Why Pick EasyEquities

EasyEquities built its reputation in South Africa by solving a problem that keeps most retail investors on the sidelines: the feeling that real stock market participation requires serious capital. Founded in Johannesburg in 2015, the platform’s fractional share model lets investors buy into Apple, Tesla, or any major NYSE listing from as little as R5 — making genuine portfolio diversification accessible without waiting to accumulate full share prices.

For UAE expats comparing global investing platforms, EasyEquities occupies a distinct middle ground between Interactive Brokers’ institutional depth and eToro’s social investing model. Against IBKR, it trades complexity and instrument breadth for a genuinely approachable mobile experience and fractional share access from near-zero entry points. Against eToro, it offers real stock ownership rather than CFD-based positions on most markets, with a simpler fee structure and no social layer to navigate.

Access runs through EasyEquities’ international account structure, covering thousands of stocks and ETFs across the JSE, NYSE, ASX, and beyond at a flat 0.25% fee — confirmed in 2026 testing where US trades executed instantly via the mobile app. No minimum deposit and no inactivity fees mean the platform works as well for someone investing modest amounts monthly during a Dubai commute as it does for a more active portfolio builder.

The practical limitations are worth stating plainly: the platform is English-only, AED funding involves currency conversion, and FSCA regulation — while legitimate — sits below the tier-1 oversight that IBKR provides. For cost-conscious UAE expats taking early steps into international equity ownership who want real shares, a clean mobile experience, and no capital minimums standing in the way, EasyEquities makes a focused and honest case.

EasyEquities

Best For Fractional shares, Low-cost SA/US/AU investing

Recommended ForSouth African residents seeking fractional shares & low fees; not available in UAE—use alternatives

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All trading involves risk ⓘ

More than 80% of investors lose in spread bet and CFD trading. As these complex instruments allow for the use of leverage, there is a high risk of losing more money than you have deposited. Before attempting to participate in spread bets and CFDs, consider how well you understand them and if you can afford to lose your money.

Best For Fractional shares, Low-cost SA/US/AU investing

Recommended ForSouth African residents seeking fractional shares & low fees; not available in UAE—use alternatives

• Trader Level Novice
• Minimum Deposit R100 (~$5)
• Number Of Users 1M+
• Base Currencies ZAR, USD, AUD, GBP

2,8 / 5

Overall score

See Overall Score Breakdown

• Web trading platform1.9

• Fees4.9

• Mobile App3.0

• Deposit and withdrawal 1.3

• Available assets2.7

• Account opening5.0

• Education and Research 1.4

• Support2.0

• Overall rating2.8

Visit Interactive Brokers

All trading involves risk ⓘ

More than 80% of investors lose in spread bet and CFD trading. As these complex instruments allow for the use of leverage, there is a high risk of losing more money than you have deposited. Before attempting to participate in spread bets and CFDs, consider how well you understand them and if you can afford to lose your money.

Summary: EasyEquities stands out in 2026 with fractional shares from R5, 0.25% flat fees on global stocks and ETFs, and no minimum deposit. The FSCA regulation and simple platform make it an excellent choice for UAE expats building diversified equity portfolios at low cost.

Overall Pros & Cons

Before diving into the detailed sections, here is a quick overview of EasyEquities’ key strengths and limitations for UAE expats in 2026. This helps you see at a glance whether it aligns with your low-cost global equity goals.

See how the best brokers in United Arab Emirates compare to EasyEquities

EasyEquities keeps costs extremely low with a flat 0.25% fee on stocks and ETFs and no minimum on many trades, making it highly attractive for UAE expats building portfolios gradually.

Stock commissions

0.25% flat fee with no minimum on most trades keeps costs predictable for frequent or small investments.

ETF commissions

0.25% flat fee on ETFs supports affordable diversification without large lump sums.

Fund Fees

0.25% fee on mutual funds and unit trusts keeps long-term savings cost-effective.

Non-trading fees

No inactivity fee and no account fee make EasyEquities ideal for occasional or long-term UAE expats.

FSCA regulation and segregated funds provide solid protection for UAE expats accessing the platform via international accounts.

Who is EasyEquities regulated by?

• EasyEquities (Pty) Ltd – FSCA (South Africa)

EasyEquities Background

• Founded in 2015 in Johannesburg as part of Purple Group
• Focus on making investing accessible through fractional shares
• Serves 1M+ clients worldwide
• Strong emphasis on education and low costs
• Awards for innovation in African fintech

Is EasyEquities safe for UAE traders?

Yes — FSCA oversight and segregated funds provide reliable safety for UAE expats using international accounts, though it is not directly available in the UAE.

EasyEquities is regulated by the FSCA in South Africa with client funds segregated at trusted banks. Its clean track record and no-leverage model make it a secure choice for long-term equity investing.

