6 Best SCA-Regulated Forex Brokers in the UAE
The SCA has raised the bar for forex brokers in the UAE, creating a market built on accountability and trust. Licensed brokers must follow local and international rules that protect investors and strengthen the trading landscape. In our article, we cover these topics:
- How do SCA-regulated brokers protect investor funds?
- 6 Best SCA-Regulated Forex Brokers in the UAE
- Category 1 vs Category 5 SCA licences compared
- Final thoughts on trading with SCA-regulated brokers
- FAQs about SCA forex brokers
Our research covered official SCA registers, financial disclosures, and direct verification with company records. Each broker listed holds an active licence issued by the SCA. Trading conditions, funding methods, platform technology, and customer support were also reviewed in detail.
5 Best Forex Brokers in UAE
Rank | Broker | Review | Regulators | Min Deposit | Official Site |
🥇 |  | Read Review | CBCS, CySEC, FCA, FSA, FSC, FSCA, CMA | $10 | Visit Broker |
🥈 |  | Read Review | ASIC, FSA, CBI, BVI, FSCA, FRSA, CySEC, ISA, JFSA | $100 | Visit Broker |
🥉 |  | Read Review | FSCA, FCA, FSA, DFSA, CMA, St. Vincent & the Grenadine | $0 | Visit Broker |
#4 |  | Read Review | FSC, ASIC, CySEC | $5 | Visit Broker |
#5 |  | Read Review | ASIC, CySEC, IFSC, DFSA, FCA | $5 | Visit Broker |
Our Side-by-Side Comparison of the 6 Best SCA-Regulated Forex Brokers in the UAE
| 🥇 Broker | 👉 Open Account | ✔️ AED Account? | 💰 Minimum Deposit? (direct) | 💸 AED Deposits Allowed? |
| ATFX MENA | 👉Open Account | No | $5,000 (18,300 AED) | No |
| Plus500Gulf | 👉Open Account | Yes | AED 500 | Yes |
| CFI Financial | 👉Open Account | No | $0 | Yes |
| Equiti Securities Currencies Brokers | 👉Open Account | Yes | $0 | Yes |
| CPT Markets | No | $20 (73 AED) | No | |
| Eightcap | 👉Open Account | No | $100 (367 AED) | No |
How do SCA-regulated brokers protect investor funds?
SCA-regulated brokers in the UAE are required to separate client funds from their own company money. Your deposits are kept in secure bank accounts that the broker cannot access for operational use. These balances are reviewed daily to make sure every dirham matches what’s owed to clients.
Each broker must hold enough capital to cover its financial obligations and keep a liquidity buffer to handle withdrawals or volatility. Risk controls such as margin rules and automatic close-outs limit potential losses, and many firms add negative balance protection to stop account debt.
Independent audits and compliance checks take place regularly, with strict reporting to the SCA. Account access is protected by two-factor verification and encryption, while verified payment methods add another layer of safety.
If you need to raise a dispute, formal complaint channels are available through both the broker and the regulator.
6 Best SCA-Regulated Forex Brokers in the UAE
- ATFX MENA: Offers a Dubai Marina–based team that delivers daily market tips and UAE-localised 24/5 support for 40+ FX pairs.
- Plus500Gulf: FTSE-250–backed provider featuring exclusive +Insights that surfaces real-time activity from millions of clients.
- CFI Financial: MENA-grown multi-asset house with 15,000+ instruments and high-visibility regional partnerships like Etihad Arena.
- Equiti Securities Currencies Brokers: UAE setup with AED-denominated accounts alongside USD, GBP and EUR for local funding flexibility.
- CPT Markets: UAE arm operates as an introducing broker under the CPT group, connecting local clients to group execution and services.
- Eightcap: Crypto-centric lineup with 100+ crypto derivatives and the CoinDesk 20 Index CFD launched in 2025.
1. ATFX MENA
Overview
ATFX MENA gives UAE traders a local gateway into the ATFX group: a Dubai Marina office for on-the-ground support, MT5 access, and a product lineup that includes forex, indices and commodities.
