Over $5 Trillion in Assets Pledged to ADGM as 14 Firms Announce Abu Dhabi Plans

Global financial institutions managing over $5 trillion in assets have announced plans to establish a presence in Abu Dhabi’s financial centre ADGM, according to Wam reporting on Monday.

ADGM chairman Ahmed Al Zaabi said 14 financial firms intend to set up base at the international financial centre.

He noted that in 2025 Abu Dhabi’s economy grew by 7 percent and the non-oil sector expanded by 8 percent, contributing more than half of total gross domestic product, speaking at the third Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in London.

ADGM, established in 2015, operates under the direct application of English Common Law, with independent courts and a regulatory framework that supports its activities.

A base in Abu Dhabi offers global investors and money managers chances to expand regional operations and work closely with some of the world’s biggest sovereign wealth funds, large family offices and institutional partners.

Recent Entrants and Licences

In recent months ADGM has attracted several high-profile firms, including global private markets firm Pantheon, private credit lender Blue Owl Capital, tech-focused US company Vista Equity Partners, the world’s largest listed hedge fund Man Group, Barings, Bain Capital, Cantor and Swiss derivative investment company Adapt Investment Managers.

European asset manager Eurazeo, which oversees €40 billion ($45.2 billion) in assets under management, and Pantheon have also opened offices in the centre.

Last month Capital Group, which manages $3.6 trillion in assets, secured a licence from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM to operate as a regulated investment manager.

The ADGM said that asset managers already operating in the centre during the first half of the year collectively oversee more than $2.1 trillion in global assets under management.

Economic Context and Outlook

Abu Dhabi is developing industries across artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, energy and life sciences that will shape future markets, Mr Al Zaabi said, as reported by Wam.

He added that businesses are extending their international reach, establishing partnerships and entering new markets, and that Abu Dhabi offers long-term capital-competitive energy, world-class infrastructure and access to some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.