The ADGM has entered its second decade with a significant increase in global institutional presence, announcing 11 new major financial institutions representing over US$9 trillion in assets under management.
This follows growth from US$450 billion in 2023 to US$635 billion last year, highlighting ADGM’s expansion as a financial hub in the region.
The announcements coincided with the fourth edition of Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025, which brought together international financial leaders and positioned the event as a platform highlighting Abu Dhabi’s role as a global centre for capital allocation.
The new commitments span asset management, banking, infrastructure investment, sustainability advisory, and legal services, with firms including Cantor Fitzgerald, BBVA, Arab Bank Switzerland Gulf Ltd, Plenary ME Infrastructure Partners Ltd., Eurasian Development Bank, ERM, and DLA Piper establishing operations in ADGM. Additional commitments from UBS Group, KKR, Julius Baer, HarbourVest, Madison Realty Capital, Partners Group, DWS, and Monroe Capital further underscore the centre’s sustained growth trajectory.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said:
“The commitments announced during ADFW underscore Abu Dhabi’s rising influence at the centre of global capital flows and the long-term confidence international institutions place in the clarity and scale of our vision.”
ADGM also marked a first in the digital asset space, with Binance receiving a comprehensive global license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to operate in Abu Dhabi.
Richard Teng, Co-CEO of Binance, noted:
“This milestone reflects our compliance-first philosophy and our continued focus on transparency, security, and user protection.”
Other fintech and digital asset firms, including iCapital, Hashed Global Management Ltd., Circle Internet MEA Ltd., Galaxy Digital, and Animoca Asset Management, have expanded their presence in the centre.
ADGM’s ecosystem continues to deepen with initiatives such as RIQ’s partnership with Swiss Re to develop AI-driven reinsurance solutions, and JPMorgan’s expansion of its payments and treasury services.
During ADFW, 82 MoUs were signed, reflecting collaboration between local and global firms to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s financial infrastructure and innovation capabilities.
Featured image credit: ADFW
