Abu Dhabi Global Market ( ADGM ), the international financial centre ( IFC ) of the United Arab Emirates capital, delivered solid growth in 2025, with assets under management ( AUM ) surging 36% from the previous year.

The financial centre also continued to attract world-class talent and leading institutions. The number of active licences across ADGM rose 30% to  12,671, further strengthening its position as the largest IFC in the Middle East and Africa region by this measure, while the number of individuals working within the IFC increased 51% to 44, according to a statement issued by the ADGM.

Says ADGM chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi: “We achieved another year of significant growth in our AUMs, reflecting both the confidence of our partners and the strength of our investment strategies. Equally important was our success in attracting leading global players to ADGM, reinforcing our position as a gateway for world–class talent, capital, and innovation. This progress demonstrates the power of a thriving ecosystem, one built on partnerships, long–term value creation, and a solid commitment to excellence.

“As we continue to align closely with Abu Dhabi's strategic vision, we remain focused on driving sustainable growth and elevating our competitive advantage to become one of the top five international financial centres in the world."

Meanwhile, leading financial institutions, legal and advisory services, as well as technology companies have set up shop at ADGM, These include Circle, Carta, Bitcoin Suisse, Tradition, Bitgrit, Stacks Asia DLT Foundation, Hidden Roads, Skadden, and Digital Climate Middle East ( DCME ), Olive Gaea, TON, Animoca Brands, BBVA, Arab Bank ( Switzerland ) Gulf, Galaxy Digital, Halo Investing, Eurasian Development Bank, iCapital, ERM, and DLA Piper.

Binance became the first crypto exchange to secure a formal global licence from ADGM's Financial Services Regulatory Authority ( FSRA ) in December 2025. The licence enables the platform to operate from Abu Dhabi under a comprehensive, world–class regulatory framework, reinforcing ADGM's position at the forefront of compliant and progressive digital-asset ecosystems worldwide. 

At the end of 2025, ADGM was home to 171 asset and fund managers, which collectively manage 244 funds. A total of 347 financial institutions are now based in ADGM, 80 of which were licensed in 2025. 

Some of the top financial entities at the IFC are Kimmeridge, Fortress, Polen Capital, Adams Street, Arcapita, Aquila Group, Cantor Fitzgerald, Davidson Kempner, DWS, Galaxy ( asset management arm alongside digital assets ), GMB Limited, HarbourVest, Harrison Street, Investindustrial, KKR, Monroe Capital, NewVest, Oryx Global Partners, Patrizia, Partners Group, Plenary ME Infrastructure Partners Ltd., Seviora, UBS Group, and Julius Baer.