ADGM Foundations
A sophisticated structuring vehicle within Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) designed for wealth preservation, asset protection, and long-term succession planning.
ADGM Foundations provide a robust and flexible legal structure for individuals and families seeking to protect, manage, and transfer wealth across generations. Built on a modern common law framework, ADGM Foundations offer enhanced control, confidentiality, and governance, making them an increasingly preferred solution for private wealth structuring in the UAE and internationally.
Understanding ADGM Foundations
An ADGM Foundation is a legal entity with its own separate personality, established to hold and manage assets for specific purposes or beneficiaries. Unlike traditional companies or trusts, a foundation combines elements of both, offering structured governance alongside flexibility in ownership and control.
It is commonly used for wealth structuring, estate planning, and holding arrangements, particularly for high-net-worth individuals and family offices.
Key Features of ADGM Foundations
Separate Legal Personality
Independent legal entity distinct from its founder and beneficiaries
No Shareholders
Assets are owned by the foundation itself, not shareholders
Founder Control
Founder retains strategic control through charter and by-laws
Flexible Governance
Council + Guardian structure for effective oversight
High Confidentiality
Strong privacy protections for founders and beneficiaries
Global Asset Holding
Ability to hold a wide range of assets globally
Why Choose an ADGM Foundation?
ADGM Foundations offer a secure and structured framework for wealth preservation and succession planning. They provide legal certainty through a common law system while allowing founders to define clear rules for asset management and distribution.
The structure is particularly beneficial for those seeking long-term stability, privacy, and protection of assets from external risks.
Common Uses of ADGM Foundations
Wealth preservation and estate planning
Holding companies and investment structures
Philanthropic and charitable purposes
Succession planning for family assets
Asset protection strategies
How an ADGM Foundation is Structured
Founder
Establishes the foundation and defines its purpose
Guardian (Optional)
Provides oversight to ensure the foundation operates in line with its objectives
Council Members
Responsible for managing the foundation's affairs
Beneficiaries
Individuals or entities who benefit from the foundation
A Secure and Recognised Legal Framework
ADGM Foundations operate under a robust regulatory framework aligned with international standards. The jurisdiction's direct application of English common law principles ensures legal clarity, enforceability, and global recognition. This makes ADGM a preferred choice for individuals seeking a credible and well-regulated environment for wealth structuring.
How ADGM Foundations Compares
ADGM vs Trust
Foundations offer a separate legal personality and greater structural clarity
Foundation vs Company
Designed for holding and protection, not commercial trading
ADGM vs Other Jurisdictions
Stronger legal framework and international credibility
Why Choose MABA for ADGM Foundations?
Deep ADGM Expertise
We provide specialist guidance on foundation structuring within the Abu Dhabi Global Market, ensuring alignment with its common law framework and regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Confidence & Compliance
Our processes are built to meet the highest standards of governance and transparency, ensuring your ADGM Foundation remains fully compliant at every stage.
Wealth & Planning Structuring
Every foundation is designed around your objectives—whether for asset protection, intergenerational planning, or governance—ensuring flexibility without compromising control.
Discreet, Relationship-Led Approach
We work with a select group of clients, delivering confidential, partner-led support with a strong emphasis on long-term relationships and trust.
End-to-End Corporate Services
Seamless support from establishment through ongoing administration, covering compliance, filings, and operational management.
Cross-Border Structuring Capability
We understand the complexities of international wealth and corporate structures, enabling seamless integration of your ADGM Foundation into broader global strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
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An ADGM Foundation is a standalone legal entity established within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to hold and manage assets for specific purposes, such as wealth preservation, succession planning, philanthropy, or family governance. Unlike a company, a foundation does not have shareholders, making it particularly attractive for individuals and families seeking long-term control, continuity, and structured ownership of assets across generations.
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An ADGM Foundation is a separate legal entity with its own juridical personality, unlike a trust which operates through fiduciary relationships. This structure allows founders to retain a higher degree of governance certainty through a Council-led framework, making it particularly suited for long-term wealth preservation, succession planning, and asset consolidation within a common law environment.
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In many cases, planning before transferring assets allows for a more efficient ownership strategy. Establishing an ADGM Foundation as part of an overall relocation and wealth planning strategy can help organise ownership, succession, and governance from the outset while ensuring all transfers comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
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Yes. Many sophisticated wealth structures combine an ADGM Foundation with holding companies or SPVs to separate ownership, investment management, and operational activities. This layered approach can provide greater flexibility, clearer governance, and more efficient administration depending on the family's objectives.
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An ADGM Foundation allows families to establish governance rules covering decision-making, asset management, succession, and the responsibilities of appointed officers. These governance arrangements help preserve family wealth while creating consistency and accountability over time.
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Yes. Subject to the laws of the relevant jurisdictions, an ADGM Foundation can hold a wide range of assets, including shares in private companies, investment portfolios, intellectual property, real estate interests, and other valuable assets. This enables families and business owners to consolidate ownership within a structured legal framework while maintaining effective governance.
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Yes. One of the key advantages of an ADGM Foundation is its ability to consolidate and manage cross-border assets—including shares, real estate, and investment holdings—within a single legal vehicle. This enables centralized governance while maintaining alignment with international structuring and reporting requirements.
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A founder can design the Foundation Charter to define reserved powers, governance rights, and succession rules, allowing for a tailored balance between control and asset separation. This makes the ADGM Foundation a strategic tool for individuals seeking structured control without direct legal ownership of underlying assets.
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Yes. ADGM Foundations are specifically designed for intergenerational wealth transfer, offering legally binding continuity beyond the lifetime of the founder. The structure ensures that governance rules, beneficiary designations, and asset distribution mechanisms remain enforceable across jurisdictions.
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Yes. An ADGM Foundation is specifically designed to facilitate structured wealth succession, allowing founders to define clear governance rules, protect assets, and ensure controlled distribution to beneficiaries across generations within a robust common law framework.
Looking to Establish an ADGM Foundation?
Structuring an ADGM Foundation requires a strategic approach to ensure alignment with your wealth, governance, and succession goals. We provide tailored advisory services to help you design, establish, and manage your foundation with full compliance and discretion.