Hidden Road Partners Secures Regulatory Approval in Abu Dhabi for Financial Services

Hidden Road Partners Gains Approval in Abu Dhabi

Hidden Road Partners CIV (AD) Limited has recently announced a significant achievement in the fintech space—receiving In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This approval allows Hidden Road to operate as a regulated financial services firm within one of the most prestigious financial hubs in the Middle East.

The IPA represents a noteworthy milestone not only for Hidden Road but also for the broader landscape of regulated financial services in the UAE. As stated by James Stickland, UAE CEO of Hidden Road, "Receiving our IPA from ADGM marks a significant milestone for our business." This endorsement from ADGM, known for its stringent regulatory standards, reinforces the entity's commitment to providing top-notch services in both traditional and digital asset markets to institutional investors.

With the approval, Hidden Road is positioned to offer clearing and prime brokerage services, enhancing its global reach. The company aims to streamline access for clients, combining both traditional financial instruments and digital assets, thus catering to a diverse range of investment needs. This approach reflects its dedication to compliance and transparency across asset classes, ensuring clients can navigate the markets with confidence.

The FSRA's IPA is a powerful testament to the robust measures Hidden Road has put in place to adhere to regulatory standards. Additionally, this approval aligns with Hidden Road’s other licenses across various jurisdictions, including its registration by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). These certifications showcase the firm’s proactive strategy in securing a foothold in the global financial ecosystem while adhering to the highest standards of governance.

Notably, the IPA comes on the heels of a pivotal agreement made on April 8, 2025, where Hidden Road confirmed its acquisition by Ripple, a leader in digital asset infrastructure. This $1.25 billion transaction sets the stage for Hidden Road to leverage Ripple's financial backbone, expanding its capabilities significantly and aiming to become one of the largest non-bank prime brokers globally. The acquisition not only enhances Hidden Road's offerings but also signifies Ripple's commitment to advancing fintech solutions by incorporating blockchain and cryptocurrency services into broader financial landscapes.

The ADGM’s Chief of Market Development, Arvind Ramamurthy, expressed enthusiasm for Hidden Road’s success, highlighting the potentialities that come with expanding its services within the international financial center of Abu Dhabi. He stated, "The expansion of their services within the international financial centre is a testament to the immense opportunities available within Abu Dhabi."

In line with its vision, Hidden Road continues to seek regulatory approvals worldwide. This ongoing pursuit stems from the company's primary goal: to provide clients with seamless access to both traditional and digital markets in a compliant environment. Noel Kimmel, the President of Hidden Road, reiterated this commitment, emphasizing that the aim from day one has been to simplify connections in prime brokerage and clearing, ultimately enhancing service delivery across diverse markets.

The announcement of the IPA is anticipated to propel Hidden Road into a new era of growth and innovation in the financial services industry. As it prepares to obtain its Financial Services Permission (FSP) and finalize its acquisition by Ripple, Hidden Road is poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping how institutional clients interact with financial markets, reinforcing the importance of regulatory frameworks in promoting transparency and trust in the evolving financial landscape.