UAE and Hong Kong to deepen cooperation in capital markets

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) to deepen the cooperation and shared ambition between the UAE and Hong Kong capital markets.

The MoU builds on the relationship between the two exchanges stretching back to the signing of their first MoU in March 2007.

It was signed in Hong Kong at the Investopia Global - Hong Kong forum by Group CEO of the ADX Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi and HKEX Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Y Chan, in the presence of Mohammad Alhawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, alongside Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong SAR, underlining the pivotal role of this partnership in strengthening financial ties between the two regions.

The MoU seeks to expand ADX’s international presence and advance global connectivity by facilitating mutual market access and supporting the co-development of products and services that meet evolving investor needs. This development demonstrates the ADX’s ongoing efforts to deepen relationships with global markets.

Under the MoU, the ADX and HKEX will work together to enhance the visibility of their respective capital markets in each other’s markets by organising joint events, including roadshows, seminars, training programmes, and investor education activities.

The parties will explore dual listings, cross-border financing, and mechanisms to facilitate investment, while also evaluating collaboration on exchange-traded funds and exploring ESG-related products and indices to enhance market connectivity and broaden opportunities for global investors.

Alnuaimi commented, “Our MoU with HKEX reinforces the strong ties between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong and marks a key step in ADX’s global integration journey. By advancing cross-listings, developing innovative products such as ETFs and indices, and creating practical channels for multi-market access, we will broaden investment opportunities and deepen liquidity.”

He added that this partnership strengthens ADX’s global footprint and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a dynamic financial centre committed to sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

Bonnie Y Chan said, “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange through this MoU, building on last year’s addition of ADX to our list of recognised stock exchanges. This arrangement marks a significant step in enhancing cross-border market connectivity and facilitating capital flows between Hong Kong and the Middle East. By working closely with ADX, we aim to unlock new investment opportunities, strengthen market infrastructure, and meet the evolving needs of global issuers and investors.”

This strategic collaboration opens new pathways for issuers and investors, expands access to diversified instruments, and reinforces resilience, highlighting ADX and HKEX’s shared commitment to innovation, open capital flows, investor protection, and stronger connectivity between global financial hubs.

Meanwhile in July, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), one of the fastest-growing and leading exchanges in the Middle East, and the Budapest Stock Exchange (BSE), the second-largest exchange in Central and Eastern Europe, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a number of key initiatives.

The signing took place on the sidelines of the state visit of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Hungary. The signing ceremony took place at the offices of the BSE in the presence of Saud Hamad Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Hungary.

The MoU sets out to deepen relations between the two countries’ capital markets and share best practices. The agreement also marks another important step in the BSE’s efforts to build international relations, including in the Middle East. The development dovetails well with ADX’s ongoing efforts and initiatives to strengthen relationships with leading global financial institutions.

Within the framework of the agreement, the two parties will seek, among other things, to promote the visibility of the Hungarian and UAE capital markets by organising joint events such as investor roadshows, seminars and educational programs.

The parties are also exploring the possibility of cooperation in the development and promotion of ETF products in order to provide investors in both markets with more diversified and modern instruments. The BSE and ADX will also analyse the possibilities of dual listings and cross-border trading. The two exchanges are also planning closer professional cooperation in the field of ESG.

A key part of the agreement is the sharing and exchange of best practices, including on market developments, regulatory practices, product development and IT capacity building.

WAM