Hidden Road Secures In-Principle Regulatory Approval in Abu Dhabi

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ADGM Grants Hidden Road In-Principle Approval for Regulated Operations

Hidden Road Partners has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to operate as a regulated financial services firm. The approval, granted to its regional entity Hidden Road Partners CIV (AD) Limited, positions the company to offer prime brokerage and clearing services to institutional investors in the UAE, pending final regulatory authorization.

The move reflects ADGM’s ongoing role as a regional financial hub, and Hidden Road’s broader strategy to expand its presence in global jurisdictions with strong compliance frameworks. Once fully licensed, the company will support both traditional and digital asset markets under local regulation.

Regulatory Strategy Extends Global Footprint

The UAE approval is the latest in a series of regulatory milestones for Hidden Road as it scales its infrastructure to serve institutional clients. The company currently operates with regulatory recognition in multiple jurisdictions:

In the Netherlands, Hidden Road Partners CIV NL B.V. holds licenses under MiFID and as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP).

In the UK, Hidden Road Partners CIV UK Limited is authorized as a MiFID and AMLD5 investment firm by the Financial Conduct Authority.

In the U.S.,** Hidden Road Partners CIV US LLC is registered with the CFTC and holds memberships with FINRA, the NFA, and the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (FICC)**.

This latest step in Abu Dhabi continues the firm’s strategy of building regulated access points across key financial markets — an approach that aligns with institutional demand for transparent, compliant fintech infrastructure.

Expansion Plans Follow Pending Acquisition

Hidden Road’s IPA from ADGM follows an announcement last month that the firm has entered a definitive agreement to be acquired by Ripple, the U.S.-based digital asset infrastructure company, for $1.25 billion.

If completed, the acquisition will enable Hidden Road to significantly expand its operational capacity and position itself as one of the largest non-bank prime brokers globally. Backed by Ripple’s balance sheet, the firm plans to invest in scaling its clearing, financing, and digital asset services.

Outlook

As regulatory clarity becomes increasingly important in both traditional and digital finance, fintech companies like Hidden Road are building global frameworks that prioritize compliance, infrastructure, and institutional readiness. With a growing portfolio of licenses and a soon-to-be new owner, Hidden Road is preparing to deepen its presence in major markets — and the UAE is becoming a central part of that plan.