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On May 21, 2026, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) published amendments to its Financial Services and Markets Regulations following approval by the ADGM Board of Directors on May 19, 2026. The Financial Services and Markets (Amendment No. 1) Regulations 2026 represent enhancements to the anti-money laundering (AML) framework governing financial services operations within the ADGM. The amendments strengthen the AML compliance requirements applicable to financial services firms operating in the ADGM jurisdiction. The updated framework applies to all financial services and markets participants licensed or regulated by the ADGM's Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), including banks, investment firms, money services businesses, and other regulated entities operating within the jurisdiction. Key provisions include: Regulatory Oversight : The Regulator is designated as the primary Supervisory Authority for anti-money laundering (AML) in the ADGM, overseeing all "Relevant Persons" except Legal Professionals. Federal Law Alignment : The amendments expand the definition of money laundering to include terrorist financing, proliferation financing, and sanctions non-compliance to align ADGM with updated UAE Federal AML laws from 2025. Strict DNFBP Restrictions : Designated Non-Financial Businesses or Professions (DNFBPs) are prohibited from operating without mandatory registration, which the Regulator can suspend or withdraw for non-compliance, insolvency, or inactivity. Power Delegation : The Regulator is empowered to delegate its supervisory, registration, and enforcement powers over DNFBPs directly to the ADGM Registrar of Companies. Cross-Border Cooperation : The Regulator can share confidential information and exercise its own investigative powers to assist non-ADGM financial regulators and law enforcement agencies in combatting financial crime The amendments came into effect on publication on May 21, 2026. Financial services firms operating within the ADGM must ensure compliance with the updated AML requirements outlined in the Financial Services and Markets (Amendment No. 1) Regulations 2026. Firms should review the amended regulations in detail to understand the specific compliance obligations and implement any necessary changes to their AML policies, procedures, and control systems. The FSRA may provide further guidance or implementation timelines for specific provisions as needed.