iCapital Secures ADGM License to Scale Alternative Investing in Middle East

Quick Summary

iCapital has secured a Financial Services Permission from Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to provide **alternative investing** solutions across the Middle East. This milestone allows the fintech leader to offer institutional-quality private markets and Sharia-compliant strategies to qualified investors through its new Abu Dhabi hub.

How does iCapital facilitate alternative investing in the Gulf?

**Alternative investing** is now more accessible to professional investors in the Middle East following iCapital's receipt of a Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the FSRA of ADGM. This regulatory milestone enables the firm to deliver **institutional-quality private markets** and hedge fund opportunities directly to the Gulf's rapidly growing wealth management sector. By establishing a local presence in Abu Dhabi, iCapital provides the **technology infrastructure and education** necessary for wealth managers to implement complex strategies at scale.

• **$1.2 trillion assets** currently serviced globally on the iCapital platform.
• **$327 billion** in alternative platform assets managed.
• **18 global offices** including the new Abu Dhabi hub.

What role does the ADGM license play in regional expansion?

The ADGM license serves as a **strategic growth gateway**, allowing iCapital to serve eligible clients locally while adhering to a **well-regulated financial environment**. This expansion builds upon a partnership with MPW Capital Advisors to reach investors across the GCC. As demand for **diversified investment portfolios** surges, iCapital’s local presence ensures that solutions are tailored to regional requirements and the evolving wealth ecosystem.

“We congratulate iCapital on securing its FSP and welcome its continued expansion in ADGM. This reflects the strength of ADGM’s ecosystem in enabling global financial services firms to scale from Abu Dhabi and deliver innovative investment solutions across the region. As demand for alternative and Sharia-compliant investment strategies continues to grow, ADGM remains committed to supporting a dynamic, well-regulated environment that advances the development of the wealth and asset management sector,” said Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM.

How does iCapital address Sharia-compliant investment needs?

To meet specific regional preferences, iCapital has partnered with Aditum Investment Management Limited to expand **Sharia-compliant investment strategies**. Aditum, which manages over **$9 billion in assets**, provides the specialist Islamic structuring required to bring global private market capabilities to local investors. This initiative ensures that **alternative investing** remains inclusive of cultural and religious requirements while maintaining high performance standards.

“The Middle East is one of the most dynamic and strategically important growth markets for iCapital. The receipt of our ADGM license and the expansion of Sharia-compliant strategies mark important milestones in our long-term commitment to the region. As wealth managers and eligible investors increasingly incorporate alternative investments, including private markets and hedge funds, into diversified portfolios, we are focused on delivering the products, technology infrastructure, and education needed to support thoughtful implementation at scale. Our local presence in Abu Dhabi strengthens our ability to serve clients across the Gulf with solutions that reflect regional requirements and the continued evolution of the wealth management ecosystem,” said Brooks Entwistle, Head of International at iCapital.

FF NEWS TAKE:

iCapital’s move into Abu Dhabi is a definitive signal that **alternative investing** is no longer a niche play in the Middle East; it is becoming a core pillar of the region's wealth management strategy. By securing the ADGM license and integrating Sharia-compliant options, iCapital is effectively removing the friction points that previously hindered local access to global private markets. This move significantly moves the needle for regional fintech infrastructure.