The ADGM is an upcoming international financial centre in the MENA region for business and fintech. The quality of ADGM’s independent regulator, the prevailing common law framework, excellent infrastructure and tax efficiencies make it the perfect base to take advantage of the rapidly growing demand for financial and business services in Abu Dhabi and the greater MENA region.

Why setup a financial services firm in the ADGM?

The ADGM is one of two international financial centres in the UAE. Established in 2015, it quickly rose through the rankings and is now counted as one of the top 25 financial centres in the world. ADGM’s innovative SPV regime, its initiatives in the fintech space and its issuance of the region’s first cryto-asset regulatory framework, have all contributed to its success. 

Clients who wish to cater primarily to the Abu Dhabi market, sovereign wealth funds and Abu Dhabi family offices may consider setting up in the ADGM.

Specific Advantages:

Here are some specific advantages of establishing in the Abu Dhabi Global Market.

LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK:

• Legal framework supports cross-border activities
• 100% foreign ownership permitted
• No restriction on foreign talent or employees
• No restrictions on capital repatriation

TAX BENEFITS:

• Zero tax for 50 years on profits, capital or assets from 2004
• Zero tax on employee income

COUNTERPARTY CONFIDENCE:

• Well regarded, independent regulator
• Independent, English-speaking, common law judicial system
• Distinct from the UAE legal system
• Risk-based regulatory approach

DIVERSE ECOSYSTEM:

• Central to regional deal making
• High concentration of international firms, investment funds, wealth management firms, banks, and financial institutions
• World-class regional and international law and auditing firms, and other professional services
• A growing fund domicile in the region

GEOGRAPHIC EPICENTRE:

• Management offices, holding companies and family offices are located closer to the assets they own or manage
• The Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) is increasingly the centre of gravity for the global economy
• The UAE plays a central role in the growing South-South trade, principally between Asia and Africa
• Well-positioned to harness the potential of emerging markets.

What is a Money Services Business?

Money Services Businesses cover a wide range of money-related activities, starting from payment processing companies to investment services, from individuals and startups to major global enterprises. They can include providing account information services, payment initiation services or analytics on client and corporate accounts. Other core money services can include issuing payment instruments, providing money transmission, payment processor services, digital wallets, operating payment accounts and issuing stored value. Transferwise, Nymcard, Paypal and Revolut are  examples of money service businesses.

ADGM Category 3C Money Services Business License

Firms interested in carrying out money services business activities from the ADGM are required to submit applications to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, or FSRA.

Here are the possible activities that can be carried out under the ADGM Money Services Business License

1. Arranging and Advising on Money Services (includes Account Information Services, Payment Initiation Services and other advising and arranging)

2. Providing Money Services (includes issuing payment instruments, providing money transmission, issuing stored value and providing or operating a payment account).

3. Arranging or Advising on Money Services

4. Money Transmission Services

5. Providing or Operating a Payment Account, executing Payment Transactions or Issuing Payment Instruments

6. Issuing Stored Value

7. The firm would have to work with a local bank in order to get access to the UAE clearing system.

ADGM Capital requirements:

The base capital requirement for a Category 3C Money Services Business License is $ 250,000. Actual capital required will depend on the nature, quantum of business and forecasted annual expenditure, as per the financial model of the proposed firm.

Costs:

Setting up an ADGM Regulated Firm involves the following interactions:

Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)

The FSRA is responsible for reviewing and approving all applications for financial services. Costs depend on the activities applied for, which puts the applicant in one of five categories.

Generally, there are two components of FSRA fees. One – an application processing fee, and the other, an annual licensing fee.

Application fee: US$ 5,000 per activity.

License fee: US$ 5,000 per activity.  

Registration Authority (ADGM RA)

The RA helps to set up the legal structure of the ADGM Regulated Firm. Shareholders can be individual, or corporate. There are many options available, such as ‘Private Company Limited by Shares’ and ‘Limited Liability Partnerships’. In case of Private Company Limited by Shares, the costs for setting up include:

Application for reserving a name (2 working days): US$ 200

Application for Incorporation of a Private Company Limited by Shares (5 working days): US$ 1,500

Commercial License on Incorporation (5 working days): US$ 4,000 (annual fee)

Business Activity Fee: US$ 9,000 (annual fee)

Data Protection:

The data protection notification is part of the process of registering a new entity in the ADGM. The costs involved are as follows:

Registration - US$ 300

Annual renewal – US$ 100

Office spaces:

Every entity registered in the ADGM is required to lease a physical office. You can choose from the WeWork and Regus business centres, or from the four buildings managed by Mubadala.

Prices vary, depending on the space availed and the building. Here is an indication of the prevailing rates:

WeWork Business Centre – from a two-desk office at US$ 15,000.

Fitted Offices – from US$ 55 per square foot.

Visas:

Establishment Card Application – US$ 300

E-channel Application – US$ 1,200

Visas (per visa) – from US$ 1,200

Our Services:

We provide turnkey services for ADGM Category 3C Money Services Business License. From fintech consulting, to assistance in authorisations, to assistance in preparation of the legal documentation, 10 Leaves helps you navigate the FSRA Rulebook and submit an application that is comprehensive, complete and compliant.

Contact us to discuss more about ADGM Category 3C Money Services Business License