Robinhood gains Dubai DFSA authorization

Robinhood Markets has obtained authorization from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to offer retail trading and custody services in Dubai. The approval allows the company to operate across 10 DFSA-approved asset classes, including equities, cryptocurrencies, exchange-traded funds and investment tokens. This authorization enables Robinhood to provide both execution and custody for client assets rather than only facilitating trades.

The company plans to use this license to introduce its retail investing platform to the Middle East. The platform is scheduled to go live in the region in 2027, extending Robinhood’s access to a new base of retail investors. The authorization covers trading and custody across all 10 DFSA-approved asset classes, the company said.

Robinhood intends to launch its Middle East offering from a new hub at the Dubai International Financial Centre. The DIFC will function as the firm’s regional headquarters for the Middle East and North Africa, supporting efforts to connect regional investors with global financial markets. From this base, Robinhood aims to provide access to equities, crypto, ETFs, investment tokens and other DFSA-approved instruments.

Dubai’s financial center already hosts a developed brokerage environment, with 72 authorized brokerage firms recorded at the DIFC as of March 31, 2026. Robinhood will enter this existing ecosystem as an additional retail-focused platform. The combination of trading and custody permissions positions the firm to act as both broker and custodian for clients within the DFSA’s regulatory framework.

To lead its regional operations, Robinhood has appointed Salah Kaddoura as senior executive officer and president of Robinhood MENA. His role is recognized by the DFSA, making him the responsible person for regulatory engagement. Kaddoura brings experience in fintech and investment across the Middle East and North Africa and will oversee the establishment and expansion of the local team in Dubai ahead of the 2027 launch.

The regional leadership and headquarters structure are designed to support Robinhood’s broader plans in the Middle East and North Africa. With authorization in place, the company can focus on building its operating presence and refining the product lineup it will offer at launch, within the boundaries of the DFSA’s approved asset classes.

The Dubai license permits Robinhood to offer trading and custody for bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies alongside stocks, ETFs and investment tokens. This creates another regulated entry point to digital assets in a jurisdiction that has adopted a defined framework for such products. Custody permission indicates regulatory acceptance of Robinhood safeguarding client crypto, not just facilitating trades.

By locating its hub in the DIFC and securing DFSA authorization, Robinhood gains a platform to reach retail investors across the Middle East and North Africa. The company’s stated goal is to provide modern investing tools within a regulated environment. The scheduled 2027 launch sets a clear timeline for its expansion into the region.