Building a Global Financial Hub From Scratch: Abu Dhabi's ADGM
Jan 11, 2024
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Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of ADGM, discusses how ADGM became a global financial hub by implementing English common law, attracting investors through legal certainty, and crafting financial legislation based on best practices. They also explore regulations on FinTech, digital assets, and carbon markets. Challenges include a global recession and geopolitical issues, while emphasizing the importance of capital mobility and the positive relationship between ADGM and DIFC.
ADGM is a financial free zone in Abu Dhabi based on English common law, aiming to become a global financial center.
ADGM's regulatory framework is benchmarked against global best practices, tailored to local needs for economic diversification.
Deep dives
About ADGM and its Financial Free Zone
ADGM is a financial free zone in Abu Dhabi that connects the capital markets around the world. It operates under separate laws and regulations, disapplying the civil and commercial laws of the UAE and Abu Dhabi. The legal structure is based on the direct application of English common law. ADGM has a comprehensive suite of financial services legislation, an independent common law court, and a growing ecosystem of international and local financial institutions.
The Purpose and Diversification Journey of ADGM
The establishment of ADGM is driven by the long-term diversification strategy of Abu Dhabi and the UAE to reduce dependence on the oil and gas industry. Financial services play a key role in diversification, promoting economic growth and expanding the GDP. ADGM facilitates the growth of the financial service sector within Abu Dhabi and serves as a global trading hub. The goal is to become a leading international financial center, fostering economic activity and attracting entities worldwide.
The Evolving Regulatory Framework of ADGM
ADGM started from scratch and developed a robust regulatory framework. They benchmarked against global best practices while tailoring the regulations to suit local needs. The legal framework includes the direct application of English common law and comprehensive legislation in areas such as companies, insolvency, fintech, sustainable finance, and more. ADGM ensures compliance with international standards, engages with industry stakeholders, and continuously reviews and improves legislation to adapt to changing economic activities and maintain relevance.
John is joined by Emmanuel Givanakis, the CEO of Abu Dhabi Global Markets Financial Services Authority (ADGM). They discuss the growth of the ADGM as a leading international financial center based on its unique structure as an independent free zone within Abu Dhabi in which English common law directly applies and judges from the UK and other common law countries hear cases in an independent common law court. They discuss the role the ADGM plays in diversifying Abu Dhabi’s economy away from the oil and gas industry, the importance of providing legal certainty to attract investors, and how the ADGM chose aspects of corporate, insolvency and financial services legislation from the UK, Australia and international financial regulatory groups to craft its own financial legislation that reflected international “best practices” that would be familiar to investors from any continent. They also discuss how the ADGM has implemented legislation regarding FinTech, digital assets and carbon markets and how AI can promote regulatory compliance. Finally, they discuss challenges the ADGM may face in the future including the possibility of a global recession, geopolitical issues in the region, as well as the importance of allowing capital to move freely into and out of the region.