ADGM Reports 57% Growth in Assets Under Management in Q1 2026
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) posted a 57% increase in assets under management (AUM) in the first quarter of 2026, underscoring continued expansion in the emirate’s financial ecosystem. The growth reflects rising interest from global and regional asset management firms establishing or expanding operations within the international financial centre.
According to ADGM, asset managers that set up in the jurisdiction during the quarter collectively represent more than US$4.4 trillion in global assets. The centre also reported that the total number of funds managed from ADGM rose to 263, up 43% compared with the same period last year.
The momentum was also visible across licensing activity. ADGM said total active licenses reached 13,353 by the end of the quarter, following the issuance of 961 new licenses in the first three months of the year. The number of operational entities climbed 34% year-on-year to 3,741, while regulated entities in the financial services sector increased 30% to 365.
In parallel, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) granted 22 in-principle approvals and issued 29 new financial services permissions during the quarter, indicating continued activity in the regulatory pipeline.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said crossing the 13,000-license mark and delivering 57% AUM growth represents another significant step in the centre’s development. He added that investor confidence remains strong, noting that capital continues to flow into Abu Dhabi, international firms are expanding their presence, and talent is relocating to the city.
Several global asset managers and financial institutions announced new operations in ADGM during the period, including Capital Group, Man Group, Barings, and Bain Capital. ADGM also highlighted growth in alternative investments and digital assets, with firms such as Hashed and Rokos Capital Management establishing a presence in the centre.
To support the expanding business environment, ADGM opened a new service centre at The Galleria Al Maryah Island in February. The facility is intended to provide direct engagement with businesses and residents as the jurisdiction continues to grow.
Industry Analysis
ADGM’s latest quarterly figures point to sustained demand for Abu Dhabi as a base for asset management, regulated financial services, and emerging investment activity. The increase in active licenses and regulated entities suggests that the centre continues to attract a broad mix of firms, while the rise in AUM and fund numbers highlights deeper market participation.
The entry of well-known international asset managers reinforces ADGM’s positioning as a regional financial hub with global reach. At the same time, the expansion of alternative investment and digital asset firms signals that the centre is evolving alongside broader shifts in capital markets and financial innovation. For the UAE’s fintech and financial services sectors, these trends suggest continued competition among jurisdictions to attract firms seeking regulatory clarity, market access, and operational scale.
