“ADGM’s rapid growth signals a new era where Abu Dhabi is not just a regional hub, but a global capital destination for investment and financial innovation.” – Abu Dhabi Global Market
Abu Dhabi Global Market: Financial hub marks decade milestone with strong growth in licences, workforce, and global institutional presence
Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), has reported a 36 per cent increase in assets under management (AUM) for 2025, underscoring sustained global confidence in the emirate as a leading destination for capital and investment activity.
The milestone comes as ADGM celebrates a decade of operations, reinforcing its role as a central pillar in Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategy and its ambition to position itself among the world’s top financial hubs. The sharp rise in AUM reflects growing trust from global asset and wealth managers, alongside a continued influx of international firms and capital into the UAE capital.
By the end of 2025, the number of active licences within ADGM had climbed by 30 per cent to reach 12,671 entities, highlighting strong business expansion across the financial centre. At the same time, the workforce surged by 51 per cent to 44,339 professionals, driven by increasing activity across Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands.
Abu Dhabi Global Market Chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi described the year as a defining period in the centre’s growth journey, noting that the increase in managed assets reflects both the confidence of global partners and the strength of the centre’s investment ecosystem. He emphasised that attracting leading global institutions has further reinforced ADGM’s position as a gateway for capital, innovation and talent, while aligning closely with Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategic vision.
The financial centre’s expansion was further supported by a significant rise in institutional participation. By year-end, Abu Dhabi Global Market hosted 347 financial institutions, including 80 newly licensed entities, alongside 171 asset and fund managers overseeing 244 funds.
Global financial players and investment firms continued to establish a presence within ADGM throughout the year, spanning sectors such as fintech, digital assets, banking, infrastructure investment and legal services. This influx of international firms has strengthened the ecosystem and contributed to Abu Dhabi’s growing influence as a global financial hub.
A key highlight of the year was the regulatory progress achieved by Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). The authority issued 120 In-Principle Approvals, representing a year-on-year increase of nearly 32 per cent, and granted 94 Financial Services Permissions to new entities.
In a notable development within the digital assets space, global cryptocurrency exchange Binance secured a formal global licence from Abu Dhabi Global Market in December 2025. This move marked a significant step in reinforcing the centre’s position as a regulated and progressive hub for digital finance and emerging technologies.
Beyond licensing and regulation, Abu Dhabi Global Market’s broader ecosystem also saw rapid expansion. The centre welcomed nearly 3,495 operational entities during the year, reflecting close to a 40 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
ADGM also strengthened its global profile through flagship initiatives such as Abu Dhabi Finance Week, which attracted more than 35,000 attendees and featured over 800 speakers from across the international financial community. Participants represented institutions managing more than $60 trillion in assets, further highlighting Abu Dhabi’s growing prominence on the global investment stage.
The continued expansion of ADGM reflects a broader strategy focused on building a resilient, diversified and future-ready financial ecosystem. By combining regulatory innovation, strategic partnerships and talent attraction, the centre is positioning itself as a key gateway between regional and international markets.
As Abu Dhabi advances its long-term economic vision, ADGM’s performance signals strong momentum, with the financial centre steadily progressing towards its goal of becoming one of the top five international financial centres globally.
