By : staff writer
Jordan Daily - Online trading firm CFI Financial Group is positioning itself as a major Middle East-based challenger in the crowded global brokerage industry, leveraging rapid regional expansion, sports sponsorships and a growing base of retail investors seeking access to international markets.
Founded in Beirut as part of legacy firm Credit Financier Invest, which dates back to 1998, CFI was formally established in 2015 by entrepreneurs Hisham Mansour and Eduardo Fakhoury. The company later relocated its headquarters to Dubai as it expanded into a multi-jurisdictional brokerage serving clients in more than 100 countries.
The privately held group has built its pitch around scale and accessibility. It offers more than 15,000 tradable instruments across asset classes, alongside low commissions and high-speed execution - features it says appeal to both retail and professional traders navigating volatile global markets.
CFI’s expansion comes amid a surge in retail trading activity across the Middle East and North Africa, driven by younger, tech-savvy investors and improved regulatory frameworks in markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
Regional push and global footprint
Over the past decade, CFI has accelerated its geographic reach, establishing regulated entities in key financial hubs including London, Dubai, Cyprus, Jordan and South Africa.
The company entered Jordan in 2018 with local licensing and has since expanded its presence across North Africa and the Gulf, including Egypt and Kuwait, while also pushing into emerging markets such as Azerbaijan.
By early 2026, the firm reported trillions of dollars in annual trading volume, underscoring its scale among non-bank brokers targeting retail flows.
Industry analysts say such growth reflects both rising investor participation and aggressive marketing by brokerages competing for market share.
Brand-building through sport and technology
CFI has invested heavily in brand visibility, signing sponsorship deals with major sports organizations including European football clubs and regional basketball federations, part of a broader strategy to build consumer trust in this sector.
At the same time, the firm has highlighted technology as a differentiator, promoting AI-driven trading tools and educational platforms aimed at onboarding new investors.
Outlook
CFI’s trajectory reflects broader shifts in global finance, where digital platforms are reshaping access to markets once dominated by banks and institutional players.
With a growing footprint across the Middle East and beyond, the firm is betting that continued demand from retail traders - combined with regulatory alignment and technological investment- will sustain its expansion.
