ADGM has announced that Man Group, a London-listed alternative investment firm with about US$228.7 billion in assets under management, is progressing with plans to establish a presence in Abu Dhabi and has submitted an application for a Category 3A license.
The move forms part of Man Group’s broader expansion in the Middle East and supports its plan to establish a regional hub in Abu Dhabi, subject to regulatory approval.
The firm expects to set up its presence in due course and aims to strengthen engagement with regional investors and its global operations.
The announcement comes as ADGM continues to attract international asset managers and alternative investment firms.
In recent months, firms including Bain Capital, Barings and Hillhouse Investment have also established offices in Abu Dhabi.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said:

“As Abu Dhabi continues to advance its position as the ‘Capital of Capital’, ADGM remains focused on enabling leading international institutions to grow from Abu Dhabi through a trusted regulatory environment, world-class infrastructure, and access to long-term capital.”
Robyn Grew, Chief Executive Officer of Man Group, said:

“Man Group has long recognised Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s most dynamic financial centres, and submitting our application for a Category 3A license marks an important milestone in our commitment to the region.”
ADGM said Man Group’s planned presence adds to the growing base of asset managers operating in the centre.
It reported that assets under management within the jurisdiction rose by 36% in 2025, alongside more than 12,000 active licenses.
The financial centre said it continues to expand its ecosystem across hedge funds, private capital and quantitative strategies, positioning itself as a regional hub connecting capital flows across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Featured image credit: ADGM

