Pepperstone has received a Category 5 licence from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority and opened a new onshore office in Dubai.

The move reflects interest among retail brokers in obtaining UAE onshore licences. Rostro Group, the owner of retail broker Scope, secured a Category 5 licence from the regulator. Earlier this month, online trading firm XM also confirmed that it obtained SCA approval to operate in the country under a Category 5 licence.

Dubai Office Becomes Pepperstone Regional Hub

The SCA licence allows Pepperstone to carry out “Arrangement and Advice” activities in the UAE. This includes regulated marketing Marketing Marketing is defined as the business process of identifying, anticipating and satisfying customers' needs and wants.This is a crucial element of any operation or brokerage in the financial services space. Well-funded marketing campaigns are instrumental to the survival and longevity of these companies in an increasingly competitive industry.Within the forex space, marketers perform a wide range of functions to help procure, secure, or retain clients.In particular, newer forex brokers also have t Marketing is defined as the business process of identifying, anticipating and satisfying customers' needs and wants.This is a crucial element of any operation or brokerage in the financial services space. Well-funded marketing campaigns are instrumental to the survival and longevity of these companies in an increasingly competitive industry.Within the forex space, marketers perform a wide range of functions to help procure, secure, or retain clients.In particular, newer forex brokers also have t Read this Term, promotion, and limited advisory and introduction services. These activities are permitted for professional clients and partners under the onshore regulatory framework.

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Pepperstone’s new office is located at Emaar Square in Dubai. The office will serve as the firm’s regional hub Hub A hub as its name suggests describes the center of activity or a focal point. In terms of finance, the term hub can refer to Hub and Spoke Trading or a liquidity hub. However, the terms are not interchangeable, but they do overlap. Hub and Spoke trading refer to a network that posts bids and offers for an asset and therefore creates a real market. For example, Hub and Spoke trading allow traders to see the other submissions and offers from other traders on the platform. This is a popular method A hub as its name suggests describes the center of activity or a focal point. In terms of finance, the term hub can refer to Hub and Spoke Trading or a liquidity hub. However, the terms are not interchangeable, but they do overlap. Hub and Spoke trading refer to a network that posts bids and offers for an asset and therefore creates a real market. For example, Hub and Spoke trading allow traders to see the other submissions and offers from other traders on the platform. This is a popular method Read this Term for the UAE and the wider MENA region. It will support relationship management, commercial operations, and education. It will also act as a local contact point for institutional partners, professional traders, and introducing brokers.

SCA Approval Enhances Pepperstone UAE Operations

Gescard Hessen, Head of MENA at Pepperstone, described the move as a “strategic milestone.” He said operating onshore under the SCA framework allows the firm to stay closer to clients and “respond faster to evolving market needs.”

The new SCA licence adds to Pepperstone’s existing regulatory approvals in other jurisdictions. The company said the approval supports its ability to provide regulated services with local oversight for professional clients in the region.

Dubai Brokers Benefit from Digital Licensing System

The expansion of brokers in Dubai coincides with the DFSA’s launch of a digital platform to update licensing for firms operating in the DIFC. DFSA Connect automates parts of the authorization process and aims to reduce processing times by about one-third.

Application volumes rose 18% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to 2024, with retail brokers, CFD and FX firms, and cryptocurrency companies seeking licenses in Dubai.