The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) is preparing to list the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s first digitally native bond powered by blockchain technology.
This landmark issuance is being carried out in partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and HSBC, leveraging HSBC’s Orion digital assets platform to usher in a new era of financial innovation in the region.
???? Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) will list MENA’s first #Blockchain-based bond, issued by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) via HSBC’s Orion digital asset platform, marking a regional fintech milestone.
See More ????https://t.co/8Sl2WJLy1i#AbuDhabi #DigitalAssets #CryptoTale pic.twitter.com/J5Nv0q7dWR
— Crypto Tale (@cryptotalemedia) July 4, 2025
FAB will issue the bond, which will be listed on ADX and made available through HSBC Orion, a blockchain-based infrastructure operated by the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) in Hong Kong. The choice of Hong Kong’s platform is strategic, given its integration with major global settlement systems, including Euroclear and Clearstream, which enables seamless access for international investors.
This initiative marks Orion’s debut in the Middle East, extending its proven track record of supporting digital bond issuances globally. Previously, Orion facilitated a €100 million digital bond for the European Investment Bank and a multi-currency green bond issued by the Hong Kong government, significantly reducing settlement times and increasing investor access.
ADX Group CEO Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi described the issuance as a “defining moment” in transforming capital markets through innovation, emphasizing the bond’s role in advancing Abu Dhabi’s digital transformation agenda. He highlighted that this digital bond sets the foundation for a broader range of tokenized assets, including green bonds, sukuk (Islamic bonds), and real estate-linked products, thus reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global financial hub.
FAB’s Group CFO, Lars Kramer, highlighted the collaboration with ADX and HSBC as a milestone in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and security, aligning with the UAE’s regulatory framework. HSBC served as the sole global coordinator and bookrunner for a blockchain-based issuance process. Mohamed Al Marzooqi, CEO of HSBC UAE, stated that merging HSBC’s global expertise with local partners is essential for improving the region’s capital markets, making them more transparent, efficient, and accessible to investors.
Notably, Shheikh.io recently announced its blockchain-backed platform for fractional ownership of real-world luxury assets through tokenisation, specifically the SHHEIKH token.
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