HSBC Orion to launch MENA’s first digitally native bond with ADX and FAB

Key Points

1. HSBC partnered with Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) to issue the MENA region's first digitally native bond on blockchain.

2. The bond is issued by FAB and launched through HSBC's Orion platform, a blockchain-based digital asset infrastructure.

3. Orion operates via the Central Moneymarkets Unit in Hong Kong and also runs in Luxembourg, facilitating global investor access.

4. This marks Orion's first entry into the Middle East, though it has previously supported other digital bond issuances, including a €100 million bond by the European Investment Bank.

5. Orion also supported HKMA's multi-currency green bond issuance in February last year, reducing settlement times from T+5 to T+1 and expanding access to over 50 global investors.