Why Pick ThinkMarkets

ThinkMarkets is one of the few internationally established brokers that holds a DFSA licence and operates a physical office in Dubai — alongside IG, Interactive Brokers, and Pepperstone. Founded in 2010 with dual headquarters in London and Melbourne, the broker holds eight regulatory licences (FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, JFSA, FSCA, CIMA, FSC) and serves 550,000+ clients across 100+ countries. For UAE traders, the DFSA licence means local regulatory recourse, mandatory fund segregation, and DFSA conduct rules — a level of protection that cross-border-only brokers like IC Markets or Fusion Markets cannot match.

The standout feature is the proprietary ThinkTrader platform — an award-winning app with TradingView integration (2025), 80+ indicators, quad-screen charting, the TrendRisk Scanner for pattern recognition, and Trader’s Gym for strategy backtesting in simulated market conditions. Alongside ThinkTrader, the broker offers MT4 and MT5 for Expert Advisor users. The ThinkZero account delivers raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3.50 per lot per side commission ($7 round turn), while the Standard account offers commission-free trading with spreads averaging 1.1 pips on EUR/USD. With 4,000+ instruments across forex, stocks, ETFs, indices, commodities, crypto, futures, and bonds, ThinkMarkets’ product range is substantially broader than most ECN competitors. A unique $1 million insurance protection per account — beyond standard regulatory compensation — adds an additional safety layer that few competitors can match. Islamic swap-free accounts are available across all account types.

ThinkMarkets

Best For Forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, crypto, stocks, ETFs

Recommended ForActive traders, scalpers, UAE clients seeking DFSA regulation, ThinkTrader platform, and copy trading

Open Account

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 Forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, crypto, stocks, ETFs

Recommended ForActive traders, scalpers, UAE clients seeking DFSA regulation, ThinkTrader platform, and copy trading

• Trader Level Beginner–Advanced
• Number of Users 550,000+ clients
• Number of Instruments 4,000+
• Base Currencies AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, NZD, SGD, CHF

4,5 / 5

Overall score

See Overall Score Breakdown

• Web trading platform4.5

• Fees4.0

• Mobile App5.0

• Deposit and withdrawal 4.5

• Available assets4.5

• Account opening5.0

• Education and Research 4.0

• Support4.5

• Overall rating4.5

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.

ThinkMarkets is a DFSA-licensed, multi-regulated broker offering 4,000+ instruments across the proprietary ThinkTrader platform (with TradingView integration), MT4, and MT5. The ThinkZero account provides raw spreads from 0.0 pips, while the unique $1M insurance per account and DFSA licensing create one of the strongest safety profiles among UAE-accessible brokers.

Overall Pros & Cons

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

The comparison below contrasts ThinkMarkets against two competitors for active forex and CFD traders in the UAE. Pepperstone is the direct DFSA-licensed rival with Razor account pricing. IC Markets is the established ECN broker with the broadest CFD selection and tightest raw spreads.

ThinkMarkets’ fee structure varies significantly by account type. The ThinkZero account delivers competitive raw-spread pricing: EUR/USD from 0.0 pips with a $3.50 per lot per side commission ($7 round turn), producing an all-in cost of approximately 0.7 pips — matching IC Markets and undercutting Pepperstone’s Razor. The Standard account is less competitive: commission-free but with EUR/USD averaging 1.1 pips, above the industry norm. The ThinkTrader account sits between the two, with spreads from 0.4 pips on the proprietary platform. No deposit or withdrawal fees. No custody or account fees. The $20/month inactivity fee is the highest among this comparison group. Trading Central and Signal Centre research tools are provided free. ZuluTrade copy trading costs $30/month, and VPS hosting carries a fee unless you trade 15+ lots monthly.

Forex Fees

ThinkMarkets’ ThinkZero delivers competitive raw-spread forex pricing with a commission that matches the industry standard. The Standard account’s spread-only pricing is above average, making ThinkZero the recommended choice for active traders.

Stock CFD Fees

ThinkMarkets offers 3,000+ stock CFDs — one of the broadest selections among ECN-style brokers. Pricing is spread-based on Standard; commission-based on ThinkZero.

ETF Fees

325+ ETF CFDs available — one of the broadest selections among ECN brokers. No commission on Standard account. Access to US, Australian, and international ETFs with leverage up to 10:1 and fractional trading.

CFD Fees

Index and commodity CFDs are competitively priced. Gold at 0.3 pips and crude oil at 0.03 points are in line with the industry. The S&P 500 at 0.5 points is slightly wider than Pepperstone and IC Markets during peak hours.

