Online trading company Traze gains UAE's SCA First Category Licence

Traze, an innovative online trading company dedicated to bringing crystal clarity to investing, has secured the prestigious SCA First Category Licence from the UAE's Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). This milestone marks a significant step in Traze's mission to redefine the trading experience, offering a transparent, accessible, and fair investing environment for traders in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) and beyond.
The SCA First Category Licence grants Traze the ability to offer a wide range of financial services, solidifying its position as a trusted partner for both retail and institutional investors in the UAE and the broader region. In this context, Dubai stands out as a leading international financial hub in the Mena, offering a tax-free environment, world-class infrastructure, and a regulatory framework aligned with international standards. These advantages make Dubai the ideal location for financial services companies, providing them with the perfect environment for growth, innovation, and attracting investment.
'Receiving the SCA First Category Licence is a testament to our unwavering commitment to creating a trading ecosystem built on trust, transparency, and innovation,' said Erkin Kamran, CEO of Traze. 'This regulatory milestone allows us to further our mission of making investing more accessible and empowering traders with the tools and education they need to succeed.'
Consolidating as a trusted brand
With this regulatory approval, Traze goes one significant step further into consolidating as a trusted brand and will continue to expand its offerings in the region, ensuring that traders of all levels have access to world-class financial instruments and cutting-edge technology. The company's focus on demystifying trading through intuitive tools and comprehensive educational resources remains at the heart of its successful differentiation strategy.
'This is an exciting milestone for Traze and for traders across the UAE and the wider Mena,' said Osama Al Saifi, Managing Director for Mena at Traze. 'With the SCA First Category Licence, we are uniquely positioned to provide a secure and transparent trading environment that meets the highest regulatory standards. We are committed to supporting traders at every step of their journey, helping them craft their own bespoke portfolios with confidence.'
The acquisition of the UAE's SCA First Category Licence underscores Traze's ongoing efforts to enhance regulatory compliance, and investor protection while fostering a dynamic and inclusive trading community in Mena.
First-tier sponsor of Money Expo
Furthermore, Traze, headquartered in Boulevard Plaza Tower 1, Downtown Dubai, will attend the Money Expo in Abu Dhabi for the first time as a first-tier sponsor to engage first-hand with the region's investors and business community, as well as to share the latest innovations on its trading platform on April 23-24. As Traze continues to expand, it remains dedicated to delivering clarity and confidence in the world of online trading.

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Crypto Insight

15-06-2025

• Crypto Insight

This UAE investment app combines crypto, stocks and commodities: Is it the future of finance?

