Further expanding its global investor network, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has announced that Morgan Stanley has joined the exchange as its first international remote trading member, enabling the bank’s clients to directly access ADX-listed securities.

The milestone allows Morgan Stanley’s clients to access ADX-listed securities through the bank’s global trading platform, marking a significant step in enhancing cross-border connectivity and expanding institutional participation in UAE capital markets.

The development comes amid rising international demand for exposure to the UAE, reinforcing ADX’s position as one of the fastest-growing exchanges globally by market capitalization. It also reflects continued progress in market depth, liquidity, and inclusion in major global indices.

Through remote membership, Morgan Stanley will provide direct market access to ADX, improving execution quality, optimizing order routing, and offering greater control across the full trade lifecycle. The structure follows a globally proven access model used by the bank to deliver efficient and transparent trading experiences for institutional investors.

Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group CEO of ADX, said the partnership marks a key step in advancing the exchange’s ambition to become a leading global financial marketplace, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM). He highlighted strong foreign investor participation, with trading value surpassing AED 85 billion ($23.1 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, up 22% year on year, signaling the market’s growing depth and global relevance.

Patrick Delivanis, Regional Co-Head of MENA at Morgan Stanley, noted that the move aligns with the bank’s strategy to provide seamless access to Abu Dhabi’s capital markets. He added that increasing institutionalization and international participation across UAE markets continues to drive demand for more efficient and transparent trading infrastructure.

Morgan Stanley’s entry as a remote trading member is part of ADX’s broader strategy to selectively onboard global firms and attract high-quality cross-border liquidity. The announcement builds on strong momentum, with foreign investment rising nearly 14% and institutional trading increasing by 10% in 2025.

Subject to final operational readiness, Morgan Stanley is expected to begin trading on ADX as a remote member in the coming weeks, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for global capital flows.