Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) is set to make history with the listing of the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) first distributed ledger technology (DLT)-based digitally native bond. This landmark move follows the commencement of the pricing stage for the instrument, issued by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).
This groundbreaking bond, which will be accessible via HSBC Orion, Euroclear, Clearstream, and the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) in Hong Kong, represents a significant leap in ADX’s digital asset innovation strategy and Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to modernize its capital markets.
Boosting Efficiency and Transparency with Blockchain
Issued by FAB and meticulously structured with support from leading international law firms, this bond introduces tokenized finance to ADX’s expanding product suite. It’s specifically designed to offer enhanced efficiency, greater transparency, and reduced settlement risk for institutional investors by leveraging blockchain-based workflows.
HSBC played a pivotal role in this historic transaction, acting as the sole global coordinator, lead manager, and bookrunner. HSBC Orion, the platform underpinning the transaction, is operated by the CMU and ensures compatibility with global settlement infrastructure.
A Defining Moment for MENA Capital Markets
Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADX, hailed the issuance as a transformative step: “The successful issuance of MENA’s first blockchain-based digital bond, in close collaboration with FAB and HSBC, marks a defining moment in our journey to transform capital markets through innovation. ADX was central in facilitating this milestone, ensuring the bond’s seamless integration with existing post-trade infrastructure and compatibility with global settlement standards.”
Alnuaimi added, “This initiative not only expands access to institutional-grade digital instruments but also lays the foundation for a broader class of tokenized assets — including green bonds, sukuk, and real estate-linked products. It reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global financial center and aligns with the UAE’s national agenda to build a diversified, technology-driven capital market anchored in transparency, resilience, and long-term growth.”
Accelerating Digital Transformation in the UAE
Lars Kramer, Group Chief Financial Officer at FAB, highlighted the bond’s role in the bank’s digital journey: “By transforming traditional settlement processes into seamless digital workflows, we are not only advancing FAB’s digital transformation but also supporting investors navigate the global digital assets landscape. This bond issuance accelerates the development of a robust digital capital markets ecosystem in the UAE.”
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, HSBC Bank Middle East, emphasized the real-world application of tokenization: “The successful launch of MENA’s first digital bond on ADX using HSBC Orion shows how we are transforming the promise of tokenization into reality for our region. By combining our global experience with trusted local partners, ADX and FAB, we’re helping bolster the region’s capital markets — making them more transparent, efficient, and accessible to investors.”
This pioneering listing on ADX positions Abu Dhabi at the forefront of digital finance innovation in the MENA region, paving the way for a more technologically advanced and efficient future for capital markets.
