Nareos

ADGM

Your gateway to financial excellence in the ADGM

Nareos is a leading provider of specialized services for businesses and fintech companies in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The ADGM is an emerging financial center in the MENA region, offering a robust independent regulatory framework, a common law system, excellent infrastructure, and significant tax efficiencies. These attributes make it an ideal base for capitalizing on the growing demand for financial and business services in Abu Dhabi and the broader MENA region.

Why choose Nareos for your financial services firm in the ADGM?

Nareos is dedicated to helping firms establish themselves in one of the UAE's premier onshore financial centers. Since its inception in 2015, the ADGM has rapidly ascended the ranks to become one of the top 25 financial centers globally. The ADGM's innovative SPV regime, fintech initiatives, and the introduction of the region's first crypto-asset regulatory framework have all contributed to its success.

Specific advantages with Nareos

Here are some specific advantages of establishing your firm in the Abu Dhabi Global Market with Nareos

Framework

  • Legal framework supporting cross-border activities
  • 100% foreign ownership permitted, no restrictions on capital repatriation
  • No restriction on foreign employees

Tax Efficiencies

  • Zero tax for 50 years on profits, capital, or assets
  • Zero tax on personal income

Confidence

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

Ecosystem

  • High prominence in deal-making in the region
  • Concentration of international financial institutions
  • World-class regional and international professional services
  • A growing fund domicile in the region

Geographic Epicenter

  • Management offices, holding companies, and family offices located closer to the assets they own or manage
  • The Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) is increasingly the center 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

License Categories

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) reviews applications from firms wishing to carry out financial services from the ADGM. The type of business the applicant wishes to engage in defines the category of license required. For example, a firm undertaking low-risk activities such as advising or arranging will require a Category 4 License, while a discretionary portfolio manager will require a Category 3C License. An STP broker, dealing on a matched principal basis, will require a Category 3A License, whereas a market maker or credit provider will require a Category 2 License. Full-fledged banks that accept deposits will come under a Category 1 License.

Capital Requirements

The category of license determines the amount of base capital required. The capital requirement for a Category 4 firm is $10,000. This rises to $500,000 for a Category 3 firm, $2 million for a Category 2 firm, and $10 million for a Category 1 firm.
Category 1

Banks
  • Activities – Accepting Deposits, Managing a PSIAu
Category 2

Market Maker, Provider of Credit
  • Activities – Dealing in Investments as Principal, Providing Credit
Category 3A

Brokerage
  • Activities – Dealing in Investments as Matched Principal, Dealing in Investments as Agent
Category 3B

Custodian
  • Activities – Providing Custody for a Fund, Acting as Trustee for a Fund
Category 3C

Asset Manager, Fund Manager
  • Base Capital for EF, QIF Managers – US$ 50,000
  • Activities – Managing Assets, Managing a Collective Investment Fund, Providing Custody, Managing a PSIAr, Providing Trust Services
Category 4

Investment Advisor, Insurance Advisor
  • Activities – Arranging Deals in Investments, Arranging Credit and Advising on Credit, Advising on Financial Products, Arranging Custody, Insurance Intermediation, Insurance Management, Operating an ATS, Providing Fund Administration, Providing Trust Services, Operating a Crowdfunding Platform
Category 5

Islamic Business
  • Activities – Operating an Islamic Business
Nareos

Why Partner with Nareos?

Nareos offers years of expertise, handling everything from company formation to securing residence visas and ongoing business support.
Contact Us
Nareos Consultancy Services Ltd is licensed by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), UAE.
© NAREOS. All rights reserved.
Website by S/H

Book A Meeting