Crypto Fees

20+ crypto CFDs available including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. Spread-based, no commission. ThinkMarkets has reduced weekend maintenance windows, providing greater crypto access than most competitors.

Non-trading fees

ThinkMarkets’ non-trading fees are clean except for the $20/month inactivity fee, which is the highest among comparable brokers.

ThinkMarkets operates under one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks in the retail brokerage industry, with eight licences across multiple Tier-1 jurisdictions. The DFSA licence provides UAE clients with local regulatory oversight, mandatory fund segregation, and a physical office in Dubai. The unique $1 million insurance protection per account — covering clients beyond standard regulatory compensation schemes — is a feature that very few competitors offer. FCA clients receive FSCS protection up to £85,000, CySEC clients receive ICF up to €20,000, and all retail clients globally receive negative balance protection.

Who is ThinkMarkets regulated by?

FCA (UK, 629628), ASIC (Australia, 158 361 561), CySEC (Cyprus, 215/13), DFSA (UAE), JFSA (Japan, 1536), FSCA (South Africa, 49835), CIMA (Cayman Islands), FSC (Mauritius). UAE clients are served under the DFSA entity with a physical office in Dubai.

Is ThinkMarkets a safe broker to use?

Yes. The combination of eight regulatory licences across five Tier-1 jurisdictions, DFSA licensing with a Dubai office, $1 million insurance per account, segregated funds, and negative balance protection creates one of the strongest safety frameworks among retail brokers. The 15-year track record and Trustpilot score of 4.3/5 from 600+ reviews add further confidence. The WikiFX complaints about withdrawal delays in certain regions should be noted, though these appear to be specific to certain entities rather than systemic.

Is there investor protection for ThinkMarkets?

Depends on entity. FCA/UK clients: up to £85,000 via FSCS. CySEC/EU clients: up to €20,000 via ICF. UAE DFSA clients: no statutory compensation scheme, but the $1 million insurance per account provides additional coverage beyond what most competitors offer. Negative balance protection applies to all retail clients.

ThinkMarkets Background

Founding

2010 (originally ThinkForex). Dual headquarters in London and Melbourne.

Mission

Provide innovative trading technology with institutional-grade execution.

Scale

550,000+ clients across 100+ countries. $10B+ AUA (2025).

Licences

8 regulatory licences across 5 Tier-1 jurisdictions.

Offices

London, Melbourne, Dubai, Tokyo, Johannesburg, Limassol, and more.

Innovation

ThinkTrader proprietary platform with TradingView integration (2025), Trader’s Gym backtesting, TrendRisk Scanner, cloud-based alerts.

Awards

Best Value Broker Asia (2020 Global Forex Awards), Best CFD Provider (COLWMA 2021), multiple Best Trading App awards.

Trustpilot

4.3/5 from 600+ verified reviews.

ThinkMarkets charges no deposit or withdrawal fees. Supported methods include Visa, Mastercard, bank wire, Skrill, Neteller, BitPay (crypto in select regions), Apple Pay, and Google Pay (in select regions). Card and e-wallet deposits are instant; bank wires take 1–3 days. Withdrawals process within 1–3 business days. No AED base currency — USD is recommended for UAE clients leveraging the AED-USD peg.

Account base currencies

Fees and options for deposits

Fees and options for withdrawal

Account opening is fully digital and takes under 10 minutes. UAE clients are onboarded under the DFSA entity. Verification requires Emirates ID or passport plus proof of address (utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months). Most accounts are approved within one business day.

Account opening information

What is the minimum deposit at ThinkMarkets?

$0 for Standard accounts. $50 for ThinkTrader accounts. $500 for ThinkZero accounts.

Account types

Standard Account: $0 minimum deposit. Commission-free with spreads from 0.4 pips (avg 1.1 pips EUR/USD). All three platforms (ThinkTrader, MT4, MT5). Free Trading Central access. Best for beginners who want simple all-inclusive pricing.

ThinkTrader Account: $50 minimum deposit. Commission-free, spreads from 0.4 pips. ThinkTrader and TradingView platforms only (no MT4/MT5). Access to 4,000+ instruments. No EA support. Best for traders who want the proprietary platform experience.

ThinkZero Account: $500 minimum deposit. Raw spreads from 0.0 pips + $3.50/lot/side commission ($7 round turn). MT4 and MT5 only (no ThinkTrader). Includes personal account manager and free Trading Central. Best for active traders, scalpers, and algo traders who prioritise tight spreads.

