In briefADGM Regulator Fines MCA Auditors and Audit Principal USD 88,000 Over Audit Failings
SummaryThe ADGM Registration Authority (RA) imposed financial penalties totalling USD 88,000 on MCA Auditors and Advisors LLP and its Audit Principal following an on-site inspection that found audit deficiencies. The findings covered risk assessment, fraud risk, group audit requirements, governance communications, and insufficient evidence over material areas. The RA considered cooperation and the firm's root-cause analysis and remediation plan when setting the penalties.
In briefAdvent opens Abu Dhabi office to extend its international reach
SummaryAdvent, a global private equity investor, has opened a new office in ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi. The office extends Advent's platform into the Middle East, building on its long-standing regional relationships. It will deepen engagement with investors, support existing portfolio companies and explore investment opportunities. Mehdi Iraqi, Managing Director, Limited Partner Services, will head the office.
In briefAbu Dhabi delegation ends London visit, advancing investment partnerships with UK firms
SummaryADIO, ADCCI and ADGM held high-level engagements in London from 13 to 15 October, including the third Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF). The forum focused on investment and business expansion across financial services, advanced technology, healthcare, energy and trade. Abu Dhabi Customs also received an international award for its blockchain-based TradeChain platform.
In briefADGM RA Consults on Business Centre Regulatory Framework
SummaryThe ADGM Registration Authority issued Consultation Paper No. 7 of 2026 seeking public feedback on proposed amendments to the Commercial Licensing Regulations, covering controlled activities, conditions of licence and branch registration, and fees. The proposals aim to protect business centre tenants and support continuity of their premises and registered office arrangements. They would make providing business centre services a controlled activity and set specific licence conditions for applicants and providers. The consultation closes on 6 November 2026.
In briefInvestment firm Pretium opens Abu Dhabi office to expand Middle East presence
SummaryPretium, a specialized investment firm with about $70 billion in assets under management, has opened an office within Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The firm began in U.S. residential real estate and now runs an investment platform spanning real estate equity and credit. The office aims to strengthen its connections with regional clients and will be led by Basim Habib and Dietrich Heidtmann.
In briefAbu Dhabi delegation promotes investment opportunities in London
SummaryThe Abu Dhabi Chamber, ADGM and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office will lead high-level investment and business engagements in London starting 13 October 2026. The visit aims to showcase investment opportunities in priority sectors and strengthen private-sector and institutional partnerships. Key events include the third Abu Dhabi Investment Forum and the Chamber's Global Executive Connect programme on 14 October.
In brief3iQ's UAE Unit Receives In-Principle Approval for ADGM Category 4 Licence
Summary3iQ Middle East Ltd, a UAE-based subsidiary of 3iQ Corp., has received In-Principle Approval for a Category 4 licence from the Financial Services Authority (FSRA) of ADGM in Abu Dhabi. The announcement says this supports 3iQ's goal of being regulated in major digital asset hubs so accredited investors can access its investment offerings. The approval is an interim step in the licensing process.
In briefADGM FSRA Consults on Revisions to Fees and General Rulebooks
SummaryThe ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority has published Consultation Paper No. 6 of 2026, proposing amendments to its Fees Rulebook and General Rulebook. The proposals update fees for Recognised Bodies and operators of MTFs and OTFs, introduce a supervision fee for securities on the Official List, and increase the late Regulatory Filing fee. The consultation closes on 6 November 2026.
In briefADGM regulator fines PKF Accountants and its audit principal USD 100,000 over audit failings
SummaryThe ADGM Registration Authority fined PKF Accountants and Business Advisers LLP and its registered audit principal, Ms Saranga Omprakash Lalwani, a combined USD 100,000 for audit failings. An on-site inspection found the audit was not conducted and reported under International Standards on Auditing and lacked due skill, care and diligence. The RA said it will maintain high audit quality standards in ADGM.
