Alpaca, a global leader in agent-first brokerage and clearing infrastructure, today announced that its entity, Alpaca Clearing & Custody ME Ltd (“Alpaca Middle East”), has received in-principle approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, in respect of its application for a Financial Services permission.

The IPA is a key step toward establishing Alpaca’s regulated presence in the UAE and expanding its support for financial institutions and fintechs across the region. Subject to obtaining a Financial Services Permission, Alpaca Middle East plans to offer brokerage services and custody for virtual assets within the scope ultimately approved by the FSRA, bringing Alpaca’s API-driven brokerage infrastructure closer to partners in the Middle East.

“The UAE has emerged as an important hub connecting regional and global capital markets, with a strong ecosystem for financial services and technology,” said Hatem ElAraby, CEO of Alpaca Middle East. “Establishing a regulated presence in Abu Dhabi will allow us to work more closely with institutions in the region and connect them with Alpaca’s global brokerage infrastructure. This is an important step in building our long-term presence in the Middle East.”

Alpaca has established relationships with financial institutions and fintech platforms across the Middle East, spanning digital investing, savings and brokerage services. These relationships, together with Alpaca’s regional team and global brokerage infrastructure, provide a strong foundation for its continued investment and long-term growth in the region.

The UAE represents the next chapter in Alpaca’s strategy to build a regulated brokerage infrastructure in financial markets around the world. Alpaca has established a regulatory footprint across the U.S., U.K., Europe, Japan, India, and The Bahamas, supporting a global network of partners in more than 50 countries.

About Alpaca

Alpaca is a global agent-first brokerage and clearing infrastructure that powers access to traditional and on-chain asset classes. Today, Alpaca supports over 15 million brokerage accounts across hundreds of fintechs and institutions in more than 50 countries, backed by $400 million in funding. For more information, visit alpaca.markets.

Alpaca Clearing & Custody ME Ltd has received in-principle approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market in relation to its application for a Financial Services Permission. The in-principle approval is not a Financial Services Permission and does not authorise Alpaca Clearing & Custody ME Ltd to conduct Regulated Activities in or from ADGM. The commencement of any regulated services remains subject to satisfaction of the conditions imposed by the FSRA and the grant of the relevant Financial Services Permission. Any services described in this announcement are proposed services and remain subject to the scope and conditions of the permission ultimately granted by the FSRA.

This announcement is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, solicitation, recommendation or advice to buy or sell any financial instrument or virtual asset, or to open a brokerage or custody account. Services will only be offered where and when lawfully permitted.

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Alpaca’s in-principle approval from ADGM’s FSRA marks a key step toward establishing a regulated presence in the UAE and expanding its brokerage infrastructure in the Middle East.