Cayman Islands vs ADGM (Abu Dhabi): which jurisdiction wins?

Cayman Islands vs ADGM (Abu Dhabi) — both credible, very different trade-offs. Below: side-by-side on the variables that actually move the decision.

	Cayman Islands	ADGM (Abu Dhabi)
Tax headline	0% corporate, capital gains, and income tax	0% on qualifying income (9% otherwise)
Formation days	5	14
First-year cost	$4,200	$11,500
Treaties	Limited	140+
Substance	Economic Substance Law applies to relevant activities	Office and director presence required
Banking	Top-tier prime brokerage and crypto-friendly banking via Cayman National & private banks	ADGM banks plus FAB, ADCB onshore introductions

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