Abu Dhabi Global Market Secures Interest from Eight Global Asset Managers at Milken 2026
ADGM showcased Abu Dhabi as the “capital of capital” at Milken 2026 as eight global asset managers overseeing $4.4trn plan to establish in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Abu Dhabi Global Market used its presence at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles to highlight growing institutional demand for an Abu Dhabi base. The ADGM delegation, led by Chairman Ahmed Jassim Al Zaabi, announced that eight leading global financial firms that together manage about $4.4 trillion in assets have signalled plans to establish a presence in Abu Dhabi following talks in March and April.
ADGM Announces Interest from Eight Global Asset Managers
During the visit to Los Angeles, ADGM detailed commitments from global investment managers who have publicly expressed intent to enter the Abu Dhabi market. The announcements, made across March and April, signal renewed appetite among large asset managers for platforms that offer regulatory clarity and regional access.
ADGM framed the disclosures as part of a deliberate outreach programme designed to convert initial interest into operational commitments. Officials emphasised that the March–April discussions are a first step toward longer-term partnerships and market entry, rather than immediate licence grants.
Delegation Emphasized Abu Dhabi as Capital of Capital
The delegation underscored Abu Dhabi’s evolving role as a global financial hub capable of linking capital flows between northern and southern markets. Chairman Ahmed Jassim Al Zaabi described the emirate as a strategic nexus for investors seeking stability, institutional strength and connectivity to regional opportunities.
ADGM presented its regulatory framework and governance model as core selling points that attract large-scale investors. The messaging stressed that Abu Dhabi combines sovereign-backed stability with access to fast-growing markets across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
Meetings with Policymakers and Global Institutions
On the sidelines of the conference, ADGM leaders held a series of bilateral meetings with international policymakers, sovereign investors and senior executives at major asset managers. These sessions focused on regulatory alignment, market access, and mechanisms to facilitate cross-border investment flows into the region.
The discussions also explored practical steps to smooth market entry for global firms, including licensing pathways, tax and regulatory considerations, and partnership structures. ADGM said its objective is to transform one-off interest into durable institutional commitments that deliver capital and expertise to Abu Dhabi.
Panel Discussion on Driving Financial Innovation
Chairman Al Zaabi joined a public panel with Alan Schwartz, Chief Executive and Chairman of Guggenheim Partners, to discuss financial innovation and the role of new market platforms. The dialogue highlighted Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategy and the ways a resilient financial ecosystem can support that transition.
Panelists discussed themes such as digital asset infrastructure, sustainable finance and the importance of clear governance in enabling innovation. ADGM used the platform to reinforce its work on enabling cutting-edge financial services while maintaining robust oversight.
ADGM’s Roadmap to a Top-Five Financial Centre
ADGM reiterated its ambition to rank among the world’s top five financial centres by building a trusted, transparent and accessible marketplace. Officials described ongoing initiatives to refine regulatory rules, enhance governance and expand direct access to regional and international investment opportunities.
Key priorities include enabling capital flows, fostering financial technology development, and attracting long-term asset managers that can anchor Abu Dhabi’s markets. ADGM framed these steps as necessary to support the emirate’s broader economic diversification and to position Abu Dhabi as a principal node in global capital networks.
Looking ahead, ADGM said it will continue targeted outreach to institutional investors and expand dialogue with international regulators to accelerate market entry for interested firms. The delegation left Milken with follow-up commitments and a mandate to translate expressions of interest into concrete licences and investments that deepen Abu Dhabi’s role in global finance.
