“Losses Are the Only Certainty in Trading”: iFX EXPO Dubai 2026 Kicks Off Exhibitions and Sessions

iFX EXPO Dubai opens its exhibition floor today at Circle Dot, launching a full day of speaker sessions, meetings, and networking activities for professionals across the online trading and fintech sectors.

The 2026 edition of the event began yesterday (Tuesday) evening with a Welcome Party at Bla Bla Dubai (Beach Club), where brokers, fintech firms, liquidity providers, and service companies gathered ahead of the main conference agenda.

Running from 10–12 February, the three-day expo features panel discussions, keynote speeches, industry awards, and business development opportunities.

Learn Trading with InvestingLive Academy Courses

InvestingLive has introduced the investingLive Academy, a new online platform offering structured trading courses led by market professionals. The academy provides practical, self-paced learning, allowing traders to develop their skills through clear, step-by-step courses. Participants can progress at their own speed and receive certification upon completing the programs.

Trading Fundamentals Masterclass Part Two Concludes

Beginner Workshop: Trading Fundamentals Masterclass [Part 2] took place during Day 1 of the Trading Festival at iFX EXPO Dubai, led by Greg Michalowski, Director of Client Education and Technical Analysis at InvestingLive.com. The 90-minute session was designed to provide traders with a structured foundation and practical framework for approaching the markets.

The workshop focused on how trading decisions are formed, the importance of building strong habits from the outset, and the need to plan trades before entering positions. Participants also explored common beginner mistakes and strategies to avoid typical trading pitfalls.

The session followed a live presentation format, featuring step-by-step explanations, an interactive quiz, and an open Q&A segment. Traders who attend both parts of the masterclass on February 11 will receive a certificate from InvestingLive Academy confirming their training and participation.

Purpose-Driven Leadership in Business Growth

The session “Rise with Purpose: A Leadership Journey with Sania Ansari” featured a fireside discussion between Lissele Pratt, Co-founder of Capitalixe, and H.E. Dr. Sania A. Ansari, Chairperson of Ansari Group. The conversation focused on Dr. Ansari’s professional journey in the UAE and the experiences that have shaped her leadership approach across industries.

Topics included personal development, resilience in overcoming challenges, and the mindset required for sustained growth. The discussion also addressed the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and supporting women in leadership roles, highlighting how these elements contribute to broader progress within the business community.

Leadership at the Intersection of Code

The session “The Crown and the Code: Redefining True Power” featured Isha Farha Quraishy, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and AI Expert at Oracle Dubai. In her talk, Dr. Quraishy reflected on her personal and professional journey, from early life challenges to becoming Mrs. Universe 2019 and a technology entrepreneur.

She discussed the relationship between resilience, leadership, and technological innovation, using symbolic references to personal achievement and digital transformation. The session explored how confidence, adaptability, and technical expertise can shape effective leadership in a rapidly evolving environment.

Trading Gold Highs with Price Action

The session “Scalping Gold at New Highs: Mastering Price Action at New Highs Market” featured Karina Fabi, CEO, author, and trader at Watch My Trading. The presentation focused on adapting scalping strategies to high-volatility conditions, particularly as gold trades at new highs.

Karina Fabi discussed price action techniques designed to refine trade entries and exits when markets move beyond traditional indicator ranges. The approach, based on her book No Charts, No Indicators, Prices Only, emphasizes reading raw price movements in dynamic conditions. The strategies outlined were also noted as applicable to US indices such as the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and US30, offering traders practical methods for navigating unpredictable market environments.

Strategy Starts with Trusted Market Data

The session “Strategy Starts with The Data You Can Trust” featured Sylwester Majewski, Head of Insights and Reporting Hub at Finance Magnates, Ultimate Group. The presentation included a live demonstration of the FMIntelligence Portal, outlining how verified market data and industry analysis can support strategic decision-making.

The session highlighted the importance of relying on structured, data-driven insights rather than assumptions when planning business growth. Attendees were shown how the platform can be used to benchmark performance against competitors, monitor regulatory and licensing developments, assess risks, and evaluate opportunities when entering new markets. The discussion focused on practical applications for professionals responsible for strategy, compliance, and business expansion.

