The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has announced that Morgan Stanley has joined the exchange as its first international investment bank Remote Trading Member, enabling direct client access to ADX-listed securities.
The development strengthens ADX’s global connectivity and reflects rising international institutional demand for exposure to UAE capital markets.
It also reinforces ADX’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing exchanges by market capitalization, supported by increasing liquidity, market depth, and inclusion in major global indices.
Under the Remote Trading Member framework, Morgan Stanley will provide clients with direct access to ADX through its global trading platform.
The model enables enhanced execution quality, improved order routing, and greater control across the trading lifecycle, offering a more efficient and transparent trading experience.
The structure follows an established international access model designed to meet growing global demand for streamlined participation in Abu Dhabi’s capital markets.
The ADX continues to play a key role in advancing Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic diversification strategy, supporting the development of a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.
Morgan Stanley’s participation reflects the increasing institutionalization of UAE capital markets and the strength of Abu Dhabi’s investment environment.
The move is expected to further enhance cross-border connectivity and attract higher-quality international liquidity.
Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi Group CEO ADX
“This marks a significant step in advancing our ambition to be a leading financial marketplace that drives opportunity and sustainable economic growth. This momentum is reflected in the strong foreign investor participation, with trading value exceeding 85 billion dirhams in the first quarter of 2026, up by 22 percent year on year. This performance underscores the growing depth and global relevance of our market, while reinforcing our commitment to expanding international access, strengthening cross-border connectivity, and building a world-class market infrastructure that attracts global capital, supports a diverse range of issuers and contributes to Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic prosperity.”
Patrick Delivanis, Regional Co-Head of MENA at Morgan Stanley, highlighted that, “Becoming a Remote Trading Member of ADX reflects our focus on providing clients with efficient, seamless access to Abu Dhabi’s capital markets through our market‑leading trading platform. 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, alongside greater transparency and control across the trading lifecycle.”
The announcement aligns with ADX’s strategy to selectively onboard global institutions as Remote Trading Members to enhance cross-border liquidity and market accessibility.
The exchange reported strong foreign investment inflows in 2025, alongside steady growth in institutional trading activity.
