Nasdaq Dubai and AIX CSD establish direct connection to enhance cross-border equities and securities trading.
Direct Link Established Between Nasdaq Dubai and Astana International Exchange's CSD
In a move to boost cross-border investment and streamline trading of dual-listed securities, Nasdaq Dubai and the Astana International Exchange's Central Securities Depository (AIX CSD) have launched a direct link between their markets. This substantial development marks a significant step in enhancing post-trade infrastructure and improving market accessibility between the UAE and Kazakhstan.
The linkage was officially announced at the Capital Market Summit 2025, hosted by Dubai Financial Market. The novel CSD link now enables investors to hold and trade dual-listed securities effortlessly across both regions. It signifies a substantial strengthening of the financial infrastructure connecting the two regions.
The collaboration between Nasdaq Dubai and AIX CSD also includes a memorandum of understanding aimed at fostering smoother settlement and increased fungibility of cross-listed shares. This new infrastructure facilitates efficient transfers and settlements of securities between either depository, promoting greater liquidity and operational efficiency.
Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and DFM, described the partnership as a "significant advancement" in regional capital markets integration. Ali emphasized that the initiative fortifies Dubai's position as a global financial hub, providing new avenues for capital raising and investor participation.
Assel Mukazhanova, CEO of AIX, noted that the link is "issuer and investor driven," highlighting the increasing demand for deeper connectivity between the GCC and Central Asian markets.
The partnership reflects a broader push to align regional exchanges with global standards while encouraging more cross-border listings and investment flows. By strengthening economic ties and modernizing infrastructure, both markets aim to position themselves as strategic gateways for international capital.
This initiative constitutes a critical milestone in financial cooperation between the UAE and Kazakhstan, signaling the potential for increased market integration and long-term growth in regional capital markets.
[Source: Emirates News Agency]
Key features of the CSD link include seamless settlement, dual-listed securities fungibility, and enhanced market connectivity. The initiative broadens investment opportunities, improves liquidity, and increases operational efficiency, deepening capital market integration between the UAE and Central Asia. The partnership paves the way for broader participation from regional and international investors, further integrating the capital markets of the UAE and Central Asia.
- The direct link established between Nasdaq Dubai and Astana International Exchange's Central Securities Depository (AIX CSD) is anticipated to increase investment opportunities in business and finance by improving market accessibility and enabling seamless settlement of dual-listed securities.
- The collaboration between Nasdaq Dubai and AIX CSD has the potential to strengthen the financial industry by fostering smoother settlement, enhancing market connectivity, and encouraging cross-border listings, thereby positioning both regions as strategic gateways for international capital and attracting broader participation from regional and international investors.
