Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA): Overview and How to Search

Financial Services Regulatory Authority, ADGM (FSRA)

1. What is the FSRA?

The FSRA is the financial services regulator of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). It regulates financial services conducted within ADGM that fall under its statutory remit. It is distinct from regulators in other parts of the UAE and other financial free zones, so first confirm the company’s place of registration and operation.

2. Key responsibilities

• Licensing and supervising regulated financial services activities in ADGM.
• Enforcing rules and regulatory requirements applicable to financial services in ADGM.
• Maintaining market integrity, consumer protection and the soundness of the financial system.

3. How to check an authorised entity

FSRA Public Register: FSRA Public Register

1. Search for the company record by entity name or regulatory number.
2. Check its authorisation status, permitted activities, client categories and restrictions.
3. Compare the address and website in the register with the actual party you are contacting.

4. Important points

ADGM registration, a commercial licence and FSRA authorisation for financial services are not the same thing. Confirm that the authorisation covers the specific financial services offered.

5. Official information

ADGM FSRA: Official regulatory authority page

Refer to the latest information in the FSRA Public Register.

6. Verifying financial authorisation for an ADGM entity

Company incorporation or a commercial licence in ADGM is separate from FSRA authorisation for financial services. Establishing a business in ADGM does not automatically permit an entity to accept customer funds, arrange investments, manage assets or operate a trading platform. In the Public Register, verify the legal name, authorisation status, permitted activities, client categories and additional conditions. Confirm that the registered entity matches the company named in the contract, the website legal notice and the actual recipient of funds.

Other parts of Abu Dhabi and other financial centres in the UAE may have different regulators. An FSRA licence held by one group company cannot be transferred to another company using the same brand. Nor should a firm authorised to serve professional clients automatically be treated as authorised to serve retail clients. If marketing claims do not match the register, pause account opening or payment and verify through the FSRA website. A licence is not an endorsement of a product or a guarantee of returns or compensation.

Public Register verification checklist

After confirming the legal entity name and place of registration in the transaction documents, search by name or FSRA reference number. Record its authorisation status, permitted financial activities, client categories, authority to hold or control client assets and any restrictions, then compare each item with the services the platform offers. Commercial registration and non-financial business licences are not evidence of financial services authorisation, and an entity cannot rely on another group member’s register entry.

Then verify the website, office address, email domain, customer-service number and recipient of client funds. ADGM operates alongside other regulatory zones in the UAE; the words “Abu Dhabi” or “UAE” in a name do not identify the regulator. If register details and sales materials differ, pause funding and confirm through FSRA channels on the official website. Keep the search date, agreement version and payment instructions. Authorisation does not guarantee returns or compensation in every circumstance.