A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
KraneShares, a global asset manager known for delivering differentiated exposure to China, climate, and emerging technologies, plans to bring more of its ETFs to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) in 2026, according to its Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Krane.
KraneShares cross-listed two of its flagship ETFs on ADX last week — the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB) and the KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF (KRBN) — expanding access for regional investors to two distinct global sectors.
Speaking to Aletihad, Krane said he appreciates the opportunity provided by ADX to cross-list ETFs from New York in the UAE. “We’re proud of the two new funds coming here. We plan to bring more funds to the Abu Dhabi exchange in 2026, and we really appreciate the cross-listing opportunity,” he said.
KWEB provides direct exposure to China’s 29 leading internet and technology companies across e-commerce, fintech, AI, cloud computing, logistics, and online entertainment. KRBN offers diversified exposure to major global cap-and-trade carbon allowance markets, including the EU ETS, California’s Cap-and-Invest, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), Washington State’s Cap-and-Invest and the UK ETS, enabling investors to participate in the growth of regulated carbon markets worldwide.
This marks the first time US-domiciled ETFs have been cross-listed on a Gulf exchange. A KraneShares statement said the cross-listing reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a gateway for global capital, and deepens the connectivity between US and Gulf financial markets.
A bell-ringing ceremony was held at ADX to mark the listing, attended by Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the ADX Group; Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group CEO of ADX Group; Jonathan Krane, CEO of KraneShares; and Jon Herrick, Chief Product Officer of NYSE Group.
Krane, speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony, described the performance backdrop of the two ETFs and why they are resonating with investors. “KWEB is up 30% this year. We are seeing the China internet sector really start to perform well, and valuations are still very reasonable compared to their peers in the US,” he said.
On KRBN, he added: “The fund has returned about 10% this year. The global carbon credit markets are starting to take off. There was volatility in recent years, but now we see good upward movement. We think 2026 will be a good year for carbon credit markets.”
KraneShares currently manages 25 ETFs listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Krane said the firm sees Abu Dhabi as an important platform for expanding global investor access.
Explaining the investment logic behind KRBN, Krane said the ETF consolidates carbon credit prices from major exchanges worldwide. “As the price of carbon goes up, it becomes more expensive to pollute. Companies have to offset their pollution by buying carbon credits. If it becomes more expensive, you assume companies will pollute less,” he said.
He added that carbon pricing is viewed internationally as a key lever for reducing emissions: “It has to go up if we’re going to solve the climate issue. Our fund gives investors consolidated exposure to that price.”
Asked whether a polluting company could theoretically offset emissions by buying the ETF, he replied: “It’s interesting — you could buy it, it has credits in there, so potentially yes. You have to check with experts around that, but potentially yes.”
Krane described the global carbon-credit market as still emerging but steadily maturing. “It needs more companies to participate in it, but it’s getting there. It is a solution to the climate crisis,” he said.
Abdulla Alnuaimi said on the occasion: “This milestone reflects the continued strengthening of Abu Dhabi’s role within the global financial landscape. Listing US securities on the ADX demonstrates the confidence international partners place in our market infrastructure, regulatory robustness, and deepening liquidity. These ETF listings also serve as a meaningful bridge connecting the UAE with both the US and Chinese capital markets.
“As we expand our collaboration with leading global exchanges, we remain committed to enhancing market access, broadening investment opportunities, and supporting Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision for a dynamic, resilient, and globally connected capital market.”
Jon Herrick, Chief Product Officer of NYSE Group, welcomed the listings, noting that KraneShares has long been part of the NYSE ETF community.
“Seeing two NYSE-listed ETFs expand their footprint through a cross-listing on ADX underscores the growing interconnectedness of global capital markets,” he said.
With KWEB and KRBN now available on ADX, KraneShares gains direct access to a fast-growing investor base in Abu Dhabi, while the exchange strengthens its lineup of internationally recognised ETFs.
KWEB and KRBN add nearly $10 billion in assets under management to Abu Dhabi’s market and expand the breadth of global exposure available on the ADX. Their addition brings the total number of ETFs listed on the ADX to 20.
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