ADGM H1 2026: 54% AUM Growth and Nearly 14,000 Active Licences
According to the ADGM H1 2026 performance announcement, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) recorded broad-based expansion during the first half of 2026, with Assets Under Management (AUM) increasing 54% year on year, active licences reaching 13,974, and the workforce growing to 49,027 professionals.
The results, also highlighted by the Abu Dhabi Media Office, reflect simultaneous growth across capital, business activity and talent within the jurisdiction. According to ADGM, the increase in active licences positioned it as the largest international financial centre (IFC) in the MEASA region by this specific measure. The significance of ADGM H1 2026 results lies not only in individual milestones, but in the wider expansion of its financial ecosystem.
ADGM H1 2026 Numbers at a Glance
The key figures from ADGM H1 2026 highlight expansion across asset management, business activity, financial services and workforce growth. According to ADGM’s H1 2026 performance announcement, Assets Under Management (AUM) increased by 54% year on year, while fund managers, active licences and financial services entities continued to expand.
| Metric | H1 2026 Result |
| Assets Under Management (AUM) | +54% year on year |
| Fund and asset managers | 190 |
| Funds managed from ADGM | 276 |
| Active licences | 13,974 |
| Operational entities | 3,986 |
| Financial services entities | 392 |
| Workforce | 49,027 professionals |
| AI-focused capital deployed from ADGM | More than USD 100 billion |
The figures reflect growth across capital, institutions and talent, rather than a single performance indicator. ADGM also reported that active licences increased from 13,353 at the end of Q1 2026 to 13,974 by H1 2026.
Asset Management Remains the Main Growth Engine
Asset management remained a central driver of ADGM H1 2026 performance, with growth extending across assets under management, fund managers and the number of funds managed from the jurisdiction. ADGM’s official H1 results show that this was not a one-period movement: the jurisdiction says its AUM growth trajectory has continued uninterrupted since the beginning of 2022. ADGM’s official H1 2026 performance announcement
AUM Grows 54% Year on Year
Asset management continued to be one of the strongest contributors to ADGM H1 2026 growth. According to ADGM’s H1 2026 performance announcement, Assets Under Management (AUM) within ADGM increased by 54% year on year compared with H1 2025. The reported figure represents the growth rate in AUM; the announcement does not disclose an absolute H1 2026 AUM value.
ADGM states that this performance extends an uninterrupted growth trend since the beginning of 2022, indicating sustained expansion in its asset-management ecosystem.
More Managers and Funds Deepen the Ecosystem
The depth of the ecosystem also expanded, with ADGM asset managers and fund managers reaching 190 in H1 2026, up 23% from 154 in H1 2025. ADGM reported that 11 managers were added during Q2 alone, its strongest quarterly increase. Funds managed from ADGM increased to 276, representing a 32% rise from 209 in H1 2025. See the official ADGM H1 2026 figures.
The expansion included international firms establishing, launching or expanding their presence in ADGM, including Capital Group, Man Group, Bain Capital and Blue Owl.
ADGM also reported that asset managers establishing operations in the jurisdiction during H1 2026 collectively oversee more than USD 2.1 trillion in global AUM. This figure represents the global assets managed by those institutions and should not be interpreted as ADGM’s own AUM.
Active Licences Near 14,000 as ADGM’s Operating Base Expands
The growth in ADGM active licences during H1 2026 was accompanied by a substantial increase in operational entities, indicating that expansion was not limited to new registrations. According to ADGM’s official H1 2026 results, the jurisdiction continued to expand across licensing activity and operational presence, strengthening the depth of the Abu Dhabi Global Market 2026 ecosystem.
13,974 Active Licences and 1,814 Issued in H1
Business activity continued to expand during ADGM H1 2026, with the total number of active licences reaching 13,974. According to ADGM’s H1 2026 performance announcement, 1,814 licences were issued during the first six months of 2026. This figure represents licences issued during the period and should not be interpreted as the net increase in active licences.
ADGM states that the 13,974 active-licence count makes it the largest international financial centre (IFC) in the MEASA region by this specific indicator.
