OpenAssets Establishes Middle East Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, Joins Hub71

OpenAssets is expanding its regional presence with the establishment of OpenAssets Middle East Limited in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), alongside its admission to Abu Dhabi's Hub71 technology ecosystem.

The new entity will work with institutional clients and government organizations across the Middle East, as the digital asset infrastructure provider looks to support the development and operation of modern financial markets in the region.

OpenAssets provides technology and infrastructure for institutions seeking to build and scale digital asset markets. Its integrated platform brings together digital asset issuance, settlement, compliance, asset management and distribution within a single technology environment.

The company's network includes several major global financial and technology organizations, among them Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), cloud computing provider Amazon Web Services (AWS), stablecoin issuer Tether and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group.

ADGM provides a legal foundation for OpenAssets' regional expansion

For institutions exploring tokenized financial infrastructure, the legal framework governing their technology providers is an important consideration.

ADGM offers a legal environment based on the direct application of English common law, supported by its own independent court system. This framework is intended to provide international banks, institutional investors and counterparties with a familiar legal structure.

OpenAssets Middle East Limited has been registered with the ADGM Registration Authority as a private company limited by shares under the market's Companies Regulations 2020.

Gabor Gurbacs, Chairman and CEO of OpenAssets, said financial institutions across the Middle East are increasingly looking to modernize how assets are issued, settled and managed. He noted that these organizations need infrastructure partners with an independent local presence and operating within established legal frameworks.

According to Gurbacs, establishing the Abu Dhabi entity allows OpenAssets to bring its platform to the region under ADGM's English common law framework, providing a foundation for financial markets designed to meet institutional requirements and scale over time.

Hub71 to support OpenAssets' regional growth

OpenAssets' admission to Hub71 is expected to support its efforts to establish commercial relationships and expand its regional network.

Mohammad Al Khouri, Head of Startup Journey and Communications at Hub71, said the company's decision to establish a Middle East presence in Abu Dhabi reflects the emirate's growing appeal to international technology businesses.

He added that Hub71's Digital Assets specialist ecosystem, Hub71+ Digital Assets, will help OpenAssets develop strategic partnerships, identify commercial opportunities and expand its operations from Abu Dhabi into regional and international markets.

Through the Hub71 ecosystem, OpenAssets will engage with investors, businesses and government partners in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi strengthens its position in digital asset infrastructure

OpenAssets' establishment of a local entity highlights the growing importance of connecting digital asset infrastructure with established legal and institutional frameworks.

For financial institutions, the development of tokenization markets involves more than the technology used to represent assets on a blockchain. Issuance, settlement, compliance, custody and distribution must also operate within structures that meet institutional and legal requirements.

A locally registered entity in ADGM could help OpenAssets engage with banks, financial institutions and government organizations seeking greater legal clarity and regulatory familiarity when evaluating digital asset infrastructure.

Its admission to Hub71 adds another dimension to the expansion by providing access to Abu Dhabi's technology and digital asset networks.

The move also reflects the emirate's broader ambition to develop an ecosystem where financial institutions, technology providers and digital asset businesses can work together. For OpenAssets, Abu Dhabi will serve as a regional base from which to pursue opportunities across the Middle East and beyond.