UPDATE: In a groundbreaking announcement, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has revealed that 11 major global financial institutions have committed to its platform, representing over USD 9 trillion in assets under management. This significant development comes during the ongoing Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), marking a pivotal moment as the financial hub transitions into a new decade of growth.
As of December 18, 2025, ADGM’s assets have surged dramatically from USD 635 billion last year and USD 450 billion in 2023. This expansion not only reinforces Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading financial center but also highlights its growing influence on global capital flows. The ADFW has positioned Abu Dhabi as the “Capital of Capital,” showcasing its robust regulatory ecosystem and commitment to innovation.
During this pivotal week, prominent firms such as Cantor Fitzgerald, UBS Group, KKR, and others have officially established a presence in ADGM. H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, stated,
“The commitments announced during ADFW underscore Abu Dhabi’s rising influence at the center of global capital flows… The addition of global firms managing more than USD 9 trillion is a clear signal of trust in Abu Dhabi’s world-class IFC.”
This remarkable momentum not only represents a strong start for ADGM’s next decade but also solidifies its position among the world’s top five international financial centers. In addition to asset management, ADGM is expanding into various sectors, including digital assets, sustainable finance, and advanced wealth management services.
In a historic move for the digital asset industry, Binance has become the first crypto exchange to secure a formal global license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM. Richard Teng, Co-CEO of Binance, remarked,
“This milestone reflects our compliance-first philosophy and our continued focus on transparency, security, and user protection.”
This achievement underscores ADGM’s commitment to fostering a progressive and compliant digital asset ecosystem.
Moreover, other fintech entities are making significant strides in Abu Dhabi. iCapital has opened its first office in the Middle East, while firms like Galaxy Digital and Animoca Asset Management are expanding their operations from ADGM. Additionally, JPMorgan is enhancing its payments and treasury services, offering clients a diverse range of financial solutions.
The developments during ADFW signal a transformative shift in Abu Dhabi’s role within the global financial landscape. The addition of such massive assets indicates a growing confidence in the region’s financial ecosystem, which is built on a foundation of robust regulatory frameworks and innovative practices.
As the event continues, all eyes will be on Abu Dhabi, as it cements its position as a leading global financial hub. With ongoing commitments from international institutions, the future looks increasingly promising for ADGM and its stakeholders.
Stay tuned for more updates as Abu Dhabi Finance Week unfolds and the global financial community responds to these historic developments.