Operational Entities Reach 3,986
The expansion extends beyond registrations. Operational entities reached 3,986 at H1 2026, up 34% from 2,972 at H1 2025, according to ADGM’s official H1 2026 data. ADGM’s ecosystem includes operating companies and financial institutions alongside holding and investment structures used to establish and manage business and investment activities within the jurisdiction.
This distinction matters: active licences and operational entities are separate measures, and the latter provides additional evidence of operating depth within ADGM. Businesses considering setting up a holding structure in ADGM should assess the appropriate legal structure, permitted activities and applicable licensing requirements rather than interpreting the headline licence count as the number of operating companies.
Regulated Financial Services Continue to Scale
Growth in ADGM financial services entities continued alongside the wider expansion of the jurisdiction in H1 2026. According to ADGM’s official H1 2026 results, the number of financial services entities operating in ADGM reached 392, up 27% from 308 at the end of H1 2025.
During the same period, the ADGM FSRA issued 50 In-Principle Approvals (IPAs) to financial services firms and granted 45 new Financial Services Permissions (FSPs). These figures indicate continued entry into ADGM’s regulated financial-services market, but they should not be treated as equivalent stages of authorisation. Under the FSRA’s official application process, successful applicants first receive an IPA subject to pre-conditions; an FSP is granted once the applicable conditions are satisfied and authorises the firm to commence the relevant regulated activities.
This distinction is important because an ADGM commercial licence alone does not authorise a firm to carry on regulated financial activities. ADGM separately identifies the Registration Authority and FSRA as independent authorities, with the Registration Authority responsible for incorporation and commercial licensing and the FSRA responsible for financial-services regulation and supervision.
The regulatory framework is also supported by ADGM’s independent legal system. The ADGM Courts framework provides for the direct application of English common law, including principles of equity, within the ADGM legal framework.
Workforce Nears 50,000 as the Talent Base Deepens
The expansion of ADGM H1 2026 was also reflected in its talent base. According to ADGM’s official H1 2026 results, the combined workforce across Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island reached 49,027 professionals, increasing by 4,688 during the first half of 2026 and representing 34% year-on-year growth.
The growth in ADGM workforce 2026 has been accompanied by investment in local skills development. The Abu Dhabi Media Office’s official coverage confirms that ADGM Academy trained 1,607 Emirati nationals during H1 2026. The Academy also launched the WMI School of AI, providing more than 19 practitioner-led courses and training over 544 UAE Nationals in agentic AI.
Together, workforce expansion and specialised training are strengthening the human-capital base supporting ADGM’s broader financial and investment ecosystem.
ADGM Adds an AI-Capital and Digital-Operations Dimension
Artificial intelligence has become an additional dimension of ADGM H1 2026 growth, combining institutional AI investment with the digital transformation of ADGM’s own regulatory and operational functions. According to ADGM’s H1 2026 performance announcement, the jurisdiction has attracted significant AI-focused capital while simultaneously expanding the use of technology across its internal processes.
More than USD 100bn in AI-focused capital
ADGM reported that more than USD 100 billion in AI-focused capital is deployed from the jurisdiction by institutions established within ADGM. This figure represents capital associated with those institutions and should not be interpreted as an investment budget or capital allocation made by ADGM itself.
The AI investment ecosystem includes MGX, a global investment platform focused on artificial intelligence infrastructure and advanced technologies, which operates from ADGM. ADGM also highlighted initiatives involving entities such as RIQ, Swiss Re and RealAssetX Abu Dhabi as examples of AI-related activity connected with the jurisdiction.
ADGM’s own AI rollout and AED 400m technology roadmap
Alongside external investment activity, ADGM has been applying artificial intelligence across its own operations. During the first phase of implementation, AI was deployed across 25 business functions covering licensing, supervision and customer service. ADGM reported that these deployments reduced manual workload by more than 5,000 staff hours annually and enabled approximately 25% of customer enquiries to be resolved instantly through digital channels.
Separately, ADGM plans to invest more than AED 400 million through 2029 to expand AI capabilities, strengthen digital infrastructure and modernise regulatory and operational systems. This investment represents ADGM’s technology roadmap and is separate from the USD 100 billion in AI-focused capital deployed by institutions established in the jurisdiction.
