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Deriv has obtained a licence from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) for its newly formed UAE subsidiary, Deriv Capital Contracts & Currencies L.L.C, marking the company's strategic expansion into one of the world's most dynamic financial hubs.
The online trading provider, which has operated for 26 years and serves over 3 million clients globally, will operate under SCA oversight to deliver locally compliant services in the UAE. The licence complements Deriv Group's multiple international authorisations, including licences obtained in Mauritius in June 2024 and the Cayman Islands in April 2025.
Rakshit Choudhary, CEO of Deriv
Rakshit Choudhary, CEO of Deriv, who became sole CEO in May this year, commented on the expansion:
"As we enter our 26th year, the SCA license for our UAE entity anchors our next chapter of growth. We're truly impressed by the UAE's fintech-forward vision, its commitment to investor education, and robust regulatory framework, which align perfectly with what we stand for. This market is especially exciting given its young, digital-first population, leading global cryptocurrency adoption. We're eager to empower clients across the UAE with our innovative platforms, expanded financial offerings, along with comprehensive education and trusted safeguards, which will transform their trading experience."
Joanna Frendo, Chief Compliance Officer at Deriv Group
Joanna Frendo, Executive Director of Deriv Capital Contracts & Currencies L.L.C and Chief Compliance Officer at Deriv Group, added:
"The UAE is uniquely positioned as a global financial hub, with its forward-thinking regulatory environment and thriving fintech ecosystem. Obtaining our SCA licence was fundamental to our regional strategy, allowing us to serve clients in the UAE with the transparency, safeguards, and service quality that have defined Deriv for over two decades."
Deriv will provide localised support, region-specific payment options and education resources for traders in the UAE. A new mobile app for the region is available on iOS and Android, providing CFDs via MT5 on hundreds of instruments across six markets, an AED 10,000 demo account, AED-based funding from AED 40 with secure deposits, withdrawals and transfers, swap-free trading, built-in risk management tools, and in-app support in Arabic and English.
The company has pursued expansion in 2025, positioning itself as an AI-first organisation by embedding artificial intelligence into operations including engineering, compliance, marketing, and HR and recruitment. Deriv states this has optimised core operations and accelerated the development and deployment of new trading products.
Deriv has received industry recognition in 2025, including Most Innovative Broker—MEA 2025 at the Dubai iFX EXPO and Best Trading Platform–MENA at Holiston Media's Global Forex Awards. Other accolades include Best Trading Experience at UF Global Awards 2025, Most Trusted Broker (Global), Best Broker (Africa), and Best CFD Broker LATAM 2025.
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