Unique Features
| Feature | Information |
| 🪪 SCA licence category & number | Category 5 (Arrangement & Advice), licence no. 20200000078 for ATFX MENA Financial Services LLC |
| ✅/📣 Permitted activities under licence | Introduce clients, provide financial consultation and financial analysis |
| ⚖️ Declared max leverage & margin policy | Set by the executing ATFX group entity you onboard with |
| 🏦 Client money treatment | Handled by the executing ATFX group entity |
| 💻 Platforms available | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Client Portal access, no copy trading available |
| 💳 AED funding & local rails | Bank transfer, cards, selected e-wallets via Client Portal, AED not currently supported |
| ⏱️ Withdrawal processing | Request via Client Portal, timelines and charges not published |
| ☪️ Islamic/swap-free option availability | Not available |
| 📞 Arabic/UAE support | UAE office in Dubai Marina, support available 24/5, direct contact via official site |
| 🛡️ Risk protections & complaint path | SCA-regulated UAE entity with disputes/complaints channelled via the ATFX contact route |
| 🚀Sign up | 👉Open Account |
Pros and Cons
| 🟢 Pros | 🔴 Cons |
| Dubai Marina office for local contact | AED deposit and local methods not available |
| Multiple platforms available | No Islamic Account |
| 24/5 regional support channels | |
| Big-brand infrastructure behind the local entity |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ATFX MENA’s licence allow?
ATFX MENA can introduce clients and provide financial consultation and financial analysis in the UAE.
Does ATFX MENA execute trades for UAE clients?
Execution is handled within the ATFX group, the UAE entity focuses on arranging and advisory services.
2. Plus500Gulf
Overview
Plus500 offers UAE traders a proprietary, streamlined platform across web and mobile. Plus500 offers Guaranteed Stop, +Insights and access to forex, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs, options, and selected crypto CFDs.
Unique Features
| Feature | Information |
| 🪪 SCA licence category & number | Plus500Gulf Securities LLC, licence no. 20200000232, Category 1 |
| ✅/📣 Permitted activities under licence | Trading broker in international markets, OTC derivatives and currencies in the forex spot market |
| ⚖️ Declared max leverage & margin policy | Max leverage up to 1:300 on the SCA account, margin requirements instrument-dependent |
| 🏦 Client money treatment | Client funds held in segregated client bank accounts, not used for hedging or investment |
| 💻 Platforms available | Plus500 proprietary platform |
| 💳 AED funding & local rails | Debit/credit cards, bank transfer, PayPal, deposits zero platform fees |
| ⏱️ Withdrawal processing | Processed within 1–3 business days, policy attempts to return to original funding method, minimum thresholds apply, charges may apply below minimums |
| ☪️ Islamic/swap-free option availability | Available |
| 📞 Arabic/UAE support | 24/7 online support including Chat and WhatsApp, UAE office at Unit 405, Building 4, One Central, DWTC, Dubai |
| 🛡️ Risk protections & complaint path | Segregated client money, risk controls, including Guaranteed Stop, complaints via Plus500 support with regulator oversight by UAE SCA |
| 🚀Sign up | 👉Open Account |
Pros and Cons
| 🟢 Pros | 🔴 Cons |
| No deposit or withdrawal fees | No MT4 or MT5 access |
| Leverage up to 1:300 on forex | Research depth is ligh |
| Proprietary platform with Guaranteed Stop and +Insights | Card and bank provider fees may apply |
| Several payment methods for deposits and withdrawals |
Frequently Asked Questions
What platform does Plus500Gulf provide for UAE clients?
A proprietary Plus500 platform on web and mobile with built-in risk tools and +Insights
What is the maximum leverage at Plus500Gulf for forex?
Up to 1:300 on forex, with lower caps for instruments like options and shares CFDs
3. CFI Financial
 | Minimum Deposit: $0 Regulated by: CySEC, FCA Leverage: Up to 1:200 |
Overview
CFI’s UAE entity blends a regional broker’s proximity with multi-asset market access to forex, equities, indices, commodities, ETFs, and more. The platform mix covers casual to advanced workflows, from a mobile app to TradingView charts and MT5.
Unique Features
| Feature | Information |
| 🪪 SCA licence category & number | Category 1, Licence No. 20200000154 |
| ✅/📣 Permitted activities under licence | Trading broker in international markets, trading broker of OTC derivatives and currencies in the Forex Spot Market |
| ⚖️ Declared max leverage & margin policy | Up to 1:500 leverage on selected accounts, detailed margin requirements not published |
| 🏦 Client money treatment | Client money held in segregated accounts at an approved bank, bank names not published |
| 💻 Platforms available | CFI Trading App, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, CFI Multi-Asset |
| 💳 AED funding & local rails | AED via credit/debit cards, AED bank wire, UAEPGS, no CFI Dubai deposit fees, card deposits instant, wire transfers 1–5 days, bank charges may apply |
| ⏱️ Withdrawal processing | Request via client portal, timelines not published, method-matching details not published, withdrawal charges not published |
| ☪️ Islamic/swap-free option availability | Swap-free option available on selected products, terms apply |
| 📞 Arabic/UAE support | UAE offices in Dubai One Central Office 501, Abu Dhabi Business Avenue Tower Office 702, Sharjah Tabarak Tower Office 2003, 24/7 support |
| 🛡️ Risk protections & complaint path | Segregated client accounts, risk disclosures provided, formal complaint escalation steps beyond support not published |
Pros and Cons
| 🟢 Pros | 🔴 Cons |
| AED deposits by card, wire, UAEPGS | Not all fee details visible instrument-by-instrument |
| Wide multi-asset lineup | |
| Swap-free availability for eligible products | |
| 24/7 support with three UAE offices |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can UAE clients fund in AED with CFI Financial?
