ADSS Review 2025

Key Takeaways

• ADSS is a UAE-based broker regulated by that country’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).

• The broker provides access to the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform and its proprietary WebTrader, compatible with desktop, web, and mobile devices.

• Account options include the Standard account with a $100 minimum deposit, as well as Elite, Elite+, and Pro accounts starting at $100,000, $250,000, and $250,000, respectively.

• Spreads begin at 1.4 pips on Standard accounts and drop to as low as 0.0 pips on Elite+, with commission-free trading for Standard users.

• Leverage is available up to 500:1 on major FOREX pairs, with reduced leverage for high-volatility assets like crypto and gold.

• ADSS offers a wide product range, including FOREX, shares, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and bonds.

• Deposits are free and processed quickly, using bank wire, credit/debit cards, online banking, and UAE-specific systems. Withdrawals carry a flat $15 fee.

• Islamic (swap-free) accounts are available on request, replacing overnight interest with administrative fees.

• Traders benefit from 24/5 multilingual customer support via WhatsApp, email, and phone in English, Arabic, French, Hindi, and Urdu.

• Educational content includes platform tutorials and product overviews, though the FAQ section is somewhat limited compared to some competitors.

Overall Summary

When choosing a broker, traders need more than just the best trading platform, even though this is important enough on its own. They need a broker that offers real depth, including tight spreads where it counts, strong regulatory oversight, and tools that genuinely help with trade execution and analysis.

ADSS is a UAE-based broker that has grown into one of the region’s most important names, offering over 1,000 CFD instruments and more than 11,500 real stocks and ETFs. It operates under the regulation of the SCA in the United Arab Emirates, and it goes to great lengths to ensure client fund segregation, a great execution policy, and a proprietary WebTrader platform built with integrated market research.

This broker is a good option for traders in the region to investigate. It has low barriers to entry, access to real assets, and excellent pricing on some assets such as crude oil. ADSS is a serious contender for traders in the Middle East and beyond who are looking for reliability, value, and a good amount of substance.

Is ADSS Safe?

For a regional broker that concentrates mostly on its area of origin, ADSS is considered safe. The broker is regulated by the SCA in the UAE, operating under license number 305027. This Tier 2 regulator oversees financial institutions within the UAE, enforcing capital requirements, client-fund segregation, and operational transparency.

ADSS holds client funds in segregated accounts, meaning your trading capital is kept separate from the company’s own operating funds, as is the industry norm. This is a key safeguard in the event that the broker ever becomes insolvent.

While ADSS does not offer negative balance protection or participate in a compensation scheme, its longevity, strong regional reputation, and adherence to best execution standards make it a very strong broker in the region.

How ADSS Protects You from Reckless Leverage and Margin Trading

ADSS offers access to substantial leverage, up to a mammoth 500:1 on major currency pairs, but applies clear limits depending on asset class and trading conditions.

This level of leverage is nothing new for brokers in the region to be doing and it has been shown to appeal to traders aiming for high exposure. Just remember that it also increases the risk of amplified losses, which is especially dangerous when you trade with a broker who does not offer negative balance protection.

ADSS allows traders to adjust their exposure using a flexible margin system, with lower leverage applied to much more volatile instruments, like cryptocurrencies and gold. This helps you get better at risk management, even in fast-moving markets.

How you are protected

ADSS holds client funds in segregated bank accounts, meaning that your trading capital is never mixed with the broker’s working capital.

This is a standard regulatory requirement enforced by the UAE’s SCA, which supervises ADSS.

Don’t forget that ADSS does not offer negative balance protection or a compensation scheme, which means retail traders are responsible for managing downside risk carefully.

Regulation and other security measures

As a broker regulated in the UAE, ADSS maintains a transparent operating model backed by regulatory oversight, internal controls, and a best-execution policy. It does not operate under a straight-through processing (STP) model, but acts as a market maker, meaning it is the counterparty to your trades.

What does this mean? Simply that the broker does not pass your orders on to the external market or liquidity providers. Instead, the broker takes the opposite side of your trade: so, if you buy an asset, the broker sells it to you, and, if you sell, the broker buys it from you.

Just be warned: since the broker profits when you lose (and loses when you win), there can be an incentive for less transparent practices.

However, many regulated market makers like ADSS operate fairly and offer useful features for retail traders. However, it’s important to understand this model because the broker’s role as a counterparty changes the dynamics of how your trades are handled.

While this structure is common, it places greater importance on the broker's internal compliance standards.