Islamic Swap-Free Account: Available as a variant of any account type. Eliminates overnight swap charges. Compliant with Shariah principles.

Demo Account: $25,000 in virtual funds. Mirrors live market conditions. Available to all users.

ThinkCopy Account: Copy trading account allowing users to follow and replicate strategies from successful traders with performance metrics and risk management tools.

How to open an account?

1. Visit thinkmarkets.com or download the ThinkTrader app (iOS/Android).
2. Click “Open account” and select your preferred account type.
3. Provide personal details, email, and phone number.
4. Enter your country of residence — UAE clients are directed to the DFSA entity.
5. Submit tax information and answer questions about trading experience and financial status.
6. Verify identity with Emirates ID or passport.
7. Provide proof of address (utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months).
8. Choose base currency (USD recommended for UAE).
9. Fund via card, bank wire, or e-wallet.
10. Access demo or live trading upon approval.

The ThinkTrader mobile app is consistently rated among the best trading apps in the industry. It delivers a full trading experience with advanced charting, one-tap execution, and features that go beyond what MT4/MT5 mobile apps offer. The TradingView integration (2025) adds social charting. The Trader’s Gym backtesting tool is unique to ThinkMarkets — no other mobile app lets you practise trading in simulated historical market conditions on your phone.

Mobile app information

Languages

18+ languages including English and Arabic.

Look and Feel / User Interface

ThinkTrader has a modern, clean interface with dark and light modes. The home screen shows market movers, personalised watchlists, and portfolio summary. Quad-screen charting allows four charts to be displayed simultaneously — rare on mobile. Charts are responsive with smooth gesture controls. The layout balances information density with accessibility.

Security & Login

2FA mandatory. Biometric login via Face ID and Touch ID. Cloud-based session syncing across devices. SSL encryption on all connections.

Search

Instant instrument search across all 4,000+ instruments. Category filtering by asset class (forex, stocks, indices, commodities, crypto, ETFs). Watchlist management from search results.

Placing Orders

Market, limit, stop, trailing stop, and OCO orders. Trade ticket displays spread, margin requirements, and overnight funding before execution. One-click trading available. Order modification and cancellation from the positions screen.

Products

All 4,000+ instruments accessible from the ThinkTrader app — forex, indices, stock CFDs, ETFs, commodities, crypto, futures, and bonds. Full account management including deposits, withdrawals, and statement generation.

Alerts and Notifications

Cloud-based price alerts — synced across web, desktop, and mobile. Push notifications for executed orders, margin calls, price movements, and economic calendar events. Alerts persist even when the app is closed.

ThinkMarkets offers three web trading options: ThinkTrader (proprietary), MT4 Web, and MT5 Web. ThinkTrader is the standout — modern, clean, with TradingView integration (2025), 80+ indicators, quad-screen charting, and the TrendRisk Scanner for automated pattern recognition. The platform boasts 99.87% uptime. MT4/MT5 Web provide the standard MetaTrader ecosystem with Expert Advisors and 30+ indicators. The ThinkZero account is restricted to MT4/MT5 (no ThinkTrader access), which is a notable compromise.

Languages

18+ languages including English and Arabic.

Look and Feel / User Interface

ThinkTrader uses a modular layout with customisable workspace. Dark and light modes available. Charts support quad-screen display for multi-timeframe analysis. The design is modern, fast, and well-spaced — a significant upgrade from MT4/MT5’s dated aesthetic.

Security & Login

2FA mandatory. SSL encryption throughout. Cloud-based session management syncs settings and alerts across devices.

Search

Instant instrument search across 4,000+ markets. Category filtering by asset class. “Most traded” and “Top movers” quick-access panels. Instrument details page shows spreads, margin requirements, and trading hours.

Placing Orders

Market, limit, stop, trailing stop, and OCO orders. Order time limits: GTC and GTT. Trade ticket displays full cost breakdown before execution. The TrendRisk Scanner can generate automated trade ideas based on chart pattern recognition.

Products

All 4,000+ instruments accessible: 46+ forex pairs, 3,000+ stock CFDs, 325+ ETFs, 15+ indices, 20+ commodities, 20+ crypto, futures, and bonds.

Alerts and Notifications

Cloud-based alerts — the standout feature. Price alerts set on any device are automatically synced across web, desktop, and mobile. Alerts trigger even when the platform is closed. Economic calendar alerts and margin call notifications also available.