Regulatory and Legal Infrastructure Is Expanding Alongside the Market
The growth of ADGM H1 2026 was accompanied by continued development of its regulatory and legal infrastructure. Rather than focusing only on market expansion, ADGM’s first-half developments also demonstrate an emphasis on strengthening supervision, governance and dispute-resolution mechanisms across financial and commercial activities.
Regulatory Changes in H1 2026
During H1 2026, the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) introduced several regulatory enhancements across key areas. These included updated requirements relating to insurance and climate-related financial risk management, finalisation of the virtual asset staking framework, and enhancements to the anti-money laundering framework. (ADGM FSRA insurance and climate-risk update) (ADGM FSRA virtual asset staking framework)
Beyond financial services, ADGM also introduced a Broker Classification Framework for real estate activities, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen market standards. Any references to crypto-mining initiatives should be treated separately and described as proposals or discussion papers unless a final regulatory framework has been issued.
Courts and Dispute Resolution Also Show Higher Usage
The expansion of ADGM’s ecosystem has also been reflected in demand for dispute-resolution services. According to ADGM Courts, the Courts exceeded the total caseload recorded during 2025 by 1 July 2026, indicating increased utilisation of the jurisdiction’s legal framework.
Additional developments, including the Mediation Hub MENA memorandum of understanding and the IACA Global Passport initiative, further support ADGM’s broader dispute-resolution ecosystem.
The legal certainty offered by ADGM’s framework is supported by the direct application of English common law principles within the jurisdiction. Businesses evaluating this structure can also refer to TaxAdepts’ guide on ADGM English common law for international investors for further context on the legal environment.
What the H1 2026 Results Mean for Businesses and Investors
The ADGM H1 2026 results point to a larger and more diverse business ecosystem, but growth does not reduce the regulatory requirements attached to operating in the jurisdiction. For asset managers and funds, a deeper peer network creates greater market presence, while firms conducting regulated financial activities must still follow the ADGM FSRA authorisation process and obtain the appropriate Financial Services Permission before commencing those activities.
For holding, investment and operating companies, increasing licence and entity numbers signal continued demand for ADGM structures. However, incorporation should be aligned with the intended legal structure, permitted business activities and licensing requirements, as explained in ADGM’s official setting-up guidance.
Compliance obligations remain equally important as the market expands. ADGM strengthened its commercial legislation in 2026 to enhance regulatory transparency and its AML/CFT framework, including changes concerning beneficial ownership. Businesses should therefore maintain accurate ownership information and consider the applicable governance and regulatory requirements. ADGM’s beneficial ownership guidance provides further detail on these obligations.
Tax treatment also requires separate assessment. ADGM status does not automatically provide a 0% Corporate Tax outcome; the Federal Tax Authority’s Free Zone Person guidance confirms that the 0% rate applies to Qualifying Free Zone Persons on Qualifying Income, subject to prescribed conditions.
Businesses evaluating ADGM should assess licensing, regulatory, tax, accounting and governance requirements together before selecting a structure.
Conclusion: ADGM’s H1 2026 Growth Is Broad-Based, Not a Single-Metric Story
The ADGM H1 2026 results point to broad-based expansion rather than reliance on a single headline measure. ADGM’s official H1 2026 results show 54% year-on-year AUM growth, 13,974 active licences, a workforce of 49,027 and 392 financial services entities, alongside increasing AI-focused capital and digital investment. The Abu Dhabi Media Office also highlights the breadth of this growth. The key question now is whether this momentum across capital, businesses, talent and technology can be sustained through H2 2026.
FAQs
No. In its H1 2026 performance announcement, ADGM reported that Assets Under Management (AUM) increased by 54% year on year. However, the announcement did not disclose an absolute H1 2026 AUM value.
No. The USD 2.1 trillion figure relates to the global AUM overseen by asset managers that established operations in ADGM during H1 2026. It represents the assets managed by those institutions globally and should not be interpreted as ADGM’s own AUM.
No. Active licences and operating entities represent different measures. According to ADGM’s H1 2026 results, ADGM reported 13,974 active licences and separately reported 3,986 operational entities.
No. A Financial Services Permission is required only for firms carrying out regulated financial activities under the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) framework. Other ADGM entities may operate under commercial licences issued through the relevant ADGM registration process.
