Latest news with #digitalinvestment
Arabian Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Thndr joins ADX as first remote retail trading member, unlocking UAE market access for millions of investors
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has officially onboarded Thndr, one of the MENA region's fastest-growing digital investment platforms, as its first remote retail trading member. It represents a major step in expanding retail investor access and digitally transforming capital markets in the UAE. This milestone makes Thndr the first platform of its kind in the GCC to gain direct access to ADX, the UAE's largest exchange, with a market cap of AED3.1tn ($844bn) and among the top 20 exchanges globally. Thndr onboarded to ADX More than 4m Thndr users will soon be able to invest directly in ADX-listed stocks and ETFs via its mobile app, unlocking real-time access to one of the GCC's best-performing markets. In 2024, Thndr processed $13bn in trading volume across 12m trades The app currently supports access to markets in the UAE, Egypt, and the US, offering a wide range of assets including stocks, gold, mutual funds, and savings products The onboarding supports remote trading, meaning users and brokers do not need a physical presence in the UAE to buy or sell ADX-listed securities This aligns with international practices and supports ADX's efforts to broaden market participation, improve liquidity, and attract foreign investment. Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of the ADX, said: 'ADX onboarding Thndr is a transformative step in creating tangible trading bridges across the region's capital market. As the first exchange in the GCC to welcome Thndr, we are demonstrating our commitment to financial inclusion and our leadership in unlocking new investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi's robust capital market. 'We are setting a benchmark for digital innovation and cross-border collaboration in financial services as we continue to be a key driver in Abu Dhabi's transition to a knowledge- and investment-led economy.' This collaboration enhances ADX's Tabadul platform—the region's first digital exchange centre based on mutual market access—and reflects the exchange's broader commitment to cross-border collaboration and fintech innovation. Founded in Egypt in 2020 and backed by Hub71, Thndr is regulated by Abu Dhabi Global Market's (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and has been at the forefront of democratising investment across the region. Ahmad Hammouda, Co-founder and CEO of Thndr, said: '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, whether through a seamless app experience or powerful content that makes investing simple and clear. 'This partnership gives our users the chance to invest in one of the region's strongest-performing markets over the past five, 10, and 15 years, while also opening doors to exposure within MENA through Tabadul as well as beyond MENA'. Seif Amr, Co-founder and Board Member, said: 'This launch is a major milestone for Thndr and a testament to an incredible partnership. The entire Thndr team worked as a united front with ADX, FSRA, Hub71, ENBD, and E& to clear major hurdles and ultimately make it simple for local and foreign individuals to participate in the UAE's impressive growth story. 'This collaboration truly showcases why the UAE, with ADGM at the forefront, is a beacon of progress for the region'. With a market capitalisation of AED3.1tn ($844bn), the ADX has consistently outperformed global benchmarks, beating the MSCI Emerging Markets Index over the past decade and many major global indices over the last 20 years.
