The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) is a prominent sovereign wealth fund established by the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in 1976. Its mission is to sustain the long-term prosperity of Abu Dhabi by prudently growing capital through a disciplined investment process and committed personnel who reflect ADIA’s cultural values. As an independent investment institution, ADIA manages a globally diversified portfolio across more than two dozen asset classes and sub-categories, with investment decisions guided solely by economic objectives aimed at delivering sustained long-term financial returns
ADIA’s engagement with the European Union is focused on monitoring and influencing legislative developments that may impact institutional investors. The fund is particularly attentive to EU files related to investment products (such as AIFMD and UCITS), securities and capital markets (including MiFID2, MiFIR, MAD, MAR), securities markets infrastructure (EMIR, CSDR), tax (FTT), the Capital Markets Union, and foreign direct investment. By participating in relevant policy discussions, ADIA seeks to ensure that EU regulatory frameworks remain conducive to the interests of large institutional investors like itself.
ADIA’s lobbying activities are conducted in-house, with a small but dedicated team responsible for EU relations. The organization is registered in the EU Transparency Register as a “company & group” and is not affiliated with external lobbying firms for its EU activities, although it is a member of several international investor networks. ADIA’s lobbying is characterized by its focus on technical and financial expertise, rather than broad political advocacy.
The fund’s approach to EU lobbying is marked by a commitment to transparency, as demonstrated by its registration and regular updates in the EU Transparency Register. ADIA’s activities are designed to foster dialogue with EU policymakers and ensure that its views are considered in the development of regulations affecting global investment flows. This engagement is seen as a legitimate part of the EU’s open and pluralist decision-making process, which seeks to incorporate the expertise of a wide range of stakeholders.
Since its first registration with the EU Transparency Register in January 2015, ADIA has maintained a consistent presence, typically dedicating the equivalent of two full-time lobbyists to EU affairs, though the actual number of individuals involved may fluctuate. The organization’s lobbying costs have remained relatively stable, generally ranging between €200,000 and €299,999 per year.
ADIA’s networking efforts are extensive, with membership in several international forums and associations that represent the interests of institutional investors. These affiliations help ADIA stay informed about global regulatory trends and amplify its voice in policy discussions affecting the investment community