Latest news with #ADGM
Zawya
12 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
New Energy Investor Summit Middle East 2025 unites global leaders to accelerate green investments
This landmark event aims to bridge the gap between capital and renewable energy projects, spotlighting the UAE's pivotal role in the global energy transition and positioning Abu Dhabi as the Capital of Green Capital. Abu Dhabi, The New Energy Investor Summit Middle East 2025 convened at ADGM bringing together global policymakers, project developers, investors, and sustainability pioneers to catalyse investment in green energy and decarbonisation initiatives across the Middle East and beyond. This landmark event aims to bridge the gap between capital and concrete climate action, spotlighting the UAE's pivotal role in the global energy transition. The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in high-level discussions, fostering partnerships and exploring investment opportunities in renewable energy, hydrogen, and sustainable infrastructure. The event attracted regional and global leaders in climate finance and energy transition at ADGM, positioning Abu Dhabi as the Capital of Green Capital. The summit, themed 'Bridging the Gap Between Capital and Projects', opened with a keynoteaddress by Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President & CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA). During the inaugural keynote, Her Highness stated: 'A substantial gap exists between the amount of finance needed to achieve our ambitious net zero goals, and where we stand today. Platforms like the New Energy Investor Summit are vital to unlocking capital, driving innovation, and strengthening collaboration. Similarly, initiatives like the UICCA's UAE Carbon Alliance, Policy Hack series, and its Launchpad programme, are all part of a broader effort to build a robust, inclusive climate ecosystem. By aligning public and private efforts, we can accelerate investment in clean technologies and advance carbon markets to support climate action – while growing the green economy.' Session 1: High-Level Dialogue on Global Policy, Regulation and Investment The first session explored national and regional frameworks that support decarbonisation and investment. The topics included the alignment of energy policies with international climate agreements and regulatory incentives to accelerate renewable energy adoption. Participants examined the role of financial regulators, as well as how national infrastructure planning can align with long-term decarbonization goals and efforts towards energy transition. Keynotes were delivered by H.E. Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADGM Registration Authority, and Horst H. Mahmoudi, Executive Chairman of Smartenergy, with expert insights from Dipak Sakaria (UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure), Petra Schwager (UNIDO), Cornelius Matthes (Dii Desert Energy), Wael Almazeedi (Avance), and Hector Perea (XRG). H.E. Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADGM Registration Authority, said: 'The New Energy Investor Summit reinforces ADGM's position as a global leader in climate innovation and further solidifies Abu Dhabi's role as the home of Green Capital. As the world faces an urgent demand for climate action, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment where the need to connect investment with innovation, has never been more critical. Today, we are building the bridges that will link capital with climate solutions, align ambition with tangible action, and unite policymakers, investors, and innovators'. Horst H. Mahmoudi, Executive Chairman of Smartenergy, said: 'Our venture into the UAE is a strategic decision to place Smartenergy at the nexus of the world's emerging new energy hubs. Under its visionary leadership, the UAE is spearheading the worldwide push towards clean and renewable energy. We are committed to supporting these initiatives by catalysing green molecule markets. The New Energy Investor Summit is helping us to create a bridge between continents to capitalise on the emerging opportunities offered by the current renewable energy market.' Session 2: Transcontinental Synergies MEA-Europe This session explored strategic cooperation between the Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Europe in building integrated green value chains and achieving shared climate targets. Topics include transcontinental hydrogen corridors, harmonizing certification standards for green molecules, and the role of intergovernmental agreements in unlocking cross-border trade and investment. Speakers addressed joint R&D initiatives, infrastructure co-development, and the importance of political and international alignment to create predictable, long-term frameworks for decarbonization. Keynotes were presented by H.E. Lucie Berger, EU Ambassador to the UAE; H.E. Arthur Mattli, Swiss Ambassador to the UAE and Bahrain; and Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe. Panelists included Capt. Saif Al Mheiri (AD Ports Group), David Smith (Marubeni), and Dimitrios Dimitriou (EMSTEEL Group), Siddharth Malik, CEO (Jindal Renewables) and Anas Aljuaidi, (Mannesmann Energy) who discussed cross-border collaboration and investment in clean hydrogen, infrastructure, and climate technology. Session 3: Supply and Demand – Scaling up Green Molecule Production The third session addressed the industrial-scale production of green molecules such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF). As green hydrogen emerges as a pivotal solution in the global race to decarbonize, and given the increased demand for energy, this session explored the