Emirates Coin Investment (EmCoin), located in Abu Dhabi, has become the first company authorized by the UAE's Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) to provide fully regulated virtual asset services. EmCoin's new platform combines digital and traditional financial markets under one regulated system. Investors can now access cryptocurrencies, both UAE and global stocks, commodities, and professionally managed portfolios through a single, secure and transparent mobile app. This unified approach simplifies investing by removing the need for multiple accounts, offering clarity and trust for both new and seasoned investors. The launch of EmCoin is a significant step forward for the UAE's financial sector and provides a model for how regulated platforms can securely connect cryptocurrency and traditional finance. This establishes a new benchmark for accessibility, safety and innovation in global markets. EmCoin represents a significant milestone in blending traditional and digital finance. This secure connection between conventional and modern finance simplifies portfolio diversification while ensuring trust through full compliance with the UAE's SCA. EmCoin is the first UAE-based platform to unify cryptocurrencies, global stocks, commodities and managed portfolios within a single regulated ecosystem, revolutionizing how investors engage with financial markets. Along with the integration of various asset types, EmCoin opens new investment opportunities. Working with the SCA, the platform has introduced regulated initial coin offerings (ICOs), providing businesses with compliant fundraising options and allowing retail investors access to previously inaccessible early-stage investments. By consolidating multiple financial services into one platform, EmCoin streamlines the investment process. Investors can manage diverse assets with expert guidance in a transparent, secure and SCA-approved environment, offering a vision of a more inclusive and accessible financial future. Did you know? Crypto markets can experience flash crashes. In minutes, prices can drop sharply due to low liquidity or large sell orders, offering both risks and opportunities for traders. EmCoin offers a model for the future of global financial platforms. By effectively combining digital and traditional finance, EmCoin brings together assets like cryptocurrencies, global stocks, commodities and managed portfolios, which are typically managed separately. The unified approach of EmCoin, available through a single, regulated mobile platform, solves a key problem in today's financial world: the fragmentation of investment services. Many investors use multiple platforms to manage different assets, such as crypto trading apps, stock brokerage accounts, commodity exchanges and advisory services. This separation complicates portfolio management and increases risks. EmCoin simplifies this by providing a single, transparent and secure interface for all these investments, fully regulated by the UAE's SCA. EmCoin's global significance also lies in its regulatory approach. Working closely with the SCA, it shows how governments can support financial innovation while prioritizing investor safety. Its regulated ICOs create new opportunities for businesses to raise funds while ensuring compliance. This framework serves as a guide for other countries and fintech innovators seeking to integrate new technologies into financial systems. EmCoin represents a forward-thinking financial system where innovation, security and accessibility work together, offering a vision of how global financial markets may evolve. Did you know? In crypto trading, 'whales' refers to individuals or entities holding large amounts of crypto. Their trades can significantly move market prices, creating ripple effects for smaller traders. For UAE residents, EmCoin provides a seamless mobile experience to invest in cryptocurrencies by completing a straightforward registration process. Meanwhile, international investors can look to its regulatory-first model as a benchmark. For UAE residents While there is no information as of June 12, 2025, regarding the investment process, this article explains the probable steps to invest in crypto using EmCoin based on UAE regulations. The process includes SCA-aligned Know Your Customer (KYC) verification steps and funding accounts in AED through local banks. Here are the steps to invest in crypto using EmCoin: Step 1) Open an account and complete KYC: Register an account on EmCoin and complete identity verification aligned with SCA standards. Register an account on EmCoin and complete identity verification aligned with SCA standards. Step 2) Fund your account: You need to fund your EmCoin account in AED via integrated banking with UAE-based banks. You need to fund your EmCoin account in AED via integrated banking with UAE-based banks. Step 3) Trade crypto assets: Once you have funded the account, you can securely trade digital currencies regulated by the SCA. Once you have funded the account, you can securely trade digital currencies regulated by the SCA. Step 4) Diversify into equities and commodities: Within EmCoin, you can invest in UAE/global stocks, commodities and managed portfolios. You don't need to switch platforms to use various applications. For international investors International investors should note the below points: EmCoin's SCA license primarily targets UAE-based clients. International access depends on the platform's final rollout and local regulations. EmCoin may expand globally, but its availability will follow regional compliance requirements. You need to watch for updates in the future. In the meantime, international crypto investment platforms like Coinbase may take into account EmCoin's regulatory-first approach. However, international investors won't have access to EmCoin's UAE market features or regulated ICO benefits. EmCoin's partnership with the UAE SCA to launch regulated ICOs is a major step forward in modern fundraising. In the past, ICOs were a popular way for startups to raise money directly from investors, but the lack of clear regulations raised concerns about fraud, investor safety and market risks. By collaborating closely with the SCA, EmCoin has established a new standard for safe and responsible ICOs. This regulated system allows businesses to raise funds through a secure and transparent process while meeting strict compliance requirements. This protects investors and builds trust among larger financial institutions, encouraging wider participation in the market. Over the years, several fraudulent crypto ICOs have shaken investor confidence. In May 2025, the US Securities and Exchange Commission filed a lawsuit against Unicoin, an alleged scam that raised over $100 million through misleading marketing. The case is still ongoing, and nothing has been proven in court yet. In June 2025, LayerEdge raised millions through a token presale and encouraged users to farm tokens for months. However, it ended up with accusations of fund misappropriation and investor deception. These scams and many more highlighted the risks of unregulated ICOs, prompting global regulators to strengthen oversight and implement stricter rules to protect investors. For investors worldwide, these regulated ICOs provide access to early-stage investment opportunities that were previously available only to venture capitalists and private equity firms. Through EmCoin's platform, individual investors can explore new projects with the confidence that comes from strong regulatory protections. This approach supports EmCoin's goal of creating a more inclusive, transparent and innovative financial system, offering a model for how digital fundraising can be responsibly expanded globally. Did you know? Bots execute many crypto trades. Automated trading bots analyze market data and execute trades within milliseconds, influencing exchange price movements. In a global environment often challenged by unregulated platforms and unequal access, EmCoin offered a regulated and unified financial solution. Supervised by the UAE SCA, EmCoin integrated crypto, stocks and commodities, significantly mitigating risks associated with non-compliant providers and scams in both traditional and cryptocurrency markets. EmCoin's core strength lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It has unified the management of diverse assets, including cryptocurrencies, stocks, commodities and professionally managed portfolios, into a single, secure platform, eliminating the need for multiple accounts. 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Khaleej Times

