Which were the latest two global online brokers to receive licenses to operate in the UAE? (A theme that has continued throughout 2025 in the sector.)

Where did Robinhood just make two acquisitions, as its Asia expansion push continues?

What new B2B partnerships were launched in the FX and CFDs space, as companies are looking to position for growth in 2026?

What were the key findings of the Capital.com-APCO white paper about the MENA region e-Trading market?

Some of the most read and commented-on FX/CFD industry news stories to appear over the past seven days on FNG included:

Top FX and CFDs industry news stories this week

Pepperstone expands MENA presence with UAE SCA Category 5 license, new Dubai office. Leading global Retail FX and CFDs broker Pepperstone has expanded its footprint in the MENA region, with the granting of a Category 5 license by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and the opening of a new onshore office in Dubai at Emaar Square, Building 3, 3rd Floor, Office 2.

Rostro Group secures UAE SCA Category 5 license. FX and CFD brokerage holding company Rostro Group has announced that the company has obtained a license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), marking a significant step in its long-term commitment to shape the UAE’s future financial ecosystem. Like many of the recently-granted licenses by the SCA to CFDs brokers, it is a limited “Category 5” license, which restricts Rostro’s activity in the UAE to Introduction and Promotion activities.

Robinhood enters Indonesia acquiring local broker and crypto firm. US neobroker Robinhood Markets Inc (NASDAQ:HOOD) is continuing its international expansion march which has been a theme for the company throughout 2025. Robinhood announced that it has entered into agreements to acquire Indonesian brokerage PT Buana Capital Sekuritas, as well as licensed digital asset trader PT Pedagang Aset Kripto. These acquisitions will mark Robinhood’s entry into Indonesia, accelerating its expansion across Southeast Asia and globally.

Capital.com-APCO white paper: MENA emerges as e-Trading Capital. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is rapidly establishing itself as one of the world’s most dynamic markets for retail trading of financial derivatives, according to a new groundbreaking white paper jointly published by leading online broker Capital.com, and global strategic communications consultancy APCO.

This week also saw a large number of B2B partnerships established in the FX & CFDs arena, including:

• STARprime becomes Premium Liquidity Provider on Your Bourse.
• X Securities to distribute liquidity via Centroid’s CS 360 Bridge Engine.
• TRAction and DXtrade integrate to streamline trade reporting for mutual clients.
• Crypto exchange XBO.com selects Sumsub KYC/KYB onboarding and compliance solution.

Top FX industry executive moves this week

❑ Exclusive: Former Investing.com CEO Mickey Winitsky joins Board of ADVFN.

❑ Finalto secures UAE SCA license, hires Conor Canny as CEO MENA.

❑ FXTRADING.com hires Airwallex exec Amit Kaushik as CMO.

❑ Jo Benton leaves ADSS CMO position for Brand role at Marex.

❑ MoneyGram names Marc Winniford its CFO.

❑ Capitolis names Okan Pekin its President.