Requirements

Any modern browser for ThinkTrader Web. No download required. MT4/MT5 Web also browser-based. Desktop downloads available for ThinkTrader, MT4, and MT5 on Windows and Mac.

ThinkMarkets offers 4,000+ instruments — a significant breadth that surpasses most ECN competitors. The old B24-7 review cited “more than 50 instruments” and “34 currency pairs,” which bears no resemblance to the current product range. The expansion from a niche forex broker to a multi-asset platform is one of the most dramatic transformations among brokers we have reviewed.

Assets & products

Forex

46+ pairs (majors, minors, exotics).

Stock CFDs

3,000+ global companies from US, UK, European, Asian, and Australian exchanges.

ETF CFDs

325+ from US, Australian, and international exchanges. Fractional trading available.

Index CFDs

15+ global indices including S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, DAX, Nikkei.

Commodity CFDs

20+ (metals, energy, agriculture).

Crypto CFDs

20+ including BTC, ETH, SOL. Reduced weekend maintenance windows.

Futures CFDs

Global futures contracts.

Bond CFDs

Government bond futures.

What’s not available

Real stocks, real ETFs, options (limited), mutual funds. ThinkMarkets is primarily a CFD broker despite the broad instrument range.

ThinkMarkets’ education and research offering has substantially improved in educational, market insights, research tools, and accessibility.

Education for all levels

• Trading Academy: Structured courses from beginner to advanced covering forex, CFDs, technical analysis, and risk management.
• Platform tutorials: Step-by-step guides for ThinkTrader, MT4, and MT5.
• Trader’s Gym: Backtesting tool using historical data — practise without risking capital. Unique to ThinkMarkets.
• Webinars: Live and on-demand sessions.
• Financial glossary.

Market insights

• FX Wire Pro: Real-time news integrated into ThinkTrader platform.
• Daily market commentary and analysis.
• Economic calendar with filtering by currency and impact.

Research tools

• Trading Central: Institutional-grade technical analysis — free for all account holders.
• Signal Centre: Actionable trading signals.
• TrendRisk Scanner: Automated chart pattern recognition (ThinkTrader platform).

Accessibility

• Available in 18+ languages including Arabic.
• Free for all ThinkMarkets account holders.
• Mobile, web, and desktop delivery.

ThinkMarkets offers comprehensive customer support with multiple channels and local UAE presence.

Support options available

• Live Chat: 24/7 instant chat
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 24/5 multilingual support including Arabic
• Dubai Office: DFSA-regulated local presence
• Help Centre: Comprehensive FAQ and documentation

Response times and quality

• Live Chat: Fast connection — typically under 2 minutes
• Phone: Responsive during market hours; knowledgeable staff
• Email: Within 24 hours
• Quality: Trustpilot 4.3/5 from 600+ reviews; clients praise fast withdrawals and tight spreads

UAE-specific support details

• Arabic language support across all channels
• Dubai DFSA office for in-person support
• 24/7 live chat coverage — no timezone issues
• ThinkZero holders receive personal account manager
• Formal complaint procedure available through ThinkMarkets and the DFSA

UAE specific features

• DFSA licence with Dubai office — local regulatory presence and recourse
• 8 regulatory licences — one of the most comprehensive frameworks among retail brokers
• $1 million insurance per account — unique protection beyond standard schemes
• ThinkTrader proprietary platform with TradingView integration (2025)
• ThinkZero raw spreads from 0.0 pips + $3.50/lot/side
• 4,000+ instruments — broader than most ECN competitors
• ThinkCopy and ZuluTrade for copy trading
• Trader’s Gym — backtesting in simulated market conditions (unique feature)
• TrendRisk Scanner — automated pattern recognition
• Islamic swap-free accounts on all account types
• Arabic language support across platform and customer service
• Dubai office for in-person support
• Trading Central and Signal Centre — free for all account holders
• Cloud-based alerts synced across all devices
• $0 minimum on Standard; $50 on ThinkTrader; $500 on ThinkZero
• No deposit or withdrawal fees
• No AED base currency — USD recommended
• Apple Pay and Google Pay supported (select regions)
• Leverage up to 1:500 (international entity); 1:30 (FCA/ESMA retail)
• $20/month inactivity fee
• Negative balance protection for all retail clients
• Tax-free capital gains for UAE residents

Author comment

ThinkMarkets sits in a compelling middle ground between pure ECN pricing brokers and full-service platforms. The DFSA licence and Dubai office provide the local regulatory anchor that IC Markets and Fusion Markets lack. The ThinkTrader platform — with TradingView integration, TrendRisk Scanner, and Trader’s Gym — is genuinely innovative and more accessible than MetaTrader for beginners. The $1 million insurance per account is a unique safety feature that no other broker in this comparison offers. And 4,000+ instruments give ThinkMarkets a product breadth that exceeds most ECN competitors.