10-06-2025

• Khaleej Times

UAE: First finfluencers hail new licence, say will reduce misinformation

Regulating financial advice given on social media will help reduce misinformation, UAE's first finfluencers said to Khaleej Times days after the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) licensed them. The region's first finfluencer license aims to regulate digital financial content. The initiative seeks to establish a governance framework for individuals offering investment analysis, recommendations, and financial promotions across digital platforms. On June 3, the SCA published its first list of 10 licensed finfluencers authorised to create financial content in the country. Many of these individuals come from backgrounds in banking, law, or finance, leveraging their expertise to educate the public and inspire informed financial decisions. Muhammad Alamer, one of the ten finfluencers listed by the SCA, noted that financial content in the UAE has significantly blossomed in recent years. 'In recent years, financial content in the UAE has matured significantly, driven by increased investor education, regulatory enhancements, and the growing presence of specialised professionals,' he stated, emphasising a shift toward prioritising quality over quantity, with a focus on credibility and actionable insights. On the SCA finfluencer license, Muhammad remarked that it would help reduce misinformation. 'This regulation will enhance trustworthiness, encourage professional standards, and ultimately benefit investors and the broader financial community,' he added. 'This regulatory initiative is expected to promote higher professionalism and mitigate misinformation, positively shaping the UAE's financial advisory landscape toward greater transparency and investor protection.' As a private wealth specialist, trader, and investor with 17 years of experience in UAE banks, his journey into financial advisory stemmed from a deep interest in understanding market dynamics and leveraging technology to enhance decision-making processes, particularly through advanced analytical tools and artificial intelligence. He works closely with ultra-high-net-worth individuals to grow and preserve their wealth, sharing insights through his LinkedIn platform. Mohammed Al Hattawi, another finfluencer listed by the SCA, entered the field of financial content out of passion. He emphasised the significance of the SCA's licensing decision, describing it as a crucial and timely measure that enhances credibility and ensures that those providing financial content are held to both legal and moral standards. 'The license boosts credibility, as it is issued by an official government agency, instilling greater confidence among followers. I appreciate the rigorous requirements for obtaining it, as they ensure that influencers are qualified and trustworthy.' He stated, 'I began my journey in financial content because of my lifelong passion for investing and my realisation that many people needed accurate information, free from misinformation.' The SCA's initiative aims to enhance transparency, trust, and regulation in the rapidly expanding world of financial content. 'My love for the field and my desire to be a trusted source of clear information motivated me to become a finfluencer,' he explained. 'As a financial influencer, my role extends beyond merely sharing information; I aim to inspire people to think critically about their financial decisions, basing them on understanding rather than emotion.' With a background in law and currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science and Economics, he observed that financial content in the UAE has evolved from basic concepts to a truly informed community. Industry experts have also welcomed this decision. While not a finfluencer himself, Ali Abuamriyeh, a Forensic Accounting & Financial Litigation Advisor, stated, 'The UAE's finfluencer license is a timely regulatory step that introduces structure, accountability, and transparency to the fast-growing digital financial content space, particularly in high-risk areas like cryptocurrency and speculative assets.' He believes this move aligns with the UAE's broader efforts to establish a resilient and well-regulated financial ecosystem. 'Similar to licensed investment advisors, finfluencers will now be required to meet clear standards. They must disclose their identity, credentials, affiliations, and the basis of their advice, ensuring that content is based on fact rather than hype or emotional persuasion.' From a forensic and litigation perspective, he highlights several key benefits: Transparency is enhanced through mandatory disclosures, providing a clearer view of a finfluencer's intentions and interests. Legal accountability is reinforced, as oversight from the SCA introduces an enforcement mechanism to deter irresponsible or deceptive advice. Additionally, licensing requirements create a digital audit trail, improving the quality and admissibility of content in legal investigations.

