Abu dhabi: iCapital, the global fintech company revolutionizing investment practices, has announced key developments that underscore its long-term commitment to the Middle East. The company has received a Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), an international financial center. Alongside this, iCapital is expanding its Sharia-compliant investment strategies for eligible investors across the region.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ADGM license enhances iCapital's capability to serve local clients and aligns with its broader strategy to offer institutional-grade alternative investment opportunities to a growing base of professional and qualified investors in the Gulf region. This development follows the establishment of its Abu Dhabi office in December 2025, which marked iCapital's first presence in the Middle East. The move is part of a strategic partnership with MPW Capital Advisors, the regional distribution partner for the GCC, creating a gateway to a rapidly expanding wealth management market.
Brooks Entwistle, Head of International at iCapital, emphasized the strategic importance of the Middle East as a growth market. He highlighted that the ADGM license and the expansion of Sharia-compliant strategies signify crucial milestones in the company's enduring commitment to the region. As wealth managers and investors increasingly integrate alternative investments like private markets and hedge funds into their portfolios, iCapital is dedicated to providing the necessary products, technology infrastructure, and education to support these investments at scale. The firm's local presence in Abu Dhabi strengthens its ability to deliver solutions that meet regional needs and align with the evolving wealth management ecosystem.
Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, commended iCapital on securing its Financial Services Permission and noted the significance of ADGM's ecosystem in enabling global financial services firms to scale from Abu Dhabi. He added that as demand for alternative and Sharia-compliant investment strategies continues to grow, ADGM is committed to fostering a robust, well-regulated environment that promotes the development of the wealth and asset management sector.
iCapital is broadening its regional capabilities by offering investment solutions that cater to the evolving needs of local investors, including Sharia-compliant strategies. In collaboration with Aditum Investment Management Limited, a specialist in Islamic investment structuring with over $9 billion in assets under management, iCapital has expanded the array of Sharia-compliant alternative investment strategies available to eligible investors. This initiative highlights the firm's dedication to bringing global capabilities to local markets while respecting regional requirements and investor preferences.
Additionally, iCapital continues to invest in education, market development, and industry collaboration. This commitment is reflected in the return of iCapital Engage+ Dubai, an event that will bring together leading wealth managers, asset managers, and industry experts to discuss trends in alternative investing, including private markets and hedge funds. Through such events, iCapital aims to equip wealth managers in the region with the necessary products, technology, and knowledge to responsibly incorporate alternative investment strategies into client portfolios.