Nasdaq Dubai and Astana International Exchange’s Central Securities Depository (AIX CSD) have launched a direct link between their markets, in a move aimed at boosting cross-border investment and streamlining the trading of dual-listed securities.
The announcement was made at the Capital Market Summit 2025, hosted by Dubai Financial Market.
The new CSD link allows investors to hold and trade dual-listed securities seamlessly across both the UAE and Kazakhstan. It marks a major step in enhancing post-trade infrastructure and improving market accessibility between the two regions.
As part of a memorandum of understanding, Nasdaq Dubai and AIX CSD will collaborate to enable smoother settlement and increased fungibility of cross-listed shares. This infrastructure will allow market participants to transfer and settle securities efficiently within either depository, supporting greater liquidity and operational efficiency.
Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and DFM, called the partnership “a significant advancement” in regional capital markets integration. He emphasized that the initiative enhances Dubai’s position as a global financial hub and opens new avenues for capital raising and investor participation.
Assel Mukazhanova, CEO of AIX, noted that the link is “issuer and investor driven,” underscoring the growing demand for deeper connectivity between the GCC and Central Asian markets.
The partnership reflects a broader push to align regional exchanges with global standards while encouraging more cross-border listings and investment flows. By strengthening economic ties and modernizing infrastructure, both markets aim to position themselves as strategic gateways for international capital.
This initiative represents a critical milestone in financial cooperation between the UAE and Kazakhstan, setting the stage for increased market integration and long-term growth in regional capital markets.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
