Abu dhabi: Marking its 10th year of operations, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Abu Dhabi’s International Financial Centre (IFC), delivered another year of growth and strategic milestones, reinforcing its role in advancing Abu Dhabi’s status as the ‘Capital of Capital’.
According to Emirates News Agency, ADGM continued to attract substantial international capital, world-class talent, and leading institutions to the UAE capital. By the end of 2025, the number of active licenses in ADGM surpassed 12,000, while the workforce within the financial center increased by 51 percent to 44,339 individuals. Additionally, Assets Under Management (AUM) rose by 36 percent, underscoring sustained confidence in Abu Dhabi as a trusted hub for global asset and wealth managers.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, emphasized the significance of 2025 as a defining chapter in ADGM’s milestones, highlighting the center’s success in attracting leading global players and reinforcing its position as a gateway for talent, capital, and innovation. He reiterated ADGM’s commitment to sustainable growth and its aim to become one of the top five international financial centers globally.
The total number of active licenses across ADGM rose by 30 percent to reach 12,671 by the end of 2025, solidifying its position as the largest IFC in the Middle East and Africa region by this measure. The growth in business activity has attracted a diverse and highly-skilled talent pool across Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands.
During the year, several leading fintech, digital assets, banking, and tech-enabled financial platforms announced their presence in ADGM. In a global regulatory first, Binance secured a formal global license from ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in December 2025, enabling it to operate from Abu Dhabi under a comprehensive regulatory framework.
By the end of 2025, ADGM was home to 171 asset and fund managers managing 244 funds, with a total of 347 financial institutions based in ADGM. Several top financial entities set up offices during this period, further expanding ADGM’s financial ecosystem.
The FSRA issued 120 In-Principle Approvals (IPAs) and 94 new Financial Services Permissions (FSPs), while ADGM’s ecosystem welcomed 3,495 operational entities, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
Abu Dhabi’s stature as a leading financial center was affirmed through its recognition in the Financial Centre Competitiveness Index (FCCI) and its hosting of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IFSWF) annual meeting.
Throughout 2025, ADGM increased international engagements, reinforcing its role as a bridge between global capital markets and Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem. This included roadshows to major financial hubs and collaborations with international regulators to enhance market connectivity.
The Registration Authority (RA) introduced new regulations, updated fees rules, and launched a unified digital platform for real estate transactions. The RA’s efforts were complemented by a landmark AED60 billion joint venture project announced by Mubadala and Aldar to expand Al Maryah Island.
In 2025, ADGM prioritized human capital development through the ADGM Academy, supporting thousands of individuals in training programs and facilitating job opportunities. The successful Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025 showcased ADGM’s plans for future growth and solidified its position on the global financial stage.