Abu Dhabi Global Market
Financial Services Regulatory Authority Overview
(ADGM) - (FSRA)
Set up your regulated financial or virtual asset business in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) with FSRA approval — the gold standard for credibility in the UAE and beyond.
What is ADGM and FSRA?
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a leading international financial centre based on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. It is designed to attract global investment, financial institutions, fintechs, and virtual-asset companies.
Within ADGM, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) is the independent regulator. FSRA ensures that all financial and virtual-asset firms follow international standards of governance, compliance, anti-money laundering (AML), and cybersecurity.
Within ADGM, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) is the independent regulator. FSRA ensures that all financial and virtual-asset firms follow international standards of governance, compliance, anti-money laundering (AML), and cybersecurity.
ADGM
Operates under a distinct legal framework, directly applying English common law to civil and commercial matters—making it unique from other UAE zones and onshore courts.
FSRA (Financial Services Regulatory Authority)
The independent regulator in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) responsible for deciding whether your business can operate financial or crypto activities in this jurisdiction. FSRA oversees all licensing, supervision, and compliance for banks, fintechs, asset managers, digital asset platforms, and crypto providers within ADGM.
Why Choose ADGM & FSRA: Premier Standards, Proven Expertise, & Unmatched Regulatory Advantages
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and its Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) offer the most globally recognized, progressive, and robust regulatory environment in the Middle East. ADGM’s foundation rests on a truly independent legal system that directly applies English common law to civil and commercial matters—delivering unparalleled transparency, legal certainty, and efficiency not found in the UAE mainland or other regional free zones. FSRA leads with international regulatory excellence, sound governance, strict anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, risk-based supervision, and rigorous compliance, all designed to safeguard clients and investors while encouraging innovation. The synergy of ADGM and FSRA creates the ideal environment for global banks, fintechs, wealth managers, and virtual asset companies seeking a respected, well-regulated gateway for seamless market entry or expansion.
SecureVisa Group (Special Purpose Vehicle) Advantage
- ADGM’s SPV regime is globally recognized as exceptionally flexible, efficient, and discreet. It allows for risk isolation, asset protection, and tailored business dealings—all supported by a trusted legal system and streamlined by ADGM’s fast-track registration. SPVs in ADGM suit corporates, investment funds, and entrepreneurs requiring confidential, internationally recognized structures for investments and holding companies.
SecureVisa Group (Special Purpose Vehicle) Advantage
- ADGM’s SPV regime is globally recognized as exceptionally flexible, efficient, and discreet. It allows for risk isolation, asset protection, and tailored business dealings—all supported by a trusted legal system and streamlined by ADGM’s fast-track registration. SPVs in ADGM suit corporates, investment funds, and entrepreneurs requiring confidential, internationally recognized structures for investments and holding companies.
Global recognition
ADGM ranks among the world’s premier financial centres, offering trusted jurisdictional certainty, regulatory best practices, and a business environment on par with global leaders like London, Singapore, and Hong Kong—backed by international awards and a rapidly growing ecosystem of top-tier financial institutions.
Virtual asset framework
Among the world’s first jurisdictions, ADGM introduced clear, robust rules for crypto exchanges, custodians, and tokenization projects—setting the global benchmark for regulatory clarity, investor protection, and innovation in digital assets.
Investor confidence
Operating under FSRA regulation enhances your credibility—demonstrating compliance with world-leading standards and instilling confidence among banks, business partners, and clients that your business is secure, transparent, and trustworthy.
Access to UAE market
ADGM complements and enhances opportunities in mainland Dubai and Dubai free zones, equipping your business with the flexibility to expand, connect, and thrive across the UAE’s key commercial centres.
We're here to Help You!
With SecureVisa Group, you don’t just get licensed—you gain the full regulatory, technological, and operational framework to run a trusted FX business in the UAE, backed by investor confidence and regulator approval.
Who Needs a ADGM FSRA License?
An ADGM FSRA license is essential for any company or individual intending to conduct regulated financial activities within ADGM, including banking, asset management, insurance, brokerage, custody, advisory services, fund management, and digital asset operations like crypto exchanges and tokenization. Any business seeking to operate under internationally-recognized standards for compliance, governance, and investor protection within the Abu Dhabi Global Market must secure FSRA approval to offer its services legally and with the trust that comes from robust, transparent oversight.
Crypto Exchange or Brokerage
Looking for a regulated home for your crypto exchange or brokerage? ADGM offers industry-leading FSRA licensing, robust compliance, tax efficiency, and SecureVisa Group structures—giving you unmatched flexibility, legal certainty, and investor confidence for digital asset business growth.
Custodian or Wallet Provider
Custodian or wallet provider? Secure FSRA licensing in ADGM for global compliance, AML, asset protection, and regulatory confidence—attracting clients, banks, and business partners in a trusted international jurisdiction.
Asset or Fund Manager
Asset or fund manager investing in digital or traditional assets? Secure ADGM FSRA licensing for global compliance, flexible fund structures, and trusted oversight—positioning your investments for growth and investor confidence in a world-class financial hub.
Financial Institution
Financial institution looking for a UAE hub with strong regulatory backing? ADGM delivers FSRA licensing, global standards, and trusted oversight—ensuring your operations are credible, secure, and positioned for growth in the region’s leading financial centre.
Startup
Startup comparing UAE options? ADGM delivers world-class regulation, budget-friendly setup, and flexible growth—making it ideal for innovation-focused ventures who want global credibility and fast entry. Dubai mainland maximizes domestic reach, while Dubai free zones excel for tax perks and community. Choose ADGM for agility, efficiency, and future-focused opportunity.
Activities You Can License
Exchange / brokerage services (crypto + traditional)
Custody and safekeeping of client assets
Asset management and fund operations (with or without VA exposure)
Market infrastructure (clearing, tokenization, settlement)
SecureVisa Group Execution Model
Licensing & Regulatory Submissions → Mapping your activities to FSRA permissions.
Compliance Tech Deployment → Using VerifiX and CompliX for monitoring & reporting.
Cybersecurity Integration → ITSEC audits and security controls built into your framework.
Cross-Jurisdiction Setup → Advising if ADGM FSRA, mainland Dubai, or Dubai startup free zones fits your expansion.
Licensing Process in 6 Steps
SecureVisa Group simplifies the process of DFSA licensing in DIFC:
Pre-Application Consultation
Identify scope and activities.
Final Approval
Receive your ADGM FSRA license.
In-Principle Approval
FSRA grants conditional acceptance.
Regulatory Strategy & Mapping
Align your business with DFSA rules, risk categories, and license types.
Build-Out & Staffing
Set up governance, compliance, technology.
Ongoing Supervision
Regular reporting and compliance audits.
Support
FAQs About ADGM & FSRA Licensing
Get quick answers to the most common questions about launching your regulated business in Abu Dhabi Global Market. From license types to documentation, we've got you covered.
Why ADGM instead of Dubai free zones?
ADGM gives you a regulator (FSRA) that is internationally recognized — perfect if you want institutional investors or banks to trust you.
What if I just need a basic license?
Dubai mainland or Dubai free zones may be more cost-effective. SVG maps this for you.
What documents are required?
Corporate structure, AML/compliance policies, IT security documents, and financial projections.