Abu dhabi: ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, has solidified its status as the largest and fastest-growing financial hub in the Middle East and North Africa region by the end of the first half of 2025. The centre now boasts over 11,000 active licenses and has seen a 42% increase in assets under management during this period.
According to Emirates News Agency, ADGM has also become the region's largest international financial centre by market capitalization of its registered entities listed on a stock exchange. This development highlights the centre's contributions to Abu Dhabi's non-oil economy, which saw a growth of 9.1% in the first quarter of 2025. Transformative deals and partnerships during this time have further emphasized ADGM's role in enabling global businesses to invest and form strategic partnerships locally and regionally.
The total number of operational entities in ADGM, including both financial and non-financial firms, reached 2,972, marking a 42% year-on-year growth. The centre's business-friendly environment and regulatory frameworks continue to attract new and established firms. During H1, ADGM registered 1,869 new licenses, marking a 47% growth compared to the previous year.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority issued 52 In-Principle Approvals for financial services firms, a 27% increase from the previous year, and granted 45 new Financial Services Permissions, a 45% rise. The presence of global and regional names like Kimmeridge, Fortress, and Bitcoin Suisse has further strengthened ADGM's position. ADGM's asset management sector also witnessed a 42% increase in Assets Under Management compared to H1 2024.
Strategic partnerships have been pivotal in ADGM's growth. In May, Fortress Investment Group established a permanent office in ADGM, entering into a USD 1 billion co-investment partnership with Mubadala. US-based asset manager Kimmeridge also signed a MoU with Mubadala Energy for natural gas and LNG ventures. Additionally, an AI-native reinsurance platform was launched by IHC, BlackRock, and ADGM-based Lunate, with plans to manage over USD 10 billion in liabilities.
ADGM's legal frameworks have seen enhancements to align with international standards, including new MoUs with regulatory counterparts in Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Hong Kong, and Sweden. The Registration Authority introduced digital tools to improve operational efficiency and reduce market entry costs. Supervisory activity increased by 223%, underscoring ADGM's commitment to high governance standards.
ADGM Courts launched a Pro Bono Mediators Panel to expand access to justice, while the ADGM Academy delivered 100 training sessions to over 2,600 participants. The academy also created over 900 job placements for Emiratis in the private sector.
As ADGM prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in October 2025, it remains focused on delivering long-term impact through regulatory innovation and strategic partnerships.