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Abu Dhabi boasts first-class infrastructure and unparalleled global connectivity, making it a premier international destination. Its exceptional qualities make it an ideal location to live, work, and conduct business.

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  • FSRA General Application Process

    Financial Services Regulatory Authority 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. Firms and individuals can apply for the appropriate financial services licences, under an internationally recognisable legislative and regulatory framework, that facilitates their local, regional and international expansion. The new financial regulations and rules framework is comprehensive in scope, spanning a variety of regulated financial services, including, asset management, banking and insurance businesses and others.

    To know more the ADGM financial services and activities that are available, please go through these simple functions below. To help you start the application process, please feel free to contact the Authorisation team at authorisation@adgm.com to arrange for a meeting, where we will guide you through the application process.

    Steps to applying for Financial Services Licences

    1. Contact

    Contact the FSRA Authorisation team for an initial discussion about your proposal

    2. Enquiry

    The Authorisation team will arrange an initial meeting with you to assess your requirements and proposed business model, and to explain what Regulated Activities can be conducted in ADGM, as well as the application process. Subject to the outcome of this initial meeting, we will invite you to submit a draft regulatory business plan.

    3. Proposal

    The Authorisation team will review your draft regulatory business plan and advise you if your application would be accepted. If so, Authorisation will provide feedback for inclusion in your final submission.

    4. Submission

    Your application will be accepted once you have submitted your completed application forms, together with supporting documentation, and have paid the application fee. For information on applicable fees, click here.

    5. Review

    The Authorisation team will review your application, follow up with you on any outstanding matters or questions, and conduct interviews with the Approved Persons (if required).

    6. Notification

    If your application is successful, you will receive in-principle approval (IPA) containing a number of pre-conditions.

    7. Fulfillment

    You must fulfil the IPA pre-conditions, which will include obtaining a Commercial License from the ADGM Registration Authority, securing premises in ADGM, opening bank accounts and, if relevant, capitalizing your entity.

    8. Permission

    Once you have all IPA pre-conditions, the FSRA will grant you a Financial Services Permission to commence Regulated Activities.

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