The Strategic Expansion of ARC Group Securities into U.S. Underwriting: A Catalyst for Cross-Border Growth Opportunities

In a pivotal move that underscores its commitment to global financial innovation, ARC Group Securities LLC has secured a FINRA-registered underwriting broker-dealer license in the United States, effective August 11, 2025. This regulatory milestone not only elevates the firm's operational capabilities but also positions it as a critical enabler for growth-oriented companies seeking to access U.S. capital markets. For investors, this development signals a strategic inflection point in the evolving landscape of cross-border capital flows, particularly between Asia and Western markets.

A Regulatory Milestone with Global Implications

ARC Group Securities' new underwriting license allows the firm to directly engage in U.S. securities transactions, including acting as an underwriter for IPOs and public offerings. This capability bridges a critical gap in its existing cross-border advisory services, which have long focused on connecting Asian enterprises with Western investors. By integrating U.S. underwriting into its platform, ARC Group now offers an end-to-end solution for companies aiming to list in the U.S., navigate regulatory complexities, and secure institutional investor backing.

The approval aligns with the firm's broader vision of fostering global financial innovation. As Ian Hanna, CEO of ARC Securities, noted, this milestone reflects the firm's dedication to “bridging Asia and the West while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and client service.” With offices in San Francisco, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, ARC Group is uniquely positioned to leverage its regional expertise and regulatory agility to serve clients across geographies.

Strategic Services for Growth Companies

ARC Group's expanded platform is tailored to address the needs of mid-market and emerging growth companies, particularly in sectors such as technology, energy, and industrial. These industries are increasingly prioritizing cross-border capital access to scale operations, diversify supply chains, and tap into new markets. For example, the firm's advisory role in Empro Group Inc.'s successful IPO in 2025 highlights its ability to guide companies through complex listing processes while connecting them with U.S. institutional investors.

The firm's cross-border M&A expertise further strengthens its value proposition. ARC Group has advised on over $10 billion in transactions globally, including high-profile deals like the joint venture between Shrirams Pistons (India) and Greatland Electric (China). This hands-on approach—combining strategic alignment, regulatory navigation, and post-merger integration—ensures clients can execute deals with confidence, even in volatile markets.

Navigating Regulatory Shifts and Market Dynamics

The U.S. capital markets landscape in 2025 has been reshaped by regulatory changes, such as Nasdaq's revised listing requirements. These updates, which include higher minimum capital raise thresholds, have prompted many smaller and mid-sized issuers to reconsider their strategies. ARC Group is proactively addressing these challenges by offering alternative pathways, such as reverse takeovers (RTOs), de-SPAC mergers, and dual-track processes. For instance, the firm is helping clients build pre-IPO institutional investor bases to meet Nasdaq's demand for stronger shareholder support, ensuring compliance while maintaining flexibility.

This adaptability is particularly valuable for Asian companies seeking U.S. listings. Countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand—driven by favorable demographics and economic resilience—are attracting cross-border investment. ARC Group's deep understanding of local regulations and investor preferences in these markets enables it to structure deals that align with both U.S. and Asian market expectations.

Investment Implications and Opportunities

For investors, ARC Group's expansion into U.S. underwriting creates new opportunities in two key areas:
1. Cross-Border Deal Sourcing: The firm's integrated platform connects growth companies in Asia with Western capital, offering investors exposure to high-potential sectors like renewable energy, logistics, and technology. For example, ARC Group's advisory work on Gulf Energy's solar project acquisitions in Vietnam demonstrates its ability to identify and execute deals in emerging markets.
2. Regulatory Expertise: As global regulatory environments become more complex, firms like ARC Group provide a competitive edge. Their ability to navigate CFIUS reviews in the U.S. and SAFE approvals in China reduces execution risks, making them a trusted partner for cross-border transactions.

A Catalyst for Long-Term Value Creation

ARC Group's strategic expansion is not just about regulatory compliance—it's about creating sustainable value for clients and investors. By combining its U.S. underwriting capabilities with its established cross-border M&A expertise, the firm is well-positioned to capitalize on the resurgence of international dealmaking. Southeast Asia, in particular, remains a focal point, with ARC Group advising on transactions in sectors poised for long-term growth, such as healthcare and renewable energy.

For investors, this means opportunities to back companies that are leveraging ARC Group's platform to scale globally. The firm's recent success in facilitating Empro Group's IPO and its proactive approach to regulatory shifts highlight its ability to deliver results in a dynamic market.

Conclusion

ARC Group Securities' entry into U.S. underwriting marks a transformative step in its journey to become a global capital markets leader. By bridging Asia and Western markets, the firm is not only enhancing its own capabilities but also empowering growth companies to access new investor bases and scale their ambitions. For investors, this represents a compelling opportunity to engage with a firm that is redefining cross-border capital flows in an era of geopolitical recalibration and technological innovation. As global transaction channels continue to evolve, ARC Group's strategic vision and execution discipline position it as a key player in the next phase of cross-border growth.