Global Financial Giants Managing Over $5 Trillion in Assets to Establish Presence in Abu Dhabi's ADGM

A significant influx of global financial institutions, collectively managing over $5 trillion in assets, are set to establish a presence within Abu Dhabi's financial hub, the ADGM. This strategic move coincides with the rapid expansion of the emirate's economy. According to state news agency Wam, 14 financial firms have announced plans to set up base at the international financial centre, as stated by ADGM chairman Ahmed Al Zaabi. Mr. Al Zaabi highlighted Abu Dhabi's economic performance, noting that in 2025, the emirate's economy grew by 7 per cent, with its non-oil economy expanding by 8 per cent, now contributing over half of the total gross domestic product. He shared these insights at the third Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in London.

Established in 2015, the ADGM operates under the direct application of English Common Law, supported by independent courts and a robust regulatory framework. Establishing a base in Abu Dhabi offers global investors and money managers opportunities to expand their regional operations and foster close collaboration with some of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, prominent family offices, and institutional partners.

The ADGM has recently attracted a number of high-profile companies. These include global private markets firm Pantheon, private credit lender Blue Owl Capital, the 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. Eurazeo, a European asset manager with €40 billion ($45.2 billion) in assets under management, and global private markets firm Pantheon, have also recently inaugurated offices within the ADGM.

Last month, Capital Group, which oversees $3.6 trillion in assets, secured a license from the ADGM's Financial Services Regulatory Authority to operate as a regulated investment manager. The ADGM reported last month that asset managers already operating within the centre in the first half of the year collectively oversee more than $2.1 trillion in global assets under management.

Mr. Al Zaabi further elaborated on Abu Dhabi's strategic development, mentioning the emirate's focus on industries such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, energy, and life sciences, which are poised to shape future markets. He emphasized that Abu Dhabi's businesses are enhancing their international reach, forging partnerships, and entering new markets, benefiting from the emirate's long-term capital, competitive energy, world-class infrastructure, and access to some of the world's fastest-growing markets.