With regulatory scrutiny increasing globally and traders demanding more transparency, choosing a broker is no longer just about spreads. In 2025, Forex.com and ADSS (Abu Dhabi-based) both offer compelling services, but with very different strengths. This guide helps you understand which broker aligns with your goals — whether you’re based in the Middle East, North America, or beyond.
Broker Review Contents
Broker background
Forex.com, owned by StoneX Group (listed on NASDAQ), has been in operation since 2001. It’s a globally recognized brand offering forex, CFDs, and crypto across multiple platforms with strong regulatory protection.
ADSS (Abu Dhabi-based), launched in 2010 and headquartered in the UAE, is one of the few brokers directly regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE. It has a strong regional presence, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.
| Feature | Forex.com | ADSS |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | USA | Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Parent Company | StoneX Group (NASDAQ: SNEX) | ADS Holding |
| Global Clients | 300,000+ | 100,000+ |
| Specialization | Forex, CFDs, crypto | Forex, CFDs, regional equities |
Regulatory strength
Forex.com is regulated by:
- CFTC & NFA (USA)
- FCA (UK)
- ASIC (Australia)
- IIROC (Canada)
- CySEC (EU)
ADSS is regulated by:
- Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE)
- FCA (UK) for its London branch (ADSS London)
Forex.com’s global reach makes it suitable for traders in multiple regions, especially in the U.S. ADSS shines in the UAE and GCC, where it holds rare and prestigious domestic licensing.
Trading platforms
Forex.com offers:
- MetaTrader 4 & MetaTrader 5
- Advanced Trading Platform (web/desktop)
- TradingView integration
- WebTrader
ADSS provides:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
- OREX (proprietary platform)
- Mobile apps for MT4 and OREX
While both provide MT4, Forex.com has a broader offering with direct integration to TradingView and multiple proprietary platform choices. ADSS’s OREX platform caters to professional regional traders, especially in Arabic.
Tradable assets
| Asset Type | Forex.com | ADSS |
|---|---|---|
| Forex Pairs | 80+ | 60+ |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | Yes |
| Stocks (CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs (CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Regional Equities | No | Yes (MENA focus) |
Forex.com offers more diverse CFD markets, including ETFs and U.S. stocks. ADSS adds depth in MENA stocks, catering to regional traders looking to invest in local equity markets.
Spreads and fees
Forex.com pricing:
- Standard account: from 1.0 pip
- Commission-based account: from 0.2 pip + $5/lot
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Inactivity fee: $15 after 12 months
ADSS pricing:
- Standard spreads: from 1.6 pips
- No commission on most accounts
- No inactivity fees
- Local deposit options in GCC countries
Forex.com is more competitive for high-volume traders due to its commission-based model. ADSS keeps it simple and accessible for retail investors, especially in the Middle East.
Leverage and margin
| Region | Forex.com | ADSS |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Up to 1:50 | Not available |
| UK/EU Retail | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:30 |
| MENA/Global | Up to 1:200 | Up to 1:500 |
ADSS offers significantly higher leverage in MENA and offshore markets, which may appeal to risk-tolerant traders. Forex.com adheres more strictly to regulatory norms.
Account types and onboarding
Forex.com accounts:
- Standard
- Commission-based
- DMA (Direct Market Access)
- Islamic (swap-free)
ADSS accounts:
- Standard
- Elite (high volume)
- Islamic (swap-free)
ADSS offers fewer account types but includes regional perks, such as local support, Arabic-language platforms, and funding via regional banks. Forex.com provides a more structured global setup.
Trading tools and research
Forex.com includes:
- Autochartist
- Trading Central
- TradingView analytics
- Economic calendar
- Webinars and strategy hub
ADSS includes:
- Economic calendar
- Newsfeed and market updates
- Basic webinars
- Less emphasis on third-party tools
Forex.com clearly offers more robust education and research. ADSS keeps it simpler, assuming its users are already experienced or relying on independent analysis.
Mobile experience
Forex.com:
- Dedicated mobile app
- Custom alerts, charting, and integration with desktop/web
- Also supports MT4 and TradingView mobile setups
ADSS:
- OREX mobile app
- MT4 mobile app
- Localized interface (Arabic available)
Forex.com provides a more advanced mobile interface, especially for charting. ADSS makes up for it with local language support and ease of use for Gulf-based traders.
Support and service
Forex.com:
- 24/5 global support
- Fast onboarding
- Phone, email, and live chat
ADSS:
- 24/5 multilingual support (Arabic/English)
- UAE-based offices
- Personalized service for regional clients
ADSS delivers regionally tailored service, ideal for Middle Eastern clients. Forex.com, however, offers broader, faster global support for traders across different jurisdictions.
Final comparison summary
| Feature | Best Broker |
|---|---|
| Regulation | Forex.com (global), ADSS (UAE) |
| Platform Options | Forex.com |
| Asset Range | Forex.com |
| MENA Equity Access | ADSS |
| Pricing for Pros | Forex.com |
| Leverage Options | ADSS |
| Education & Tools | Forex.com |
| Regional Language Support | ADSS |
Which broker should you choose in 2025?
Choose Forex.com if you:
- Want regulatory security in U.S., UK, or Australia
- Prefer better tools, education, and multiple platforms
- Need access to crypto, ETFs, and broader global markets
- Value flexibility in pricing and leverage
Choose ADSS if you:
- Live in the UAE or MENA region and want a locally regulated broker
- Trade GCC equity markets alongside forex
- Need higher leverage and Arabic platform support
- Prefer personalized support and local deposit options