Top Broker Features

There are many reasons to consider ADSS as your trading partner. Here are some of the highlights:

• Regulated by the SCA, giving you local oversight and compliance with regional financial standards.

• Leverage is available up to 500:1 for FOREX pairs, with structured limits applied across asset classes to manage exposure.

• Crude oil spreads are among the lowest in the industry.

• Traders can choose between the user-friendly ADSS WebTrader platform or MT4 for more advanced, customizable setups, including algorithmic trading.

• With over 1,050 CFD instruments and 11,500 real stocks and ETFs, ADSS provides wide access to FOREX, shares, indices, commodities, bonds, and cryptocurrency products.

• The ADSS platform integrates daily market insights, Trading Central signals, and Dow Jones-powered news tools directly into the trading interface.

For Whom Is ADSS Recommended?

ADSS is an excellent choice for traders who want reliable access to regional and global markets, competitive commodity pricing, and a flexible trading platform environment.

Its low $100 minimum deposit and commission-free Standard account make it a good idea for newer traders looking to get started with FOREX, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies.

More experienced traders may benefit from the broker’s Elite and Elite+ accounts, which offer tighter spreads, priority service, and access to professional-grade tools, although these tiers require significantly higher deposits.

While ADSS does offer direct access to real stocks and ETFs for long-term investors, its strength lies in CFD trading across a diverse range of instruments, making it ideal for those focused on short- to medium-term strategies.

Here are the pros and cons of using this broker:

Offering of Investments

Here’s a breakdown of the financial assets offered by ADSS:

FOREX CFDs

ADSS offers over 60 currency pairs, including majors like EUR/USD, minors such as AUD/CAD, and a selection of exotics. Traders can access leverage up to 500:1 on FOREX pairs, depending on the instrument’s liquidity. Spreads on major pairs like EUR/USD start at 1.4 pips on Standard accounts and drop to 0.7 pips on Elite+ accounts. All trading is commission-free for retail clients.

Commodities CFDs

You can trade across a wide range of commodities, including metals like gold, silver, and copper, as well as energies such as WTI and Brent crude oil. Agricultural products like coffee and corn are also available. Crude oil is a standout offering, with live spreads as low as 0.02 pips during major market sessions.

Shares CFDs

ADSS offers more than 950 share CFDs across key sectors, allowing you to speculate on global companies. These products are available as both spot and forward contracts, with leverage up to 20:1. While some spreads may be higher than the industry average, there are no commissions on share CFD trading.

Real stocks and ETFs

In addition to CFDs, ADSS gives traders access to over 11,500 real stocks and ETFs for buy-and-hold investing. These include major S&P 500 companies, popular international stocks, and ETFs tailored to themes like technology, energy, and healthcare. Fractional shares are also supported.

Indices CFDs

ADSS covers 22 global indices, including the US30 (Dow Jones), DE40 (Germany 40), FR40 (France), UK100, and JP225 (Japan). Traders can choose between spot or futures contracts and apply leverage up to 333:1, depending on the product.

Cryptocurrency CFDs

The broker offers 10 crypto pairs, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, and Ripple. Spreads are competitive, with BTC/USD spreads starting around $34 during live testing. Crypto trading is available 24/5, and leverage is capped at 10:1. There’s no need for a wallet, and all positions are settled in cash.

Bond CFDs

ADSS supports bond trading on select US and UK government instruments, such as T-bonds and gilts. These are available as futures contracts with moderate leverage, offering traders a way to diversify into fixed income markets. While the bond offering is limited, it caters to those interested in macro or interest rate-driven strategies.

Account Types

ADSS keeps its account offering streamlined and accessible, with its main account tiers designed to serve both entry-level and professional traders.

Standard account

The Standard account is tailored for retail traders and beginners, offering a low entry point with a $100 minimum deposit. It features commission-free trading across all asset classes, with variable spreads starting from 1.4 pips on major FOREX pairs like EUR/USD.

Elite and Elite+ accounts

These accounts are aimed at professional or high-net-worth traders. The Elite account starts with a $25,000 minimum deposit and features lower spreads, from 0.7 pips, while the Elite+ account, for clients depositing $25,000 or more, offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips with negotiable commissions. Both account types include added perks like dedicated senior account managers, access to exclusive events, and tighter trading conditions.