An In-Principle Approval (IPA) is conditional approval granted by FSRA, generally subject to the applicant satisfying specified conditions before proceeding. A Financial Services Permission (FSP) is granted once the applicable requirements are fulfilled and permits the firm to conduct approved regulated activities. Details are available in the FSRA application process guidance.
No. The figure of 190 represents the total number of fund and asset managers operating in ADGM at H1 2026. This compares with 154 in H1 2025. ADGM reported that 11 managers were added during Q2 2026, contributing to the overall increase.
According to ADGM, the jurisdiction became the largest international financial centre (IFC) in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region based on the number of active licences. This statement relates specifically to active licence count and should not be interpreted as a ranking by AUM, market capitalisation or every other financial metric.
No. According to ADGM’s H1 2026 announcement, the more than USD 100 billion figure relates to AI-focused capital deployed from ADGM by institutions established in the jurisdiction. It is not ADGM’s own investment budget.
No. The two figures relate to different activities. The USD 100 billion refers to AI-focused capital deployed by institutions operating from ADGM, while the AED 400 million represents ADGM’s own technology investment roadmap through 2029 covering digital infrastructure, AI capabilities and regulatory systems.
No. Establishing an entity in ADGM does not automatically result in a 0% Corporate Tax rate. Under the UAE Corporate Tax regime, a Free Zone Person must satisfy the requirements to qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person and earn Qualifying Income. Corporate Tax registration and compliance obligations may still apply.
References
- Abu Dhabi Global Market. (2026, September 8). ADGM reinforces Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global financial hub with 54% growth in AUM and almost 14,000 active licences.
https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/adgm-reinforces-abu-dhabis-standing-as-a-global-financial-hub-with-54-growth-in-aum-and-almost-14000-active-licences - Abu Dhabi Media Office. (2026, September 8). ADGM reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as global financial hub.
https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/economy/adgm-reinforces-abu-dhabis-position-as-global-financial-hub/ - Abu Dhabi Global Market. (2026, May 18). ADGM strengthens position as MEASA’s leading IFC with 57% growth in AUM, over 13,000 active licences in Q1 2026.
https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/adgm-strengthens-position-as-measas-leading-ifc-with-57-percent-growth-in-aum - Abu Dhabi Media Office. (2026, May 18). ADGM records asset management, licensing and workforce growth in Q1 2026.
https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/economy/adgm-records-asset-management-licensing-and-workforce-growth-in-q1-2026/ - Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority. (n.d.). FSRA general application process.
https://www.adgm.com/financial-services-regulatory-authority/fsra-general-application-process - Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority. (n.d.). Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). https://www.adgm.com/financial-services-regulatory-authority
- Abu Dhabi Global Market. (n.d.). ADGM authorities. https://www.adgm.com/about/authorities
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- Abu Dhabi Global Market. (n.d.). Beneficial ownership and control.
https://www.adgm.com/operating-in-adgm/obligations-of-adgm-registered-entities/beneficial-ownership-and-control - Abu Dhabi Global Market. (2026). ADGM Registration Authority publishes amendments to the commercial legislation.
https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/adgm-registration-authority-publishes-amendments-to-the-commercial-legislation-july-2026 - Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority. (2026, April 27). ADGM FSRA implements enhancements to the regulatory framework for insurance and introduces climate-related financial risk management requirements.
https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/adgm-fsra-implements-enhancements-to-the-regulatory-framework-for-insurance-and-introduces-climate-related-financial-risk-management-requirements - Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority. (2026, May 21). ADGM FSRA finalises enhancements to its anti-money laundering framework.
https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/adgm-fsra-finalises-enhancements-to-its-anti-money-laundering-framework - Abu Dhabi Global Market Registration Authority. (2026, February 12). ADGM introduces Broker Classification Framework to raise real estate standards.
https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/adgm-introduces-broker-classification-framework-to-raise-real-estate-standards - Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts. (n.d.). ADGM Courts. https://www.adgm.com/adgm-courts/
- Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts. (n.d.). English common law.
https://www.adgm.com/adgm-courts/english-common-law - Federal Tax Authority. (2026). Federal Tax Authority issues Corporate Tax guide on Free Zone Persons.
https://tax.gov.ae/en/media.centre/news/federal.tax.authority.issues.corporate.tax.guide.on.free.zone.persons.aspx
