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GFO-X Group has received in-principle approval from Abu Dhabi Global Market's Financial Services Regulatory Authority to operate a digital asset exchange and clearing house in the emirate.
Global Futures and Options Abu Dhabi Exchange Limited and GFO-X Abu Dhabi CCP Limited will function as a Recognised Investment Exchange and Recognised Clearing House for digital assets and related derivatives following the FSRA approval.
The move represents a strategic expansion for GFO-X Group, which already operates the UK's first FCA-authorised, centrally cleared digital asset derivatives Multilateral Trading Facility. The company also maintains a technology base in Hong Kong.
Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as a leading jurisdiction for digital asset regulation, influencing GFO-X Group's decision to seek approval in the emirate. The regulatory framework provides institutional investors with access to digital asset derivatives across multiple major financial centres.
The Abu Dhabi operation will run continuously, enabling digital assets to be used as margin within a centrally cleared format. This structure addresses counterparty and credit risk concerns that have limited institutional adoption of digital asset products.
Central clearing also tackles collateral inefficiencies that have constrained growth in digital asset derivatives trading. The platform will support both cash-settled and physically delivered derivatives alongside other listed products, catering to institutional and crypto-native investors.
The exchange and clearing house will provide round-the-clock trading, clearing and settlement services, extending regulated access beyond traditional market hours. The infrastructure will support collateral mobility by integrating digital assets and tokenised real-world assets into mainstream market workflows.
GFO-X AD is conducting advanced discussions with institutional partners and targets a 2026 launch. The company's regulatory approvals span the UK and Abu Dhabi, supported by global operations.
This approval is a pivotal step in our journey to build a globally interconnected, regulated marketplace for digital asset derivatives and complementary products. ADGM's regulatory sophistication and institutional-grade infrastructure make it an ideal jurisdiction for our next phase of growth to support digital assets and the benefits of collateral mobility.
Arnab Sen, CEO of GFO-X
We congratulate GFO-X Group on receiving their IPA from the FSRA of ADGM to establish a Global Digital Asset Exchange and Clearing Infrastructure within ADGM, the world's leading international financial centre for digital assets. ADGM has consistently set the benchmark for progressive and robust financial regulation in this space, creating an environment where innovation and trust go hand in hand. Its comprehensive ecosystem, supportive framework, and forward-looking vision make it the ideal home for building a platform of global scale and integrity. We look forward to their contributions to ADGM's thriving digital asset community and the continued growth of Abu Dhabi as a hub for the future of finance.
Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM
