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Abu Dhabi Global Market - Financial Services Regulatory Authority

ADGM Cybersecurity Compliance & Testing

Comprehensive solutions to help ADGM-regulated entities meet cybersecurity, governance, and operational resilience standards.

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Proven ADGM Compliance Expertise

70+
ADGM Entities Served
100%
FSRA Compliance Rate
12+
Years in ADGM
30+
Crypto VASPs Secured
ISO 27001 Certified
CREST Approved
Blockchain Certified
UAE Licensed

What is ADGM FSRA Compliance?

Technology & Cyber Risk Management Framework

The Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority (ADGM FSRA) regulates financial services in ADGM, including banks, investment firms, and crypto asset service providers (VASPs). FSRA's Technology Risk Management framework mandates comprehensive cybersecurity controls, operational resilience, and specific requirements for firms handling virtual assets. ADGM has positioned itself as a leading crypto hub, requiring robust security for digital asset custody, trading, and smart contracts.

Technology Risk Governance

Board oversight, CISO function, and risk management framework

Crypto Asset Security

Wallet custody, smart contracts, and blockchain node security for VASPs

Operational Resilience

BCDR, incident response, and high-availability systems

ADGM FSRA Requirements: 8 Key Areas

Mandatory technology risk and cybersecurity controls for ADGM-regulated entities

Technology Risk Governance
Board oversight, CISO appointment, risk appetite statements
Access & Authentication
MFA, privileged access management, identity governance
Data Protection
Encryption, DLP, secure data handling, residency
Network Security
Segmentation, perimeter defense, intrusion detection
Crypto Asset Security
Hot/cold wallets, custody, smart contract audits (VASPs)
Incident Management
FSRA notification, IR procedures, forensics
Third-Party Risk
Vendor assessments, cloud security, API integration
Regular Testing
Annual pen tests, vulnerability management, red teams

Our ADGM FSRA Compliance Services

Core banking system security assessment

Wealth management platform security

Mobile & internet banking testing

Trading platform penetration testing

Payment system security validation

Third-party integration security

ITSEC Standard

Hot wallet & cold storage security audits

Exchange platform penetration testing

Blockchain node & RPC security

Smart contract security testing (Solidity, Rust)

MPC wallet implementation review

KYC/AML system security assessment

ITSEC Standard

BCDR plan testing & tabletop exercises

Failover & redundancy validation

Crisis management capability assessment

Ransomware resilience simulation

RTO/RPO achievement testing

Supply chain disruption scenarios

ITSEC Standard

Virtual CISO & security leadership

FSRA incident notification support

Board reporting & presentations

Technology risk framework development

Policy & procedure documentation

Regulatory change management

ITSEC Standard

Why ADGM-Regulated Companies Choose ITSEC.

With over 20 years of cybersecurity expertise, ITSEC is the trusted advisor for firms seeking compliance with ADGM’s Information & Cyber Security (ICS) and Operational Risk frameworks.

Our tailored compliance methodology addresses every cybersecurity and governance requirement outlined by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) — ensuring firms achieve full readiness before regulatory reviews.

UAE-based cybersecurity & compliance experts (FSRA aligned)
Regulatory-grade risk assessment & reporting
Virtual CISO & UAE PDPL data governance
Continuous threat and vulnerability monitoring
Proven record in FSRA and ISO audit success
View FSRA Compliance Map (PDF)
Shield
Compliance-Ready Security Architecture
Our compliance assessments are engineered to meet ADGM / FSRA expectations from day one.
Rulebook-Aligned Testing
Every control maps directly to FSRA cybersecurity and technology governance guidelines.
Rulebook-Aligned Testing
Simulated risk scenarios follow FSRA information security and outsourcing standards.
Rulebook-Aligned Testing
Deliverables are tailored to audit evidence, RMP validation, and operational risk assurance.

ITSEC Services Mapped to ADGM’s Technology Governance Framework

Our cybersecurity and risk management framework aligns with ADGM’s regulatory principles to ensure continuous compliance.

ADGM Compliance Table
ADGM / FSRA Mandate ITSEC Solution Compliance Outcome
Governance & Risk Management (Operational Risk Framework) Establishment of governance structure, board-approved risk policies, and control documentation aligned with FSRA expectations Ensures strong corporate governance and operational risk oversight
Information & Cyber Security (ICS) Guidelines Implementation of FSRA-compliant cybersecurity frameworks including ISO 27001 mapping and threat-led testing Achieves full alignment with FSRA’s Information & Cyber Security Guidelines
Data Protection & PDPL Compliance (UAE Federal Law No. 45 of 2021) Data lifecycle management, encryption controls, and privacy impact assessments for ADGM-regulated entities Protects client confidentiality and fulfills national PDPL obligations
Outsourcing & Third-Party Risk (Operational Risk Rulebook) Vendor due diligence, SLA reviews, and ongoing compliance monitoring for outsourced service providers Maintains compliance and accountability across all third-party engagements
Technology Governance & Resilience (FSRA Guidelines) Design and validation of BCP/DR programs, vulnerability management, and resilience testing procedures Strengthens technology resilience and ensures business continuity
Financial Crime & AML Controls (AML Rulebook) Deployment of AML/CFT monitoring systems, transaction screening, and compliance awareness training Ensures full AML/CFT readiness under FSRA and FATF compliance standards

Track Your ADGM Compliance Journey

Real-time visibility into your governance, risk, and cybersecurity posture.

