Abu Dhabi’s ADGM Engages Chainlink to Shape the Future of Tokenized Finance

The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will allow ADGM’s Registration Authority to leverage Chainlink’s industry-leading oracle services and cross-chain interoperability protocols. These tools are designed to enable secure and scalable tokenization infrastructure, facilitating the creation, management, and compliance of real-world asset-backed tokens in both institutional and retail environments.

According to the official announcement, the partnership will also involve joint efforts in regulatory development and public education. ADGM and Chainlink plan to co-host a series of workshops, roundtables, and technical discussions on topics such as tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), proof of reserves, and cross-chain interoperability—key areas driving the future of compliant blockchain ecosystems.

Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADGM Registration Authority, welcomed the collaboration as a pivotal moment for Abu Dhabi’s digital finance ambitions.

“By collaborating with Chainlink, we are aiming to set a global benchmark that spearheads transparency, security, and trust across the blockchain space,” said Al Mazrouei. “This partnership reinforces ADGM’s mission to foster innovation while maintaining the highest standards of regulatory oversight.”

The move reflects ADGM’s broader commitment to becoming a regulatory pioneer in the digital assets sector. In recent years, the UAE has rolled out progressive frameworks for digital asset issuance, custody, and trading, and ADGM has emerged as a favored jurisdiction for fintech and Web3 companies seeking regulatory clarity in the Middle East.

Chainlink, widely regarded as the backbone of decentralized data infrastructure, powers over $10 trillion in total value enabled (TVE) across blockchain ecosystems. Its decentralized oracle networks provide tamper-proof real-world data—such as price feeds, weather, and interest rates—to smart contracts. With its Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP), Chainlink enables secure messaging and token transfers between different blockchain networks.

Angie Walker, Global Head of Banking and Capital Markets at Chainlink Labs, praised ADGM’s forward-thinking approach.

“ADGM has created a strong foundation where tokenization projects can launch and thrive within a regulated framework,” said Walker. “We are excited to support ADGM projects in adopting the Chainlink standard, which enables seamless compliance, enhanced connectivity across markets, and highly secure on-chain services.”

The alliance arrives at a time when institutional interest in tokenization is reaching new heights. Financial giants like BlackRock, JPMorgan, and HSBC have launched or piloted tokenization initiatives, highlighting the growing demand for on-chain representations of real-world assets such as real estate, bonds, equities, and commodities.

For jurisdictions like the UAE, developing regulatory-compliant tokenization infrastructure could provide a competitive edge in attracting global capital flows. According to a Boston Consulting Group report, the tokenization of global illiquid assets could reach $16 trillion by 2030, representing a major opportunity for financial centers with mature digital asset strategies.

With this partnership, ADGM not only aligns itself with a technological leader in Chainlink but also signals its intent to be a central player in shaping the regulatory and operational standards for tokenized finance.

The collaboration is expected to begin yielding practical outputs in the form of use-case pilots and regulatory sandboxes later this year. Both parties will also explore how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and zero-knowledge proofs can further enhance transparency and compliance in digital markets.

As the global financial landscape continues its shift toward decentralization and digitization, the ADGM–Chainlink alliance offers a glimpse into the future: a harmonized blend of innovation and regulation designed to unlock the full potential of tokenized economies.