Pro account

This account is available in some jurisdictions and is targeted at professional or high-net-worth traders. The Pro account starts with a $25,000 deposit and features extremely low spreads from zero pips. Pro traders will also get access to low commissions, 500:1 Max Leverage, and a RM + Sales Trader.

Demo account

ADSS provides a free demo account that lets you explore the platform and test trading strategies without risking any of your actual money.

The demo is available on both WebTrader and MT4, simulating real-time market conditions so you can gain familiarity before switching to live trading.

Islamic (Swap-Free) account

For traders observing Shariah finance law, ADSS offers swap-free accounts that remove overnight interest charges and replace them with administrative fees when applicable.

Account Types

Account opening

Opening an account with ADSS is quick and beginner-friendly, with a process designed to get you up and running in less than 15 minutes. Once you’ve submitted the necessary documents for identity and address verification, approval usually happens within one business day.

What is the minimum deposit at ADSS?
The Standard account requires just a $100 minimum deposit, making it accessible for new traders.

How to open your account
To get started, click “Open Account” on the ADSS website. You’ll be asked to enter your name, country of residence, email, phone number, and basic financial information. After completing your trader profile and submitting verification documents, you can fund your account and begin trading immediately using the ADSS WebTrader, MT4, or their mobile apps.

Deposits and Withdrawals

ADSS supports a straightforward and secure deposit and withdrawal process, with multiple payment methods and regionally appropriate processing times.

Account base currency
ADSS accounts are denominated in USD only, which means traders using other currencies may run into conversion fees when funding or withdrawing.

ADSS deposit methods and fees
Deposits can be made via bank wire, credit or debit card, online banking, and such UAE-specific methods as UAEPGS. ADSS does not charge internal fees on deposits, and most methods are processed instantly or within one business day:

• Bank Wire: Free, processed in 1–3 business days

• Credit/Debit Card: Free, processed instantly

• Online Bank Transfer: Free, processed instantly

• UAEPGS: Free, processed instantly

All deposit accounts must be in the same name as the registered ADSS trading account.

ADSS withdrawal methods and fees
Withdrawals are processed using the same method as the original deposit and typically complete within 1 to 5 business days, depending on the payment provider. ADSS charges a flat $5 withdrawal fee across all methods:

• Bank Wire: $15 fee, 3–5 business days

• Credit/Debit Card: $15 fee, up to 24 hours

• Online Bank Transfer & UAEPGS: $15 fee, up to 24 hours

While ADSS offers relatively fast turnaround times and low costs, you should be aware that all transactions are in USD, and third-party conversion fees may apply when using other currencies.

Customer Service

ADSS provides responsive, multilingual customer support to meet the needs of both beginner and experienced traders. Support is available 24/5 in several languages, including English, Arabic, French, Hindi, and Urdu..

You can reach the ADSS support team via WhatsApp, email, or phone. In our tests, agents responded within minutes and offered clear, well-informed answers to questions about margin policies and fees.

While the broker’s website includes a basic FAQ section, it’s less comprehensive than those of its competitors and could benefit from more detailed guidance.

In addition to direct assistance, ADSS complements its customer service with educational content and platform tutorials, helping traders understand features on WebTrader, MT4, and the mobile app. However, unlike some brokers, there is no live chat embedded on the website.

Commissions and Fees

ADSS keeps its pricing structure clear, offering commission-free trading on its Standard account and competitive spreads across major asset classes. While some trading costs vary by account type and instrument, there are no hidden fees or platform charges.

Spreads

Spreads on the Standard account start from 1.4 pips for major FOREX pairs like EUR/USD. For Elite and Elite+ clients, spreads are significantly tighter, dropping to as low as 0.7 pips and 0.0 pips, respectively. Crude oil, one of ADSS’s standout instruments, can trade with spreads as low as 0.02 during high-liquidity sessions.

Commissions

Standard account holders enjoy commission-free trading, with all fees built into the spread. Elite+ clients can access raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips, with negotiable commissions depending on volume and account tier.

Swap fees and Islamic accounts

Swap fees apply to overnight positions and vary by instrument, direction, and lot size. ADSS offers swap-free Islamic accounts on request, replacing overnight interest with fixed administrative fees. This option is available across all trading products, making the platform suitable for clients who observe Sharia principles.

Inactivity fee

ADSS does not charge a named inactivity fee, but accounts with low or irregular trading activity would probably incur withdrawal fees or administrative costs. This informal policy encourages consistent platform engagement.

