In This Article
- What motivated ADGM to focus on the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). How do you see it transforming the financial sector in Abu Dhabi and the wider region?
- Beyond DLT adoption, what other strategic initiatives is ADGM pursuing to establish itself as a prominent crypto hub?
- Regulatory compliance is an important issue in the world of crypto. How can DLT be used to ensure regulatory compliance in the financial sector? What advice would you give to companies considering utilising DLT within ADGM’s regulatory framework?
- About ADGM
The UAE’s international financial center, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), has been in the news for making power moves in the crypto and tech sector.
A spokesperson for ADGM Registration Authority spoke to 99Bitcoins about the future and scope of cryptocurrency in the UAE and said,
“We see blockchain and crypto technologies as integral to future ecosystems, promoting transparency, security, efficiency, and interoperability across various sectors. By working closely with global regulators and industry leaders, the UAE is positioning itself as a trusted jurisdiction for technology innovation, paving the way for resilient, secure, and innovative digital ecosystems.”
They continued:
“The UAE has adopted a proactive and regulatory-first approach to digital technologies, ensuring that innovation and responsible adoption go hand-in-hand,” he added. “As an international innovation hub, ADGM has established a comprehensive and transparent regulatory framework rooted in English common law, providing businesses with clarity and familiarity while enabling responsible technological growth.”
What motivated ADGM to focus on the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). How do you see it transforming the financial sector in Abu Dhabi and the wider region?
“We recognise DLT to be more than just a tool for efficiency. It’s a catalyst for next-generation innovation that is unlocking new possibilities. It is helping to redefine how traditional and digital assets, like USDC, are managed.”
“The combination of DLT with AI, IoT and even crypto mining is already providing new opportunities, across various sectors including smart cities and sustainable finance. For example, DLT ensures secure, decentralised communication between IoT devices, enabling smarter and greener cities. Within sustainability, we can see blockchain technology powering solutions to track carbon credits, promote renewable energy trading, and enhance sustainability efforts. DLT is enhancing AI-powered systems via immutable ledgers that secure data integrity and provenance.”
“Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a leading hub for blockchain and Web3 development and a jurisdiction where innovation thrives”
“We are witnessing first-hand how technology enables seamless, tamper-proof digital asset management. As a regulator and global innovation hub, ADGM is committed to fostering the responsible advancement and adoption of DLT across various sectors, positioning Abu Dhabi at the forefront of technological innovation.”
“Our focus on DLT stems from its unparalleled potential to redefine industries and bridge digital ecosystems. By fostering DLT Foundations within ADGM’s ecosystem, we drive innovation, attract top global talent, and encourage cross-industry partnerships. As a result, we are seeing tech companies being enabled to build blockchain-based platforms, the establishment of partnerships that are amplifying the impact of emerging technologies and the convergence of top talent developers and researchers in Abu Dhabi to shape the future of technology. This isn’t just about financial services, it’s about building a future where technology drives new industries, creates efficiencies, and unlocks economic opportunities across sectors and the region.”
Beyond DLT adoption, what other strategic initiatives is ADGM pursuing to establish itself as a prominent crypto hub?
“DLT is just one piece of the puzzle. Although DLT is a key focus, ADGM’s broader mission is to create an environment where multiple cutting-edge technologies such as AI, blockchain, and sustainable crypto mining intersect and thereby unlock opportunities.”
“Our global blockchain alliances, regulatory leadership, and events like the DLT Roundtable reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a central player in the digital asset space.”
“We are actively supporting companies that combine these technologies to solve real-world challenges. Another focus area is encouraging sustainable crypto-mining practices through renewable energy solutions. With RegTech and GovTech, we are helping startups to develop tools that modernise regulatory and governmental processes.”
“Our goal is simple: to provide businesses with the right tools, legal frameworks, and networks to scale responsibly, thereby strengthening Abu Dhabi’s reputation as an innovative hub, while ensuring compliance and security.”
Regulatory compliance is an important issue in the world of crypto. How can DLT be used to ensure regulatory compliance in the financial sector? What advice would you give to companies considering utilising DLT within ADGM’s regulatory framework?
“Trust and transparency are fundamental to the future of digital ecosystems, and DLT plays a critical role in achieving both. Its ability to create transparent, immutable, tamper-proof records and decentralised governance models makes it particularly valuable for highly regulated industries. For instance, ADGM-registered DLT Foundations utilise blockchain-based voting systems to ensure transparent and accountable decision-making processes. Additionally, cross-industry applications—from logistics to healthcare—are redefining data management practices and enhancing operational efficiency.”
“At ADGM, our feedback to companies considering DLT within ADGM’s framework is simple: build scalable and interoperable solutions and align your strategies with global trends like AI integration and sustainability. Those looking to leverage DLT should prioritise compliance by integrating RegTech solutions early and engaging with regulators openly and proactively. Our ecosystem provides the support and expertise needed to help businesses in these areas. We encourage firms to collaborate with us and other firms in the ecosystem to accelerate their journey from being just a concept to having a real-world impact.”
About ADGM
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an international financial centre and free zone located on Al Maryah Island in the United Arab Emirates’s capital, Abu Dhabi. The financial centre was established in 2013 and became fully operational in October 2015.
ADGM regulates the trading of digital assets and became an attractive jurisdiction for crypto companies after it introduced digital asset regulation in 2018. That same year ADGM joined the World Alliance of International Financial Centers.
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