Ripple-Owned Hidden Road Expands to Abu Dhabi – Is the UAE the Next Global Crypto Hub?
Hidden Road, the prime brokerage firm recently acquired by Ripple for $1.25 billion, is setting up shop in Abu Dhabi. This expansion follows the firm receiving in-principle approval from the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
Once final approval is granted, Hidden Road plans to roll out institutional clearing and prime brokerage services in the UAE, with partner James Stickland leading the regional operations.
In a noteworthy development, members of Abu Dhabi’s royal family are reportedly considering joining the board of the local entity.
This move is part of Hidden Road’s broader global strategy, coming shortly after securing a U.S. broker-dealer license from FINRA. Ripple’s acquisition supports the goal of scaling non-bank prime brokerage services across key financial hubs.
