Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

ADGM is home to a host of local and international businesses of all sizes, spread across a 114-hectare site which along with world-class office space, also features state-of-the-art leisure, entertainment and hospitality facilities. If you’re looking to set up in the financial services industry here in the UAE, there can be few better places to call home. ADGM is home to a host of local and international businesses of all sizes, spread across a 114-hectare site which along with world-class office space, also features state-of-the-art leisure, entertainment and hospitality facilities.

Why choose Abu Dhabi Global Market?

If ADGM has caught your eye and there are plenty of reasons why it might – there are a few things to understand before establishing your business in the free zone. Regulated or Non-Regulated? As most businesses that operate within the free zone are in finance-related industries, Abu Dhabi Global Market is governed by three independent authorities: the Registration Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and ADGM Courts. All these bodies work to ensure that organisations within the free zone operate in line with international best practices that are recognised by major financial centers across the world. Your first task therefore is to establish whether your company is considered regulated or non-regulated, as this will determine which authority you are governed by and what is required of you to trade in the free zone. Regulated companies – which are governed by the FSRA – include international and Islamic banks, lending and credit institutions, fund management companies and investment businesses. Non-regulated companies include consultancy services and accountancy and audit firms – these businesses are not governed by the FSRA. Easy to arrange your corporate bank account as application process is quick and simple. Free zone staff can advise on the best bank to suit your needs – and can even arrange meetings in-branch for you. A company formation specialist can also provide the same service – or alternatively, you’re welcome to approach any local or international bank on your own.

Types of License by ADGM:

• Public Companies
• Private Companies
• Restricted Scope Companies (RSC)
• Cell Companies

Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)

Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) regime caters to a broad range of business types uses and industry sectors including but not limited to corporates sovereign wealth funds, government related entities , single family offices , trustees and individual investors.

Advantages of ADGM SPVs

• Securitization: Can be used by an originating party to securities loans by creating an SPV which purchases these assets by issuing debt , secured on these underlying assets
• Real Estate Investment: Can be used to acquire title to real property and limit recourse of mortgage lenders depending on the location of the asset
• Financing: Can be used to ring fence investments, permitting financing without increasing debt levels for the parent company or exposing the parent’s assets to cross liabilities.
• ADGM SPV’s can be also used to Asset Transfer , Risk Sharing , Raising Capital and Intellectual Property
• No Physical office space required: Companies can use registered agent address
• Avail Tax residency: ADGM SPVs are eligible for Tax residency certificate.
• International Jurisdiction: Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and ADGM Courts – ensure that our business-friendly environment operates in line with international best practice that arerecognised by major financial centres across the world.
• Migration: Migration from other jurisdiction is possible

Allowed Activity:

• Special purpose company for professional investors: A company that has been established for the sole purpose undertaking activities of individual professional investments.
• Special purpose company for professional investment: Institutions (limited application) A company that has been established for the sole purpose to conduct activities of professional investment institutions.
• Special purpose company: A Body Corporate whose sole purpose, either generally or when acting in a particular capacity, isto carry out one or more of the following functions: • issuing Investments; • redeeming or terminating or repurchasing, whether with a view to re issue or to cancellation, an issue, in whole or part, of Investments; or entering into transactions or terminating transactions involving Investments in connection with the issue, redemption, termination or re purchase of Investments; and has been explicitly established for the purpose of securitizing assets; or investing in Real Property

Documents Required for Incorporation

We will require the following documents for the shareholder, director and authorized signatory.

Individual Shareholders & Directors:

• Passport Copy
• CV
• Utility Bill (not older than 3 months)
• Bank Reference Letter or Bank Statements (3 months)

For the Authorized Signatory, in addition to the above:

• UAE entry stamp or UAE Visa;
• NOC from company/ Free zone Authority if the individual is on Free zone visa