ADGM Reports Growth With 1,128 Active Licences At End Of H1 2025 Amid Strategic Partnerships

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has solidified its status as the leading financial hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the first half of 2025. With over 11,000 active licenses and a 42% increase in assets under management, ADGM's growth underscores its pivotal role in Abu Dhabi's non-oil economy, which expanded by 9.1% in Q1 2025.

The number of operational entities within ADGM reached 2,972 by mid-2025, marking a 42% year-on-year increase. This includes 308 financial firms and 2,664 non-financial firms. The centre's business-friendly environment and regulatory frameworks continue to attract both new entrants and established firms to Abu Dhabi.

ADGM has been instrumental in facilitating transformative deals and partnerships with key institutions in Abu Dhabi. Notably, Fortress Investment Group established a permanent office in ADGM and entered into a USD 1 billion global credit and real estate co-investment partnership with Mubadala. Meanwhile, Kimmeridge signed a MoU with Mubadala Energy to co-develop natural gas ventures.

In May, IHC, BlackRock, and Lunate launched an AI-native reinsurance platform from within ADGM. This venture aims to manage over USD 10 billion in liabilities, positioning ADGM as a hub for AI-driven financial solutions. Additionally, Mubadala and Alpha Dhabi scaled their private credit joint venture to USD 2.5 billion.

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM maintained its leadership trajectory by enhancing frameworks and collaborations. It concluded four new MoUs with regulatory counterparts in Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Hong Kong, and Sweden. New guidance on sanctions compliance and cybersecurity was also issued.

ADGM's Registration Authority introduced several enhancements to improve operational efficiency. These included launching AccessRP for property interest verification and introducing Commercial Permits Regulations for non-financial businesses. Updated Fees Rules were rolled out to simplify market entry costs.

Throughout H1 2025, ADGM engaged globally to reinforce its role as a bridge between international capital markets and Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem. Representatives participated in CityWeek 2025 in London to discuss regulatory collaboration and sustainable finance initiatives.

ADGM joined the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development on roadshows to China and Japan to highlight the benefits of setting up in Abu Dhabi. These efforts aim to engage leading institutions across private banking, wealth management, and family offices.

The transition period of Al Reem Island saw an increase in work permits issued by ADGM. By the end of H1 2025, the workforce on Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island reached 35,964 professionals. This aligns with Abu Dhabi’s population growth of 7.5% in 2024.

ADGM continues to play a key role in attracting top-tier talent as more people choose to live and work in the city. The financial centre’s expansion drives economic activity and strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a magnet for human capital.

The asset management sector at ADGM continued its upward trajectory with Assets Under Management (AUM) increasing by 42% compared to H1 2024. By June 2025, registered fund managers at ADGM numbered 154 while total funds increased to 209.

US-based investment manager Nuveen expects its AUM managed out of ADGM to double over the next three years from its current range of USD 3 billion to USD 5 billion. Such developments highlight ADGM’s growing influence as a magnet for global financial players seeking strategic connectivity.

ADGM Courts launched its Pro Bono Mediators Panel comprising internationally accredited mediators during H1. This initiative expands access to justice while strengthening the Court-Annexed Mediation Scheme established in 2019.

The International Bar Association announced that it will host IBA Arbitration Day at ADGM in January 2026. This event will gather arbitration experts worldwide for high-level dialogue shaping future international dispute resolution practices.

The ADGM Academy delivered over 100 training sessions involving more than 2,600 participants during H1. It hosted sector-specific events attended by over 1,300 individuals while creating job placement opportunities supported by globally recognised certifications.

The Academy Research Centre published eight influential papers focusing on AI, cybersecurity prevention measures against financial crime threats along with digital asset custody protocols throughout this period.

With inputs from WAM