EXANTE is a multi-asset Direct Market Access (DMA) broker headquartered in Cyprus, operating through a group of companies holding multiple global licences. The broker provides access to over 50 global markets and more than 600,000 financial instruments - including stocks, ETFs, bonds, futures, and options - from a single multi-currency account. EXANTE has a presence in Dubai and has participated in Fintech Week 2026 in the UAE, though UAE-resident clients should verify which regulated entity and licence covers their account before onboarding.

What stands out

  • +Access to over 50 global markets and more than 600,000 financial instruments from a single multi-currency account.
  • +Instrument coverage spans stocks, ETFs, bonds, futures, and options, supporting diversified portfolio construction including passive UCITS ETF strategies.
  • +The broker operates a Direct Market Access (DMA) model, which routes orders directly to exchanges rather than through a dealing desk.
  • +Client funds are held in segregated accounts, meaning deposited funds are kept separate from the broker's own capital.
  • +EXANTE holds multiple global licences across its group of companies, which can be relevant for clients seeking regulated access to international markets.
  • +The broker offers a simulated account environment, allowing prospective clients to explore the platform before committing capital.
  • +EXANTE has an active presence in the UAE market, including participation in Dubai's Fintech Week 2026.

Things to know

  • -UAE residents should confirm which specific regulated entity within the EXANTE group services their account, and verify the applicable regulator (such as the DFSA in the DIFC or another authority) before opening an account.
  • -The platform and instrument range are oriented toward active and experienced investors; those seeking a simplified retail interface may find the environment more complex than standard retail brokers.
  • -EXANTE has been noted to charge inactivity fees - prospective clients should review the current fee schedule on the official website to understand the cost impact on lower-frequency portfolios.
  • -With over 600,000 instruments available, the breadth of choice requires investors to conduct their own due diligence on fund domicile, ongoing charges, and whether instruments are UCITS-compliant - particularly relevant for UAE-based tax-efficient structuring.
  • -Account opening involves a verification process; clients should review current minimum deposit requirements and documentation needs directly on the EXANTE website, as these are subject to change.
  • -The multi-currency account structure may involve currency conversion costs - UAE-resident investors holding AED should check applicable FX conversion fees before transacting in foreign-denominated instruments.

What to check when comparing exante with other brokers

Headline figures rarely tell the full story for an expat brokerage account. Run through this checklist before opening any account:

  • -Regulator and licence. Look the broker up on the regulator's public register. The Official sources section below links the register where applicable.
  • -Eligibility for residents of United Arab Emirates. Not every broker accepts every nationality or residency status. Confirm with the broker before applying.
  • -Markets and instruments. Check the exchanges you need (US, LSE, Xetra, Tadawul, ADX, DFM) and the product types (stocks, ETFs, bonds, options) are actually supported on your account tier.
  • -Commission, spread, and FX. A low headline commission can be offset by a wide FX spread on non-base currency trades. Read the full schedule of charges.
  • -Funding options. Local bank transfer in your salary currency is usually fastest and cheapest. Card funding can be quicker but may add fees.
  • -Custody, segregation, and protection. Look at where your assets are held, whether they are segregated from the broker's own funds, and what investor-protection scheme (if any) applies.
  • -Tax treatment. Fund domicile and your tax residency affect dividend withholding and reporting. Consult a qualified tax adviser for your situation.

Opening a exante account from United Arab Emirates

  1. Visit the exante website and start the account-opening flow.
  2. Enter your personal details as they appear on your government-issued ID, including your address in United Arab Emirates.
  3. Upload your identity documents. Most brokers request a government-issued ID, a proof of address, and sometimes a recent bank statement. Document requirements vary by broker - follow what exante asks for.
  4. Complete the suitability questionnaire. Regulators require brokers to gather basic information about your financial knowledge and risk tolerance.
  5. Wait for the broker's verification. Timelines vary by broker and by applicant.
  6. Fund the account using a method offered by the broker. Available payment options and currencies vary - check the broker's funding page for current details.

Frequently asked questions

Is EXANTE regulated for UAE residents?
EXANTE operates as a group of companies with multiple global licences. UAE residents should confirm directly with EXANTE which regulated entity will service their account and whether it falls under a recognised authority such as the DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) or another regulator. Do not assume regulation by geography alone - verify before depositing funds.
What instruments can UAE investors access through EXANTE?
EXANTE offers access to over 600,000 financial instruments across more than 50 global markets, including stocks, ETFs, bonds, futures, and options, all accessible from a single multi-currency account. UAE-based investors building a passive portfolio should check whether ETFs available on the platform are UCITS-domiciled, which is generally the preferred structure for non-US residents.
Does EXANTE charge inactivity fees?
EXANTE has been reported to charge inactivity fees. The precise fee amount and the trigger period can change - check the current terms and conditions on the official EXANTE website before opening an account. For buy-and-hold investors, inactivity fees represent a cost drag that should be factored into any long-term return calculation.
Can I open a demo or simulated account with EXANTE?
Yes. EXANTE offers a simulated account funded with virtual money, allowing prospective clients to test the platform environment before committing real capital. This is useful for evaluating order routing, platform functionality, and instrument search before onboarding.
Is EXANTE suitable for passive, ETF-focused investors based in the UAE?
EXANTE's platform and DMA model are oriented toward investors who actively manage their portfolios across multiple asset classes. Passive ETF investors can access ETFs through the platform given the broad instrument range, but should verify ongoing charges, fund domicile (preferring Irish or Luxembourg-domiciled UCITS ETFs), and any platform fees that may create cost drag over a long holding period. Always review the full fee schedule on the official website.
How does EXANTE protect client funds?
EXANTE states that client funds are held in segregated accounts, meaning they are kept separate from the broker's own operational funds. In the event of broker insolvency, segregated funds are not available to the broker's creditors. UAE residents should also confirm whether any investor compensation scheme applies to their specific account entity.
Does EXANTE have a physical presence in the UAE?
EXANTE has demonstrated an active presence in the UAE market, including participating as a speaker at Fintech Week 2026 in Dubai. For details on any licensed local office or representative, prospective clients should contact EXANTE directly or visit their official website.

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