Latest news with #ADGM
Crypto Insight
8 hours ago
- Business
- Crypto Insight
Legal strategy matters more than ever for your crypto startup in the UAE
Opinion by: Irina Heaver, crypto lawyer. Founders who treat regulatory structuring as a central part of their go-to-market strategy are the ones who thrive in the UAE. Unfortunately, many founders view licensing as an afterthought. The UAE is not a place where you can cut corners. It is, however, a place where thoughtful, well-prepared founders are rewarded with speed, clarity and access to a highly supportive ecosystem. Contrary to some founders' beliefs, regulators are not the problem — confusion, poor planning and lack of readiness are. The crypto licensing landscape in the United Arab Emirates can be hard to grasp, so much so that even experienced venture capitalists, serial entrepreneurs and global law firms often misunderstand the regime. Let's bring some clarity to the situation. One country, two legal systems The UAE is a federal country comprising seven emirates, operating under two distinct legal systems. The mainland legal system, known as the 'onshore' regime, covers the entire UAE territory and includes over 45 economic free zones. These jurisdictions fall under the UAE's civil law and are governed by the UAE's court system. The financial free zones, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), operate independently under English common law. They also maintain their own regulatory bodies and court systems, separate from the mainland's judicial system. Understanding this bifurcation is crucial because the regulatory authority governing your crypto activities depends mainly on the legal framework under which you choose to operate. One country, five crypto regulators Five separate authorities regulate crypto and related activities, each with its own jurisdiction, mandate and licensing framework. On the mainland side, the three relevant regulators are: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE): regulates activities involving AED-denominated stablecoins, crypto payments and remittances, and approves foreign stablecoins. The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA): regulates crypto exchanges, broker-dealers and token offerings that resemble securities or commodity contracts. The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA): regulates most virtual asset service providers (VASPs) operating in Dubai, excluding those in the DIFC. In the financial free zones, there are two separate regulators: The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA): the financial watchdog for ADGM, which developed one of the most advanced regulatory frameworks for digital assets back in 2018. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA): the regulator for DIFC, with a cautious but evolving approach to crypto assets. This unique framework can be both a blessing and a challenge. Choosing the wrong regulator or failing to understand the scope of each authority can result in wasted time, missed opportunities or, in some cases, complete licensing failure. Choose the right regulator The right jurisdiction depends entirely on your specific business model. Here are a few common scenarios: Launch a crypto exchange Planning to become the next Binance? Be prepared to navigate a rigorous licensing path. VARA, SCA or ADGM are potential homes for you. Each has its own requirements, and none are for the faint-hearted. Issue a stablecoin If you're thinking of rivaling Tether in AED, then welcome to the grown-up table. You'll be dealing with the Central Bank of the UAE. Build a tokenized RWA platform Want to turn luxury real estate, fine art or a warehouse of whiskey into blockchain-based assets? VARA's newly introduced regime for asset-backed tokens is a must-read. And no, slapping 'utility token' on a white paper won't cut it here. Start a crypto fund Got capital to deploy and a vision to back the next crypto unicorn? It's time to become best friends with ADGM's FSRA. It's one of the most advanced digital asset frameworks out there, but make no mistake, they expect real compliance chops. Launch a payment app Are you looking to make big money moves? The Central Bank will be watching you closely. Don't expect a light-touch approach when handling customer funds. Trying to do it all Don't. Founders often want to build the entire offering in one go, which can be a recipe for regulatory burnout. It is much better to start narrow — get one license, create traction, then scale. More best practices Founders who prioritize regulatory structuring as a core element of their go-to-market strategy are the ones who succeed in the UAE. Success demands a thorough regulatory assessment from the outset, alignment of a business model with the right jurisdiction and authority and collaboration with legal experts who truly understand the local landscape. In the UAE, cutting corners is not tolerated. Founders who plan carefully and engage proactively with regulators are rewarded with speed, clarity and access to a highly supportive ecosystem. Opinion by: Irina Heaver, crypto lawyer. Source:
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
UAE reaffirms commitment to global partnerships and sustainable goals at AIIB Beijing summit
The UAE has reaffirmed its commitment to global partnerships and sustainable development goals during a meeting of the board of governors of t he Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and the UAE governor to the AIIB, participated in the high-level roundtable held on the sidelines of the bank's annual meeting of the board of governors from June 24 to 26. Dr Al Jaber commended AIIB's achievements and its critical role in financing transformative infrastructure projects across member countries. The UAE's support for this strategic partnership aligns with the directives of its leadership, who prioritise multilateral co-operation, economic development and bridge-building among nations, he added. During his meeting with Zou Jiayi, the new president of AIIB, Dr Al Jaber also reaffirmed the UAE's continued support for AIIB's efforts to expand its global impact and noted the bank's success in improving living standards in many countries through developmental support. Based in Beijing, AIIB has 110 members, with the UAE joining as a founding and permanent member in 2015. The UAE also hosts the bank's first operational office outside of China, which was opened at ADGM in 2023. The bank, with $100 billion in total capital, has approved financing exceeding $60 billion to support 318 projects in the past decade. According to its 2024 annual report, the bank approved 51 new projects in 19 member countries, amounting to $8.4 billion in financing. AIIB also made significant progress in climate financing, allocating 67 per cent of its total $5.6 billion in funding to sustainable projects, exceeding its 2025 target of 50 per cent, according to the statement. Among these initiatives were renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of more than 21 gigawatts, contributing to the annual avoidance of approximately 28 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Mohamed Al Suwaidi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and alternate governor for the UAE at AIIB said the bank's office at ADGM has proven to be successful in expanding lender's operations.
