ADGM FSRA Rulebooks

What are the ADGM FSRA Rulebooks?

The ADGM FSRA Rulebooks are regulatory frameworks issued by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). These rulebooks provide comprehensive guidance for financial institutions, fintechs, and regulated entities operating within ADGM’s international financial center.

The rulebooks cover areas such as anti-money laundering (AML), prudential requirements, conduct of business, risk management, and compliance obligations.

Why the ADGM FSRA Rulebooks Matter

The rulebooks are critical because they:

  • Set regulatory standards for financial services in ADGM

  • Ensure AML/CFT compliance to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing

  • Establish prudential safeguards for capital adequacy and liquidity

  • Protect consumers through conduct of business rules

  • Support innovation while maintaining robust governance and oversight

Key Components of the ADGM FSRA Rulebooks

  1. Prudential Rulebook – Capital, liquidity, and solvency requirements for firms

  2. Conduct of Business Rulebook – Standards for fair treatment of clients and disclosures

  3. AML & Sanctions Rulebook – Guidelines for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing compliance

  4. Market Infrastructure Rulebook – Requirements for exchanges, clearing houses, and market operators

  5. Islamic Finance Rulebook – Standards for Sharia-compliant financial products and services

Example in Practice

A fintech licensed in ADGM must comply with FSRA’s Conduct of Business Rulebook by:

  • Providing transparent fee disclosures

  • Protecting client assets

  • Implementing AML checks before onboarding customers

  • Maintaining risk management systems in line with FSRA standards

ADGM FSRA Rulebooks vs. Other Regulatory Frameworks

  • ADGM FSRA – Tailored for Abu Dhabi’s financial free zone, balancing innovation and compliance.

  • DFSA Rulebook (DIFC) – Similar framework but specific to Dubai International Financial Centre.

How VComply Can Help

VComply helps firms operating under ADGM FSRA Rulebooks by:

  • Centralizing compliance obligations across AML, prudential, and conduct rulebooks

  • Automating monitoring of capital adequacy, liquidity, and risk controls

  • Mapping FSRA requirements to internal policies and processes

  • Maintaining audit-ready documentation for regulatory inspections

  • Providing dashboards for real-time compliance oversight

With VComply, organizations in ADGM can ensure continuous compliance, streamline governance, and reduce regulatory risks