KTFA
FRANK26: "THE INTERNATIONAL WORLD PREPARES TO DO BUSINESS WITH IRAQ"......F26
4/23/2025
The Iraq Stock Exchange and the Iraqi Securities Commission signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) today, Wednesday, to join the Tabadul digital trading platform, ' becoming the platform's ninth member.
The Iraq Stock Exchange said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The signing ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. This step comes within the framework of strengthening joint cooperation between the two sides, based on the preliminary agreement announced between the Iraqi Securities Commission and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in January 2025, with the aim of enhancing joint cooperation between the capital markets of the two countries."
The Commission continued, "The agreement aims to consolidate cooperation frameworks in various fields, including technology and innovation, developing trading and post-trade systems, and exchanging best practices and technologies in the trading field." THE Commission explained that "this memorandum will contribute to paving the way for investors and brokerage firms to trade directly and seamlessly between the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Iraq Stock Exchange. The Tabadul platform allows brokerage firms in both markets to access other markets remotely, contributing to strengthening interconnectivity between the markets and enabling Iraqi investors to access regional and global investment opportunities."
Also the Commission explained that "by leveraging the Tabadul platform, investors in member markets will be able to participate in initial public offerings (IPOs) between them, which will help highlight the advantages of cross-border trading and expand investment horizons."
The Chairman of the Iraqi Securities Commission, Faisal Al-Haimus, praised this step, stressing that "the Iraqi market's accession to the Tabadul platform represents a qualitative leap in the development of the Iraqi financial market infrastructure."
He added, "This platform will enhance opportunities for regional partnerships and economic integration with Arab financial markets, contributing to broader horizons for investors and reflecting the Commission's commitment tosupporting the digital transformation of the Iraqi financial market."
For her part, the Executive Director of the Iraq Stock Exchange, Jimmy Afham Toma, said, "We are proud of the Iraq Stock Exchange's accession to the Tabadul digital trading platform, as this represents an important step towards developing the Iraqi financial market and strengthening its integration with regional markets."
Abdullah Salem Al-Nuaimi, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Group, said, "This MoU represents a milestone in the cooperation between the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Iraq Stock Exchange."
He added, "This cooperation strengthens the Iraqi market's position within the regional ecosystem by increasing market activity and providing a wider range of opportunities for investors by enabling access to diverse investment options in companies listed on both markets."
He continued, "The platform also provides access to more than 7.5 million investors on member exchanges and includes more than 490 listed companies. Trading activity between member stock exchanges doubled in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting the platform's position in the regional financial landscape."
In addition to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, the Tabadul platform currently includes a number of the region's most prominent exchanges, including the Bahrain Bourse, Muscat Stock Exchange, Astana International Exchange, Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, Central Asian Stock Exchange, Armenian Stock Exchange, and Amman Stock Exchange. Discussions are currently underway with several other financial markets to join the platform.
Tabadul provides a comprehensive range of trading opportunities for investors in member markets through seamless and flexible solutions that support business development, expand investment opportunities, and contribute to promoting sustainable economic growth.
The Tabadul platform underscores the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange's commitment to developing advanced technological infrastructure and expanding investor access to markets through strategic partnerships with leading financial markets, particularly in Arab countries such as Iraq. This will also contribute to enhancing liquidity, providing innovative trading solutions, and supporting the integration of financial markets at the regional and international levels.
