Rostro Secures UAE Category 5 License, Expands Access to Local Equity CFDs

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Rostro Group has received a Category 5 license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), enabling the Dubai-based holding company to broaden its brokerage and trading services across the Emirates and the wider Gulf region.

The approval allows the group to offer more than 60 locally focused equity CFDs, along with proprietary indices tracking Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock market performance. Rostro described the authorization as a foundation for its long-term strategy in the UAE, noting that the country is central to its regional ambitions.

Chief Executive Michael Ayres said the firm views the UAE as "one of the most forward-thinking financial centers," adding that the license "deepens our alignment with the country's vision to build a tech-first, institutionally robust financial ecosystem."

The company has established local banking arrangements and is preparing its Scope Prime division to deliver multi-asset prime brokerage services to financial institutions across the Gulf Cooperation Council. Meanwhile, retail-focused Scope Markets intends to offer accounts in multiple base currencies, including the UAE dirham and U.S. dollar, to reflect the broader client mix in the region.

Rostro's expansion comes amid a period of organizational changes following a series of new product launches and senior appointments. Earlier this year, the group added a futures and options unit and named Saul Knapp as Managing Director. It also rolled out institutional crypto CFD prime services with margin requirements ranging from 2% to 20%, depending on activity and risk profiles.

Recent leadership additions include Kate Mason-Keaney as Chief People and Organization Officer, Pavel Spirin as Group Chief Growth Officer, and Oliver Ryan as Head of Trading Operations. The group has also strengthened its finance and market-making functions with hires such as Demetra Charalambous and Sammy Christou as part of its broader governance and operational buildout.