Ajman NuVentures Centre Free Zone (ANCFZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), marking a key step in strengthening support for investors. The MoU was signed in the presence of Mr. Rishi Somaiya, CEO – ANCFZ, and Mr. Amit Malhotra – Global Head of Retail Banking ADIB, who discussed opportunities at both national and global levels.
This strategic partnership focuses on providing seamless banking and financing solutions, streamlining the account opening process, and introducing special banking packages exclusively for ANCFZ companies. ADIB will also support ANCFZ’s vision of positioning itself as the UAE’s Digital Free Zone, enabling a more efficient and investor-friendly business ecosystem.
Why account opening matters for a new company
The corporate bank account is the step that most often holds up a new UAE company after the licence is issued. Banks run their own compliance checks on the shareholders, the activity and the source of funds, and that process sits with the bank rather than the free zone.
The ADIB agreement covers that step for ANCFZ companies: account opening, financing options and banking packages set aside for licence holders in the free zone.
ANCFZ banking partners
ADIB is the third bank to join the ANCFZ network. Wio Bank works with ANCFZ on digital account opening for new companies, announced in September 2025, and Ruya Bank joined later the same month to provide digital banking to investors. All partners are listed by category on the strategic partners page.
Setting up before you bank
A company needs its licence before the account application. Registration with ANCFZ takes about two hours once documents are complete: passport copies of shareholders and directors, passport photographs, proof of residence, and the application form with proposed company names. Ownership is 100 percent foreign and most activities have no minimum paid-up capital requirement. Residence visas follow within 24 to 48 hours of registration. Costs are on the packages page.
Licence holders can ask about the ADIB packages on +971 6 808 8888 or at info@ancfz.ae.