By Bill Anderson, FCCA, Chief Executive Officer — Assetica, Dubai, UAE
Definition: An ADGM business valuation is an independent assessment of a company registered in Abu Dhabi Global Market, built on the ADGM evidence base: the share register maintained under the ADGM Companies Regulations, the Certificate of Incorporation and licence from the ADGM Registration Authority, and audited IFRS financial statements. ADGM applies English common law directly through its own courts. Assetica prepares ADGM valuations to RICS, IVS and IFRS standards for M&A, Golden Visa applications, FSRA fund requirements, succession and UAE corporate tax.
M&A and exits, where English common law share purchase agreements and clean share registers widen the credible buyer pool; Golden Visa applications, confirming a shareholding meets the AED 2 million business-route threshold with the applicant's specific stake isolated; FSRA fund and investor diligence, including IPEV-consistent portfolio fair values and NAV support; succession and family structures including ADGM foundations; UAE corporate tax and arm's length transfer pricing; and financial reporting including purchase price allocations, impairment testing and IFRS 13 fair values.
Four structural advantages. The share register maintained under the ADGM Companies Regulations makes ownership and the exact stake unambiguous. The Certificate of Incorporation and licence from the ADGM Registration Authority evidence the entity. Audited IFRS accounts, required of most ADGM entities, give the valuation verifiable inputs. And English common law applied directly, with ADGM Courts, makes warranties, share pledges and drag-along rights predictable to enforce, which supports the jurisdiction premium ADGM companies command.
ADGM valuations sit within Assetica's core business valuation in Dubai practice, alongside DIFC business valuation, business valuation in Abu Dhabi and Golden Visa business valuation.
What is an ADGM business valuation?
An independent assessment of a company registered in Abu Dhabi Global Market, built on the ADGM evidence base: the share register maintained under the ADGM Companies Regulations, the Certificate of Incorporation and licence from the ADGM Registration Authority, and audited IFRS financial statements. Assetica prepares them to RICS, IVS and IFRS standards.
How is ADGM different from DIFC for valuation purposes?
Both are common law financial free zones with their own courts and registrars, and both produce a cleaner evidence base than typical mainland structures. The main distinction is that ADGM applies English common law directly, while DIFC has its own codified common law framework. In practice the valuation methodology is the same; the documentation differs by registrar.
Can I use an ADGM company for the UAE Golden Visa?
Yes. The business route requires your shareholding to be worth at least AED 2 million net of debt, evidenced by an independent valuation accepted by the GDRFA or ICP. ADGM registration does not change the threshold, only the documentation: the share register, ADGM licence and audited IFRS accounts form the evidence base.
Do you value ADGM funds and SPVs?
Yes. We prepare IPEV-consistent portfolio fair values and NAV support for ADGM-domiciled funds and managers, along with valuations of ADGM SPVs and holding structures used for real estate and family assets.
How long does an ADGM valuation take?
Typically five to seven business days from receipt of the share register, licence, audited accounts and management information, with two to three day expedited delivery available for visa or transaction deadlines.