The last few years have seen the MENA region transform into a dynamic hub for the financial industry. From brokerages to fintech firms, some of the largest players in the space have shifted their strategic focus to the MENA region, with some moving their headquarters to solidify their presence.
We sat down with Exness Commercial Director Mohammad Amer to gain some insights into what makes the MENA market so attractive to financial institutions, and what we can expect in the years to come.
As an industry professional with decades of experience in the sector, what do you think has made the MENA region so attractive to financial institutions like Exness over the last few years?
It’s a combination of factors. Firstly, the region’s demographic makeup is uniquely diverse, which provides brokers with endless opportunities for growth.
The typical misconception is that MENA is filled with older, more affluent investors who are looking for wealth managers to grow their portfolios. But it’s actually far more complex than that.
The MENA region has a rich history of interest in the global financial markets dating back to the late 1980s/early 1990s. Back then, trading was far less accessible, yet serious investors from the region still actively sought out trading opportunities. Today, with trading being as prominent as it is, these investors are as keen as ever to participate in the markets – they’re just looking for a broker that matches their values and supports their goals.
Beyond that, there’s also a younger generation of traders that seems to be inheriting their parents’ affinity for the markets, but with a greater hunger for knowledge, a larger demand for advanced tech, and, interestingly, a deeper desire to take more calculated risks.
This brings me to the second factor: regulations. Regulatory bodies in the region are largely fintech-friendly. The majority of them have adopted an approach that protects the client without compromising the variety of trading features and conditions that traders can receive. This is perhaps one of the main reasons why brokers have flocked to the area. Here, they can innovate and grow while adhering to the values and regulations that govern the industry.
As an Exness decision maker, can you give us an inside look into what the MENA region means to the company in terms of its brand positioning and strategic vision?
Regardless of the boom, the MENA region has always been deeply aligned with who we are as a company, and our strategic vision for the future.
Both our trading products and our values make us a perfect cultural fit for the region. Our focus on developing innovative features like Stop Out Protection and custom leverage really resonates with the MENA market, particularly the younger traders who like to take calculated risks.
As for our core principles – the MENA region as a whole values ethics and human interaction above all. That’s where our transparency and reputation really shine as key strengths for us. Exness has been in the industry for over 15 years. We have a fully transparent fee structure, personalized customer support, and we publish our tick history on the website.
As a regional director, it’s immensely rewarding to provide a market with products and services that it not only appreciates but demands. I believe this understanding and connection between us and our clients is why we, as a company, have managed to maintain such long-lasting relationships with our traders over the years, particularly in MENA.
All these factors make the MENA market a cornerstone of Exness’s current strategic position, and we plan to work diligently to consolidate our standing in the region in the years to come.
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What are your predictions for the sector in the next few years?
I don’t see this boom slowing down any time soon. The demand for trading has been consistently growing for decades now, and with regulators keeping up with the market dynamics, and tech firms continuing to set up in the region, the future looks bright.
The space is competitive and exciting, and this will undoubtedly breed significant innovation in the next few years. Whether you’re a trader, a fintech firm, or an industry professional, I believe the next decade is going to be full of opportunities. The industry is hungry for growth in every aspect, and I for one am looking forward to seeing MENA flourish as the financial hub it has so organically become.
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