory certainty, operational credibility, and access to a world-class financial ecosystem.
It is particularly attractive for companies that require structured governance, cross-border investment capabilities, and alignment with global compliance standards.
YEAR ESTABLISHED
2015
REGULATORY BODY
FSRA
LEGAL SYSTEM
Common Law
JURISDICTION TYPE
Financial Free Zone
Who is ADGM Best Suited For?
Asset management firms
Family offices and private wealth structures
Investment and holding companies
Fintech and financial service providers
Corporate headquarters and regional entities
How ADGM Compares
ADGM vs Mainland
More structured regulatory environment and international financial focus
ADGM vs Free Zones
More advanced legal framework for financial services
ADGM vs Offshore
Onshore presence with full regulatory credibility
Business Activities Allowed in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
ADGM supports a wide range of regulated and non-regulated activities, including financial services, investment advisory, asset management, and corporate structuring solutions.
It is particularly suitable for entities requiring a strong regulatory framework and international operational standards.
Setting Up in ADGM
Establishing a company in ADGM involves selecting the appropriate legal structure, defining business activities, and completing regulatory approvals through the ADGM Registration Authority.
Our team provides end-to-end support throughout the setup process, ensuring compliance and efficiency at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
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ADGM is suitable for businesses seeking an internationally recognised financial centre with an English common law legal framework. It is commonly chosen by holding companies, investment firms, family offices, fintech businesses, and professional service providers. If you're unsure which structure is right for your goals, explore our ADGM SPV and ADGM Foundation services.
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Businesses can establish several legal structures in ADGM, including Holding Companies, Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), Foundations, Private Companies Limited by Shares, branches of foreign companies, and regulated financial entities. The best option depends on your business activities and long-term objectives.
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Yes. An ADGM company may hold shares in businesses located in the UAE and internationally, making it a popular option for investors and multinational business groups seeking a central holding structure.
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Yes. Once incorporated, an ADGM company may apply to open a corporate bank account with eligible UAE banks, subject to each bank's internal compliance and due diligence requirements. We also assist clients with corporate bank account applications.
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Depending on the legal structure and business activities, ADGM companies may have ongoing obligations such as annual licence renewals, accounting records, beneficial ownership reporting, and other corporate compliance requirements.
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Yes. Once incorporated, an ADGM company may apply to open a corporate bank account with eligible UAE banks, subject to each bank's internal compliance and due diligence requirements. We also assist clients with corporate bank account applications.
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Yes. Many individuals and families use an ADGM Foundation to support succession planning, preserve family wealth, and separate ownership of assets from personal ownership. Foundations can also be used to hold investments, intellectual property, and real estate where appropriate.
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Yes. Foreign investors can generally own 100% of companies established in ADGM, subject to the applicable regulations and licensing requirements for their chosen business activities.
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The incorporation timeline varies depending on the business activity, legal structure, regulatory approvals, and completeness of the required documentation. Our team manages the incorporation process from initial consultation through to registration and post-incorporation support.
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Our team provides end-to-end support throughout the incorporation process, including company structure advice, document preparation, regulatory coordination, licence applications, post-incorporation compliance, and ongoing corporate support. We help clients choose the most appropriate ADGM structure based on their commercial goals rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.
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Need Help Setting Up in ADGM?
Choosing ADGM as your jurisdiction requires strategic planning to ensure alignment with your business model, regulatory requirements, and long-term objectives.
We provide tailored advisory services to help you establish and structure your ADGM entity efficiently and in full compliance with applicable regulations.