Thndr Joins Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange: A New Era for Retail Investors
Thndr’s Onboarding Signifies Major Digital Transformation
In a significant advancement for retail investing, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has welcomed Thndr as its first remote retail trading member. Thndr, a rapidly growing digital investment platform in the MENA region, will enhance investor access and support the ongoing digital transformation of capital markets within the UAE.
Access to the UAE’s Largest Exchange
Thndr’s integration with ADX is a historic milestone, making it the first of its kind in the GCC to gain direct access to the UAE’s largest exchange, which boasts a market capitalization of AED3.1 trillion (approximately $844 billion). This places ADX among the top 20 exchanges globally, offering a promising platform for investors looking to tap into one of the Gulf’s most dynamic markets.
Empowering Retail Investors
With this new partnership, over four million Thndr users will soon find themselves able to invest directly in ADX-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) through the Thndr mobile app. The upgrade brings real-time access to a market that has consistently shown strong performance in the region.
Impressive Trading Volume and Market Reach
In 2024 alone, Thndr achieved an impressive trading volume of $13 billion across 12 million trades. Currently, the app provides access to multiple markets, including those in the UAE, Egypt, and the United States, and offers a diverse suite of assets ranging from stocks and gold to mutual funds and savings products.
Moreover, the onboarding process facilitates remote trading, eliminating the necessity for physical presence in the UAE to buy or sell ADX-listed securities. This aligns with international standards and strengthens ADX’s ongoing efforts to foster market participation, boost liquidity, and attract foreign investments.
A Statement from ADX Leadership
Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, the Group CEO of ADX, emphasized the importance of this partnership, calling it a transformative step in connecting various capital markets across the region. "Welcoming Thndr as a member demonstrates our commitment to financial inclusion and our leadership in unveiling new investment opportunities within Abu Dhabi’s robust capital market," he stated.
Alnuaimi expressed confidence in the collaboration’s potential to set a new standard for digital innovation and cross-border cooperation in financial services, contributing significantly to Abu Dhabi’s aspirations towards becoming a knowledge- and investment-focused economic hub.
Enhancing the Tabadul Platform
This collaboration also serves to enhance ADX’s Tabadul platform, the region’s pioneering digital exchange center centered around mutual market access. It reflects ADX’s broader goals of cross-border collaboration and the promotion of fintech innovation.
Thndr’s Vision for Investment Accessibility
Since its inception in Egypt in 2020 and with support from Hub71, Thndr has been dedicated to democratizing investment opportunities in the region. Regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) based in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Thndr is paving the way for more accessible and user-friendly investment experiences.
Ahmad Hammouda, Co-founder and CEO of Thndr, expressed pride in reaching this critical milestone. He highlighted the shared vision between Thndr and ADX to ensure retail investors have access to premium investment services through a seamless app interface, paired with valuable content that simplifies the investment process.
"Through this partnership, our users can invest in a market known for its strength over the past several years, while also gaining exposure to opportunities both within MENA and beyond," Hammouda remarked.
A Unified Push Towards Growth
Seif Amr, Co-founder and Board Member of Thndr, described this launch as a significant achievement, crediting teamwork among Thndr, ADX, FSRA, Hub71, and others for overcoming substantial challenges. He reflected on the collaborative effort that has resulted in enabling both local and international individuals to engage in the UAE’s impressive economic growth story.
"Working together, we are showcasing why the UAE, with ADGM at its core, stands as a beacon of progress in the region," Amr stated.
ADX’s Market Performance
With its substantial market capitalization, the ADX has shown consistent outperformance against global benchmarks, surpassing the MSCI Emerging Markets Index for over ten years and outperforming various significant international indices throughout the last two decades. This track record positions ADX as a central player in the investment landscape of the GCC, promising considerable returns for both retail and institutional investors alike.
