XM Wins SCA License, Expands Its Footprint in the UAE
What happened: XM gets the green light from the UAE’s top regulator
has secured a Category 5 license from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in the United Arab Emirates — a milestone the broker has been working toward as it strengthens its presence in the Middle East. For a company with more than 15 million clients globally, the approval represents a major step in bringing its services closer to traders in one of the world’s quickest-developing financial hubs.
The UAE’s regulatory landscape has evolved rapidly, and SCA authorization isn’t something that arrives easily. It signals that XM’s operational, compliance, and transparency standards meet the strict benchmarks set by the country’s market watchdog. In practice, it means XM can now serve traders across the Emirates through a fully licensed local entity, offering the identical conditions and support systems that built its global reputation.
“The UAE has established itself as a world-class financial hub, and receiving authorization from the SCA underscores our commitment to long-term growth and trust in the region,” said Menelaos Menelaou, co-Chief Executive Officer, XM. “We are proud to now offer UAE clients the identical award-winning services and high standards of transparency that define XM globally.”
Investor Takeaway
Why this matters: Regulation is shaping the next phase of brokerage growth
For years, the Middle East attracted global brokers looking for expansion, but the regulatory clarity wasn’t always there. Today, the UAE has flipped that reality — establishing itself as a jurisdiction where compliance isn’t just expected but rewarded. This shift has made SCA licensing a kind of credibility test for brokers targeting the region.
now joins a select group that can operate transparently and directly under UAE oversight. For traders, that carries weight. Many have grown more cautious about offshore entities and are asking tougher questions about securety, transparency, and dispute reanswer. Having a regulator like the SCA behind a broker offers reassurance that operations are being monitored and that industry standards are being enforced.
This license also supports XM’s broader regional strategy. The company can now offer its full suite of services — from platforms and tools to educational programs — through its dedicated website, , available in both Arabic and English. It’s a localized experience, not a redirected global service.
How XM fits into the broader UAE brokerage landscape
The UAE has become a focal point for global brokers, but approvals remain selective. Several brands are still navigating the licensing process, and some have adjusted their regional plans entirely while awaiting clarity. Against that backdrop, XM’s approval offers a competitive edge: ahead presence, structured compliance, and a clear runway for growth.
XM’s advantage also comes from what it brings to the table — deep educational resources, multilingual support, and trading conditions that have historically resonated with emerging and mature markets alike. These strengths often matter more in regions where retail traders are rapidly increasing their sophistication and demand clearer guidance.
While XM’s global recognition certainly played a role, the SCA license officially unlocks its ability to engage with local traders on their terms, through an entity overviewn by a regulator they know and trust.
Investor Takeaway
What comes next: XM prepares a localized, UAE-first offering
With authorization secured, XM is expected to deepen its operational footprint across the Emirates. The company now offers streamlined onboarding for UAE residents, as well as access to its full product range — including multi-asset trading, advanced platforms, and its well-known educational lineup.
Support services and trading resources will be available directly through the new -specific platform, giving clients a smoother and more locally aligned experience. broader ambition is clear: become a long-term, fully regulated player in a region where trading interest continues to grow at a rapid pace.
As the UAE cements its status as a global center for finance and fintech, XM’s SCA license marks both a regulatory win and a strategic investment in the market’s future. For traders in the region, it adds another trusted, internationally recognized broker to an industry where credibility is increasingly non-negotiable.