From Instinct to Intelligent Trading Risk

The session “From Instinct to Intelligence: The Risk Management Beyond Stop-Losses” featured Muhammad Anis Younus, CFO of AlFadhili Housing; James Trescothick, Head of Market Research & Analysis at OneRoyal; Ahmed Tahsin, Founder and CEO of TIC – Tahsin Investments & Co.; and James Bentley, Director at Financial Markets Online.

The discussion focused on advanced risk management strategies for traders operating in constantly active markets. Panelists explored tools and techniques beyond traditional stop-losses, including the use of trading bots, AI-driven position sizing, and stress testing to anticipate market shocks. The session provided practical insights on maintaining discipline, adapting to changing conditions, and managing risk effectively in daily trading operations.

How Language Shapes Belief and Choice

The session “From Identity to Outcome: The Power of Words in Shaping Belief & Choice” featured Dr. Assad Rizq, Co-Founder and CTO of Quifiy Holdings. In this stand-alone talk, Dr. Rizq explored how language influences belief, identity, and decision-making.

Drawing from his experience as a former neurology doctor and a leading figure in digital finance, he highlighted how the words we hear and choose to embrace can shape personal and professional outcomes. The session offered practical and reflective insights for attendees, emphasizing the role of language in guiding behavior, shaping perspectives, and influencing long-term success.

Redesigning Fintech: MENA’s Regulatory Approach

The session “Inside the Regulator’s Room: How MENA Is Quietly Redesigning the Global Fintech Rulebook” featured Ahmed Allam, financial expert at H.H. The Ruler's Court of Dubai; Paul Herman Boots, Senior Director and Head of Sector Development at the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA); and Nameer Khan, Chairman and Founder of the MENA Fintech Association and FILS.

The discussion provided a high-level look at how fintech regulation is evolving in the MENA region. Panelists explored VARA’s regulatory approach, collaboration between industry bodies and regulators, and Dubai’s role as a global benchmark for fintech, digital assets, and responsible financial innovation.

The conversation also highlighted regulatory priorities, strategic considerations, and emerging opportunities that fintech founders, brokers, payment providers, and investors need to understand to scale successfully in the region.

Burnout, Overtrading, and Cognitive Overload Explained

The session “The Human Side of FinTech: Burnout, Overtrading, and Cognitive Overload in 24/5 Markets” featured Souhail Fadlallah, Business Development Manager at Vantage. The discussion focused on the psychological challenges faced by traders in today’s fast-paced financial markets, where constant connectivity and instant execution can take a toll.

Topics included the hidden costs of being continuously active in the market, managing information overload, and understanding the impact of gamification on trading behavior. The session offered practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being while navigating high-pressure trading environments.

Inside Trading Platforms: Real Experiences Shared

The session “Ask Me Anything: The Untold Stories of Men and Trading Platforms” featured Aeby Samuel, Founder and CEO of FYNXT; Otakar Suffner, CEO of FTMO; and Daniel Cheung, trader and entrepreneur at WChampfx.

The discussion offered a practical, behind-the-scenes look at online trading platforms, covering topics such as using charts, trading tools, and trend analysis. Speakers shared real-world experiences, challenges, and insights that are rarely highlighted publicly, providing guidance and tips for traders navigating the complexities of online markets.

Behind the Scenes of Trading Platforms

The panel provided a behind-the-scenes look at navigating online trading platforms, covering topics such as using charts, trading tools, and trend lines effectively. Speakers shared practical insights, personal experiences, and common challenges that are rarely discussed publicly, offering guidance for traders looking to improve their approach and understanding of the platforms.

From Personal Loss to Trading Growth

The session “Trading Life’s Hardest Lessons: From Personal Loss to Professional Growth” featured Riz Iqbal, founder and host of Words of Rizdom and Chart Fanatics. In this standalone talk, Riz shared his personal journey of loss and resilience, beginning with the impact of losing his father at a young age.

He drew connections between life’s toughest challenges and the pressures faced in trading, discussing how adversity can shape the way traders manage losses, risk, and stress. Through candid stories and practical insights, the session explored how pressure can become a catalyst for growth, helping professionals develop performance, clarity, and confidence. It emphasized that the most significant lessons in trading often come from resilience cultivated outside the markets.

