Why ADGM?
Advantages
- Trusted reputation. ADGM is a recognized international financial center with a transparent and stable regulatory environment based on English common law, which ensures trust and attractiveness for investors and companies.
- Developed Infrastructure. ADGM, located on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, offers a modern and highly developed infrastructure that facilitates efficient business operations. The zone is equipped with advanced technology, office spaces of various sizes and all the necessary facilities for a comfortable working environment
- Transparency of cryptocurrency regulation. Although the standards for cryptocurrency companies operating in the ADGM are high, the jurisdiction offers clear and transparent cryptocurrency regulation. In addition, the ADGM has a separate Financial Services Regulatory Authority that regularly issues clarifications and guidance on cryptocurrency enforcement.
- Document circulation may take place in English. In ADGM, English is the official language of business communication. This is due to the fact that ADGM's legal system is based on English common law, which makes English the key language for all legal, financial and administrative processes.
Limitations
- Stringent regulatory requirements. The ADGM imposes high standards on crypto service providers, including AML/CFT compliance, which can be burdensome for companies without experience in highly regulated jurisdictions.
- Lengthy legalization process. The legalization process at ADGM can take up to 1 year, depending on the completeness of the submitted documents and fulfillment of all requirements.
- Need for separate licenses. Even with a license in the ADGM, businesses need to obtain separate licenses to expand their presence - for example, in Dubai from VARA or in the freezone DIFC from the DFSA. This is due to the lack of unified crypto regulation in the country.
Who the ADGM is suitable for
- Token issuers
- Crypto exchanges and exchanges
- P2P platforms
- Cryptocurrency wallets and depositories
Cost
The cost level for legalization in the jurisdiction is high.
- Company formation fee: depends on the type of company, the price starts from USD 15,000.
- Authorized capital: depends significantly on the chosen activities, but can range from USD 10,000 to USD 10 million.
- Application fee for licensing: for most regulated activities USD 20,000, but if the company plans to operate as a Multilateral Trading Facility*, the cost will be USD 125,000.
- Annual state license fee: for most regulated activities - USD 15,000, if the company operates as a Multilateral Trading Facility, the cost will be USD 60,000.
- *Multilateral Trading Facility is a regulated venue for trading financial instruments, including digital assets, which is an alternative to traditional exchanges. Such venues are subject to the most stringent requirements.
Main stages of legalization
Company registration with ADGM
- Preparation and submission of the package of necessary documents.
- Application Consideration.
- After preliminary approval from the regulator - finalization of operational preparations and final registration of the company.
Cryptolicensing in ADGM
- Initial contact with the cryptocurrency regulator and preparation and submission of the required documentation package.
- Regulator's review of filings and interviews with key company officials.
- Obtaining a cryptolicense.