financial, technological, and geopolitical dimensions of scaling up hydrogen ecosystems. Keynotes were presented by Andreas Michael Feil, First Secretary, German Embassy UAE, Dr. Alejandro Rios Galvan (SAF Consultant), Andrès Isaza (Smartenergy). The panel featured Dr. Sami Kamel (Dutco Cleantech), Raghu Viswanathan (Smartenergy), Alexandros Kosmas, (Airbus), Pedro Amaral Jorge, (APREN) and Alexis Rostand (Eiffel Investment Group). Session 4: Bridging the Gap – Financing Mega-scale Green Molecule Projects This session delved into the critical financial frameworks and instruments needed to bring mega-scale hydrogen and green molecule projects from vision to reality. Speakers addressed the bankability of large-scale infrastructure investments, evolving risk-sharing mechanisms, and innovative financing models including blended finance, sovereign guarantees, and green bonds. The discussion highlighted how multilateral institutions, export credit agencies, and private capital can align to unlock billions in green infrastructure. With global demand for low-carbon fuels accelerating, the session explored how transparent regulatory environments and long-term offtake agreements can de-risk investments and catalyze global capital flows into the MENA region. A keynote was presented by Nabil Ayoun, Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA). The panel featured Mohamed Hesham, (2PointZero), Gido Van Graas, (FAB), Maheur Mourali (the Arab Energy Fund), Karim Mourad, (ADIA) and Sami Neffati (Investcorp). A Platform for Action The summit underscored the UAE's leadership in advancing sustainable finance and innovation. It provided a vital forum for aligning policy, capital, and technology to accelerate the region's energy transition. With participation from global investors, government officials, and climate experts, the event fostered actionable dialogue on green project development, financing mechanisms, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships. Panel discussions explored investment opportunities in green hydrogen, cross-border collaboration between the Middle East and Europe, and the role of private investment, technological progress and public-private partnerships in accelerating the energy transition. About the New Energy Investor Summit Middle East Organized by leading industry bodies and supported by regional authorities, the summit serves as a catalyst for sustainable investment in the Middle East. By bringing together key players in the energy sector, the event aims to facilitate the deployment of clean technologies and promote economic diversification and energy transition, aligned with environmental goals. Hosted by ADGM and Smartenergy, the New Energy Investor Summit Middle East serves as a premier platform for connecting capital with climate-positive projects. It aims to mobilise investment in renewable energy, clean technology, and decarbonisation strategies, supporting the UAE's vision for a sustainable, net-zero economy. The New Energy Investor Summit Middle East will be held annually. Next year's edition is scheduled for 15 April 2026. Smartenergy Founded in 2011 and located in Wollerau, Switzerland, Smartenergy focuses on investments in renewable energy and related ventures. We identify, develop and deliver green energy assets. We are a driving force in the ongoing transition of industry towards green energy, focused on the deployment of solar, wind, green hydrogen and Power-to-Liquid projects. We are committed to the potential of hydrogen and its derivatives such as eSAF for decarbonization where electrification is not possible. Beyond our headquarters team in Wollerau, we rely on our own local subsidiaries in all our focus markets. Local knowledge and proximity to industry stakeholders allow us to identify and secure opportunities at an early stage.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Swift Audit & Advisory powers growth for crypto businesses in the UAE's digital economy
As the UAE emerges as a global hub for digital assets, Swift Audit & Advisory is playing a pivotal role in supporting crypto and blockchain-based businesses with the financial clarity, regulatory readiness, and operational strength they need to thrive. From early-stage ventures to established exchanges, Swift delivers tailored advisory services grounded in deep sector knowledge and local expertise. Whether it's an early-stage startup or a fully operational exchange, Swift Audit & Advisory provides strategic support across areas such as licensing, compliance, financial governance, and cybersecurity. Its services cover advisory for VARA and ADGM licensing, AML/KYC policy reviews, internal audit, tax structuring, and cybersecurity risk assessments. 'Swift fully aligns with the UAE's ambition to become a leading global hub for digital assets under its 2030 economic vision. By supporting crypto businesses with audit, compliance, and advisory services, we contribute to building trust and transparency in the sector - two essential elements for market stability and investor confidence. Our work helps position the UAE as a jurisdiction where digital assets can thrive under clear regulatory and financial governance,' said Arwa Naccho, Managing Partner at Swift Audit & Advisory. Swift Audit & Advisory currently serve eight businesses operating across the digital asset ecosystem. These include blockchain education platforms, crypto content and trading services, and businesses in industries that integrate blockchain or crypto wallets for payment processing. This wide-ranging exposure allows the company to deliver nuanced, fit-for-purpose advisory services across both crypto-native and crypto-adjacent operations. 