Arabian Business

10-06-2025

• Arabian Business

UAE economy bucks global trend as Europe, U.S. recession risks grow

The United Arab Emirates' economy is set to grow in 2025 due to its diversified economy and strong fiscal buffers, remaining largely insulated from global headwinds despite recession warnings for Western economies by JPMorgan, Moody's and Fitch. The Gulf nation's economic resilience contrasts with rising concerns of a mild recession in the United States and parts of Europe in the third or fourth quarter of 2025. Analysts cite non-oil sector performance, strategic investments and fiscal strength as key factors behind the divergence. 'The UAE's projected 4.5 per cent growth in 2025 stands in sharp contrast to a global outlook marked by mounting risks and downward revisions,' Osama Al Saifi, Managing Director for MENA at Traze, told Arabian Business. The country's economy grew by 3.8 per cent year-on-year in the first nine months of 2024, with non-oil GDP contributing about AED 987 billion, approximately 75 per cent of the total AED 1.322 trillion. The anticipated recovery in oil GDP, as OPEC+ cuts are gradually reversed, could offer an additional growth driver. During this period, the UAE saw significant growth across several sectors, Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, noted. 'The transport and storage sector led the way at 7.9 per cent growth due to a 20 per cent surge in airport passenger traffic. The construction and building sector expanded notably by 7.4 per cent, driven by significant urban infrastructure investments, while the financial and insurance sector grew by 6.8 per cent,' he said. UAE financial markets have demonstrated greater resilience than global peers during recent volatility. 'Out of 13 major indices analysed, only six have recovered from recent market drawdowns – with Dubai and Abu Dhabi indices taking about 38 and 28 days respectively to recover, ranking fifth and third in recovery speed,' Valecha added. In the first quarter of 2025, Valecha said, the Dubai Financial Market welcomed 19,366 new investors, with 86 per cent being foreign nationals. The market recorded its highest Average Daily Trading Value in over a decade at AED 663 million, marking a 67 per cent increase from the same period in 2024. Recession concerns easing but risks remain The International Monetary Fund projects global trade growth to slow to 1.7 per cent this year, presenting a significant test to Gulf economies. With growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council expected to moderate to around 3 per cent, down from earlier projections, external risks remain substantial. JPMorgan recently revised its U.S. recession probability from 60 per cent to 40 per cent following a temporary pause in U.S.-China tariff actions. U.S. growth is projected to decrease to 1.8 per cent in 2025, one percentage point lower than in 2024. 'The likelihood of a global recession in 2025 remains elevated due to escalating trade frictions and protracted monetary tightening,' Al Saifi said. 'In this regard, economies strongly exposed to the U.S., such as Canada and Mexico, could see possible contractions.' For the Gulf region, recessionary pressures would most likely be transmitted through a downturn in global demand and subsequent strain on oil prices. 'A recession in the U.S. or Europe would likely exert downward pressure on global oil demand and weigh on fiscal performance,' Al Saifi explained. Nevertheless, Gulf economies appear better positioned than in previous cycles. 'Substantial sovereign wealth assets, contained inflation, and firm domestic demand provide a degree of protection,' Al Saifi added. 'Given the region's currency pegs to the U.S. dollar, any interest rate reductions by the Federal Reserve would translate into more accommodative financial conditions.' Hamza Dweik, Head of Trading at Saxo Bank MENA, noted that the UAE's 'strong macroeconomic fundamentals, active IPO pipeline, and diversified revenue streams position it as a 'relative safe haven in the global landscape.' Inflation in the UAE is expected to remain at approximately 2 per cent throughout 2025, despite upward pressure from global tariffs. 'Consumer spending is expected to expand 4.3 per cent, supported by steady economic growth and a likely easing of interest rates,' Al Saifi said. This contrasts sharply with persistent inflation challenges in Western economies. Sectors show varying vulnerability Not all sectors in the UAE economy are equally protected from global headwinds, experts say. 'Oil and gas, despite aggressive diversification measures, still contributes about 25 per cent of the UAE's GDP,' Valecha said. 'In times of recession, global oil demand could fall drastically, impacting many UAE-based energy firms through falling oil prices.' Tourism and hospitality could see reduced vacation spending despite Dubai attracting 18.72 million international visitors in 2024, marking a 9.2 per cent year-on-year increase. 