Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Registration Authority has introduced new regulations aimed at strengthening oversight of legal, tax, and company service providers operating within its jurisdiction.
The new framework, which takes effect immediately, consists of two key rule sets — the Commercial Licensing Regulations (Conditions of Licence and Branch Registration) Rules 2025 and the Commercial Licensing Regulations (Controlled Activities) Rules 2025. Together, they replace the earlier framework and introduce clearer standards for professional licensing, governance, and conduct across ADGM-licensed firms.
Under the updated rules, legal service providers must appoint a managing partner or equivalent with at least eight years of post-qualification experience. They are also required to maintain an ADGM-registered office, secure professional indemnity insurance, and submit annual returns to the Registration Authority.
Tax service providers are required to ensure that at least half of their senior management are suitably qualified professionals and they must hold professional indemnity insurance and comply with defined principles of conduct.
For company service providers, the framework introduces mandatory conflict-of-interest policies and procedures to ensure greater governance and transparency.
The new regulations apply immediately to new applicants, while existing licence holders will be given transitional periods to align with the updated requirements.
