1,707 UAE-based retail traders and investors participated in three online polls between May and December of 2025. They looked at consumer dissatisfaction, trading patterns, broker selection, and trust. According to the most recent poll, 42% of participants said they stopped using a broker because of hidden fees. 29% highlighted excessive spreads or fees, while 31% mentioned a lack of trust. Other complaints included sluggish withdrawals and inadequate customer service.
According to a previous survey, 34% of participants were annoyed by confusing fees, 38% by a lack of transparency, and 41% by delayed withdrawals. When asked what may make them switch brokers, 32% of respondents mentioned large spreads, commissions, or hidden costs, while 31% said uncertain regulatory status or a lack of transparency. Broker selection is influenced by security and transparency. The most common factors mentioned by respondents when choosing a broker were a safe and secure trading platform (33%), easy withdrawals (27%), license and regulation (26%), and quick withdrawals (25%).
Strong security measures (48%), positive client reviews (47%), clear communication about risks (47%), responsive customer assistance (46%), and transparent pricing without hidden costs (45%) were found to be criteria that contributed to broker trust in a May 2025 study. 37% of respondents mentioned licensing and regulatory compliance. Uncertainty will always be a part of trading. According to Husein Al Koofee, Head of Category 1 at Definite, “that is the nature of markets.” However, according to our study, traders do not want the broker to create more confusion.
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