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Addleshaw Goddard secures license to operate in Abu Dhabi - Middle East Business News and Information
Firm expands into ADGM to support UAE's economic diversification and deliver world-class legal services across key sectors under Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – June, 2025: International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has announced that it has obtained its license to operate in Abu Dhabi, further strengthening its presence in the Middle East. The firm has also opened a new office in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the capital's leading international financial centre. This milestone builds on the firm's strategic ambition to expand its footprint across the Middle East and support clients in one of the region's key economic hubs. Abu Dhabi's dynamic economy, underpinned by Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, prioritises reducing reliance on oil, fostering knowledge-based industries, and establishing a globally integrated business environment. Addleshaw Goddard's expansion into the capital aligns seamlessly with these goals, as the firm brings world-class legal expertise tailored to meet the diverse business needs of both local and international clients. This new office will serve as a critical resource, providing on-the-ground support for the firm's growing client base in sectors such as financial services, energy, infrastructure, and technology. It is also part of the firm's long-term vision in the Middle East, following other significant regional milestones, including the launch of its Riyadh office and celebrating over a decade of growth and operations in the Middle East. Robin Hickman, Head of Middle East at Addleshaw Goddard, said, 'Establishing a presence in Abu Dhabi is a vital step in our regional strategy and reflects our commitment to supporting our clients where they need us most. With Abu Dhabi's visionary economic plans and rapidly diversifying economy, this expansion enables us to play a key role in delivering legal solutions that drive growth and innovation.' With nearly 100 fee earners and 27 Partners across its Middle East offices, Addleshaw Goddard continues to push boundaries, doubling its regional income growth in recent years. The Abu Dhabi office will further cement the firm's position as a trusted partner, driving economic progress and supporting key industries in the region. About Addleshaw Goddard: Addleshaw Goddard is a global law firm with 2,800+ partners and employees across our 21 offices spanning key commercial centres around the world. Six in the UK – London, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen; eight in Europe – four in Germany and one in Ireland, France, Luxembourg, Poland and Spain; a further four in the GCC – Doha, Dubai, Muscat, and Riyadh; and one in Asia – Singapore. We have over 450 Partners and nearly 2,000 lawyers and fee-earners worldwide. In the Middle East we have 27 Partners and close to 100 other fee earners.
Al Etihad
17-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Swiss investment firm Partners Group opens office at ADGM
17 June 2025 22:49 REDDY (ABU DHABI)Partners Group, a Switzerland-based investment firm and one of the world's largest players in the private markets industry, has expanded its regional footprint with the launch of a new regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the UAE capital's international financial a statement on Tuesday, the firm, which manages over $150 billion in assets and has invested more than $234 billion since its founding in 1996, described Abu Dhabi as a rising global hub for innovation in technology, energy, manufacturing, and digital services.'Abu Dhabi is increasingly becoming a centre of gravity for global advancements in technology, energy, next-generation manufacturing, and digital services,' said Steffen Meister, Executive Chairman of the Board at Partners Group. 'From our new regional headquarters, we look forward to partnering with institutions to capitalise on the many opportunities arising from the upcoming technology-led transformation of industries, often with a nexus to the region.'The Abu Dhabi office—located at Al Maryah Tower in ADGM Square—will be led by Suhail Albaz, Chairman for the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. He stressed the strategic importance of the Middle East, especially the GCC, as a growth region for the firm. 'We are actively pursuing the growing opportunities for transformational investing offered to our portfolio of businesses and assets by establishing themselves in the Middle East,' he the expansion, Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said: 'We are delighted to welcome Partners Group, one of the largest and most respected firms in the global private markets industry to ADGM. We look forward to their valuable contribution to the vibrant and diverse financial community within Abu Dhabi.'Partners Group has been active in the Middle East since 2010, when it opened an office in Dubai. Its portfolio companies today employ over 2,000 people across the region. A notable example is International School Partnerships, which was founded by the firm in 2013 and recently acquired its tenth school in the Middle more than 800 institutional clients and 200 million client beneficiaries globally, the firm continues to serve a broad base, including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, insurers, and high-net-worth individuals. In the Middle East, its institutional client relationships are led by Nael Antaki, while Venugopal Reddy oversees the firm's private wealth business in the region. This latest move brings the company's global network to 22 offices, reinforcing its long-term commitment to private markets and the Middle East's investment landscape. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
CairoScene
17-06-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Abu Dhabi Startup Ecosystem Ranks Third in MENA for Performance
Abu Dhabi has entered the global top 60 emerging startup ecosystems according to Startup Genome's 2025 report, generating $4.4 billion in value and ranking third in MENA for ecosystem performance. Jun 17, 2025 Abu Dhabi has been ranked among the top 60 emerging startup ecosystems globally in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report by Startup Genome. The emirate moved from the 61–70 bracket into the 51–60 tier, reflecting strong performance despite a 14% global decline in startup valuations. Between July 1st 2022 and December 31st 2024, Abu Dhabi's startup ecosystem generated $4.4 billion in value, placing third in the MENA region for overall performance. The ranking is based on key indicators including startup valuations, venture capital activity, and major exits. Abu Dhabi also placed among the top five MENA ecosystems for funding, talent, knowledge, and capital efficiency. Fintech, climatetech, and digital assets were identified as the emirate's most competitive sectors, supported by national economic diversification efforts and initiatives such as Hub71 and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Startups in the Hub71 ecosystem have raised over $2.17 billion to date.
