HFM in the UAE: legal status and the DFSA-licensed entity

Is HFM legal in the UAE?

Yes, through HF Markets (DIFC) Limited, which the DFSA licensed in December 2018 to deal with retail clients. HFM's international site does not serve UAE residents.

HF Markets (DIFC) Limited holds DFSA reference F004885. The register lists endorsements for retail clients and holding client assets, with dealing as principal limited to a matched-principal basis. The HFM international site, operated under HF Markets (SV) Ltd in St Vincent, lists the UAE among countries it does not serve.

HFM for traders in the UAE

Entity that serves the UAE	HF Markets (DIFC) Limited, DFSA F004885

HFM’s international website, run by an unlicensed St Vincent company, says it doesn’t offer services to UAE residents. For the UAE, the HF Markets group holds a license in the Dubai International Financial Centre: HF Markets (DIFC) Limited, regulated by the DFSA since December 2018.

What the DFSA license covers

According to the DFSA public register, HF Markets (DIFC) Limited may carry on financial services with retail clients and hold client assets, and it deals as principal on a matched-principal basis only. That’s a tier-2 license in our model, a much stronger position than the St Vincent registration behind HFM’s international business.

Before you open an account, confirm that your client agreement names HF Markets (DIFC) Limited. For our full assessment of HFM, see the HFM review.

Questions traders in the UAE ask

Is HFM regulated in the UAE?

Yes. HF Markets (DIFC) Limited is licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority under reference F004885.

Can UAE residents use HFM's international site?

No. The international site lists the UAE among the countries it does not serve.

When did HFM get its DFSA license?

The DFSA register shows the license date as 12 December 2018.