By Staff Writer
Deriv obtains UAE SCA licence for its new UAE entity, marking a major step in its regional expansion.
Locally tailored services with AED accounts, swap-free trading, and Arabic/English in-app support aim to empower UAE traders.
Global momentum continues with new licences in Mauritius and Cayman Islands, plus multiple industry awards in 2025.
Deriv, the online trading platform with more than 26 years of industry experience, has announced it has secured a licence from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) for its newly established subsidiary, Deriv Capital Contracts & Currencies L.L.C.
It marks a significant step in Deriv’s long-term strategy to expand across the Middle East, cementing its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic financial hubs. With a client base of over 3 million worldwide, Deriv says the new licence underlines its mission to make regulated online trading safe, transparent, and accessible for everyone.
“As we enter our 26th year, the SCA license for our UAE entity anchors our next chapter of growth,” said Rakshit Choudhary, who became sole CEO of Deriv in May this year. “We’re truly impressed by the UAE’s fintech-forward vision, its commitment to investor education, and robust regulatory framework, which align perfectly with what we stand for. This market is especially exciting given its young, digital-first population, leading global cryptocurrency adoption. We’re eager to empower clients across the UAE with our innovative platforms, expanded financial offerings, along with comprehensive education and trusted safeguards, which will transform their trading experience.”
The UAE subsidiary will operate under SCA oversight while complementing Deriv Group’s existing global compliance framework. In addition to the UAE, the company has recently expanded its regulatory footprint with new licences in Mauritius (June 2024) and the Cayman Islands (April 2025).
“The UAE is uniquely positioned as a global financial hub, with its forward-thinking regulatory environment and thriving fintech ecosystem,” added Joanna Frendo, Executive Director of Deriv Capital Contracts & Currencies L.L.C and Chief Compliance Officer at Deriv Group. “Obtaining our SCA licence was fundamental to our regional strategy, allowing us to serve clients in the UAE with the transparency, safeguards, and service quality that have defined Deriv for over two decades.”
To support traders in the UAE, Deriv has launched a mobile app for iOS and Android that offers CFDs on hundreds of instruments across six asset classes via MT5. The app includes an AED 10,000 demo account, AED-based funding starting from just AED 40, secure deposits and withdrawals, swap-free trading, and built-in risk management tools such as stop loss, take profit, and trailing stops. Traders can also access in-app support in Arabic and English, ensuring a more localised and user-friendly experience.
2025 has been a landmark year for Deriv. Beyond expanding its regulatory presence, the broker has embraced an AI-first strategy, embedding artificial intelligence across its operations, from engineering and compliance to marketing and recruitment. This innovation-led approach has accelerated the rollout of new products, streamlined partner support, and enhanced the user experience with more personalised, efficient trading journeys.
Industry recognition has also followed. This year alone, Deriv has collected a string of awards, including:
Most Innovative Broker—MEA 2025 (Dubai iFX EXPO)
Best Trading Platform–MENA (Holiston Media’s Global Forex Awards)
Best Trading Experience (UF Global Awards 2025)
Most Trusted Broker (Global)
Best Broker (Africa)
Best CFD Broker LATAM 2025
With its new UAE licence, expanded global regulatory coverage, and investment in AI-driven innovation, Deriv is positioning itself strongly for long-term growth in the Middle East and beyond. For traders in the UAE, the move signals more choice, more accessibility, and greater confidence in navigating financial markets with a trusted, regulated broker.