'Through our specialized compliance advisory and financial structuring support, we've helped crypto-related businesses reduce regulatory exposure and streamline operations. By enhancing their financial reporting practices and aligning their compliance frameworks with UAE regulations, our clients have minimized the risk of penalties and achieved greater clarity over cost drivers. This in turn allows them to allocate resources more efficiently, fueling growth and innovation,' added Arwa Naccho, Managing Partner at Swift Audit & Advisory. As the UAE's digital asset regulatory environment continues to mature, Swift plans to expand its services with targeted Crypto Risk Assessments and Regulatory Readiness Programs designed to help clients anticipate and meet compliance expectations proactively. The company is also building partnerships with legal and cybersecurity specialists to provide a comprehensive suite of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) services for crypto businesses. Swift Audit & Advisory strength lies in combining deep expertise with localized UAE market knowledge. While many firms rely on template-based approaches, Swift delivers practical, context-specific advisory tailored to the unique compliance and operational challenges in the digital asset space.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Changer and Bitgrit partner to advance AI-on-chain innovation in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's drive to be a global tech leader took another leap forward today as Changer, a secure digital asset custodian and Bitgrit, a global startup working to democratize AI, signed a landmark partnership. This partnership is set to dramatically advance the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Foundation ecosystem in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), demonstrating how partnerships between regulated entities within a progressive jurisdiction can unlock new frontiers for 'AI-on-chain' technology. Changer, known for its ultra-secure custody platform for managing digital money and assets, will join forces with Bitgrit, which leverages its global network of over 40,000 AI developers to enable companies to crowdsource and license innovative AI solutions. Together, they aim to power a decentralized AI economy where developers, enterprises, and institutions can securely build, monetise, and trade AI models on the blockchain, right here in Abu Dhabi. Wang Hao, CEO of Changer, stated: 'This is a pivotal moment. Changer is dedicated to supporting ADGM's DLT Foundation – the world's first comprehensive framework for blockchain foundations, DAOs, and Web3 entities. We provide secure, regulated digital asset custody and a seamless infrastructure for tokenized ecosystems. With Bitgrit, we are forging new standards for transparency, efficiency, and global cooperation in the digital age.' The partnership will initially see Changer provide custody services for Bitgrit's native BGR tokens. It will then expand to secure AI models and datasets tokenized on Bitgrit's BGR Network. This capability is crucial for creating smooth and secure interactions between traditional finance, cryptocurrency, and the burgeoning AI economy, boosting security, transparency, and worldwide appeal. Kazuya Saginawa, CEO of Bitgrit, underscored the partnership's strategic vision: 'Teaming up with Changer is a game-changer for Bitgrit. Their trusted custody solutions allow us to confidently scale our decentralized AI ecosystem and position Bitgrit as a pioneer in the AI-on-chain revolution. This alliance solidifies our mission to securely bring advanced AI onto the blockchain, which will create immense value for developers, businesses, and investors across the globe.' The CEOs of both Bitgrit and Changer signed the Memorandum of Understanding at the ADGM Academy in front of an influential audience of over 50 industry leaders, including notable figures like Manabu Hosonuma, the Consul of Japan in Dubai, and Dmitry Fedetov, the Head of DLT Foundations at ADGM. Dmitry Fedetov commented on Linkedin: 'Witnessing the MoU signing between and Bitgrit DLT Foundation was an absolute pleasure! At ADGM, we champion synergies between ecosystem participants to drive meaningful innovation. Partnerships like this powerfully demonstrate how cooperation can shape the future of decentralized technologies, AI integration, and sustainable digital transformation. We wish both teams immense success on this exciting venture.' The event also served as an official announcement for the launch of the BGR Network by Bitgrit's COO Saksham Kukreja. The BGR Network is a purpose-built blockchain ecosystem for AI applications. It allows AI models and datasets to be securely tokenized, owned, and traded on-chain, offering unprecedented transparency, ownership, and monetization avenues for AI creators and enterprises. Its ability to connect with other established blockchain systems makes it a pioneering infrastructure for the next wave of AI development. Saksham Kukreja added, 'Our collaboration with Changer is fundamental to establishing a trusted, secure, and regulatory-compliant AI economy on the blockchain. This is not only a major achievement for Bitgrit but also a compelling example for the global Web3 community of how regulated partnerships in progressive jurisdictions like ADGM can catalyze sustainable and truly impactful innovation.' The cooperation between these two regulated firms within ADGM underscores how supportive regulatory environments can powerfully drive innovation, further cementing Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in the advancement of blockchain and artificial intelligence.
