Fortrade Secures Dubai License, Adds to UK, Europe, Canada and Australia Regulatory Roster

Tuesday, 20/01/2026 | 20:08 GMT by Jared Kirui
  • The approval enables the CFD broker to operate from within the Dubai International Financial Centre under its supervisory framework.
  • Last year, the firm's UK unit posted 37% jump in operating profit amid higher trading volumes.
Dubai UAE

Fortrade received regulatory authorization from the Dubai Financial Services Authority. The approval allows the CFD broker to operate from within the Dubai International Financial Centre under the center's regulatory framework.

DFSA License and Global Footprint

The firm's Dubai entity now sits alongside the group’s regulated operations in the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia and other jurisdictions. Its management presented the move as part of an effort to maintain consistent governance and compliance standards across all locations.

CEO Chris Warburton said the authorization supports the group’s work to keep its oversight structure aligned across markets. He noted that the license places the Dubai unit within a formal framework similar to those that apply to Fortrade’s other regulated entities.

“Fortrade has always strived to make the trading experience straightforward, without layering on features that make it harder to use. That starts with platforms that are stable and accessible across web, mobile, and desktop, and extends to a broad product range.”

Related: CFD Brokers Can Now Get Dubai Licenses 33% Faster

The DIFC functions as a financial free zone built around a common-law legal system, independent courts and regulation designed to reflect international practice.

Role of the DIFC Framework

Banks, asset managers, insurers and trading firms use the centre as a base to serve clients across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Fortrade’s new licence connects the brokerage’s regional activities to this structure.

Operating from the DIFC puts Fortrade (DIFC) Limited inside a defined supervisory environment for leveraged trading services. The group links the Dubai expansion to a broader preference for markets where regulatory clarity and institutional oversight underpin trading activity.

Fortrade offers CFDs on instruments such as currencies, stocks, indices, metals, energy contracts and agricultural products. Clients can trade via Fortrader, the proprietary platform accessible on web and mobile, and via the MT4 Mobile App.

Last year, Fortrade's UK unit reported a significant improvement in profitability for 2024 amid rising client trading activity. It recorded an operating profit of £1.34 million, marking a 37% increase from £921,000 in the previous year.

Revenue rose 7% to £21.2 million from £19.8 million in 2023, reflecting stronger engagement across its trading platform. The London-headquartered broker said the performance was driven by higher client activity levels, despite what its directors described as challenging market conditions and growing competition in its main business areas.

Fortrade received regulatory authorization from the Dubai Financial Services Authority. The approval allows the CFD broker to operate from within the Dubai International Financial Centre under the center's regulatory framework.

DFSA License and Global Footprint

The firm's Dubai entity now sits alongside the group’s regulated operations in the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia and other jurisdictions. Its management presented the move as part of an effort to maintain consistent governance and compliance standards across all locations.

CEO Chris Warburton said the authorization supports the group’s work to keep its oversight structure aligned across markets. He noted that the license places the Dubai unit within a formal framework similar to those that apply to Fortrade’s other regulated entities.

“Fortrade has always strived to make the trading experience straightforward, without layering on features that make it harder to use. That starts with platforms that are stable and accessible across web, mobile, and desktop, and extends to a broad product range.”

Related: CFD Brokers Can Now Get Dubai Licenses 33% Faster

The DIFC functions as a financial free zone built around a common-law legal system, independent courts and regulation designed to reflect international practice.

Role of the DIFC Framework

Banks, asset managers, insurers and trading firms use the centre as a base to serve clients across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Fortrade’s new licence connects the brokerage’s regional activities to this structure.

Operating from the DIFC puts Fortrade (DIFC) Limited inside a defined supervisory environment for leveraged trading services. The group links the Dubai expansion to a broader preference for markets where regulatory clarity and institutional oversight underpin trading activity.

Fortrade offers CFDs on instruments such as currencies, stocks, indices, metals, energy contracts and agricultural products. Clients can trade via Fortrader, the proprietary platform accessible on web and mobile, and via the MT4 Mobile App.

Last year, Fortrade's UK unit reported a significant improvement in profitability for 2024 amid rising client trading activity. It recorded an operating profit of £1.34 million, marking a 37% increase from £921,000 in the previous year.

Revenue rose 7% to £21.2 million from £19.8 million in 2023, reflecting stronger engagement across its trading platform. The London-headquartered broker said the performance was driven by higher client activity levels, despite what its directors described as challenging market conditions and growing competition in its main business areas.

About the Author: Jared Kirui
Jared Kirui
  • 2551 Articles
  • 53 Followers
About the Author: Jared Kirui
Jared is an experienced financial journalist passionate about all things forex and CFDs.
  • 2551 Articles
  • 53 Followers

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