/PRNewswire/ –AADGM, Abu Dhabi’s international financial hub, is off to a strong start to 2026, driven by the continued expansion of its financial ecosystem and the unbroken Investor trust is emphasized worldwide.
With has a total of more than 13,353 active licenses, 961 of which were in the first quarter of 2026 alone ADGM further consolidated its position as the largest financial center in the MEASA region according to this key figure. March 2026 also saw a 5.2% increase in new active licenses compared to March 2025, further highlighting the continued demand and business confidence in the ADGM. The financial center also recorded one increase in Assets under management (AUM) by 57%reflecting solid business momentum and growing demand from global and regional asset management firms.
This record performance reflects the long-term strategic vision of the ADGM aims to position itself among the world’s five leading financial centers.
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said: “ADGM’s performance in the first quarter of 2026 reflects the scale, pace and growing global importance of Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem. Exceeding the 13,000 active license mark and 57% growth in assets under management mark another important milestone in ADGM’s growth journey and solidify its position among the fastest growing international financial centers in the world. Investor confidence in Abu Dhabi remains strong. Capital continues to flow, global companies continue to expand and talent continues to move to Abu Dhabi. “During the recent period of regional uncertainty, ADGM continued to grow, reflecting continued demand and long-term confidence in Abu Dhabi’s institutional environment.”
He added:“This continued momentum strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a stable, trustworthy and globally connected investment destination, supported by world-class infrastructure, a robust and forward-looking regulatory framework and ever-increasing access to international talent and know-how.”
SE added: “In today’s global economy, competitiveness is increasingly defined by institutional strength, regulatory credibility and the ability to provide long-term security for capital. ADGM continues to build a globally connected financial center designed for this new era, combining openness, innovation and strong governance, while further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as the ‘capital of capital’.”
In addition to the robust growth in assets under management (AUM). 57 % the number of increased Asset and fund managers at 179which represents an increase of 24 % compared to 144 in the first quarter of 2025. The total number of the ADGM managed funds reached 263what a Increase of 43% compared to 184 in the same period last year. This growth highlights the depth and diversity of ADGM’s fund ecosystem, which includes private equity, venture capital, hedge funds and sustainable finance strategies.
Collectively, the asset managers announcing their ADGM residency in 2026 represent over $4.4 trillion in global assets under management. This underpins the Center’s growing importance as a hub for institutional capital and contributed to the overall growth in assets under management in the first quarter of 2026.
ADGM’s broader ecosystem continues to expand, with a total of 13,353 active licensesincluding 961 new licenses awarded in the first quarter of 2026. This corresponds to a net increase of 2,783 licenses since Q1 2025 and demonstrates continued business confidence and strong demand across all sectors.
The number of operating units also increased significantly to 3,741, an increase of 34.52% from 2,781 in the 1st quarter of 2025.
This growth is supported by ADGM’s numerous initiatives in the real estate sector. One of the most recent examples is the introduction of the Broker Classification Framework to raise property standards and one new range of real estate services to improve accessibility and flexibility within the sector through the registration authority of the ADGM.
The ADGM also announced the opening of its new service center at Galleria Al Maryah Island in February 2026 to strengthen direct cooperation with companies and residents of Al Maryah and Al Reem islands.
The ADGM recorded continued growth in the financial services sector, with the number of financial services companies 365 increased, which corresponds to an increase of 30% compared to 281 in the first quarter of 2025.
Meanwhile, the Financial Regulatory Authority (FSRA) issued a total in the first quarter of 202622 basic approvals (IPAs). In addition, companies received during the same period 29 new Financial Services Authorizations (FSPs)representing an increase of 45% compared to the first quarter of 2025.
The latest statistics for 2026 show a number of high-profile announcements from global and regional asset managers and financial institutions locating at ADGM. These include companies with trillions and billions of dollars in assets such as Capital Group, Man Group, Barings, Bain Capital, Hillhouse Investment, Muzinich & Co., Madison Realty Capital und Grow Investment Group. At the same time, companies like… Rokos Capital Management, Polygreen Holdings and Hashed announced its branch in the ADGM, further diversifying the center’s asset management landscape in the areas of hedge funds, alternative investments and digital assets.
This growth highlights the strength of the ADGM’s advanced regulatory framework and its distinctiveness as a only financial center in the region that English common law directly, strengthening their ability to attract a wide range of global financial institutions.
ADGM’s workforce continued to grow significantly and reach 47.047which represents an increase of 44% in the first quarter of 2026. This growth contributes to the overall human capital development in Abu Dhabi and strengthens ADGM’s role as a leading talent hub supporting the development of a dynamic and globally competitive financial ecosystem.
ADGM continued to expand its international presence in 2026 through a series of high-level contacts, strategic partnerships and participation in leading global forums
In Asia, ADGM expanded its reach through engagements in key financial centers including China, India and Singaporeto deepen bilateral relations and promote cross-border investment flows. In particular, the ADGM signed a strategic partnership with Futian District in Shenzhenfurther strengthening cooperation between Abu Dhabi and one of China’s leading financial centers, with a focus on promoting innovation, capital market connectivity and business exchange.
Abu Dhabi further strengthened its global financial network strategic contacts with Italy under the leadership of the ADGM chairman, which promoted increased cooperation in the areas of investment, financial services and institutional partnerships.
More recently, the ADGM also secured a strong presence in the United States through participation in the Milken Institute Global Conference 2026one of the world’s leading gatherings of global investors, policymakers and industry leaders.
On the sidelines of the conference, the ADGM held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with leading global financial institutions, including Bain Capital, Vista Equity Partners and Man Groupto explore opportunities for deeper collaboration and further expansion into Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem.
Given the changing global economic situation, ADGM continues to consolidate its position as trusted gateway for capital flows between regional and international marketsand offers a resilient, transparent and future-oriented ecosystem for companies and investors alike.
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