The trade-offs are in the details. The Standard account’s 1.1-pip average EUR/USD spread is above the industry norm — traders who care about cost should choose ThinkZero, which matches IC Markets at ~0.7 pips all-in but requires a $500 minimum. The $20/month inactivity fee is the highest among this comparison group (Pepperstone and IC Markets charge nothing). And the ThinkZero account — the one with the best pricing — is restricted to MT4/MT5, meaning you lose access to the ThinkTrader platform and TradingView integration that make ThinkMarkets distinctive. This is a frustrating design choice that forces traders to choose between ThinkMarkets’ best pricing and its best platform.

For UAE traders who want DFSA regulation with the tightest raw spreads and the most platform flexibility, Pepperstone’s Razor account offers cTrader, TradingView, and MT4/MT5 with no inactivity fee. For those who want the broadest CFD selection at similar pricing, IC Markets offers more forex pairs (though without a UAE licence). But for traders who value the combination of DFSA regulation, a proprietary platform with genuine innovation (Trader’s Gym, TrendRisk Scanner, cloud alerts), copy trading, and $1M insurance — all from a broker with eight regulatory licences and 15 years of history — ThinkMarkets delivers a proposition that no single competitor can fully replicate.

FAQ

Is ThinkMarkets available to UAE residents?

Yes. ThinkMarkets holds a DFSA licence and operates from a physical office in Dubai. UAE clients are onboarded under the DFSA entity.

Does ThinkMarkets offer Islamic accounts?

Yes. Islamic swap-free accounts are available across all account types (Standard, ThinkTrader, ThinkZero). No overnight interest charges apply.

What is the minimum deposit?

$0 for Standard, $50 for ThinkTrader, $500 for ThinkZero.

Which account should I choose?

ThinkZero for the lowest trading costs (raw spreads + $3.50/side commission, ~0.7 pips all-in EUR/USD). ThinkTrader for the proprietary platform with TradingView and Trader’s Gym. Standard for no minimum deposit and simple spread-only pricing.

What is the $1 million insurance?

ThinkMarkets provides $1 million insurance per account through a third-party insurer, covering clients beyond standard regulatory compensation schemes (FSCS, ICF). This applies to all account types and is a feature unique to ThinkMarkets among the brokers we have reviewed.

Does ThinkMarkets support TradingView?

Yes. TradingView was integrated into the ThinkTrader platform in 2025. Available on ThinkTrader and Standard accounts (not ThinkZero, which is MT4/MT5 only).

What is Trader’s Gym?

A unique backtesting tool that lets you practise trading in simulated historical market conditions. You can test strategies, review execution, and refine your approach without risking real money. Available on ThinkTrader platform (web and mobile).

What is the TrendRisk Scanner?

An automated pattern recognition tool built into the ThinkTrader platform. It scans charts for technical patterns and generates potential trade setups with risk parameters.

Are there inactivity fees?

Yes. $20/month after a period of inactivity. This is the highest among comparable brokers (Pepperstone and IC Markets charge nothing).

Does ThinkMarkets offer copy trading?

Yes. ThinkCopy is the proprietary copy trading platform with performance metrics and risk management tools. ZuluTrade integration is also available ($30/month subscription).

What platforms does ThinkMarkets offer?

ThinkTrader (proprietary, with TradingView integration), MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5. No cTrader.

Does ThinkMarkets support Arabic?

Yes. Platform, mobile app, and customer support are available in Arabic.

How many regulators does ThinkMarkets hold?

Eight: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, JFSA, FSCA, CIMA, and FSC. This is among the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks in the retail brokerage industry.

Can I use Expert Advisors?

Yes, on MT4 and MT5 (Standard and ThinkZero accounts). The ThinkTrader platform does not support EAs.

What is the leverage available?

Up to 1:500 on the international entity. DFSA retail clients: up to 1:30 on forex (ESMA-aligned limits). Professional clients: up to 1:500 (eligibility criteria apply).

Everything you find on Business24-7 is based on trustworthy data and impartial analysis. We combine over 11 years of financial expertise with valuable reader feedback to provide accurate insights. Learn more about our methodology.