Exness is one of the largest forex brokers by monthly trading volume, processing over $4 trillion per month as of 2025. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Cyprus, Exness is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles), and CMA (Kenya). For UAE and GCC traders, Exness operates under its offshore FSA (Seychelles) entity, which allows leverage up to 1:2000.
Exness at a Glance
| Founded | 2008 |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, FSA (Seychelles) |
| Min Deposit | $10 (Standard), $200 (Pro) |
| EUR/USD Spread | From 0.0 pips (Raw) / 0.3 pips (Standard) |
| Max Leverage | Up to 1:2000 (for GCC traders) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal (web) |
| Islamic Account | Yes - swap-free available |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
Is Exness Regulated and Safe?
Exness holds multiple top-tier regulatory licences. The FCA licence (UK) and CySEC licence (Cyprus) are among the most respected in the industry. UAE traders typically access Exness through the Seychelles FSA entity, which provides negative balance protection but operates under lighter regulatory oversight than FCA or CySEC. This means higher leverage is available (up to 1:2000) but with less investor protection than FCA-regulated accounts.
For traders seeking stricter local regulation, brokers licensed by the DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) or the UAE CMA (Capital Market Authority, formerly SCA) offer UAE-specific oversight. Exness does not hold a DFSA or UAE CMA (formerly SCA) licence.
Exness Account Types
Exness offers five main account types split into two categories - Standard and Professional:
| Account | Min Deposit | EUR/USD Spread | Commission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $10 | From 0.3 pips | None |
| Standard Cent | $10 | From 0.3 pips | None |
| Pro | $200 | From 0.1 pips | None |
| Raw Spread | $200 | From 0.0 pips | $3.50/lot |
| Zero | $200 | 0.0 pips (top 30 instruments) | $3.50/lot |
Use our broker cost calculator to see exactly how much Exness would cost per month based on your typical lot size and trading frequency, versus other brokers.
Exness Spreads and Trading Costs
Exness is highly competitive on spreads. The Raw Spread account offers 0.0 pip spreads on EUR/USD with a $3.50/lot commission per side ($7 round trip). For a high-volume trader doing 100 lots per month, this equates to $700 in commissions - comparable to IC Markets Raw account at $3.50/lot. The Standard account has wider spreads (avg 0.9 pips on EUR/USD) but no commission, making it better for casual traders.
Compare spreads live across brokers using our live spread comparison tool.
Exness Leverage for UAE Traders
UAE traders accessing Exness via the Seychelles entity can access leverage up to 1:2000 - among the highest available anywhere. While this sounds attractive, leverage of 1:2000 means a 0.05% adverse move wipes out your entire margin. Professional risk management is essential. Use our leverage risk simulator to understand exactly how different leverage levels affect your account at your typical trade sizes.
Exness Deposits and Withdrawals
Exness is widely praised for its instant withdrawal processing - one of its strongest selling points. Available methods for UAE/GCC traders include:
- Bank wire transfer - 2-5 business days, typically free
- Credit/debit card - Visa, Mastercard, instant deposit
- Cryptocurrency - Bitcoin, USDT, instant processing
- Perfect Money, WebMoney - e-wallets, instant
Exness processes most withdrawals instantly 24/7, including weekends - a significant advantage over most brokers that only process withdrawals on business days.
Exness Islamic Account
Exness offers swap-free (Islamic) accounts on all account types. The Islamic account removes overnight interest charges, making it compliant with Islamic finance principles. To activate, contact Exness support after account opening. There are no additional fees specifically for the Islamic designation on Exness - unlike some brokers that charge administration fees as a substitute. For a full list of Islamic-friendly brokers, see our Islamic forex brokers guide.
Exness vs Competitors
How does Exness compare to other brokers popular in the GCC region?
| Feature | Exness | XM | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min Deposit | $10 | $5 | $200 |
| Raw Spread | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:2000 | 1:1000 | 1:500 |
| Inactivity Fee | None | $5/mo | None |
| Withdrawals | Instant | 1-5 days | 1-2 days |
Frequently Asked Questions About Exness
Is Exness safe for UAE traders?
Exness is a regulated broker with FCA and CySEC licences, a strong track record since 2008, and over $4 trillion in monthly trading volume. UAE traders use the Seychelles FSA entity, which provides negative balance protection but less investor protection than the FCA entity. Overall, Exness is considered a safe and reputable broker, but UAE traders seeking local regulatory oversight should look for DFSA or UAE CMA-licensed brokers.
Does Exness have an office in UAE?
Exness does not have a physical office in the UAE or a DFSA/SCA licence. UAE residents can still open accounts with Exness via the offshore Seychelles entity, which is legal under UAE law for individuals trading their own funds.
What is the minimum deposit for Exness in UAE?
The minimum deposit for Exness Standard account is $10 (approximately AED 37). The Pro, Raw Spread, and Zero accounts require a minimum of $200 (approximately AED 735). These are among the lowest minimums in the industry.
Does Exness charge inactivity fees?
No. Exness does not charge any inactivity fees, which is a significant advantage over brokers like XM that charge $5/month after 90 days of inactivity. Your account will remain open indefinitely without any maintenance charges.
Can I trade gold (XAU/USD) with Exness?
Yes. Exness offers XAU/USD (gold) trading on all account types. Spreads on gold are competitive, typically around 0.10-0.20 on Raw accounts. Use our gold trading calculator to estimate profit, loss, and margin for gold trades at Exness's typical spreads.