The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has welcomed Morgan Stanley as its first international remote trading member, a move that allows the investment bank’s global clients to trade directly on the exchange. This partnership marks a significant enhancement in the ADX’s international connectivity, catering to a rising institutional appetite for UAE-based assets and solidifying the exchange’s status as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets by capitalization.
Under this remote membership model, Morgan Stanley will utilize its own global platform to provide direct market access, offering investors improved execution quality and more streamlined order routing. The move is seen as a major step in the ongoing institutionalization of UAE capital markets, providing global investors with greater transparency and control over their trades. It aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to foster a diversified, innovation-driven economy through world-class financial infrastructure.
The impact of growing international interest is already visible in the ADX’s performance data. Foreign investor trading value surpassed 85 billion dirhams in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 22% increase over the previous year. This surge in participation highlights the increasing global relevance of the Abu Dhabi market and its successful integration into major international indices.
Leadership from both organizations emphasized that this collaboration is a response to the evolving needs of global capital. Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, CEO of ADX Group, noted that the move reinforces the exchange’s commitment to building a sustainable financial marketplace, while Patrick Delivanis of Morgan Stanley highlighted that the direct connectivity will provide international investors with more efficient access to high-growth opportunities within the MENA region.
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