ADGM FSRA License 2026: Crypto MTF, Custody & Fees
What it takes to obtain Financial Services Permission: crypto MTF, custody, securities, payments in Abu Dhabi (ADGM): the regulator, minimum capital, local substance, typical timeline and how hard it is to open a corporate bank account, based on regulator publications as of October 2026.
Regulators differ by zone: Dubai mainland and free zones (VARA), DIFC (DFSA), ADGM (FSRA) and the onshore Central Bank. The UAE left the FATF grey list in February 2024.
Key facts (October 2026)
| Regulator | ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority |
|---|---|
| Main licences | Financial Services Permission: crypto MTF, custody, securities, payments |
| Minimum capital | Crypto MTF: 6 months' expenses plus up to 6 more / custody: at least US$250k |
| Local substance | UAE-resident SEO, CO, MLRO; mind and management in ADGM |
| Typical timeline | Pre-application, in-principle approval, then permission |
| Corporate banking | Capital injection is an IPA condition, so a UAE account comes first |
Capital and fees are taken from regulators' rules and publications (October 2026), in local currency, and are confirmed case by case before applying.
What to consider
- Crypto MTF: US$125k application, US$60k a year.
- Crypto activities carry an add-on fee (US$20k application, US$15k a year).
Serving clients in Japan
A foreign licence does not let you deal with residents of Japan in FX, securities or crypto: as a rule, Japanese registration is required. See Japan rules.
FAQ
What is the minimum capital for a financial licence in Abu Dhabi (ADGM)?
Crypto MTF: 6 months' expenses plus up to 6 more / custody: at least US$250k. Requirements can rise with the activities and size of the business.
How long does licensing take in Abu Dhabi (ADGM)?
Pre-application, in-principle approval, then permission. Missing documents extend the timeline, so preparation matters.
Do I need staff or an office in Abu Dhabi (ADGM)?
UAE-resident SEO, CO, MLRO; mind and management in ADGM. Nominee-only structures are not accepted; real management and compliance are expected.
Can I open a corporate bank account in Abu Dhabi (ADGM)?
Capital injection is an IPA condition, so a UAE account comes first. We recommend preparing banking in parallel with the licence application.
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