Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) And Bahrain Bourse (BHB) Sign A High-Level Strategic Partnership Agreement To Unlock Joint Opportunities

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Bahrain Bourse (BHB) signed today a strategic cooperation agreement that aims to achieve synergies and greater cross border cooperation to enhance market liquidity and to promote the issuance of low-cost investment vehicles.

The parties agreed on a strategic plan to implement new measures over the next nine months to strengthen ties between investors based in both countries by enabling the seamless placement of orders on both securities markets, while reducing transaction costs. As part of the agreement, ADX and BHB have agreed to introduce a number of products and services including Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), smart order routing and cross-border direct trading.

Commenting on this partnership, ADX Chairman, H.E. Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa Al Hammadi said: “The alliance between ADX and Bahrain Bourse will further enhance the relationship between the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain, showcasing the high growth opportunities on both exchanges and encouraging capital market activity through the introduction of innovative products and services.In turn, this will provide tangible benefits to the economies of the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain”.

Abdulkarim Ahmed Bucheery, the Chairman of Bahrain Bourse and Chairman of Bahrain Clear said: “Bahrain Bourse is pleased to solidify its cooperation ties with ADX. Companies listed on Bahrain Bourse represent a diverse range of industries and offer unparalleled and unique growth

opportunities.  Our partnership with ADX will attract new investors and promote a healthy listing deal pipeline.  Bahrain Bourse and Bahrain Clear’s collaboration with ADX will also support the growth of capital markets in the region and support the diversification of GCC economies.”

For his part, Chief Executive Officer of ADX, Saeed Hamad Al Dhaheri, commented: “Discussions between ADX and Bahrain Bourse focused on how we can expand market integration and move forward on joint initiatives such as dual listings, ETFs and market access, which will enhance liquidity in both securities markets.  Technology and innovation are at the heart of ADX’s strategy for growth and we look forward to deepening our partnership with other leading regional and global exchanges to bring about mutually beneficial results”.

Bahrain Bourse’s Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bahrain Clear, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa commented: “This strategic collaboration follows our innovative approach to widen cross-border investment opportunities. We aim to develop seamless offers to investors, and to provide enhanced access with unmatched efficiency workflow in both markets whilst reducing transaction costs and bolstering market liquidity. Innovation sits at the heart of our collaboration, in line with our mandate to evolve the Middle East’s capital market ecosystem, and hence we also aim to promote the listing of ETFs, enable CSD integration in both markets, and automate smart order routing systems. This partnership will enable us to set a blueprint for future regional collaboration and harness each other’s capabilities.”

As part of ADX’s strategy for growth announced at the beginning of the year, the exchange is forging partnerships with global exchanges, offering a broader range of products and services to the market, and investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure.