Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre of the UAE capital, has posted strong growth across key performance indicators in the first quarter of 2025, highlighting its growing influence in global capital markets, and most notably, its deepening role in digital asset innovation and regulation.
The results reflect ADGM’s ongoing momentum following a stellar 2024, driven by investor confidence, progressive regulatory frameworks, and the successful expansion of its jurisdiction to Al Reem Island.
With a robust start to the year, ADGM has solidified, once again, its position as a leading destination for asset management, fintech, and blockchain-powered innovation.
Digital Assets and Blockchain: Strengthening Global Leadership
ADGM’s first-quarter performance in 2025 not only cements its position as a powerhouse for traditional finance but higlights its rising dominance in the digital asset space.
The 33% surge in Assets Under Management (AUM) and a 67% jump in new licenses are not mere statistics, they are a clear indication that the financial world is watching Abu Dhabi closely, and more importantly, choosing to be part of its growth story.
At the heart of this momentum lies ADGM’s proactive embrace of blockchain technology and digital assets. From welcoming key players like TON and Sevioura to partnering with Chainlink, a global authority in on-chain infrastructure, ADGM is actively shaping the future of crypto regulation, not just keeping pace with it. These developments show more than just growth, they reflect the centre’s transformation into a trusted regulatory haven for digital asset innovation.
Global fintechs and institutional players are increasingly drawn to ADGM’s transparent, forward-looking frameworks. With a regulatory regime that strikes the right balance between compliance and innovation, ADGM has become the launchpad of choice for Web3 firms seeking both regional access and international credibility.
The extension to Al Reem Island, coupled with a revamped fee structure and a streamlined licensing process, has only amplified ADGM’s appeal. Entrepreneurs, startups, and major blockchain firms alike are flocking to its shores, eager to tap into an ecosystem designed for scale, safety, and sustained innovation.
Commenting on the quarter’s performance, H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, stated, “Our performance in Q1 2025 reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing stature as a capital of finance and innovation. ADGM continues to expand thoughtfully across asset classes and technologies, with a firm commitment to supporting capital formation and digital transformation.”
In a world where digital assets are becoming a pillar of modern finance, ADGM isn’t just participating in the transformation, it’s leading it. And for global players looking to future-proof their operations, that leadership is proving impossible to ignore.
