News

Policy & Legal Updates

Regional Tensions Fail to Slow Asset Management Growth in UAE Financial Hubs

Asset management and fund setup activity across DIFC and ADGM has rebounded strongly following the summer months despite regional tensions. According to an analysis published in Funds Global MENA by law firm Simmons & Simmons, proximity to sovereign wealth funds and engaged regulators continue to draw international asset managers. The influx spans hedge fund startups, European relocations, and new regulated fund launches.

China–UAE News

Radiant World Misses September Salary Payments for Employees Amid Restructuring

Employees at iron ore trader Radiant World in Singapore, China, and Europe reported that their September salaries were not paid on schedule, according to The Straits Times. Staff indicated that recent salaries had been disbursed from a company account in Dubai, with the delay occurring as court-appointed interim judicial managers KPMG assume oversight of operations. The disruption follows legal actions by multiple lenders alleging the company raised financing using falsified documents, claims the trader has previously denied.

Industry News

UAE Advances Global Water Investment and Technology Engagements Ahead of Abu Dhabi Summit

The UAE conducted high-level diplomatic, investment, and technology engagements during the 81st UN General Assembly and Climate Week in New York. UAE officials convened more than 50 investors and executives to unlock capital for water infrastructure and discussed AI applications in hydrological management. The initiatives build momentum toward the 2026 UN Water Conference, which the UAE and Senegal will co-host in Abu Dhabi this December.

Policy & Legal Updates

ADGM Regulator Sets Out Comprehensive Financial Reform Agenda Through 2027

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market has outlined its regulatory reform agenda through 2027, covering funds, digital assets, and decentralized finance. The roadmap introduces streamlined regimes for sub-threshold and institutional fund managers alongside forthcoming guidance on DeFi activities. ADGM currently hosts over 410 authorised financial institutions, with approximately 160 additional firms seeking authorisation.