Interactive Brokers and Sarwa are both available to expats in the GCC. This page lists the public reference data for both side by side. Verify all details on each broker's own website before opening an account.
Interactive Brokers and Sarwa: side by side
Reference data from public sources. Confirm details on each broker's own website.
| Feature | Interactive Brokers | Sarwa |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | SEC FINRA FCA | DFSA |
| Minimum deposit | None published | 5 USD |
| Fees summary | Low commissions tiered or fixed | 0.50 to 0.85 percent AUM |
| Arabic interface | No | Yes |
| Lists residents of United Arab Emirates | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Can I have an account with both Interactive Brokers and Sarwa?
- There is no general restriction on holding accounts at multiple brokers. Each broker has its own eligibility and onboarding requirements - check both broker websites to confirm.
- Where do I verify each broker's regulatory status?
- Look up each broker on the public register of its regulator. The Official sources section below links the common GCC and UK regulator registers.
- How do I compare fees between Interactive Brokers and Sarwa for my situation?
- Fee schedules depend on product, currency, and trade size. Use each broker's own fees page and run example trades through their calculators if available.
Official sources
Verify regulatory status: DFSA Public Register.
Related guides
- eToro Review for United Arab Emirates Residents (2026)
- Interactive Brokers Review for United Arab Emirates Residen.
- Sarwa Review for United Arab Emirates Residents (2026)
- Saxo Bank Review for United Arab Emirates Residents (2026)
- StashAway Review for United Arab Emirates Residents (2026)
- Trading 212 Review for United Arab Emirates Residents (2026)