Carta Receives Financial Services Permission from ADGM's Financial Services Regulatory Authority, Unlocking New Phase of Growth in MENA's Venture Capital and Private Equity Ecosystem
Abu Dhabi, renowned as the 'capital of capital,' has shown exceptional growth in the financial services sector. Carta's expansion comes as the UAE establishes itself as a key player in the Middle East, constituting 40% of all funding rounds in the region—a 9% year-on-year increase—according to industry reports. In 2024, assets under management (AUM) within ADGM grew by 245%, with 134 fund and asset managers operating 166 funds by the end of 2024.
Carta has strategically chosen ADGM as the location for its new Middle Eastern office, strengthening the company's commitment to aligning with regions that demonstrate significant market potential and robust economic policies. Located at Hub71 WeWork, in the heart of the financial district, Carta's new office serves as a strategic base for expanding sales and marketing efforts in the MENA region, a region the company sees as highly promising.
'The Middle East is the perfect place for Carta expansion,' said Bhavik Vashi, Managing Director of Carta APAC & MENA. 'The regulatory framework in ADGM is one of the most progressive we've seen globally—exactly the type of environment needed to fuel the private markets, which is why we have made a big bet here.'
Over the past few years, Carta has been working closely with government regulators and is confident that its comprehensive suite of services—such as quarterly reporting, compliance services, and tax and audit readiness—will effectively address the needs of the local community.
Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development Officer at ADGM said; 'We congratulate Carta on receiving their FSP from ADGM. We are thrilled to welcome them to ADGM's dynamic ecosystem, where innovation, growth, and opportunity thrive. Your presence enriches Abu Dhabi's financial landscape, and we look forward to supporting your success in this vibrant and forward-thinking community.'
Carta currently supports a number of prominent regional customers, including Global Ventures, BECO Capital, Cotu Ventures, Outliers VC, Dubai Future District Fund, and Middle East-based unicorns Foodics and Kitopi. With ADGM license approval, Carta will continue to collaborate with the local VC & PE ecosystem to further enhance the company's service offerings and deliver greater value for the Middle East's growing private markets.
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