Fortrade Expands Regulatory Presence with Dubai DFSA Licence

CFD broker Fortrade has secured regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), allowing the firm to operate from within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) under its regulatory framework.

The new Dubai-licensed entity joins Fortrade’s existing regulated operations across the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia and other jurisdictions, further expanding the broker’s global regulatory footprint. The company said the move reflects its focus on maintaining consistent governance, oversight and compliance standards across all markets in which it operates.

Fortrade Chief Executive Officer Chris Warburton said the DFSA authorisation supports the group’s efforts to align its supervisory structure globally, placing the Dubai operation under a regulatory regime comparable to those governing its other licensed entities.

Warburton added that Fortrade continues to prioritise simplicity and accessibility in its trading offering, focusing on stable platforms available across web, mobile and desktop, alongside a broad range of tradable instruments.

The DIFC operates as a financial free zone built on a common-law legal system, with independent courts and a regulatory environment designed to align with international standards. It serves as a regional hub for banks, asset managers, insurers and trading firms looking to access markets across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

Operating from the DIFC brings Fortrade (DIFC) Limited within a defined supervisory framework for leveraged trading services. The group linked its Dubai expansion to a broader strategy of operating in markets where regulatory clarity and institutional oversight support trading activity.

Fortrade provides CFD trading across a range of asset classes, including foreign exchange, equities, indices, metals, energy and agricultural products. Clients can access the firm’s services via its proprietary Fortrader platform on web and mobile, as well as through the MT4 Mobile app.

Separately, Fortrade reported improved financial performance from its UK business in 2024, driven by higher client trading activity. The UK unit posted an operating profit of £1.34 million, up 37% from £921,000 a year earlier. Revenue increased 7% to £21.2 million, compared with £19.8 million in 2023, despite what the company described as challenging market conditions and intensifying competition.