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
UAE Fines 23 Companies Dh610,000 For Violating Global Tax Reporting Rules
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM in Abu Dhabi on Monday announced Dh610,000 fine on 23 companies for violating reporting and tax regulations. The companies have been fined under the Common Reporting Standard Regulations 2017 and/or the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Regulations 2022, which require entities to collect and report information on foreign account holders to help combat international tax evasion. The regulator added that action has been taken for compliance breaches and failures to submit risk assessments, required annual information returns, follow due diligence procedures, report information in a complete and accurate manner, and collect valid self-certification forms. The UAE entered into agreements with other countries for global tax transparency by facilitating the automatic exchange of financial account data between different jurisdictions. In April, FSRA imposed millions of dirhams fines on the Hayvn Group of Companies, its former CEO Christopher Flinos and related entities after an investigation found serious regulatory breaches and misconduct into regulatory breaches and misconduct. Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of the FSRA at ADGM, said this decision reflects UAE's commitment to financial transparency and alignment with global commitments to information exchange. 'We are committed to identifying and addressing practices that do not meet our commitment to combat tax evasion through implementing robust and effective regulations in line with leading global standards of compliance and reporting responsibility,' said Givanakis. Earlier this month, the Registration Authority (RA) of ADGM joined the Enforcement Working Group (EWG) of the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR), making it the only member in the group from the Middle Eastern region.
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Abu Dhabi's ADGM fines 23 entities for breaching financial regulations
Abu Dhabi's financial free zone ADGM has fined 23 entities a total of Dh610,000 ($166,099) for breaching foreign account tax compliance regulations and reporting standards. The entities were fined by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the ADGM, which has been cracking down on violations. The breaches included failure to adhere to due diligence procedures and to report information in a complete and accurate manner, an ADGM statement on Monday said. Some failed to submit required annual information returns and collect valid self-certification. 'These enforcement outcomes reflect the FSRA's firm support for the UAE's commitment to financial transparency and alignment with global commitments to information exchange,' said Emmanuel Givanakis, chief executive of the FSRA. 'We are committed to identifying and addressing practices that do not meet our commitment to combat tax evasion through implementing robust and effective regulations in line with leading global standards of compliance and reporting responsibility." The intergovernmental arrangements entered into by the UAE enhance global tax transparency by enabling the automatic exchange of financial account data between jurisdictions, the ADGM said. 'The regulations implement international frameworks that require reporting entities to collect and report information on foreign account holders to help combat international tax evasion,' it added. The ADGM, which opened in 2015, is home to international banks, insurance houses, global asset managers as well as financial technology and cryptocurrency exchanges. It maintains a stringent oversight of companies operating within its jurisdiction and has fined other groups previously for various breaches. In April, ADGM regulators fined virtual asset trading platform Hayvn Group and its related entities a total of $12.45 million for "serious" rules breaches, while also banning its former chief executive from conducting business in the emirate. A fine totalling $8.85 million was levied by the FSRA, while ADGM's Registration Authority (RA) imposed penalties of $3.6 million, the financial free zone said at the time. In addition, Hayvn founder and former chief executive Christopher Flinos was fined $750,000 and barred from conducting financial services business in the ADGM. Last year, the ADGM fined Sarwa Digital Wealth (Capital) $122,500 for breaching rules; Baker Tilly $62,500 for auditing failures; and six financial institutions more than $46,000 for contraventions in reporting. Before then, it also levied a $486,000 penalty on FinTech company Pyppl for breaking anti-money laundering rules and hit KPMG Lower Gulf with a $30,000 fine for breaching auditing regulations.
