Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Cantor has received approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM to conduct regulated financial activities within Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, according to a statement issued by the company.
The approval, granted through the issuance of a Financial Services Permission (FSP), marks a milestone in Cantor’s expansion across the Middle East and follows the opening of the firm’s Abu Dhabi office in December 2025.
Sage Kelly, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Global Head of Investment Banking at Cantor, said: “Establishing our presence in Abu Dhabi reflects Cantor’s long-term commitment to strategically important markets that are increasingly shaping global capital flows.”
“The Middle East continues to experience strong economic momentum, rising investment activity and significant institutional capital formation. Our presence within ADGM positions us to better serve clients seeking opportunities both within the region and across international markets,” he added.
The Abu Dhabi office is led by Ali Khalpey, Head of Middle East, Investment Banking & Capital Markets. According to the statement, the office will serve as a regional hub for the company’s investment banking and capital markets activities.
Cantor said it currently operates two dedicated teams in the region — an equities platform with sales, trading and research capabilities serving sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors, and an investment banking team focused on mergers and acquisitions and capital markets advisory.
"Abu Dhabi has rapidly established itself as a leading international financial centre and a gateway to one of the world’s most dynamic investment environments,” Khalpey said.
“With our Abu Dhabi office now fully operational, we look forward to strengthening relationships with clients, investors and strategic partners across the region while contributing to the continued growth of the local capital markets ecosystem,” he added.
Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, said Cantor’s decision to establish operations in Abu Dhabi reflects growing demand among global financial institutions seeking access to investment opportunities across the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
