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A platform that offers limitless opportunities and paves the way for a brighter future

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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A financial centre that provides transparency, efficiency, and integrity, through its progressive frameworks, future focused infrastructure, all within a familiar independent legal jurisdiction – ADGM is the perfect platform for success.

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  • Getting started
  • Foundations regime
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  • Business Areas

    Capital Markets

    Setting up in ADGM Capital Markets
    A robust and resilient capital markets ecosystem

    Thrive in a vibrant capital markets ecosystem driving sustainable growth and investment opportunities.

    ADGM’s robust capital markets ecosystem offers unparalleled access to public and private markets liquidity, investment opportunities, financial innovations and strategic partnerships for financial institutions seeking to unlock avenues of sustainable growth. Embrace the strength and stability of our capital markets bolstered by best-in-class regulatory frameworks that are designed to foster market integrity, transparency and trust.

    Whether you are a Markets Intermediary, Markets Infrastructure or seeking capital formation via Offers of Securities, position your business for success in ADGM with certainty and confidence, where regulatory clarity, agility and innovation serve as cornerstones for long-term growth and stability.

    Financial services entities that wish to carry on financial services activities in ADGM must apply for a Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) under the applicable financial services regulations.

    Entities will find a wide range of Grade A office space on Al Maryah & Al Reem Island to choose from. The ADGM team will advise regarding office requirements on a case-by-case basis.

    Why set up in ADGM Capital Markets activities Application process Steps to setting up Learn more
    Why set up your Capital Markets business in ADGM
    ADGM supports the development and expansion of financial services business models, offering a full ecosystem of legal, accounting and servicing firms.
    ADGM prides itself on being a risk-based and progressive regulator open to the use of technological innovation and welcomes engagement to support ideas for growing your business.
    A strong rule of law through the direct application of English common law, strong judiciary, speed of judgment facilitated by world's first e-Courts, seat of arbitration, and a strong system of enforceability of judgments.
    Capital Markets
    activities supported
    in ADGM

    Reflecting a flexible, world-class regulatory framework and strong investment environment, Market Infrastructures are a vital part of the capital markets within ADGM, coming in the form of Recognised Investment Exchanges, Recognised Clearing Houses, Multilateral Trading Facilities (MTFs) and Organised Trading Facilities (OTFs).

    ADGM fosters primary and secondary markets across its Market Infrastructures, ranging from the offering and listing of Securities (including Digital Securities) to having bespoke trading venues focused on commodity derivatives and Virtual Assets.

    Within its capital markets ecosystem, ADGM also allows Remote Bodies (exchanges and/or clearing houses) and Remote Members (broker/members) from non-ADGM jurisdictions to connect into ADGM-based brokers and Exchanges/Clearing houses respectively.

    ADGM's best-in-class regulatory framework, diverse range of product offerings, and connectivity with global debt and equity capital markets makes it the destination for markets intermediaries such as broker-dealers, investment managers, custodians, corporate finance advisors in the MENA region. Our capital market benefits from a regulatory framework that places investor protection at the forefront, enabling access to a range of investment and trading opportunities across primary and secondary markets, multiple asset classes and product lines.

    Issuers of securities and investment products can take advantage of FSRA's stringent and progressive framework governing their issuance in and from ADGM. Issuers, both regionally and globally, can raise capital in an efficient manner under a framework that offers significant investor protection. Issuers can make an Offer of Securities to the public or may benefit from an exemption under the FSRA's Exempt Offers regime. ADGM ensures full transparency for issuers and investors within its markets.

    Participants and investors benefit from a world class listing authority responsible for the review of prospectuses and for the admission of Securities to its Official List.

    Capital Markets
    Application process

    Financial Services entities looking to set up in ADGM are required to secure approval from the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority before proceeding with registration.

    Applicants are required to fill out the requisite forms and provide all the necessary information required when making an application.

    With the information provided, the FSRA Authorisation Team will assess whether the applicants meet the admission requirements, including the following aspects:

    • Operational, financial and regulatory track record of the entity and shareholders
    • Fitness and propriety of senior management and key appointment holders
    • Resources, systems and controls of the entity to ensure proper corporate governance and compliance with all applicable rules and regulations

    A thoroughly and accurately completed application as specified in the forms, will expedite this process.

    All Application FormsInformation on applicable fees
    Steps to setting up in
    ADGM

    1. Contact us

    Call or meet with one of our FSRA Authorisation Team for an initial discussion on your requirements. In preparation for the meeting, Applicant will need to have a regulatory plan, setting out the planned regulated activities, internal controls and resources to address the related risks.

    2. Submit form

    Submit the completed application form, and any documentation required, along with the application fee. For calculation of Fees, click here.

    3. Interviews

    Authorisation Team will review your application, follow up on any clarifications, conduct interviews with the Approved Person and fill in any information gaps.

    4. Notification

    Applicant will be notified if the application has been approved in principle, subject to conditions.

    5. Acceptance

    If Applicant accepts the in principle approval conditions, the Applicant must prepare to satisfy these conditions and proceed with capitalisation and hiring and contacting the ADGM Registration Authority to start the process of Commercial Licence application.

    6. Permission

    Once these conditions are met, ADGM will issue the Applicant's Financial Services Permission.

    You may also be interested in

    Resources

    Commodities Markets
    Regulation of Spot Commodity Activities
    Private Capital Markets
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