Abu Dhabi, UAE:  The ADGM Registration Authority (“RA”) has published the Administrative Regulations 2025 (the “Admin Regulations”) and consequential amendments to the relevant commercial legislation.

The Admin Regulations, together with the enhancements to the commercial legislation, provide a clear and properly calibrated root-and-branch solution which enhances the RA’s statutory framework concerning contraventions, sanctions and enforcement procedures, which improves and simplifies the previous framework and promotes consistency across the existing ADGM commercial legislation.

A summary of some of the key features of the Admin Regulations is as follows:

  • Consolidation and enhancement of the RA’s investigation powers and information gathering powers
  • Updated fine levels and administrative sanctions to more accurately reflect the nature and severity of contraventions 
  • Introduction of a two-fold tiered approach to contraventions with different enforcement processes and procedures based on the severity of the contravention
  • Enhanced supervisory and enforcement powers to support the RA in bringing its supervisory/enforcement actions to conclusion in a transparent, efficient, and fair manner
  • Introduction of a statutory emergency process that the RA CEO can deploy in cases of exceptional urgency.
  • Introduction of a statutory power to provide the RA with the ability to enter into settlement agreements, with a settlement process that is clearly prescribed.

Enactment of the Admin Regulations and amendments to the relevant ADGM Regulations, and repeal and replacement of the Commercial Licensing Regulations and the relevant ADGM Rules are effective upon publication. The enacted versions of the Admin Regulations and the relevant commercial legislation are publicly available and can be viewed here:

About ADGM

ADGM is the international financial centre (IFC) of the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, which opened for business on 21 October 2015. ADGM augments Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading financial centre and a business hub serving as a strategic link between the growing economies of the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and the rest of the world.

Operating within an international regulatory framework based on the direct application of English Common Law, ADGM governs the entirety of Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, collectively designated as the financial free zone of Abu Dhabi.

ADGM is ranked as one of the most preferred and top-ranking IFCs in the Middle East and Africa region. Its progressive and inclusive business ecosystem fosters growth, resilience, and optimism for global financial and non-financial institutions. Growing synergies between ADGM and multiple jurisdictions have positioned the centre as one of the world’s most advanced, diverse, and progressively governed financial hubs.

For more details on ADGM, please visit www.adgm.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram: @ADGM X: @adglobalmarket

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