Cantor Receives ADGM Approval to Expand Investment Banking Platform in Middle East


Strengthening cross-border investment and capital formation capabilities linking the Middle East to global markets

/PRNewswire/ –Cantor, a leading global investment bank within the Cantor Fitzgerald Group, today announced that the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (“FSRA”) of ADGM, the international financial center of Abu Dhabi, has granted the company authorization to conduct regulated financial activities within ADGM.

The approval, confirmed by the issuance of a Financial Services Authorization (“FSP”), marks a significant milestone in Cantor’s strategic expansion in the Middle East. This authorization follows the opening of the Abu Dhabi office in December 2025.

“Establishing our presence in Abu Dhabi reflects Cantor’s long-term commitment to strategically important markets that are increasingly shaping global capital flows,” said Sage Kelly, Co-Chief Executive Officer et Global Head of Investment Banking chez Cantor. “The Middle East continues to benefit from strong economic momentum, increased investment and significant institutional capital formation. Our presence within ADGM allows us to better serve clients seeking opportunities in the region and international markets.

Led by Ali Khalpey, Head of Middle East, Investment Banking and Capital Markets, Cantor’s Abu Dhabi office will serve as the regional hub for the firm’s investment banking and capital markets activities. Cantor currently has two specialist teams in the region: an equities platform with comprehensive sales, trading and research capabilities serving local, regional and global sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors active in the Middle East; and an investment banking team focused on mergers and acquisitions and capital markets advisory.

“Abu Dhabi has quickly established itself as a leading international financial center and a gateway to one of the most dynamic investment environments in the world,” said M. Khalpey. “With our Abu Dhabi office now fully operational, we look forward to strengthening our relationships with clients, investors and strategic partners across the region, while contributing to the continued growth of the local capital markets ecosystem.”

“We are pleased to welcome a leading global financial institution like Cantor to ADGM, as the company continues to expand its presence in the region,” said Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer à l’ADGM. “Cantor’s decision to establish itself in Abu Dhabi demonstrates the growing desire of the world’s leading financial institutions to access the investment opportunities emerging in the Gulf and, more broadly, the Middle East.”

About Cantor

Cantor is a leading global investment bank, part of the Cantor Fitzgerald Group. Founded in 1945, Cantor offers unrivaled industry expertise, innovative products and tailored solutions across a broad range of financial services, including investment banking, capital markets, bond and equity sales and trading, prime brokerage services, research and asset management. Headquartered in New York, the company has more than 60 offices worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.cantor.com. Follow us on LinkedIn or X for the latest company news.

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