Yes, AED funding is supported via credit/debit cards, local bank wire, and UAEPGS.
Does CFI Financial keep client funds segregated in the UAE?
Yes, client money is held in segregated accounts at an approved bank.
4. Equiti Securities Currencies Brokers
 | Minimum Deposit: $0 Regulated by: FCA, JSC, DMCC, SCA Leverage: Up to 1:500 |
Overview
Equiti UAE gives traders MT4, MT5, MQ WebTrader and its own Equiti Trader app with TradingView charts. Account currencies include AED, and Equiti has offices based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Unique Features
| Feature | Information |
| 🪪 SCA licence category & number | Category 1, licence 20200000026 |
| ✅/📣 Permitted activities under licence | Execute trades in OTC derivatives and currencies in the forex spot market |
| ⚖️ Declared max leverage & margin policy | Leverage up to 1:500 on selected products, margin requirements set per instrument |
| 🏦 Client money treatment | Segregated client accounts with Tier 1 banks |
| 💻 Platforms available | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, MQ WebTrader, Equiti Trader mobile app with TradingView charts |
| 💳 AED funding & local rails | AED account option, funding via debit/credit cards, bank transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Neteller, Skrill |
| ⏱️ Withdrawal processing | Requests via client portal, processed daily, requests before 11 am GMT / 15 pm GST may be processed same day, funds returned to original method where possible |
| ☪️ Islamic/swap-free option availability | Swap-free accounts available, terms apply |
| 📞 Arabic/UAE support | 24/5 UAE support on (+971) 4436-8301, email [email protected], Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices by appointment |
| 🛡️ Risk protections & complaint path | Segregated client funds, complaints can be referred to Equiti compliance |
| 🚀Sign up | 👉Open Account |
Pros and Cons
| 🟢 Pros | 🔴 Cons |
| AED account support for localised balances | No copy or social trading |
| MT4, MT5, MQ WebTrader, Equiti Trader app | Research depth varies by product section |
| Multiple funding options supported | |
| TradingView charts inside the Equiti Trader app |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do withdrawals work at Equiti Securities Currencies Brokers LLC?
Submit a request through the client portal; processing runs daily with a same-day target before the UAE cut-off, and funds are returned to the original method, where possible.
Does Equiti Securities Currencies Brokers LLC offer an Islamic or swap-free account?
Yes, swap-free accounts are available, but terms apply.
5. CPT Markets
Overview
CPT MENA runs a UAE-facing operation that onboards locally and routes clients into the CPT Markets group’s trading stack. Traders can expect access to various markets, MetaTrader 4 and 5, and 24/5 customer support.
Unique Features
| Feature | Information |
| 🪪 SCA licence category & number | Category 5, 20200000245 |
| ✅ Permitted activities under licence | Introduce clients, provide financial consultation |
| ⚖️ Declared max leverage & margin policy | Leverage varies by account equity at executing entities |
| 🏦 Client money treatment | Client funds held in segregated accounts with reputable international banks at executing entities |
| 💻 Platforms available | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, client portal access |
| 💳 AED funding & local rails | Cards, bank transfer, selected e-wallets via executing entities |
| ⏱️ Withdrawal processing | Requests processed within one working day at executing entities, method-dependent receipt times |
| ☪️ Islamic/swap-free option availability | Islamic account option available at group entities |
| 📞 Arabic/UAE support | Live chat 24/5, support email available, UAE on-the-ground introduction and service via CPT MENA |
| 🛡️ Risk protections & complaint path | Segregated client funds and negative balance protection at executing entities, complaints via support channels with escalation paths per entity |
Pros and Cons
| 🟢 Pros | 🔴 Cons |
| MT4 and MT5 available | AED deposit options not guaranteed across all entities |
| Local UAE introducer with clear handoff into the CPT group | Third-party bank or provider fees may apply |
| Withdrawals processed within one working day | No onshore execution under the UAE entity |
| Islamic account option available via group |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find margin requirements at CPT Markets?
