October 1, 2025

Deriv obtains UAE SCA licence, accelerating growth across the region

Company
  • Key regulated presence: Authorisation for Deriv Capital Contracts & Currencies L.L.C to establish a new, regulated hub in the UAE.
  • 26 years of trusted excellence globally: Building on a proud heritage and the trust of over 3 million clients, this expansion is a major step forward in Deriv's mission to make online trading accessible to all.

Dubai, UAE, 02 October 2025 – Deriv, a global leader in online trading, today announced it 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. This marks Deriv’s strategic expansion across the region, further enabling its mission to offer regulated online trading services in one of the world’s most dynamic financial hubs.

Marking 26 years of heritage and a client base exceeding 3 million globally, the expansion is part of Deriv’s mission to democratise access to financial markets by making online trading safe and accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Strategic expansion shaped by SCA oversight and DFSA regulation

"As we enter our 26th year, the SCA license for our UAE entity anchors our next chapter of growth," said Rakshit Choudhary, who became sole CEO of Deriv in May this year. "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."

Operating under SCA oversight, Deriv’s UAE entity will deliver locally compliant services. This licence complements the Deriv Group’s multiple international authorisations, including the acquisition of new licences in Mauritius in June 2024 and the Cayman Islands in April 2025, reinforcing a strong global compliance framework.

Localised trading in the UAE

"The UAE is uniquely positioned as a global financial hub, with its forward-thinking regulatory environment and thriving fintech ecosystem," added Joanna Frendo, Executive Director of Deriv Capital Contracts & Currencies L.L.C and Chief Compliance Officer at Deriv Group. "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 accessible and localised support, along with region-specific payment options and education resources to empower traders of all experience levels to navigate global markets with confidence. A new mobile app for the region is available on iOS and Android via the App Store and Google Play. It provides 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 (stop loss, take profit, trailing stops), and in-app support in Arabic and English.

Deriv will provide accessible and localised support, along with region-specific payment options and education resources to empower traders of all experience levels to navigate global markets with confidence.

Highlights of Deriv’s global growth and innovation

2025 has been a year of robust expansion for Deriv:

  • AI-first innovation: Deriv embarked on a transformative journey this year to become an AI-first organisation, embedding AI into the DNA of every department. This innovation-first mindset has already optimised core operations, including engineering, compliance, marketing, and HR & recruitment, accelerating the development and deployment of new trading products. By integrating AI throughout its product ecosystem, streamlining dashboards, and enhancing partner support, Deriv is fast-tracking its mission to offer a seamless, personalised trading journey, geared towards driving greater value and efficiency for clients and partners alike.
  • Expanded global presence: New licences were also secured in Mauritius in June 2024 and the Cayman Islands in April 2025. 
  • Industry recognition: Deriv has received a number of awards in 2025, including the Most Innovative Broker—MEA 2025 at the Dubai iFX EXPO and Best Trading Platform–MENA at Holiston Media’s Global Forex Awards. Other accolades this year include Best Trading Experience at UF Global Awards 2025, Most Trusted Broker (Global), Best Broker (Africa), and Best CFD Broker LATAM 2025.

As the online trading landscape evolves, Deriv is positioned to lead the next wave of growth. Through enhanced education via Deriv Academy, broadened crypto and stock market offerings, and strengthened regional support, Deriv reaffirms its commitment to democratising access to global financial markets for every individual, worldwide.

For more information about Deriv and its services in the UAE, please visit deriv.ae

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