Custodians play an important role in supporting the secure and efficient operation of Abu Dhabi’s capital market.
A custodian is a legal entity licensed by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) to provide securities custody services. Custodians safeguard securities on behalf of their clients and support the settlement of eligible securities transactions in accordance with applicable regulations, AD CSD rules and the custody agreement between the custodian and its client.
As part of Abu Dhabi Depository’s (AD CSD) member network, authorised custodians help institutional and other eligible investors manage their securities holdings and post-trade activities through the depository infrastructure.
Custodians provide an important link between investors and the securities market infrastructure. Depending on the services provided and applicable regulatory requirements, their responsibilities may include:
These services support the secure administration of securities and contribute to efficient post-trade processing across Abu Dhabi’s capital market.
AD CSD provides the depository infrastructure through which authorised custodian members can manage securities-related activities for their clients.
Custodian participation within AD CSD supports secure electronic record-keeping and the efficient processing of securities transactions within Abu Dhabi’s post-trade ecosystem.
Through AD CSD's electronic depository environment, authorised members can access the systems and services relevant to their role while operating in accordance with AD CSD requirements and applicable regulations.
Financial institutions seeking to participate as custodian members of AD CSD must hold the relevant regulatory licence and satisfy the applicable AD CSD membership requirements.
Membership requirements may include:
Institutions considering membership should refer to the latest AD CSD rules, membership requirements and applicable fee schedule before submitting an application.
Custodian activities and participation within AD CSD are governed by the applicable regulatory framework and AD CSD rules.
For further information, refer to:
Access additional information relevant to AD CSD members and securities custody activities.
Learn more about AD CSD membership and the institutions eligible to participate in the depository here.
Access the regulations and operational rules governing AD CSD members and depository activities here.
View applicable membership, depository and securities-related service fees.
Access relevant forms, applications and supporting documents here.