ADX, FAB and HSBC launch MENA's first DLT-based digital bond
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has announced the commencement of pricing for MENA's first distributed ledger technology (DLT)-based bond. First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is issuing the bond through HSBC Orion, the digital assets platform operated by the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) in Hong Kong.
The collaboration combines regional financial leadership with global expertise in digital issuance. Global investors can access the digital bond through accounts held with CMU, Euroclear, Clearstream, or via custodians participating through these channels.
The bond integrates digital technology with existing post-trade infrastructure, offering operational efficiencies, faster settlement cycles, reduced counterparty risk, enhanced security, and improved transparency for institutional investors. HSBC acted as sole global coordinator, lead manager and bookrunner on the transaction.
Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, ADX Group CEO, said: "This initiative expands access to institutional-grade digital instruments and lays the foundation for tokenised assets including green bonds, sukuk, and real estate-linked products."
Lars Kramer, Group CFO at First Abu Dhabi Bank, added: "Together with ADX and HSBC, we are setting new benchmarks in efficiency, transparency, and security."
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, CEO of HSBC Bank Middle East, commented: "This milestone shows how we are transforming tokenisation into reality for our region."
Introducing the digital bond into ADX's growing list of financial products supports its broader ambition to offer innovative financial instruments and signifies the exchange's pioneering role in tokenised finance in the region.
