Market AccessAnalysis
ADX and Virtu launch POSIT block trading network for institutional equity access
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange expands institutional trading infrastructure with Virtu Financial's electronic block-trading platform for ADX-listed equities.
ADX deploys Virtu POSIT network for institutional equity transactions#
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange deployed Virtu Financial Inc.'s (NYSE: VIRT) POSIT block-trading indications network for equity securities listed on ADX on 9 September 2026. Trades executed through the system settle T+2 via Abu Dhabi Central Securities Depository, maintaining the standard settlement cycle. Virtu became the first firm to execute electronic block trades through ADX's upgraded Negotiated Block Trade facility using POSIT as the sourcing mechanism. The deployment marks the initial phase of Virtu's POSIT facilitating block-trading indications for equities across the Middle East and North Africa region, according to the announcement published by Economy Middle East.
Settlement mechanics and regional connectivity#
Transactions completed through the POSIT arrangement follow a T+2 settlement cycle via Abu Dhabi Central Securities Depository, matching the timeline applied to standard ADX transactions. Arqaam Capital serves as Virtu's regional partner, providing connectivity, brokerage and post-trade services for financial institutions that are not direct ADX members. The operational structure links Virtu's liquidity-sourcing technology with ADX's trading and settlement systems and Arqaam's regional execution capabilities. ADX's negotiated and big-block framework permits buyers and sellers to execute pre-agreed transactions outside the central order book during designated periods, subject to exchange-defined minimum requirements and approvals where applicable.
Negotiated block facility upgrades precede launch#
ADX recently enhanced its Negotiated Block Trade facility, providing market members with expanded flexibility to execute large transactions through the exchange's infrastructure. The POSIT arrangement enables ADX members and their institutional clients to tap Virtu's international network for sourcing block liquidity in securities listed on the Abu Dhabi exchange. The system is designed to simplify counterparty identification for large transactions while limiting market impact and reducing information leakage risks when institutions transact sizeable positions.
ADX Group executive comments on infrastructure development#
Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADX Group, stated that deploying Virtu's POSIT technology on ADX provides institutions executing large trades with direct access to additional liquidity opportunities, according to the announcement. Alnuaimi stated the partnership would assist ADX in broadening global institutional participation and deepening its liquidity pool while maintaining the integrity of price discovery through the exchange's public order book. He noted the initiative is part of ADX's broader effort to develop globally connected market infrastructure.
Sources1 source across 1 domain
- economymiddleeast.comEconomy Middle EastADX and Virtu Financial launched POSIT block-trading network on 9 September 2026 with T+2 settlement through AD CSD
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