Other fees

Deposits are free across all methods, including bank wire, credit card, and UAE-specific systems. Withdrawals carry a flat fee of $5, which is relatively low, but traders can rightly say that many brokers do not charge withdrawal fees at all.

Platforms and Tools

Here is an overview of the ADSS desktop and web trading platforms in terms of key usability features:

Desktop platforms at ADSS

ADSS offers trading through MT4, a household name of a platform that combines speed, reliability, and advanced functionality.

MT4 is available for desktop, web, and mobile, and remains the industry standard for its charting tools, algorithmic trading features, and custom indicators.

While ADSS doesn’t currently support MT5, it has optimized its MT4 offering to suit both beginner and experienced traders.

Look and feel

MT4’s desktop interface is clean and familiar to anyone with prior trading experience. You can open multiple chart windows, apply technical indicators, draw trend lines, and customize the layout to suit your workflow.

Features like Expert Advisors (EA), multiple timeframes, and real-time pricing make MT4 a powerful tool for technical traders. The ADSS WebTrader platform offers a more simplified interface for traders who prefer a browser-based experience, with no software downloads required.

Login and security

Accounts are secured with individual login credentials, and all data is encrypted. While ADSS does not currently offer biometric or two-factor authentication by default, the platform infrastructure supports secure access protocols to keep client accounts protected.

Search functions

Searching for tradable assets in MT4 is straightforward. You can browse by category, type in the instrument symbol, or create custom watchlists. Instruments are sorted by asset class, and price feeds update in real-time across all account types.

Placing orders

Traders can place market orders, limit orders, stop-loss, take-profit, and trailing stop orders through both MT4 and WebTrader.

MT4 also supports advanced order types and one-click trading for faster execution. Order management tools give users control over timing, lot size, and risk parameters, supporting complex strategies.

Alerts and notifications

With MT4, you can set custom price alerts and receive notifications via desktop pop-ups or emails. While ADSS does not yet offer app-based push notifications, real-time alerts on economic events and pricing levels can be configured within the platform.

This functionality is a perfect way of staying on top of market movements even when away from the screen.

Mobile Trading

Here are the mobile trading features offered by ADSS.

Mobile trading at ADSS

ADSS supports mobile trading through the MT4 app, available for iOS and Android. The app gives you full access to global markets, allowing you to place trades, monitor positions, and manage accounts from basically anywhere.

ADSS also has its own proprietary WebTrader platform, which is fully mobile-compatible and requires no app download, making it a solid alternative for browser-based trading on smartphones.

Look and feel

The MT4 mobile app delivers a streamlined, intuitive interface. You can easily toggle between market quotes, charts, and account tools with minimal friction.

Users can customize charts, apply indicators, and switch among multiple timeframes with ease. The app also features responsive trade execution and account tracking tools for seamless mobile management.

Login and security

The app uses secure login credentials, and your trading data is encrypted. While the platform does not currently support biometric login or two-factor authentication by default, all connections are secured via SSL protocols.

Search functions

You can quickly search for instruments by name or browse by category across asset classes like FOREX, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Custom watchlists are supported, allowing you to follow selected markets in real time.

Placing orders

All standard order types are available via the MT4 app. You can place market, limit, stop-loss, take-profit, and trailing stop orders. Good 'Til Cancelled (GTC) and other time-in-force settings are also included, giving you control over execution conditions and risk.

Alerts and notifications

The MT4 mobile app supports push notifications for price alerts and trading signals. While ADSS doesn’t offer app-based news feeds directly, you can stay informed using built-in alert tools, meaning you don’t ever miss key price levels or market shifts while away from your desktop.

Research and Development

ADSS delivers a solid research and analysis experience, particularly for traders who use MT4. While it doesn’t yet offer integration with popular third-party platforms like TradingView or built-in social trading features, it covers most research needs through platform tools, economic calendars, and curated insights.

Charting and technical analysis
MT4 remains the core analysis platform, offering more than 30 built-in indicators, nine timeframes, and customisable chart layouts.

Traders can apply multiple indicators simultaneously, draw trendlines, and automate strategies using EAs. While MT4’s feature set is lighter than MT5’s, it is still robust enough for most technical analysis.

Market news and sentiment tools
ADSS supports real-time market updates via MT4’s news feed and its own educational portal. Traders can access daily outlooks, performance summaries, and basic sentiment analysis through the platform’s commentary section. This helps in forming macro-level perspectives and short-term trading strategies.