Business Continuity & Recovery Testing

Simulate financial service disruptions to validate response and recovery capabilities in line with CIR and GEN rules.

Scenario-Based Stress Testing

Conduct impact assessments and cross-functional resilience testing across people, processes, and technology.

Incident Management Framework

Implement FSRA -compliant escalation, communication, and reporting workflows within defined recovery objectives.

Cyber Risk Governance

Identify and mitigate technology risks using DFSA’s Technology Risk Management principles.

Threat Detection & Response

Deploy advanced monitoring systems and Security Operations Center processes for real-time DFSA-compliant surveillance.

Security Monitoring & Response

Deploy continuous threat detection, response automation, and log management through an FSRA-compliant SOC environment.

Vendor Due Diligence

Assess supplier security posture, data protection measures, and service-level compliance prior to engagement.

Ongoing Oversight

Implement performance tracking and compliance monitoring for all material outsourcing relationships.

Data Sovereignty & SLA Verification

24/7 security operations center setup and threat monitoring.

Red Team / TLPT Testing

Simulated attacks on trading systems, hot wallets, and API endpoints.

Wallet Security Assessment

Hot/cold wallet architecture review and custody control validation.

SOC Integration

24/7 security operations center setup and threat monitoring.

Your Path to ADGM Compliance

A proven 5-step process that takes you from cybersecurity assessment to full FSRA regulatory compliance.

Day 1
Initial Consultation
Define your ADGM license scope, review current cybersecurity and governance posture, and align project timelines.
Key Deliverables:
Regulatory scope & entity classification ●
Initial risk and gap assessment ●
Compliance timeline and action plan ●
Day 2-3
Documentation Review
Assess internal policies, procedures, and technical controls against FSRA requirements and ADGM Data Protection Regulations 2021.
Key Deliverables:
● Compliance gap report with priorities
● Updated policy alignment matrix
● Remediation roadmap for FSRA audit
Week 1 – 2
Security & Resilience Testing
Perform technical testing and operational resilience reviews to validate security controls and incident response capabilities.
Key Deliverables:
Vulnerability and resilience reports ●
Incident response test summary ●
Outsourcing risk review findings ●
Week 3
Remediation & Documentation
Implement required fixes, update evidence records, and finalize governance documentation for regulatory submission.
Key Deliverables:
● Revised policies & procedures
● Data protection evidence set
● Audit-ready compliance report
Quarterly
Ongoing Compliance
Ensure continuous adherence to ADGM rules through monitoring, training, and periodic assessments.
Key Deliverables:
Quarterly audit & scan reports ●
Compliance dashboard updates ●
Annual independent review ●

ADGM Compliance Case Study: Strengthening Cyber & Regulatory Resilience

The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) framework establishes comprehensive cybersecurity and regulatory governance standards for financial institutions, virtual asset firms, and technology providers under the supervision of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).

100%
Compliance Achievement
The Challenge
A digital investment firm licensed under ADGM needed to prepare for its first full FSRA inspection. The firm faced fragmented documentation, limited operational resilience testing, and insufficient technical evidence to meet ADGM’s ICT, AML, and Governance requirements.
Establishment of a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) process aligned with ADGM DPR 2021. Implementation of Business Continuity (BCP) and Operational Resilience testing.

Design of a Virtual CISO oversight framework for continuous monitoring and reporting.
Through this integrated approach, ITSEC ensured the client achieved zero non-conformities during inspection and strengthened long-term regulatory resilience.
Key Deliverables:
☑ Governance & Risk Assessment Framework
☑ Cyber Resilience & Incident Response Plan
☑ Outsourcing & Third-Party Risk Review
☑ Technology Risk Assessment Report
☑ DFSA Control Mapping & Audit Readiness-Compliant Documentation Package
☑ Continuous Monitoring and Compliance Dashboard
The Solution
ITSEC conducted a 4-phase compliance readiness program covering policy enhancement, system hardening, and regulatory documentation. The engagement included:
4
Weeks to Compliance
0
Inspection Findings

Frequently Asked Questions

What entities must comply with ADGM FSRA cybersecurity requirements?
All ADGM-regulated entities including banks, investment firms, asset managers, insurance companies, and crypto asset service providers (VASPs) must meet FSRA technology risk and cybersecurity requirements.
What are the specific requirements for crypto VASPs in ADGM?
ADGM VASPs must demonstrate secure custody solutions (hot/cold wallets, MPC), smart contract security audits, AML/CFT compliance, exchange platform security, and blockchain infrastructure security. ADGM is one of the most crypto-friendly jurisdictions with clear regulatory guidance.
How often is security testing required?
FSRA expects annual independent penetration testing for all material systems. High-risk entities (exchanges, large banks) should conduct more frequent testing, typically semi-annually or quarterly.
Does ADGM accept international security certifications?
Yes, FSRA recognizes ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, and similar international standards as evidence of robust security practices. Many ADGM entities pursue these certifications.
What is the incident reporting timeline to FSRA?
Material cybersecurity incidents must be reported to FSRA promptly upon discovery. Critical incidents impacting operations or customer data require immediate notification.
How does ADGM compliance differ from VARA (Dubai)?
ADGM FSRA covers broader financial services (banking, investment, insurance) plus crypto, while VARA focuses exclusively on virtual assets. ADGM requirements align closely with international standards, while VARA has UAE-specific crypto regulations.
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