JTC’s Abu Dhabi office operates within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), which is the pre-eminent international finance centre in the MENA region for business and fintech.
The ADGM is renowned for offering an excellent infrastructure for businesses to work within and is supported by robust independent regulators, a strong common law network and high quality workforce. Established in 2015, it is now considered to be among the top financial centres globally according to the Global Financial Centers Index (GFCI) 2022.
With demand for business operations and services increasing in the region, the ADGM is a catalyst for growth. It offers the necessary security and high level of regulation that global businesses, such as JTC, require from financial regions.
JTC’s stronghold in the ADGM has helped the team to respond to this growing popularity from clients and intermediaries for services in the region. The benefits of the ADGM to clients are plenty, especially as ADGM companies/entities are based on English Common Law. Businesses are therefore bound to high standards that are on par with the wider global business world.
Other benefits of the ADGM include zero rate corporate income tax, no foreign ownership restrictions or limits on repatriation of profits and no withholding tax. The popular Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) offering also helps to provide clients with security in their investments.
The ADGM continues to evolve and grow to accommodate its global service providers. In the ever-changing financial sector, it is essential that all jurisdictions respond promptly and responsibly. Areas such as sustainable finance are gaining traction in the ADGM, reflecting the region’s understanding of how companies and individuals are committing to key Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals.
A well-regulated region
The ADGM is well-regulated and has three independent authorities: the Registration Authority (RA), the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and ADGM Courts. These regulatory bodies ensure that any business activities within the environment are in line with international best practices. JTC is committed to high levels of regulation and has a large Risk & Compliance team dedicated to maintaining regulatory consistency across its global offices, including in Abu Dhabi.
JTC’s position in the ADGM continues to strengthen one year on from the establishment of the Abu Dhabi office. It is a premier destination to both live and work and provides the perfect environment for financial growth. The MENA market is expected to see further expansion in the coming years, and JTC’s foothold in Abu Dhabi, as well as in Dubai, helps to keep its services competitive and well-suited to the demands of our clients.
If you would like to find out more about how the ADGM and the JTC Abu Dhabi office could benefit you, please get in touch with Head of UAE, Alia Haskouri.
