Organization · Other
ADGM
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an international financial center in Abu Dhabi, UAE, established in 2015. It serves as a hub for financial institutions and businesses, offering a progressive regulatory framework and fostering economic diversification.
Overview
What ADGM does
What ADGM is
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an international financial center in Abu Dhabi, UAE, established in 2015. It serves as a hub for financial institutions and businesses, offering a progressive regulatory framework and fostering economic diversification.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder and community and event host and publisher capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Other
- Founded
- Founded in 2015
- Approximate age
- About 11 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder · Community · Event host · Publisher
- Last reviewed
- March 16, 2026
Official channels
Find ADGM elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
ADGM as a funder
Investment thesis
ADGM aims to foster economic diversification and innovation in alignment with Abu Dhabi's vision for the future by providing a platform for various businesses, including financial institutions and fintech companies.
Focus narrative
ADGM focuses on a wide range of sectors, including banking, asset management, fintech, digital assets, and special purpose vehicles (SPVs). It supports businesses at various stages, from startups to established firms, offering a progressive regulatory framework based on English common law.
Value beyond capital
ADGM provides a conducive environment for growth and innovation, offering programs like the ADGM RegLab for fintech participants and the ADGM Academy for training and skill development.
Focus and fit
- Sectors
- Fintech
- Regions
- Global
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Not published
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 300
Portfolio context
ADGM hosts over 300 financial firms managing a combined total of USD 28.6 trillion in assets. Notable firms include Alvarez & Marsal, PwC, Teneo, and FTI Consulting.
Capability profile
ADGM as a community
Community overview
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an international financial center located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Established in October 2015, ADGM operates across Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, covering an area of 14.38 million square meters. It provides a platform for various businesses, including financial institutions, asset management firms, fintech companies, and professional services. ADGM aims to foster economic diversification and innovation in alignment with Abu Dhabi's vision for the future.
Community focus
ADGM focuses on a wide range of sectors, including banking, asset management, fintech, digital assets, and special purpose vehicles (SPVs). It supports businesses at various stages, from startups to established firms, and offers a progressive regulatory framework based on English common law. The center is designed to attract both local and international businesses, providing a conducive environment for growth and innovation.
Member value
Members benefit from access to a regulatory sandbox for fintech innovations, training and skill development programs, and a platform for networking and collaboration within the financial sector.
Membership
- Recorded members
- 300
- Pricing models
- free
Format and cadence
- Modality
- in-person
- Schedule
- rolling-admissions
- Commitment
- light
Availability
- Membership state
- Accepting
- Next recorded event
- December 8, 2025
Community activity
- Annual events
- 3
Events and activity
ADGM hosts several events, including the annual Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) scheduled for December 8-11, 2025, the ADGM Virtual Career Fair on April 21-22, 2026, and the Financial Restructuring MENA Conference on February 17-18, 2025, focusing on corporate restructuring best practices.
Notable members
Notable firms within ADGM include Alvarez & Marsal, PwC, Teneo, and FTI Consulting.
Capability profile
ADGM as an event host
Event focus
ADGM focuses on a wide range of sectors, including banking, asset management, fintech, digital assets, and special purpose vehicles (SPVs). It supports businesses at various stages, from startups to established firms, and offers a progressive regulatory framework based on English common law. The center is designed to attract both local and international businesses, providing a conducive environment for growth and innovation.
Format narrative
ADGM hosts various events, including conferences, career fairs, and sector-specific gatherings aimed at promoting Abu Dhabi's financial ecosystem.
Participant value
ADGM provides a platform for financial institutions and businesses to thrive, offering regulatory support and a collaborative environment for innovation.
Format and cadence
- Event types
- conference, summit, and meetup
- Recurrence
- annual
- Modality
- in-person
- Startups can present
- No
Availability
- Registration state
- Not currently accepting
- Next recorded event
- December 8, 2025
- Next event location
- Abu Dhabi
Speakers and past editions
Speakers
Notable figures include His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman, and His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Vice Chairman.
Past editions
ADGM has hosted events such as the Abu Dhabi Finance Week and the Financial Restructuring MENA Conference, showcasing key developments in the financial sector.
Capability profile
ADGM as a publisher
Editorial focus
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is dedicated to supporting a diverse range of sectors including banking, asset management, fintech, and digital assets. It provides a progressive regulatory framework based on English common law, designed to attract both local and international businesses. ADGM aims to foster innovation and economic growth, catering to startups and established firms alike.
Audience value
ADGM offers a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, with a focus on innovation and economic diversification. Its regulatory sandbox and training programs enhance the capabilities of firms operating within its jurisdiction.
Flagship work and coverage
Flagship properties
ADGM publishes a podcast titled 'Think by ADGM' and regularly issues news announcements regarding its initiatives and developments.
Common questions
What to know about ADGM
Upseed classifies ADGM under the Other organization type. Its current public profile includes funder, community, event host, and publisher capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 16, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.