UAE powers global e-trading boom as Capital.com volumes soar to $1.5tn

The UAE has reinforced its status as a global fintech and electronic trading leader, according to a new analytical white paper published jointly by global e-trading platform Capital.com and advisory firm APCO.

The findings were revealed during an event at Abu Dhabi Finance Week attended by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade.

The study, “Trading’s New Horizon: How Access, Innovation and Ambition Are Fuelling MENA’s E-Trading Boom,” analysed officially documented trading data from 62,850 active regional traders who executed 85.5m trades over a two-year period.

The report confirms that rapid growth in electronic derivatives trading across the Middle East — including in the UAE — is being driven by a digitally ambitious, highly engaged generation of traders.

Capital.com in the UAE

The white paper notes that following Capital.com’s licensing by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority in April 2024, the Middle East and North Africa region — led by the UAE — has become the company’s fastest-growing market, now representing more than half of its global trading volumes.

Capital.com’s trading volumes reached $1.5tn in the first half of 2025, up 42.5 per cent from the second half of 2024.

Regional trading volumes totalled $804.1bn, a 53.3 per cent increase over the same period, with the UAE alone accounting for $576.5bn, further strengthening the country’s position as a global hub for fintech and digital trading.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said the sector’s strong performance reflects the UAE’s commitment to building a competitive, future-oriented digital economy through advanced infrastructure, progressive legislation and rising financial awareness.

These factors, he noted, are enabling more individuals to participate confidently and responsibly in global financial opportunities and new derivatives markets.

Capital.com growth

Viktor Prokopenya, Founder of Capital.com, said the Middle East is undergoing a defining moment in its financial evolution, particularly in the UAE, where digital finance is reshaping how people trade, invest and build wealth.

The study reveals that 86 per cent of traders in the region are between 18 and 44 years old, with Millennials representing 55 per cent of active users.

University-educated traders make up 64 per cent of the regional base, compared with 39 per cent in Europe.

Income levels are also higher, with the number of individuals earning more than $200,000 annually four times greater than in Europe.

The region recorded a tenfold higher share of clients whose deposits exceeded $1m over two years.

Learning-by-doing is another defining feature: 45 per cent of traders begin their digital trading journey using demo accounts, compared with 32 per cent in Europe, highlighting growing appetite for financial education and hands-on learning.

Trading regulation

Mamoon Sbeih, President of APCO in the Middle East and North Africa, said the boom in electronic trading — especially in the UAE — underscores the importance of transparent regulation and increased financial literacy to support responsible participation in digital derivatives markets.

Tarik Chebib, CEO of Capital.com in the Middle East and North Africa, said that unchecked boldness can turn into overconfidence, noting that risk management remains the largest gap observed and that education and increased financial awareness is the solution.