In briefFSRA warns public about false and misleading claims by Takeo Investments
SummaryThe FSRA of ADGM warns that Takeo Investments made false and misleading claims, including a possible false association with ADGM. Its former website is no longer operational. The FSRA is concerned these claims could lead investors to believe the firm is licensed to operate in ADGM when it is not. The public is advised to verify any firm on the FSRA Public Register before dealing with it.
In briefCapital Group Secures FSRA Licence in Abu Dhabi to Expand Middle East Presence
SummaryCapital Group, a major active investment manager, has received a Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM, allowing it to operate as a regulated investment manager in ADGM. The permission covers trading, investment management and distribution activities. It follows the firm's May 2026 announcement of plans to open its first Middle East office in Abu Dhabi.
In briefNew Mountain Capital Opens Abu Dhabi Office in ADGM to Deepen Regional Presence
SummaryNew York-based investment firm New Mountain Capital announced it has established New Mountain Capital Middle East Limited in Abu Dhabi's ADGM after receiving approval from the FSRA to conduct regulated activities. The office, led by Shehreyar Hameed as Senior Executive Officer, aims to strengthen client relationships and grow its investor base in the GCC region. The firm states its investments will remain focused on defensive-growth middle-market companies in North America.
In briefADGM Registration Authority Consults on Enhanced Strata Regulations
SummaryThe ADGM Registration Authority has issued a consultation paper proposing new strata regulations to repeal and replace the Strata Title Regulations 2015. Key proposals include automatic formation of an Owners' Association, appointment of licensed Owners' Association Managers, Registrar approval of annual budgets, and duties to report material defects. The consultation closes on 22 October 2026.
In briefNumou and Comera Financial Holding partner to expand financing and payment options for UAE SMEs
SummaryNumou, an ADGM subsidiary, and Comera Financial Holding, part of Abu Dhabi's Royal Group, have signed a partnership agreement. Comera's financial products and services will be added to Numou's digital marketplace, giving SMEs more options for financing, business account opening and digital payments. The collaboration covers working capital, supply chain finance and payment solutions.
In briefADGM FSRA Seeks Industry Feedback on Proposed DeFi Risk Management Guidance
SummaryThe ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) has published a consultation paper seeking feedback on proposed guidance for managing risks from decentralised finance (DeFi) engagement. The guidance sets out expectations for how authorised persons and recognised bodies should identify, assess, monitor and manage DeFi-related risks. It covers governance, due diligence, financial crime controls, incident escalation, and client asset safeguards. Comments are due by 30 November 2026 and may be sent to fsra.consultation@adgm.com.
In briefADGM Registration Authority Releases 2026-2027 Regulatory Priorities
SummaryThe Registration Authority (RA) of ADGM, Abu Dhabi's international financial centre, has published its Regulatory Priorities for 2026-2027. The document outlines the areas it will focus on for monitoring, supervision and enforcement in the coming year, and how it will measure performance. It aims to improve transparency and help stakeholders understand regulatory expectations and allocate compliance resources. The priorities cover ten areas and include key performance indicators to track progress.
In briefEurazeo Opens Abu Dhabi Office to Expand Its Middle East Presence
SummaryEurazeo, a European private markets asset manager listed on Euronext Paris with €40 billion in assets under management, announced the opening of its first Middle East office in ADGM, Abu Dhabi's international financial centre. The office will serve as a strategic hub for the group's activities in the region and support its investor relationships and portfolio companies.
In briefPantheon opens Abu Dhabi office and names regional head for Middle East
SummaryPantheon, a global private markets firm with about $84bn in assets under management, has opened its first office in ADGM, Abu Dhabi's international financial centre, and appointed Firas Mallah as Managing Director and Head of Middle East. The firm says the office will deepen its relationships with investors across the GCC. The announcement is an ADGM press release.
In briefFSRA warns public about suspected fraudulent scheme by E-Community
SummaryThe Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM alerts the public to a suspected fraudulent scheme run by E-Community, operating from e-community.co. The FSRA says the entity makes false and misleading claims that could lead investors to believe it is licensed to operate in ADGM. The FSRA advises the market not to deal with any firm until it is verified as authentic and granted the appropriate Financial Services Permission.