Learn Trading Basics at iFX Expo

The “Beginner Workshop: Trading Fundamentals Masterclass [Part 1]” at iFX EXPO Dubai featured Greg Michalowski, Director of Client Education and Technical Analysis at investingLive.com. The 90-minute session was designed for traders seeking a solid foundation and structured approach to trading.

Attendees explored how trading decisions are made, learned to plan trades before entering, and received guidance on building good habits while avoiding common beginner mistakes. The session included live presentations, step-by-step explanations, an interactive quiz, and an open Q&A. Participants who attend both sessions on February 11 will receive a certificate from investingLive Academy recognizing their training and participation.

2026 Prop Trading Roadmap for MENA

The panel “The 2026 Prop Trading Roadmap for MENA Traders” featured insights from Kathy Lien, Director at BKTraders/PropTraderEdge; Nora Bar Tahhan, Managing Director at The5ers; Petros Kalaitzis, General Manager at IC Funded; and Syed Abdullah Jayed, Founder and CEO of FundedNext.

The discussion focused on how prop traders in the MENA region can navigate changing market conditions, evolving prop firm rules, and new trading technologies in 2026. Panelists shared practical strategies for maintaining funding, scaling trading performance, and preparing for shifts in the global prop trading landscape, offering guidance suitable for traders at all experience levels.

Crypto vs Fiat: The Future Debate

The panel “Crypto Messiah vs. Fiat Fundamentalist: Who Owns the Future?” featured insights from Erica Badocco, Founder and General Manager of BLegal.ae – Badocco & Lemieux Legal Consultants FZ-LLC; David Veselinovic, Founder of Crypto 12; Meryem Habibi, Chief Revenue Officer at Bitpace; and Tom Higgins, Founder and CEO of Gold-i.

The discussion examined the evolving role of cryptocurrency in global finance, from its challenge to gold as a store of value to its impact on payments and regulatory frameworks. Speakers debated whether crypto represents a long-term shift in financial markets or a temporary hype cycle, and considered how traditional finance may adapt or retain its central role. The panel also explored regulatory influence on innovation and the potential winners and losers if crypto adoption accelerates, providing a mix of practical insights and differing perspectives on the future of money.

Mind Over Market: AI Uncovered

The panel “Mind over Market: AI Strategies Brokers Don’t Put in Pitch Decks” has brought together industry leaders including Alakh Verma, CEO and Strategic Advisor at Bcentriqe.AI and PwC; Ajay Setia, Founder and CEO of Invincible Ocean; Sameera Fernandes, CEO and Chairperson of Econova Global and Dubai Stockbrokers & Investment Services Business Group; Ahmed Yousre, Promotion Manager at PU PRIME; Prof. Christian Farioli, CEO, lecturer, and author at ESD FZC; and Slobodan Draksimovic, CEO of WAIM.

FM Intelligence booth at iFX Expo Dubai 2026

Panelists discussed how artificial intelligence is transforming brokerage operations behind the scenes, often in ways not shared publicly.

The session highlighted AI applications used to optimize pricing and execution during volatile markets, as well as predictive models for client behavior that have had measurable effects on retention.

The discussion also addressed the limits of AI surveillance, including areas where it accurately identifies anomalies and instances where it may misclassify activity. Speakers shared real-world outcomes of AI implementation, including performance gains, operational challenges, and unintended side effects.

iFX EXPO Dubai Hosts Panels, Awards

Speaker sessions are taking place throughout the day, covering topics such as market structure, regulation , trading technology, and growth strategies.

The UF AWARDS MEA 2026 will be held in the Traders Arena, recognizing companies across the online trading and fintech industries.

The exhibition doors close at 18:00.

The day will conclude with “A Night with Dealing: The Official Launch Party” at Iris Dubai, bringing attendees together for an evening networking event following the first full day on the show floor.

iFX EXPO Drives Partnerships, Business Development

iFX EXPO is a global event series for the online trading industry, connecting brokers, technology providers, liquidity firms, affiliates, and other market participants. The expo serves as a platform for business development, partnerships, and industry discussions.