ThinkMarkets, a global provider of online CFD trading services, has announced a strategic partnership with Mashreq Bank, one of the United Arab Emirates’ most established financial institutions.
The agreement will allow ThinkMarkets’ clients across the Middle East to fund their trading accounts directly through Mashreq Bank with no fees attached. The companies say the move will provide faster, safer and more convenient access to financial markets.
Mashreq, founded in 1967, is among the UAE’s oldest privately owned banks. It has built a reputation as a leading player in retail and corporate banking, with a strong footprint across the Middle East.
For ThinkMarkets, the partnership marks an important step in strengthening its presence in the region, particularly as demand for online trading continues to grow.
Nauman Aness, chief executive and co-founder of ThinkMarkets, described the deal as a milestone for the broker.
“We’re delighted to partner with Mashreq Bank, one of the most established and reputable banking institutions in the UAE and wider Middle East,” he said.
“We believe this marks the start of a long-term relationship and a key banking partnership in MENA. Through this partnership, our clients can now fund their accounts conveniently and seamlessly with one of the region’s biggest banking brands, further enhancing their overall trading experience.”
Analysts say the deal comes at a time when retail interest in financial trading is on the rise in the Middle East. The region has witnessed a surge in new trading platforms and fintech solutions, as well as tightening regulation aimed at improving transparency and investor protection.
By integrating Mashreq’s infrastructure, ThinkMarkets expects to gain both credibility and reach among clients in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and beyond. The broker is also hoping that aligning with a trusted bank will reassure new investors who are cautious about security and reliability when moving money online.
The trading firm, founded in 2010, is regulated in several jurisdictions, including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. It has positioned itself as a global player in contracts for difference (CFD) trading, offering retail and institutional investors access to a wide range of instruments such as forex, equities, indices, and commodities.
For Mashreq, the partnership provides an opportunity to expand its digital ecosystem and appeal to a younger, tech-savvy demographic increasingly drawn to investment and trading apps.
Market observers suggest such collaborations are likely to grow, as traditional banks seek to remain competitive in the face of rising fintech adoption. For trading platforms, partnering with banks offers a means to streamline client onboarding and build confidence in a fast-moving market.
The deal also highlights the UAE’s ambition to strengthen its position as a regional hub for financial services and innovation. With Dubai aiming to attract global fintech firms and broaden its capital markets, partnerships like this are expected to play a role in shaping the industry’s future.
