EFG Hermes Pioneers Fully Digital Investment Onboarding for Dubai Financial Market
Leading investment bank launches seamless mobile-first account opening through EFG Hermes ONE app, eliminating paperwork and branch visits for DFM investors
EFG Hermes UAE LLC, the pre-eminent investment bank across the Middle East and North Africa, has unveiled a transformative digital onboarding capability in partnership with the Dubai Financial Market. The initiative, integrated into the institution’s EFG Hermes ONE mobile application, enables investors to obtain a DFM investor number and establish trading accounts entirely through their smartphones, removing the necessity for documentation or physical branch attendance.
This fully digital, end-to-end process represents a significant advancement in market accessibility, lowering practical barriers to entry and extending the reach of DFM-listed securities across the region. The launch aligns with DFM’s broader digital transformation strategy and reinforces the emirate’s standing as a premier global financial centre.
The timing proves particularly propitious. During the first half of 2026, DFM welcomed 42,864 new investors, with international participants comprising 71.4% of this cohort. Simultaneously, total traded value reached AED119.5 billion—reflecting a formidable 40.4% year-on-year increase—whilst average daily traded value ascended 45.1% to AED1.004 billion. Foreign investors accounted for 51% of total traded value, institutional investors represented 71.2%, and the market capitalisation stood at AED981.6 billion as of June 2026.
Khalifa Rabba, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Financial Market, underscored the initiative’s significance: the digital onboarding capability abbreviates the investment journey, democratising participation and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a capital markets leader. Afra Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Central Securities Depository, echoed this sentiment, emphasising how the streamlined process prioritises accessibility whilst maintaining robust investor protections.
EFG Hermes’ achievement across UAE markets remains exceptional. During H1 2026, the institution commanded a 48.52% market share on DFM and a 65.69% share on Nasdaq Dubai—testament to sustained client confidence. Alaa Moustafa, Managing Director of Individual Retail Sales, attributed these accomplishments to comprehensive investment in talent, technology and relationship management.
Hatem Mohab, Co-Head of Digital Retail Trading Platform, characterised the launch as emblematic of EFG Hermes’ modernisation agenda, accelerating investor participation in UAE capital markets and consolidating the nation’s reputation as a digitally sophisticated financial destination.
Source: WAM