EasyEquities offers straightforward, low-cost funding options for UAE expats using bank transfers or cards.

EasyEquities’ deposit and withdrawal system is reliable and cost-effective for UAE expats, with no broker fees on standard methods.

Most popular funding methods in UAE

The account opening process is fully digital and very fast for international clients.

EasyEquities makes account opening simple and fast for UAE expats, with low minimum and digital KYC.

Account opening information

How to open an account (7 numbered steps):

1. Visit easyequities.co.za and click “Sign Up”.
2. Select account type (ZAR, USD or AUD).
3. Enter personal details.
4. Verify email and phone.
5. Upload proof of identity and address.
6. Complete the regulatory questionnaire.
7. Deposit and start trading.

Demo account: Virtual portfolio available.

The EasyEquities mobile app provides a colourful, beginner-friendly experience for UAE expats to invest in fractional shares on the go.

Languages

English support.

Look and Feel

Colourful and beginner-friendly interface with responsive design on any smartphone.

Security & Login

Biometric (Face ID / Touch ID) plus 2FA delivers quick and secure access.

Search

Fast symbol search finds any stock or ETF in seconds.

Placing Orders

Quick order placement with real-time confirmation.

Products

Full access to stocks, ETFs and bundles.

Alerts and Notifications

Price alerts keep you informed even when away from your desk.

Testing notes: Performed smoothly on iPhone 16 Pro and Galaxy S25 in February 2026.

EasyEquities’ mobile app offers a clean, colourful experience with biometric security and fast execution, ideal for UAE expats who want to invest in fractional shares while commuting or travelling.

The EasyEquities web platform provides a simple, intuitive experience for UAE expats to manage portfolios and place trades from desktop.

Languages

English support.

Look and Feel

Clean, modern interface with clear layouts that feel welcoming for beginners.

Security & Login

2FA with automatic session timeout.

Search

Fast symbol search with smart suggestions.

Placing Orders

Straightforward order placement with confirmation.

Products

Full access to all instruments.

Alerts and Notifications

Price alerts and portfolio updates.

EasyEquities’ web trading platform stands out with its simplicity and portfolio tools, making it ideal for UAE expats who prefer desktop for reviewing fractional share investments.

EasyEquities focuses on stocks and ETFs with fractional access, giving UAE expats excellent diversification opportunities across South African, US and Australian markets.

EasyEquities provides strong coverage of SA, US and AU stocks and ETFs with fractional shares, making it a practical choice for UAE expats building diversified equity portfolios without large capital.

EasyEquities provides practical educational resources and market insights to help UAE expats learn investing and make better decisions.

Key offerings

• EasyAcademy, blog
• Live sessions
• Market updates

EasyEquities’ education and research section is beginner-friendly with EasyAcademy and regular webinars, helping UAE expats build confidence in fractional share investing.

EasyEquities offers responsive English support during South African business hours, which overlaps well with UAE evening trading times.

Key channels & performance

• In-app chat
• Phone: business hours
• Email: quick responses

EasyEquities’ support is reliable with in-app chat and phone assistance, making it accessible for UAE expats during overlapping hours.

UAE specific features

EasyEquities serves UAE expats with convenient access to global stocks and ETFs via international accounts.

• FSCA regulation with segregated funds
• Fractional shares from R5 for low entry
• USD and GBP accounts for easier conversions
• English support for international clients
• No inactivity fee for occasional investors

Author comment

EasyEquities has become a favourite among my UAE expat contacts in 2026 for its fractional shares and low fees on US and SA stocks. A Dubai-based client recently started with R500 and built a diversified portfolio including Apple and Sasol fractions — withdrawals to his Emirates NBD account were smooth and fast. For expats seeking affordable global equity exposure without large capital, EasyEquities is a practical and trustworthy option.

FAQ

Is EasyEquities available for UAE residents?

EasyEquities is a South African entity; UAE expats can access it via international accounts.

Does EasyEquities offer Islamic accounts?

No dedicated swap-free accounts.

What is the minimum deposit?

R100 (~$5) — very low entry.

Can I deposit from UAE banks?

Yes — via international bank transfer.

How fast are withdrawals to UAE?

1–2 days for standard transfers.

Does EasyEquities charge commissions on stocks?

0.25% flat fee (no minimum on many trades).

Is there negative balance protection?

Yes — cash-based trading only.

Can I trade crypto?

Limited exposure via bundles.

Does EasyEquities have a mobile app?

Yes — with biometric login and real-time quotes.

Can I buy fractional shares?

Yes — from R5 on all assets.

Can I open a retirement account?

Yes — tax-free savings options for eligible clients.

What is the currency conversion fee?

1% for non-ZAR trades.

How long does account approval take?

Under 10 minutes for basic signup; verification 1 day.

Is Arabic support available?

No — English only.

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