'This could mean that airlines like Emirates and Etihad, along with major hotel chains, may experience a decline in revenues,' he added. The real estate sector, which relies on foreign investment and capital flows, could also face challenges. Valecha added that major property developers could potentially witness slower sales and declining property prices and construction projects may face delays or cancellations in extreme cases, especially if tied to foreign investments. Dweik identified specific vulnerable areas: 'Logistics, real estate – particularly off-plan investment-driven projects – and non-oil exports like aluminum and petrochemicals are most vulnerable to a potential U.S. recession.' More resilient sectors include consumer staples, healthcare and utilities. 'A defensive sector like healthcare may remain well supported by inelastic demand for medicines and healthcare products, regardless of overall economic conditions,' Valecha explained. 'Companies like Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, backed by the state, would be insulated from market volatility.' Trump visit strengthens economic outlook The UAE's economic prospects received a significant boost from recent agreements with the United States following President Donald Trump's May visit. Commercial agreements exceeding $200 billion were signed, with a broader investment commitment of $1.4 trillion over the next decade. Bilateral trade talks focused on artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, and semiconductors, culminating in the launch of the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership. The UAE secured a deal to import 500,000 Nvidia H100 chips annually and will develop a 5-gigawatt AI data centre in Abu Dhabi – set to be the largest outside the US. In the energy sector, the UAE pledged to increase investments in U.S. energy projects from $70 billion to $440 billion by 2035. This includes a $25 billion partnership between UAE sovereign wealth fund ADQ and U.S. firm Energy Capital Partners, and a $60 billion partnership with ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, and EOG Resources. The manufacturing sector will see Emirates Global Aluminum invest $4 billion in a new primary aluminum smelter in Oklahoma – the first of its kind in the U.S. in 45 years. A Gallium project with RTX and the UAE's Tawazun Council aims to secure U.S. semiconductor and defence supply chains. 'Trump's visit yielded substantial outcomes in artificial intelligence, energy, aviation, manufacturing, and critical minerals,' Valecha said. 'President Trump's imposition of a 10 per cent baseline tariff on UAE imports – lower than those faced by many other nations – had only a marginal impact.' Investment patterns and opportunities The global economic environment has prompted significant shifts in investment behaviour. 'We are observing a similar trend among MENA investors, who are increasingly diversifying away from U.S.-centric portfolios,' Dweik said. 'While the U.S. remains a key market, recent volatility and policy uncertainty have prompted a tilt toward European and emerging market assets.' Valecha cited analyst expectations of significant fiscal stimulus worth €500 billion over the next 12 years following recent German elections. 'This fiscal stimulus would focus on infrastructure spending in Germany, the largest economy in the Eurozone, accounting for about one-fourth of the region's GDP,' he explained. UAE stock markets currently offer value opportunities, according to Valecha, with Dubai's main stock index trading about 16.5 per cent below its five-year average valuation. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange index shows a similar discount of about 16.3 per cent from its five-year average. Liquidity conditions in UAE markets have strengthened significantly. 'In Q1 2025, DFM recorded its highest Average Daily Trading Value in over a decade at AED 663 million, marking a 67 per cent increase from AED 398 million in Q1 2024,' Valecha noted. For regional investors navigating this environment, experts recommend diversification. 'Investors should consider blending traditional and alternative assets, such as sukuk, infrastructure, and private equity, while allocating capital across resilient sectors like healthcare, technology, and tourism,' Dweik said. Looking ahead, the IMF forecasts that the UAE's GDP will increase by 4 per cent in 2025 and by 5 per cent in 2026, making it the fastest-growing economy among Gulf Cooperation Council nations. The UAE economy is projected to surpass the overall growth rate of oil-exporting nations, which are expected to grow by 2.6 per cent in 2025 and 3.1 per cent in 2026.