Digital investment platform Thndr has achieved a regional first by joining the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange as its inaugural remote retail trading member, opening direct market access for millions of investors across the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The milestone grants Thndr’s four million users direct access to ADX-listed securities through mobile trading, eliminating the need for physical presence in the UAE. This development marks the first time a platform of its type has secured direct connectivity to the UAE’s largest exchange, which maintains a market capitalization of AED3.1 trillion ($844 billion).
Breaking Geographic Barriers
The remote trading capability represents a departure from traditional brokerage models that typically require local operations. Users and brokers can now execute trades on ADX-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds without establishing a UAE footprint, aligning with international market practices.
Thndr processed $13 billion in trading volume across 12 million transactions during 2024, demonstrating significant user engagement across its existing markets in the UAE, Egypt, and United States. The platform offers various asset classes including equities, precious metals, mutual funds, and savings products.
Strategic Market Positioning
ADX ranks among the world’s top 20 exchanges and has consistently outperformed the MSCI Emerging Markets Index over the past decade. The exchange has also exceeded many major global indices over the previous 20 years, making it an attractive destination for retail investors seeking emerging market exposure.
“ADX onboarding Thndr is a transformative step in creating tangible trading bridges across the region’s capital market” said Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADX. The partnership supports the exchange’s broader initiative to increase market participation and attract foreign investment.
Regulatory Framework
Founded in Egypt in 2020, Thndr operates under regulation from the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority. The company secured backing from Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s technology hub, positioning it within the emirate’s growing fintech landscape.
The collaboration enhances ADX’s Tabadul platform, described as the region’s first digital exchange center based on mutual market access principles. This infrastructure supports cross-border trading relationships and fintech innovation initiatives.
Market Access Implications
Ahmad Hammouda, Co-founder and CEO of Thndr, emphasized the service quality aspect of the partnership. “We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with the CEO of ADX, driven by a shared belief that retail investors deserve access to a grade-A investment service” he stated.
The arrangement provides Thndr users exposure to regional markets through Tabadul while maintaining access to international opportunities. Co-founder Seif Amr highlighted the collaborative effort required to establish the partnership, noting contributions from multiple entities including FSRA, Hub71, Emirates NBD, and E&.
This development occurs as regional exchanges seek to modernize infrastructure and expand investor bases. The remote trading model could serve as a template for similar arrangements across the Gulf region, potentially increasing overall market liquidity and participation rates.