The ADGM’s 2025–2026 Regulatory Priorities

The ADGM Registration Authority has released its 2025–2026 Regulatory Priorities, outlining nine key focus areas and performance metrics aimed at strengthening compliance, transparency, and innovation across its over 11,000 licensed entities.

This year’s priorities signal a maturing regulatory environment in the UAE; one that’s increasingly tech-driven, enforcement-focused, and investor-friendly. The addition of retail and consumer protection as a new priority, alongside expanded oversight of virtual assets, reflects the ADGM’s ambition to position itself as a global financial hub with robust governance standards.

What’s in the Update and Why Clients Should Care

The ADGM’s 2025–2026 priorities include:

• Mandatory filings and renewals: Timeliness and accuracy are under the microscope.
• Audit quality: Expect more on-site inspections and scrutiny of corporate reporting.
• Tech-driven supervision: Virtual asset firms and innovators should prepare for deeper oversight.
• Beneficial ownership compliance: Late or inaccurate filings could trigger penalties.
• Retail and consumer protection: Firms serving retail clients must enhance transparency and complaint handling.
• AML/TFS (Targeted Financial Sanctions) for DNFBPs (Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions): Continued focus on anti-financial crime obligations.
• Swift enforcement: Unlicensed operations or false claims may face action within 30 days.

The ADGM has also dropped ESG disclosures from its priority list, which is a notable shift that may impact firms with sustainability-linked strategies.

Actionable Steps for Regulated Firms

We recommend firms take action to ensure they are in compliance with the regulator’s priorities for the coming year:

• Ensure all filing submissions are complete and submitted by the deadline.
• Conduct an internal audit-readiness check, especially if you’re due for inspection.
• Assess your tech stack for compliance monitoring, particularly if you operate in the virtual asset space.
• Update consumer-facing policies and complaint-handling procedures.
• DNFBPs should review and update AML/TFS frameworks in preparation for outreach or assessments.
• If you’re unsure about your licensing status or scope, seek guidance now, as enforcement timelines are tightening.

Why Expert Support Matters

Navigating the ADGM’s evolving regulatory landscape requires more than just awareness. It demands strategic foresight, operational agility, and deep jurisdictional insight. Working with a trusted compliance partner can help firms stay ahead of regulatory expectations, avoid costly missteps, and unlock opportunities in a fast-growing market.

If you have questions or concerns about how these priorities affect your firm, our dedicated UAE advisory specialists can help.