ADGM extends beneficial ownership rules to foreign branches and flags nominees on its register
Abu Dhabi Global Market's Registration Authority published amendments to its Beneficial Ownership and Control Regulations on 24 April 2026, in force on publication. Branches of foreign companies and foreign partnerships lose their exemption, the public register shows whether a shareholder or director acts as a nominee, and the Registrar can ask for beneficial ownership information on trusts connected to ADGM.
ADGM is Abu Dhabi's financial free zone, with its own company law and registrar. The changes aim to keep ADGM aligned with OECD and FATF standards.
What changed
- Foreign branches: branches of foreign companies and foreign partnerships registered in ADGM are no longer exempt from the beneficial ownership rules.
- Nominees: the public register shows whether a shareholder or director acts as a nominee.
- Trusts: the Registrar can require beneficial ownership information on trusts connected to ADGM.
- The amendments came into force on publication, 24 April 2026.
Background
An earlier amendment, published on 28 October 2025, added a registered email address to the required beneficial ownership details and a fine for certain breaches.
Who is affected
ADGM companies, partnerships and branches of foreign companies, and their corporate service providers.