ADGM has strengthened Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global financial hub after eight major international financial institutions managing a combined US$4.4 trillion in assets announced plans to establish operations in the emirate.
The announcements were highlighted during ADGM’s participation in the Milken Institute Global Conference 2026 held in Los Angeles. The delegation was led by Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market.
During the conference, ADGM officials met with global policymakers, institutional investors and leading asset managers to discuss Abu Dhabi’s growing role in global investment flows and cross-border financial partnerships.
Al Zaabi said ADGM’s engagement in the United States is part of its strategy to strengthen ties with major global financial institutions and capital allocators.
He said global capital is increasingly moving toward financial centres that offer strong regulation, stability and global connectivity. He added that ADGM is focused on building a trusted ecosystem supported by clear regulations, modern governance and access to international opportunities.
Al Zaabi highlighted that ADGM remains the fastest-growing international financial centre in the Middle East and North Africa region. He said the growing interest from firms managing nearly $4.4 trillion in global assets reflects Abu Dhabi’s rising importance in global finance.
During the conference, Al Zaabi also participated in a fireside discussion with Alan Schwartz, Executive Chairman of Guggenheim Partners. The discussion focused on global financial innovation, Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation and the future of international finance.
He said the UAE’s economic resilience is the result of long-term planning and diversification strategies rather than short-term policies.
Al Zaabi revealed that ADGM issued 284 new licences in March 2026, compared to 270 licences during the same period last year, marking a 5.2 percent increase.
Several major financial firms have recently announced expansions into Abu Dhabi through ADGM. These include Muzinich & Co., Hillhouse Investment Management, Barings and Bain Capital.
In addition, Hashed Global Management Limited and Rokos Capital Management received financial services permissions from ADGM.
Meanwhile, Capital Group and Man Group also announced plans to establish a presence in Abu Dhabi.
During the Milken conference, ADGM held more than 50 meetings with major financial institutions including Blackstone, Carlyle Global Investment Management, Coinbase and Guggenheim.
The discussions focused on investment opportunities, business expansion into Abu Dhabi and ADGM’s regulatory framework based on international standards and English Common Law.
ADGM continues to play a major role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic vision by positioning itself as a trusted and globally connected financial centre.
