Man Group Advances Abu Dhabi Expansion with ADGM License Application
London-listed alternative investment firm Man Group has taken a step toward establishing a regional presence in Abu Dhabi by submitting an application for a Category 3A license with the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), according to an announcement from the financial centre.
The firm, which manages approximately US$228.7 billion in assets, said the move forms part of its broader expansion strategy in the Middle East. Subject to regulatory approval, Man Group plans to build a regional hub in Abu Dhabi that will support closer engagement with investors in the area as well as its global operations.
The application underscores Abu Dhabi’s continued appeal to international asset managers and alternative investment firms seeking to expand in the Gulf. In recent months, several other firms, including Bain Capital, Barings and Hillhouse Investment, have also established offices in the emirate, adding to the momentum around ADGM as a financial centre.
ADGM Sees Continued Growth in Asset Management
ADGM said Man Group’s planned presence would add to its growing ecosystem of asset managers. The financial centre reported that assets under management within its jurisdiction rose by 36% in 2025, while the number of active licenses surpassed 12,000.
ADGM has positioned itself as a regional hub for hedge funds, private capital and quantitative strategies, and said it continues to strengthen its role as a bridge for capital flows across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said the financial centre remains focused on supporting leading international institutions through a trusted regulatory environment, robust infrastructure and access to long-term capital.
“As Abu Dhabi continues to advance its position as the ‘Capital of Capital’, ADGM remains focused on enabling leading international institutions to grow from Abu Dhabi through a trusted regulatory environment, world-class infrastructure, and access to long-term capital,” he said.
Robyn Grew, Chief Executive Officer of Man Group, said the firm has long viewed Abu Dhabi as a significant financial centre and described the license application as an important milestone in its regional commitment.
“Man Group has long recognised Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s most dynamic financial centres, and submitting our application for a Category 3A license marks an important milestone in our commitment to the region,” she said.
Industry Analysis
Man Group’s application reflects the ongoing competition among financial centres in the Middle East to attract global investment firms. Abu Dhabi has continued to strengthen its position by offering a regulated environment designed to support asset managers, private capital firms and quantitative investment businesses.
The latest move may further reinforce ADGM’s profile as a preferred location for firms looking to serve regional investors while maintaining connectivity to global markets. For Man Group, an Abu Dhabi hub could provide a strategic base for expanding relationships in the Middle East and deepening its presence in a market that continues to draw major international financial institutions.
Featured image credit: ADGM
