Authorization Of Financial
Services Firms
Authorised Firm in ADGM
The type of business you intend to undertake will determine the business activities for which the Authorisation / permission is to be sought and the Category under which such activities falls. The capital requirement for Authorised firm range from US $10,000 to USD 10 million. Capital waivers may be available to the ADGM branch of a regulated financial institution having its head office in a recognized regulatory jurisdiction.
Firms wishing to undertake only marketing and referral activities without providing any other financial services may establish a Representative Office. Such firms will not have clients in the regulatory sense and will therefore benefit from a ‘light touch’ regulatory approach commensurate with this more limited scope of business.
How to Setup an Authorised Firm In ADGM
Setting up an Authorised firm in ADGM, to carry out financial services activities in ADGM, involves seeking authorisation or obtaining financial services permission from FSRA – the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). FSRA is an independent regulator in ADGM whose mandate is to establish a robust, well-regulated financial market that is aligned with international standards and best practices of global financial centres such as London, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Firms established in the ADGM will have 100% foreign ownership and is subject to a civil, commercial and regulatory environment aligned with entities established in the United Kingdom. Such firms must have a permanent place of business in the ADGM, are e regulated by the FSRA (referred as regulated entities). They include, but are not limited to, Banks, Brokers and Dealers, Asset Managers, Corporate Financiers, Wealth Managers, Insurers and Insurance Intermediaries, etc.
Almost all regulated authorized firms are required to appoint:
- Senior Executive Officer
- Compliance Officer
- Money Laundering Reporting Officer
- Finance Officer
- For entity established in the ADGM as a company (as opposed to a branch), at least one Director
The Application Process
To set up your Authorized Firm in ADGM, you will have to go through a detailed application review process. The Application process includes the following:
Initial meetings and detailed discussion with the FSRA’s case officers
Submission of General Information for Regulated Activities (GIRA) form and other supplementary forms, along with detailed Regulatory Business Plan and other documents
Fee payment
FSRA’s review of application followed by queries; providesatisfactory clarification / replies
FSRA’s interview with proposed senior management of the applicant firm
In-principal approval (with conditions, if any)
Fulfil the conditions and Formation registration of ADGM Company
Issue of Financial Service Authorization
Key for a successful financial service permission from FSRA is to demonstrate the fitness and propriety key personnel and owners, appropriate systems and controls in place to satisfy its regulatory obligations and adequate capital resources.
How KPI Can Help?
KPI will be pleased to help you in your business setup in ADGM. From assessing your requirements right up to getting your business started we will be there for you; we will be there with you during the entire process. That means, we do all that takes to start your dream venture.
Business Activities: Which business activities you intend to carry out?
Mapped to Appropriate Category: How it can be mapped to the appropriate category of Authorized Firm of the FSRA, ADGM
• Assistance in completion of all application forms & documentation
• Assistance in preparing Regulatory business plan & Prudential Return forms
• Assistance in preparation of the financial projections
• Help demonstrate your fitness and probity test to obtain the license
• Handholding for the entire process till you get your license
Speak to our experts who can guide you in the right direction and help you to stay ahead.
Explore Other ADGM Services & Tools
Setting Up ADGM SPVs
Setting Up ADGM Funds
Setting Up a Business in ADGM
Setting Up ADGM Foundations
Why KPI as Your Trusted Business Advisor?
Over the years, we have provided guidance and helped many businesses by setting the right path
- Personalized Services - We treat each application as our own
- Having helped establish more than 30 Authorized firms in DIFC and ADGM, our experts have the right experience to guide you through each step of the process.
- We have been at the ADGM since inception – the 1st entity to register at the centre
- We help to authorize the first foreign fund manager & the first Category 2 entity at the ADGM
- Experienced professionals – CFA Charter holders, experienced risk and compliance, and banking professionals