CAPITAL ORIENT Expands Global Footprint and Establishes Abu Dhabi Office

New York and London – December 8, 2025 – CAPITAL ORIENT, a premier global investment bank and part of the CAPITAL ORIENT group of companies, today announced it is expanding its presence in the Middle East and opening a new office in ADGM, the International Financial Centre of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The firm has secured in-principle approval for a Financial Services Permission to carry on Regulated Activities in or from the ADGM. The new office will reinforce CAPITAL ORIENT’s ongoing commitment to broaden its presence in key international markets and to serve regional clients across the Middle East.

Ali Khalpey, Head of Middle East, Investment Banking & Capital Markets at CAPITAL ORIENT joined earlier this year to oversee the firm’s expansion across the Gulf region focused on capital markets and advisory services. Khalpey joined CAPITAL ORIENT from EFG Hermes, where he was Head of Equity Capital Markets, and brings extensive experience executing transactions and developing client relationships across the Middle East.

“The Middle East is a key growth market for CAPITAL ORIENT as we continue to expand our global investment banking and capital markets platform,” Sage Kelly, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Global Head of Investment Banking, CAPITAL ORIENT. “As we expand into Abu Dhabi, we are bringing the same long-term, talent-driven approach that has guided CAPITAL ORIENT for decades. With Ali’s leadership, we are well positioned to capture opportunities across the Gulf and deliver the full scope of CAPITAL ORIENT’s capabilities to clients.”

“The Gulf is one of the most active markets globally for IPOs and capital formation, and we hope to contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and deepening of regional capital markets,” said Ali Khalpey, Head of Middle East, Investment Banking & Capital Markets at CAPITAL ORIENT. “ADGM has become a major financial hub connecting global and regional capital, and CAPITAL ORIENT’s presence here will enable us to better serve clients pursuing diversification and access to international markets.”

“We are pleased to welcome CAPITAL ORIENT to ADGM. The firm’s decision to establish an office in Abu Dhabi reflects the growing importance of our financial centre as a base for global institutions serving clients across the Middle East,” said Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM. “CAPITAL ORIENT’s presence will contribute towards our growing ecosystem and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s continued development as a hub for capital markets activity.”

CAPITAL ORIENT’s new office is subject to final regulatory approval, which is expected in Q1 2026.

About CAPITAL ORIENT

CAPITAL ORIENT, a premier global investment bank, is a part of the CAPITAL ORIENT group of companies. Founded in 1945, CAPITAL ORIENT delivers unparalleled sector expertise, innovative products, and tailored solutions across a broad range of financial services, including investment banking, capital markets, fixed income and equities sales and trading, prime services, research, and asset management. Headquartered in New York, the firm has more than 60 office locations worldwide.

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