The published entity publishes margin tiers that vary by instrument and account equity.
Is there a UAE office I can contact at CPT Markets?
CPT MENA provides an UAE on-the-ground introduction and support, with live chat and email available.
6. Eightcap
Overview
Eightcap is a MetaTrader-focused broker with innovative tools like Capitalise.ai automation. Traders can access global markets and benefit from a safe trading environment.
Unique Features
| Feature | Information |
| 🪪 SCA licence category & number | Category 5, 2025 issue to Eightcap Financial Services MENA LLC, introducer and consultations scope |
| ✅/📣 Permitted activities under licence | Introduce clients and provide financial consultation in the UAE, execution and custody handled by Eightcap’s licensed group entities |
| ⚖️ Declared max leverage & margin policy | EU and UK retail up to 1:30 with product-level caps, International entity up to 1:500 on selected instruments, maintenance margin generally 50% of initial margin in EU policy |
| 🏦 Client money treatment | Client funds held in segregated client bank accounts at executing entities, retail client money not used for hedging at the Australian entity, segregation does not eliminate loss risk |
| 💻 Platforms available | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView integration, WebTrader access, Capitalise.ai automation, VPS partnerships |
| 💳 AED funding & local rails | Cards, bank transfer, selected e-wallets via executing entities, card deposits typically near-instant |
| ⏱️ Withdrawal processing | Requests via client area, processed by operations typically within about 24 business hours at group sites, receipt times depend on method and bank, funds generally returned to original method |
| ☪️ Islamic/swap-free option availability | Swap-free account option available at EU entity under “Swap Free” terms, availability varies by executing entity |
| 📞 Arabic/UAE support | Live chat during market hours and email support, UAE-specific phone or office details not available |
| 🛡️ Risk protections & complaint path | Negative balance protection for retail clients at EU/UK/AU entities, complaints routed via the executing entity’s support and formal policies |
| 🚀Sign up | 👉Open Account |
Pros and Cons
| 🟢 Pros | 🔴 Cons |
| Wide multi-asset CFD lineup | UAE MENA entity operates as introducer, no onshore execution |
| Retail negative balance protection available | Product leverage capped with some entities |
| Card, bank and e-wallet funding with near-instant card deposits | |
| Capitalise.ai automation and VPS options |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I place trades directly from TradingView with Eightcap?
Yes, Eightcap supports direct TradingView integration for live and demo accounts.
Are there deposit or withdrawal fees at Eightcap?
Eightcap does not usually charge for card deposits; third-party or bank fees can apply depending on the method.
Category 1 vs Category 5 SCA licences compared
In the UAE, every licensed forex or CFD broker falls under a defined category with the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).
The category shows how the firm operates, what it can offer, and whether it can hold your money. The two main categories are Category 1 and Category 5, and here’s how they compare:
| Item | Category 1 | Category 5 |
| Core permission | Dealing in securities, including trading in international markets and OTC derivatives such as forex spot. | Arrangement and advice, including marketing, promotion, and introducing clients to other brokers. |
| Execution | Trading is handled by the UAE-licensed entity itself. | Trading is carried out by another regulated broker the firm introduces you to. |
| Client money | The firm may hold client funds and execute trades within the UAE. | The firm cannot hold client money for execution purposes. |
| Typical use | Direct trading accounts with local onboarding and potential AED funding. | Advisory and introduction services linked to another broker in the group. |
| What to check | SCA licence number, authorised activities, and disclosure statements. | SCA licence number, advisory scope, and the name of the executing broker. |
Final thoughts on trading with SCA-regulated brokers
SCA-regulated brokers give UAE traders a layer of accountability that offshore entities can’t match. Licensing forces clear disclosure, capital adequacy, and complaint procedures. The benefit is transparency and a regulator within reach.
The downside is that leverage or certain product types can be limited under SCA oversight. Traders should weigh the comfort of local regulation against the wider flexibility that international brokers offer, and decide which balance of protection and range fits their trading goals.
Frequently Asked
Check the Securities and Commodities Authority public register, where every licensed entity is listed with its category and licence number.
Client money is held in segregated accounts, separate from company funds, which keeps it protected under SCA supervision.
Yes, many offer swap-free accounts under SCA supervision with terms detailed in their account documentation.
Cards, bank transfers, and recognised e-wallets are widely available through regulated payment systems.
No, copy trading is made for beginners and experienced traders alike. You can learn by observing the professionals you follow.
Addendum/Disclosure:
No matter how diligently we strive to maintain accuracy, all financial markets feature a volatile environment that may change at any time, even if the information supplied is correct at the time of going live.
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