Hanwha to List Korean ETFs in Abu Dhabi
Hanwha Asset Management plans to launch two US-listed ETFs on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange on November 2, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Investing
Live Poll
Is now a good time for you to diversify your investments into foreign defense and manufacturing ETFs?
Hanwha Asset Management will debut two of its exchange-traded funds on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange on November 2, 2026. This move marks the first instance of a Korean asset manager listing ETFs in the Middle East.
Why it matters
The listings aim to satisfy growing Middle Eastern investor demand for exposure to Korean defense, shipbuilding, and manufacturing industries. By cross-listing existing US-traded funds, Hanwha can access these markets while avoiding the high costs and regulatory hurdles of setting up local operations.
The KDEF fund manages $93.47 million in assets, while the KMCA fund holds $4.98 million. Both products currently trade on NYSE Arca before their upcoming Abu Dhabi expansion.
The players
Hanwha Asset Management
This is a South Korean asset management firm that focuses on developing investment strategies for international markets.
Exchange Traded Concepts
This is a third-party management company that oversees the operational and regulatory requirements for the Hanwha ETF products.
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
This is a major stock exchange based in the United Arab Emirates that serves as a hub for regional and international capital.
The details
Hanwha utilizes a white-label model where it develops index strategies while third-party Exchange Traded Concepts handles management duties. The firm plans to follow these Middle Eastern listings with future entries into European markets including London and Frankfurt.
Timeline
February 2025: KDEF launched on NYSE Arca.
May 2026: KMCA launched on NYSE Arca.
November 2, 2026: ETF listings occur on Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
Market Dynamics
Hanwha is currently working to establish an Ireland-domiciled UCITS ETF structure to support its long-term strategy for entering European capital markets. This approach mirrors wider trends of asset managers leveraging established cross-border regulatory frameworks to scale operations internationally.
International investors will gain direct access to Korean industrial sectors through familiar exchange-traded products without needing to navigate US-specific brokerage platforms. This expansion streamlines portfolio diversification for those looking to tap into Korean defense and manufacturing sectors.
The takeaway
Using a white-label ETF model allows firms to scale their reach into foreign markets while minimizing the overhead associated with traditional international expansion. Investors should monitor how these cross-listed products perform against their US-based counterparts to gauge the efficacy of this strategy.
What happens next
The Hanwha ETFs are scheduled to debut on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in global capital markets within the Investing section.
Live Poll
Is now a good time for you to diversify your investments into foreign defense and manufacturing ETFs?
