Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a world-class international financial center located in the UAE capital. Established in 2015, ADGM serves as a bridge between global financial markets, offering progressive regulation, a robust legal framework, and a thriving business ecosystem. Positioned on Al Maryah Island, ADGM plays a pivotal role in Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategy, attracting businesses across finance, professional services, fintech, and investment management.

As an independent jurisdiction based on English Common Law, ADGM provides businesses with a transparent, stable, and investor-friendly environment, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as the Capital of Capital.

Why Choose ADGM?

ADGM offers several advantages for businesses looking to establish a presence in the region:

• Strategic Location – Positioned in the heart of Abu Dhabi, ADGM provides seamless access to global financial markets and serves as a gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Independent Regulatory Framework – ADGM is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), ensuring global best practices, investor confidence, and market stability.
• Legal Certainty – As the only jurisdiction in the region that directly applies English Common Law, ADGM provides an internationally recognized legal environment that enhances contract enforcement, arbitration, and dispute resolution.

• Business-Friendly Environment – With a straightforward licensing process, 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, and unrestricted capital repatriation, ADGM remains one of the most attractive jurisdictions for investors.

• Sector-Focused Growth – ADGM has positioned itself as a leader in key sectors, including banking, asset management, fintech, professional services, and sustainable finance.

ADGM Licensing 

1. Financial Services Licensing

Issued by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), this license is required for entities engaging in regulated financial activities, including:

• Banking and Credit Services
• Asset and Wealth Management
• Capital Markets (Brokerage, Trading, Market Making)
• Investment Funds and Fund Management
• Fintech and Digital Assets
• Digital Banking Licenses – Supporting next-generation banking services in the UAE

2. Non-Financial (Commercial) License

For businesses providing professional, consultancy, and corporate services, including:

• Holding Companies and Corporate Headquarters
• Legal, Accounting, and Audit Firms
• Management Consultancy Services
• Media and Marketing Agencies
• Real Estate and Property Management

3. Technology and Innovation License

ADGM actively supports fintech, blockchain, and AI-driven businesses, making it an ideal jurisdiction for:

• Fintech Startups
• AI and Blockchain Companies
• Research & Development (R&D) Hubs
• Digital Payment Platforms

4. Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and Foundations

ADGM is a premier jurisdiction for investment structuring, wealth preservation, and asset protection, offering:

• SPVs for Investment Structuring – Frequently used by asset managers, private equity firms, and multinational corporations for tax-efficient structuring, asset holding, and risk management.
• Foundations for Family Offices and Asset Protection – Used for family wealth management, estate planning, philanthropy, and long-term governance, providing greater control and structured administration.

Regulated Funds and Market Infrastructure

ADGM has developed a world-class regulatory framework for investment funds, placing it on par with global financial centers such as Luxembourg, the Cayman Islands, and Ireland. It offers:

• Flexible Fund Structures – Supporting public funds, private credit funds, hedge funds, and venture capital funds under robust regulation.
• Market Infrastructure for Broker-Dealers, Custodians, and Exchanges – ADGM fosters a thriving ecosystem for capital markets, ensuring a well-regulated environment for trading, custody, and digital asset exchanges.

Key Advantages of Setting Up in ADGM

1. 100% Foreign Ownership

ADGM allows full foreign ownership across all business activities, unlike some jurisdictions that require local sponsorship.

2. Zero Corporate Tax & VAT Exemption

ADGM entities currently benefit from zero corporate tax and VAT exemptions, making it a tax-efficient jurisdiction for international businesses.

3. Robust Legal Framework

With its direct application of English Common Law, ADGM provides a globally recognized legal system that ensures certainty for investors and businesses.

4. Repatriation of Profits and Capital

ADGM offers no restrictions on capital repatriation, making it an ideal hub for international investment and corporate structuring.

5. Access to Global Markets and Talent

With its pro-business environment, streamlined regulatory processes, and access to global financial institutions, ADGM attracts top-tier fund managers, fintech firms, and institutional investors.

6. Strong Financial Ecosystem

ADGM is home to leading financial institutions, venture capital firms, and incubators, making it a thriving hub for financial and professional services.

How GCC Solutions Can Support You

At GCC Solutions, we specialize in setting up both regulated and non-regulated entities within ADGM. Our expertise covers:

• Licensed Financial Entities – Assisting with applications and approvals for FSRA-regulated institutions, ensuring compliance with ADGM’s financial regulations.
• Non-Regulated Entities (Registration Authority) – Structuring consultancy firms, holding companies, technology startups, and SPVs under ADGM’s Registration Authority (RA).
• Investment Structuring via ADGM SPVs – Establishing SPVs for asset managers, private equity firms, and multinational corporations, ensuring tax efficiency, compliance, and investor protection.
• Family Office & Asset Protection via ADGM Foundations – Advising on foundations for estate planning, family governance, and wealth preservation.
• Regulated Fund Structuring & Advisory – Facilitating the setup of investment funds that comply with global fund governance standards while remaining flexible for international investors.
• Market Infrastructure & Licensing for Broker-Dealers, Custodians, and Exchanges – Navigating regulatory approvals for capital markets participants, enabling firms to operate within ADGM’s advanced financial ecosystem.