Supporting and facilitating all financial activities in ADGM
ADGM believes that a fair, efficient and transparent marketplace is fundamental in meeting the dynamic and growing needs of the Abu Dhabi economy and global markets. ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority was established to advocate a progressive financial services environment and uphold the integrity of the whole international financial centre by managing any potential risk exposure and undesirable impacts.
The regulatory framework of the FSRA, the regulations and rules of which are modelled on internationally recognised standards and best practices, ensure that financial entities operate in ADGM with certainty and do so on a level-playing field, and that the best interests of customers, clients and investors are safeguarded.
The FSRA has an open and progressive approach in the maintenance and development of its regulatory framework, looking towards the international standard-setting bodies and responding to market innovations, and undertaking meaningful stakeholder engagement through public consultations, when considering amendments to its regulatory framework
Financial Services Regulatory Authority services
Committed to operating a fair, efficient and responsive regulatory environment for its market participants and stakeholders both in the UAE and internationally.
Obligations of Financial Services Entities
Financial services entities registered in ADGM need to meet specific obligations set out by the FSRA. These obligations are in addition to standard obligations that all ADGM registered entities are required to meet.
Supervision
Playing a critical role in fulfilling the objectives of ADGM, the FSRA acts swiftly and decisively to address and deter conduct that may adversely affect the integrity of the ADGM or the stability of the financial services industry in the ADGM.
Enforcement
The FSRA adopts a risk-based approach to regulation, focusing our efforts on those activities that we perceive as posing the greatest risk to the furtherance of our objectives.
Financial Crime Prevention
ADGM is committed to promoting sound practices in financial crime compliance which include AML/CFT, and compliance with international tax reporting obligations including FATCA and CRS.
FSRA General Application Process
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority welcomes financial services firms and institutions who wish to establish their presence in Abu Dhabi’s financial free zone.
Authorisation and Supplementary Forms
Applicant will be required to fill out the requisite forms when making an application to conduct financial services regulated activities in ADGM. The forms include guidance notes and should be read in conjunction with the relevant legislation.
Fintech
ADGM has an advanced regulatory frameworks for financial services, particularly for fintech, providing clarity, transparency and security for entrepreneurs and their investors.
Independent Review
The Appeals Panel is in place to promote proper observance of due process. Learn more about how the Appeals Panel helps ensure consistency, transparent and proportionate use of the FSRA’s powers.
Complaints
The FSRA assesses regulatory complaints concerning potential contraventions of regulations and rules that the FSRA administers, potential misconduct by any person that it regulates, or any conduct that will prevent the FSRA from meeting its objectives...
Laws, Regulations and Rules
A sound regulatory framework of clear and transparent rules, benchmarked against international standards and global best practices
Globally recognised financial services regulator
ADGM's FSRA continues to build bridges with fellow regulators and leading industry bodies, foster collaboration and effective cross-border co-operation.
Memoranda of Understanding
The FSRA is a signatory to 115 bilateral MoUs with both national and international bodies including International financial centres and regulators. The FSRA became a signatory to the IOSCO MMoU in January 2017, and subsequently to the IOSCO Enhanced MMoU in December 2020, and to the IAIS MMoU in October 2018.
Memberships and Associations
The FSRA is a member of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO); Basel Committee Consultative Group (BCG); International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS); Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB); World Alliance of International Financial Centres (WAIFC); International Network of Financial Centres for Sustainability (FC4S); and Sustainable Banking Network (led by IFC-Global Bank).
FSRA Public Register
The public can access vital information about a financial services entity or related individuals including contact details and the types of financial services activities an entity can carry out in ADGM.
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