The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), one of the leading international financial centres (IFCs) in the MEASA region, has delivered a strong first quarter for 2026, recording a 57% rise in assets under management and reaching more than 13,353 active licences.
According to ADGM, the figures reflect sustained investor confidence in the financial ecosystem of Abu Dhabi, thanks to new business registrations, growth in asset management, and active participation from global financial institutions.
ADGM Crosses 13,000 Licences in Q1 2026
In Q1 2026, ADGM saw its active licences reach 13,353, including 961 new licences issued during the period. This represents a net addition of 2,783 licences compared with Q1 2025, reflecting high demand from businesses wanting to set up shop in Abu Dhabi.
The number of operational entities has also risen to 3,741, which marks a 34.52% growth year-on-year. ADGM attributes this partly to efforts in the real estate sector to improve accessibility and business standards.
Rising Asset Management at ADGM Drives AUM Growth
The growth of ADGM’s asset management ecosystem was a notable aspect of Q1 2026 performance. According to the financial centre, the number of asset and fund managers reached 179, up 24% from Q1 2025. At the same time, the number of funds managed by ADGM rose to 263, up 43% year-on-year.
According to ADGM, the growth involves several investment sectors, including private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, sustainable finance, alternative investments, and digital assets.
Additionally, ADGM states that asset managers establishing themselves in ADGM during 2026 collectively have more than USD 4.4 trillion in assets under management globally, thus adding momentum to Abu Dhabi’s plan to become a global capital hub.
Continued Expansion of Global Firms into Abu Dhabi
There has also been growth in the financial services sector of ADGM, with the number of financial services entities rising to 365, up 30% from Q1 2025. During the quarter, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) issued 22 In-Principle Approvals and 29 new Financial Services Permissions.
Recent announcements include plans from several global and regional firms to set up or expand operations in ADGM, such as Capital Group, Man Group, Barings, Bain Capital, Hillhouse Investment, Muzinich & Co., Madison Realty Capital, Grow Investment Group, Rokos Capital Management, Polygreen Holdings, and Hashed.
These developments further bolster ADGM’s status as a hub for institutional capital, asset management, hedge funds, and digital asset-related financial services.
ADGM Workforce Increases to 47,047
Meanwhile, ADGM has recorded substantial growth in its workforce, with the number reaching 47,047, which represents a 44% increase in Q1 2026. This growth is in line with Abu Dhabi’s aim of building a competitive financial talent ecosystem.
Additionally, ADGM Academy created job placement opportunities for UAE Nationals amounting to 441 positions across nine specialised tracks, backed by internationally recognised upskilling and reskilling certifications.
Growing Role of Abu Dhabi as a Global Finance Gateway
While reporting strong results in Q1 2026, ADGM has been engaged in activities across Asia, including China, India, and Singapore, as well as with Italy and the United States.
In addition, ADGM attended the Milken Institute Global Conference 2026, where it had meetings with major financial institutions like Bain Capital, Vista Equity Partners, and Man Group.
Such international engagement is part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to build up its position as a gateway for capital flows between regional and global markets.
Why ADGM’s Growth Is Important
The performance reported by ADGM in Q1 2026 is an indication of rising confidence in Abu Dhabi’s financial sector. With its increasing assets under management, rising number of active licences, growing workforce, and sustained interest from global institutions, ADGM is emerging as a major international financial centre.
The regulatory framework, English Common Law, and emphasis on global connectivity make ADGM a competitive location for firms wishing to gain access to capital, regional markets, and international investment opportunities.
Conclusion
The 57% growth in ADGM’s AUM and rising total number of active licences beyond 13,000 is a significant achievement for Abu Dhabi’s financial sector. With the continuous influx of global asset managers, investment firms, and financial institutions, ADGM is becoming an increasingly important international financial centre.