Al Bawaba
6 days ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
ADX welcomes Thndr as its first remote retail trading member, empowering over four million users to invest directly in the UAE
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) today onboarded Thndr, a leading retail investment platform in the MENA region, as the first remote retail trading member on the largest exchange in the UAE, the second largest in the MENA region, and among the top 20 in the a Hub71 start-up, is one of MENA's first fully digital investment platforms. Regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market's (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), Thndr is set to make its mark in the UAE following its strong track record in the 2024 alone, Thndr recorded over $13 billion in trading value and executed 12 million trades. With more than four million downloads, access to three markets – the UAE, Egypt, and the U.S. – and a wide range of asset classes, including stocks, gold, mutual funds, and savings products, Thndr is building a true investment one-stop users will soon be able to invest directly in some of the most valuable listed companies and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the UAE through its mobile investment platform, demonstrating the ADX's commitment to connecting Abu Dhabi to global capital. This landmark announcement was made today during a special event at the ADX's headquarters in Abu Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of the ADX, said: 'ADX onboarding Thndr is a transformative step in creating tangible trading bridges across the region's capital market. As the first exchange in the GCC to welcome Thndr, we are demonstrating our commitment to financial inclusion and our leadership in unlocking new investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi's robust capital market. We are setting a benchmark for digital innovation and cross-border collaboration in financial services as we continue to be a key driver in Abu Dhabi's transition to a knowledge- and investment-led economy.'Remote Trading Members allow more individuals, international brokers, and institutions to buy and sell ADX-listed securities, in line with many international practices, without the need for physical presence in the UAE, thereby growing and diversifying the investor base, attracting foreign investment, improving liquidity, and driving more trading in Egypt in 2020, Thndr has transformed investing in the region by leveraging technology to provide a modern and seamless investment solution to help users grow their wealth through an array of products.'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, whether through a seamless app experience or powerful content that makes investing simple and clear. This partnership gives our users the chance to invest in one of the region's strongest-performing markets over the past 5, 10, and 15 years, while also opening doors to exposure within MENA through Tabadul as well as beyond MENA. As an Egyptian founder, this moment is personal, it's about building on the historic ties between Egypt and the UAE and creating new bridges for our communities to grow, invest, and win together,' said Ahmad Hammouda, Co-founder and CEO of Thndr.'This launch is a major milestone for Thndr and a testament to an incredible partnership. The entire Thndr team worked as a united front with ADX, FSRA, Hub71, ENBD, and E& to clear major hurdles and ultimately make it simple for local and foreign individuals to participate in the UAE's impressive growth story. This collaboration truly showcases why the UAE, with ADGM at the forefront, is a beacon of progress for the region,' said Seif Amr, Thndr's Co-founder and Board onboarding of Thndr supports ADX's key initiatives, such as the Tabadul platform, the first digital exchange center in the region that is based on the mutual market access model, and complements strategic partnerships with global exchanges by fostering innovation, enabling knowledge transfer, and advancing cross-border collaboration. With a market capitalization of AED 3.1 trillion, the ADX reflects Abu Dhabi's role as a dynamic global investment hub. The ADX has been the best-performing market in the GCC region, outperforming the MSCI Emerging Markets Index over the past decade and global indices over the past 20 years.
Malay Mail
29-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Johor's digital economy gets boost with 42 approved data centre projects in Q2 2025, says state exco
JOHOR BAHRU, July 29 — Johor approved 42 data centre construction projects in the second quarter of this year, positioning the state as a leader in the country's digital investment and a strategic destination for high-tech, knowledge-based economic growth in the region, said Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor. In a Facebook post, he stated that data centres serve as a key driver for the implementation of the Johor-Singapore Economic Zone, the Johor Digital Plan, and the state's border economic transformation agenda. He made the statement following the Johor Data Centre Development Taskforce meeting, which was co-chaired by Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communication Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, and Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han. Mohd Jafni said the meeting also reviewed seven new applications for data centre development in the Greater Johor Bahru area. He said the task force represents a holistic approach by the state government, coordinated by Johor Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) and involving key technical agencies in the state. Mohd Jafni said the state government prioritises the development of data centres in planned industrial zones such as Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC) in Kulai, the Sedenak industrial area, and the Pasir Gudang industrial zone, as these locations offer strategic advantages, including direct access to major highways, high-capacity power grids, stable water supply, and proximity to ports and international airports. He added that a total of 7,618 acres of planned industrial land has been allocated for data centre development, including areas under the Pasir Gudang City Council, such as ASM Green, Rising Gateway, Iskandar Halal Hub, Kosmo, and Keck Seng, as well as IBTEC under the Kulai Municipal Council. 