Robinhood has received authorisation from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to introduce its retail investing platform in the Middle East from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), marking a key milestone in its international expansion.
The approval allows Robinhood to offer trading and custody across all 10 DFSA-approved asset classes, including equities, crypto, ETFs and investment tokens. The company plans to launch its product suite in 2027, giving local investors wider access to global markets.
Robinhood will establish its regional headquarters in the DIFC. Operations will be led by Salah Kaddoura, Senior Executive Officer and President of Robinhood MENA, who brings fintech and investment experience from across the region and will oversee the expanding local team.
Vlad Tenev, Chairman and CEO of Robinhood, said the DIFC is one of the world’s most important financial hubs and that the expansion brings the company closer to building a global platform that enables anyone, anywhere to own high-quality financial assets.
Johann Kerbrat, SVP and GM of Robinhood Crypto and International, said the DIFC sits at the heart of a rapidly growing wave of retail investors across the MENA region.
“We are excited to deliver the modern, accessible financial tools these investors deserve,”
he said.
Kaddoura said demand for modern, accessible financial tools across the region is immense, and that the company looks forward to building its presence from Dubai.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said the arrival of one of the world’s most recognised retail investment platforms strengthens the centre’s ecosystem and reflects the calibre of international firms choosing Dubai as a regional base. He added that Robinhood is well positioned to connect a new generation of investors with opportunities across global markets.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
