 |
Strengthening cross-border investment and capital formation capabilities, connecting the Middle East with global markets
New York and Abu Dhabi, UAEMay 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cantor, a subsidiary of Cantor Fitzgerald Group and a leading global investment bank, today announced that the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has approved the company to conduct regulated financial activities within ADGM.
The approval, confirmed through the issuance of a Financial Services Permission (FSP), marks a significant milestone in Cantor’s strategic expansion in the Middle East. The authorization follows the company’s opening of its Abu Dhabi office in December 2025.
Sage Kelly, Co-CEO and Global Head of Investment Banking at Cantor, stated: “Establishing a presence in Abu Dhabi reflects Cantor’s long-term commitment to a strategically important market that is increasingly shaping global capital flows. The Middle East region continues to demonstrate strong economic momentum, with growing investment activity and significant institutional capital formation. Our presence in ADGM enables us to better serve clients seeking opportunities both in the region and in international markets.”
Under the leadership of Ali Khalpey, Head of Middle East, Investment Banking, and Capital Markets, Cantor’s Abu Dhabi office will serve as the regional hub for the company’s investment banking and capital markets activities. Cantor currently operates two specialized teams in the region: an equity platform with full sales, trading, and research capabilities, serving sovereign wealth funds and local, regional, and global institutional investors active in the Middle East; and an investment banking team focused on M&A and capital markets advisory.
Mr. Khalpey said: “Abu Dhabi has rapidly established itself as a leading international financial center and a gateway to one of the world’s most dynamic investment environments. With the Abu Dhabi office now fully operational, we look forward to strengthening relationships with clients, investors, and strategic partners in the region, while contributing to the continued growth of the local capital market ecosystem.”
Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, commented: “We warmly welcome a top-tier global financial institution like Cantor to ADGM as it continues to expand its footprint in the region. Cantor’s decision to establish operations in Abu Dhabi reflects the growing demand from leading global financial institutions to access emerging investment opportunities in the Gulf region and the broader Middle East.”