Capital Group secures ADGM licence to expand in Middle East

The approval authorises Capital Group to conduct trading, investment management and distribution activities within ADGM, strengthening its presence in the Middle East and supporting its regional growth strategy.

The regulatory milestone follows the firm’s May 2026 announcement that it planned to establish its first Middle East office in Abu Dhabi. Since then, Capital Group has relocated investment, operational and client-facing professionals from North America, Europe and Asia to build its regional capabilities and support clients across the region.

With approximately $3.6 trillion in assets under management, Capital Group said the new licence would enable it to deepen relationships with institutional and wealth management clients while accessing investment opportunities across the Middle East.

Benno Klingenberg-Timm, Head of Abu Dhabi Office and Head of Institutional Europe and Asia at Capital Group, said establishing a regulated presence in Abu Dhabi brings the firm closer to both clients and regional investment opportunities. He added that the office would launch with investment, operational and client-facing capabilities on the ground, reflecting the company’s confidence in the region’s long-term growth prospects.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said the decision highlighted the strength of Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem and reinforced ADGM’s position as a global financial centre for international institutions seeking opportunities across the region.

Mike Gitlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Capital Group, said the Middle East remains strategically important for the firm and its clients. He noted that securing the regulatory licence demonstrated Capital Group’s long-term commitment to the region and its belief in Abu Dhabi’s continued development as a leading international financial hub.

The approval marks the next stage of Capital Group’s regional expansion and is expected to support the firm’s growing presence in the Middle East as demand from institutional and private investors continues to increase.