What's Happening?
Abyan Capital, a prominent robo-advisory investment platform based in Saudi Arabia, has launched a new self-directed trading service that allows users to trade US equities and open high-yield savings accounts
in compliance with Shariah law. This initiative is powered by Alpaca, a global leader in brokerage infrastructure API, which provides access to options, stocks, ETFs, and fixed income. The service aims to cater to the growing interest among Saudi investors in US equities, which saw transactions reach SAR193.4 billion (USD51.6 billion) in Q2 2025, marking a 230% year-over-year increase. The platform offers a streamlined onboarding process, multiple funding options, and tools to ensure Shariah compliance, including purification and Zakat calculations.
Why It's Important?
The launch of Abyan Capital's Shariah-compliant trading service is significant as it addresses a critical gap in the Saudi market for investment products that align with Islamic financial principles. This move is expected to enhance financial inclusion and provide Saudi investors with greater access to international markets, particularly the US, which accounts for over 98% of all international trading by Saudi investors. By partnering with Alpaca, Abyan Capital leverages advanced brokerage infrastructure to offer a seamless and compliant investment experience, supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda to diversify its economy and empower individuals through innovation.
What's Next?
As Abyan Capital continues to expand its offerings, the partnership with Alpaca is likely to evolve, introducing new features and services to further enhance the user experience. The success of this initiative could encourage other financial institutions in the region to develop similar Shariah-compliant investment products, potentially increasing competition and innovation in the market. Additionally, the growing interest in US equities among Saudi investors may lead to increased cross-border financial activities and collaborations between US and Saudi financial entities.
