Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange has appointed Morgan Stanley as its first international investment bank Remote Trading Member, marking a significant step in the exchange’s efforts to deepen global market access and attract institutional capital.
The move will allow Morgan Stanley’s clients to access ADX directly through the bank’s global trading platform, strengthening connectivity between Abu Dhabi’s capital markets and international investors.
The development reflects the growing internationalization of UAE financial markets, as Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a major regional financial hub. ADX has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing exchanges by market capitalization, supported by increasing liquidity, foreign participation, and inclusion in major global indices.
Under the remote membership framework, Morgan Stanley will be able to provide clients with direct market access without requiring a physical trading presence in Abu Dhabi. The structure is designed to improve execution efficiency, streamline order routing, and enhance transparency across the trading lifecycle.
The model mirrors similar international access structures already used by Morgan Stanley in other major financial markets and comes amid rising demand from institutional investors seeking exposure to the Gulf region.
Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi said the partnership aligns with the exchange’s broader ambition to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global financial marketplace.
“This marks a significant step in advancing our ambition to be a leading financial marketplace that drives opportunity and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
He added that foreign investor trading value exceeded AED 85 billion in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 22 percent year-on-year increase. The performance, he said, reflects the market’s growing depth and international relevance.
Patrick Delivanis said the membership reinforces the bank’s focus on facilitating efficient market access for global investors.
“We see continued momentum in the institutionalization and international participation of UAE markets, and we’re pleased to support that evolution by enabling international investors to access opportunities in MENA with direct connectivity to local markets,” he said.
The announcement comes as the UAE continues to attract global financial institutions amid broader economic diversification efforts and rising investor interest in Gulf markets. ADX said foreign investment rose nearly 14 percent in 2025, while institutional trading increased by 10 percent year-on-year.
Remote memberships form part of the exchange’s strategy to expand cross-border participation and strengthen liquidity by selectively onboarding global financial firms.
Subject to final operational readiness, Morgan Stanley is expected to begin trading as a remote member in the coming weeks.
With inputs from WAM