Trading signals and alerts
ADSS does not offer a proprietary trading signal service, but MT4’s alert functions allow traders to set price-based notifications and indicator triggers. These alerts are useful for managing trade entries and exits without needing to constantly monitor charts.

Economic calendars and forecasts
The ADSS portal provides access to standard economic calendars that outline major upcoming events, such as interest rate decisions, GDP releases, and employment reports. These tools help traders prepare for volatility and align strategies with macroeconomic themes.

Granted, ADSS is not as feature-rich as some brokers when it comes to research and development, its partnership with MT4 means that most core analysis functions are in place.

If you happen to be looking for deeper insight, you’ll benefit most by combining ADSS’s execution tools with external research platforms.

Education

ADSS provides a solid educational foundation for traders seeking to develop their skills and comprehend market mechanics. Its educational resources are geared primarily toward beginner and intermediate traders and are accessible through the broker’s Learning Hub and platform help center.

While it doesn’t rival the deepest content libraries in the industry, the material is practical, clearly written, and designed to support real-time trading decisions.

The educational offering includes video tutorials, trading glossaries, and platform walkthroughs, especially for MT4 users. These cover essential topics, such as how to place orders, manage risk, and interpret charts. Traders can also explore product explainers for various asset classes, including FOREX, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

ADSS employs a clear, jargon-free style that enables new traders to grasp the fundamentals of CFDs, leverage, and margin without feeling overwhelmed.

For those looking to go a step further, ADSS supplements its platform education with market commentary and trading tips. These are designed to provide context for current events, such as central bank moves or major earnings announcements, helping traders apply what they’ve learned to real-world markets.

While ADSS doesn’t currently offer interactive courses or live webinars, its educational materials are well integrated into the trading experience. Whether you're just getting started or refining your strategy, ADSS provides a structured path to learn the essentials and gradually explore more advanced topics.

Final Thoughts on ADSS

ADSS is a regional broker with high ambitions for becoming an even more powerful broker than it currently is. The broker offers a well-regulated, secure, and professional trading environment. Its strength lies in its licensing in the UAE under the SCA, its solid MT4 infrastructure, and its client-first approach with multilingual support and competitive account options. It may not be the most high-profile broker in the world, but it has everything most traders need to get started and grow.

Conclusion

ADSS is a well-rounded option for traders looking for a dependable broker in the Gulf region and beyond. With MT4 access, solid regulation, responsive support, and a choice of account types, it’s positioned to support beginners and intermediate traders alike.

The broker’s educational materials, secure trading platforms, and competitive pricing structure make it a smart choice for those prioritising a clear, accessible trading experience. Be aware that this broker is a strong regional choice for those in the MENA region, but less so for anyone operating from other parts of the world. The broker is also not regulated by a Tier-1 regulator.

ADSS in Brief

ADSS is a UAE-regulated broker offering access to FOREX, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrency CFDs via the MT4 platform and a web-based alternative. The broker is licensed by the SCA in the UAE and maintains client funds in segregated accounts with Tier 1 banks. Traders can use leverage up to 500:1 on select instruments and choose between commission-free and low-spread accounts depending on experience and trading volume. Educational support, secure infrastructure, and multilingual customer service round out its offering for traders looking for clarity, control, and market access.

Review Methodology

The team at Arincen collected more than 120 pieces of data covering in excess of 100 licensed FOREX companies. Data collection was done in three ways:

1. Companies’ Websites.
2. Other Websites that have ranked FOREX companies.
3. A survey questionnaire (referred to here as Survey “1”) we had sent to the companies invited to participate in the exercise. 

We have identified 12 criteria for our assessment, each containing several aspects and carrying its own relative weight. These include licensing, deposits and withdrawals, number of assets etc.  

Afterward we validated the data by:

1. Registering with FOREX companies as a secret shopper and/or as Arincen.
2. Survey number “2,” in which we asked these companies’ customers for important feedback and past experience. 

The next step saw us evaluate and rank each company, relying on the hard work of 15 Arincen employees. We were very careful in ensuring the most accurate assessment possible, including taking into account different languages, as well as the various mobile-app operating systems, e.g., Apple, Samsung etc.

To add credibility to our research project, we sent a final and third survey (referred to here as Survey “3”) to enable participating FOREX companies to evaluate our own research and whether it accurately reflects the realities on the ground. We were fortunate enough to receive a mark of 9.9 out of 10! We have kept to a minimum the margin of error, which stood at a measly 1%. To learn more on how we came up with the evaluation, please click here.