Abu Dhabi makes history with MENA’s first blockchain‑based bond via ADX, FAB & HSBC

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has taken a major leap in financial innovation by initiating the listing and pricing of the Middle East and North Africa’s first distributed ledger technology (DLT)-based bond. Issued by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and executed on HSBC’s Orion platform, this groundbreaking move marks a strategic shift towards tokenized real-world assets (RWA) in the region.

⚙️ What’s Happening

• ADX is pricing and preparing to list a blockchain-recorded bond, enabling direct issuance, trade, and custody on DLT rails—a first for the MENA region.
• Crafted by FAB and coordinated by HSBC’s Orion platform, this bond can be accessed via global settlement systems such as Euroclear, Clearstream, and Hong Kong’s CMU.

📊 Why It Matters

• Speed & efficiency: Digital bonds on blockchain dramatically cut settlement times and counterparty risk while optimizing post-trade infrastructure.
• Transparency & security: DLT enhances visibility and trust—key for institutional investors operating across borders.

🌍 Strategic Significance

• Regional leadership: ADX’s move cements Abu Dhabi’s role as a forward-thinking global financial centre.
• RWA momentum: This bond is a precursor to more tokenized products—green bonds, sukuk, real-estate tokens—helping Abu Dhabi build a comprehensive digital asset ecosystem.

💬 Key Quotes

“The successful issuance of MENA’s first blockchain‑based digital bond… marks a defining moment in our journey to transform capital markets through innovation.” — Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, CEO, ADX
“Together with ADX and HSBC, we are setting new benchmarks in efficiency, transparency, and security…” — Lars Kramer, CFO, FAB
“The successful launch… shows how we are transforming the promise of tokenisation into reality for our region.” — Mohamed Al Marzooqi, CEO UAE, HSBC

🔮 What Comes Next

• Institutional access: Participants can join via HSBC Orion directly or through custodians connected to global infrastructure.
• Pipeline of tokenized assets: Expect launches of green bonds, sukuk, property‑linked tokens as the RWA playbook unfolds.
• Regulatory momentum: UAE regulators backing this movement signal a pro‑innovation stance likely to attract global capital into digital capital markets.