'IBTEC, developed by Johor Land Group, alone has allocated 600 acres specifically for data centre development,' he said, adding that the state government will also limit new approvals for data centre construction in areas under the Johor Bahru City Council and Iskandar Puteri City Council to avoid land use conflicts with residential areas. 'The approval process for data centres in Johor is highly transparent and based on genuine technical requirements. Each application must comply with noise and heat control measures, architectural design standards, energy capacity requirements, as well as disaster and environmental risk management considerations. He noted that Johor is the first state to adopt Tier 4 data centre technology, the highest classification for data centre reliability and redundancy, which includes air-cooling systems and wastewater recycling technology, developed in collaboration with Indah Water Konsortium and Johor Special Water. — Bernama
Irish Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
AIB launches digital investment advice tool on its app
AIB has launched a digital investment advice tool on its app for customers who want to invest between €125 and €2,500 per month. The feature, which appears via the AIB life hub on the the bank's mobile app, allows customers to access investment guidance and products. It offers access to regulated investment advice and appropriate products, and offers customers guidance on making investments that are suitable for their risk appetite or needs. Research from the bank found one in five adults are saving more than €125 per month, while one in ten are saving more than €500 per month. Just under two thirds of adults have never invested, citing concern about a lack of knowledge as one of the main barriers. READ MORE Customers who have further requirements or who simply wish to speak to an advisor can continue to do so in local branches or via phone and video call. AIB head of wealth and insurance Ciara Ryan said: 'It's a key priority for AIB to support all of our customers to feel more confident about managing their financial health, in whatever way suits them best. 'It's interesting to see from the research that for those people who have never invested, one of the main barriers is a lack of knowledge. This is why it's important for AIB to embed comprehensive advice and guidance into this new digital investment option.' The AIB life hub launched in 2023 and had over 65,000 logins in 2024. It offers advice, guidance and information to help customers plan for their financial futures. It features calculators to show how investments and pensions can grow, step by step guides, and short articles that answer real-life financial questions on topics such as pensions, life insurance and budgeting.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alpaca to acquire wealthtech company WealthKernel
US-based self-clearing broker-dealer Alpaca has unveiled plans to acquire WealthKernel, a wealthtech company focused on digital investment infrastructure and tax-advantaged products. This strategic acquisition aims to enhance Alpaca's capabilities in the UK and European Union (EU) markets, aligning with its mission to make financial services accessible worldwide. The acquisition is pending regulatory approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority and Spain's Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores. WealthKernel focuses on delivering investment and savings infrastructure for regulated businesses, emphasising modern wealth products and scalable digital investment solutions. Its expertise in wealth management, including individual savings accounts (ISAs) and self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs), will strengthen Alpaca's existing trading infrastructure. By integrating WealthKernel's regulatory licences, Alpaca will operate as a fully authorised broker-dealer in these regions, further supporting its partners. The acquisition combines a team with knowledge in brokerage operations, compliance, and financial technology, according to the company/ This move is expected to enhance Alpaca's position as a comprehensive provider of brokerage infrastructure, enabling banks, brokers, and fintech companies to launch trading, custody, and wealth management products in compliance with regulations. WealthKernel CEO Karan Shanmugarajah said: 'Joining forces with Alpaca will allow us to scale our mission faster, while maintaining the high standards our clients expect.' Alpaca's newly appointed chief financial officer, Nadia Asoyan, who has held senior roles at Robinhood and Square, will bring her fintech expertise to the merged entity. The organisation will maintain its global presence with operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Earlier this year, Alpaca formed a strategic partnership with Kraken, allowing the cryptocurrency exchange to offer commission-free US equities trading to its American clients. Alpaca CEO Yoshi Yokokawa said: 'The acquisition of WealthKernel is a major step for Alpaca in becoming a truly global brokerage infrastructure. 'WealthKernel has gained a highly regarded reputation in the UK and EU through working closely with a number of financial institutions.' Alpaca, headquartered in the US, provides infrastructure for trading stocks, ETFs, options, cryptocurrencies, and fixed income, having secured over $170m in funding from notable investors including Portage Ventures, Spark Capital, and Y Combinator. "Alpaca to acquire wealthtech company WealthKernel" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
