CFI leads by unfolding smarter and safer ways for investment

The appetite for investment is growing as the technology opens doors for more people to participate in financial markets in smarter and safer ways providing an opportunity to CFI to introduce AI-driven platform with advanced tools and applications, its top official says.

Hisham Mansour, Co-founder and Managing Director of CFI, said the demand for financial literacy is rising, and there's a clear push for financial inclusion. The Gulf region is taking significant steps to create more open, tech-driven, and investor-friendly environments.   

"We're continuing to expand the asset classes available to our clients, building on progress made over the past few years. In 2025, we'll further strengthen our cryptocurrency offering, broaden access to thematic investment opportunities, and enhance the availability of diversified, multi-asset portfolios," Hisham told BTR during an interview.

CFI is a global online trading broker-dealer, regulated in numerous countries worldwide. It is MENA region's leading financial group with over 25+ years of experience, leading the field with the highest number of regulated entities and regional offices, including key locations such as London, Dubai, Cape Town, Abu Dhabi, Amman, and Cairo. 

Specialising in online trading services across a wide range of markets, including equities, currencies, and commodities, CFI offers highly competitive trading conditions, including zero-pip spreads and no commission fees. The company is a pioneer in incorporating AI into trading and developing advanced tools and applications.

"At CFI, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these trends, investing in technology and innovations that enable smarter, safer, and more inclusive financial services across the region," Hisham said.

Excerpts from the interview:

Can you share an overview of CFI Financial Group's journey in the UAE and Middle East and its growth in recent years?

Our journey in the UAE and across the Middle East has been nothing short of transformative. Since we launched CFI over 25 years ago, our vision has always been to empower traders and investors by removing the barriers that make trading seem complex or exclusive. From the beginning, we've believed that everyone, regardless of background or experience, deserves access to world-class tools, clear guidance, and a fair trading environment. That belief has fueled our drive to constantly improve and innovate, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve while supporting every client with the resources they need to grow. That mission still drives us today.

We've grown steadily over the years, expanding our reach to 15 countries across five continents. In 2024 alone, we marked two significant milestones in consecutive quarters: a record-breaking $1.03 trillion in trading volume in third quarter, followed by an even more impressive $1.12 trillion in fourth quarter. Those numbers speak volumes, not just about our scale but about our clients’ trust in us every day.

But our success isn't measured by numbers alone. What truly defines us is the way we connect with people and communities. We've extended our message far beyond trading through our partnerships with global icons like Lewis Hamilton, who reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence, and AC Milan, which mirrors our global mindset. Regionally, we've partnered with institutions that are deeply rooted in their communities, like the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, FIBA WASL, the Jordan Football Association, the Lebanese National Basketball Team, and the Kuwait Basketball Association, to name a few.

These collaborations go beyond sponsorship; they represent shared values, cultural relevance, and a commitment to inclusivity and excellence. These partnerships remind us that while trading is what we do, impact is our purpose. Whether it’s supporting major sports initiatives or enabling access to financial knowledge, we aim to leave a meaningful mark everywhere we operate.

How do you see the outlook for the global financial trading industry in general and the Gulf region in particular?

The global trading landscape is evolving faster than ever. Technology, especially AI and automation, is opening doors for more people to participate in financial markets in smarter and safer ways. We've seen a real shift from a niche activity to something that’s becoming part of everyday life for many individuals.

In the Gulf region, it's an exciting time. The appetite for investing is growing, especially among younger, tech-savvy individuals. The infrastructure is strong, the demand for financial literacy is rising, and there's a clear push for financial inclusion. The UAE has taken a prominent role with major investments in financial infrastructure, fintech innovation, and investor education.

Alongside the UAE, countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain are also taking significant steps to create more open, tech-driven, and investor-friendly environments. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, among others, have made notable strides through initiatives that foster innovation and modernise market access, Bahrain with its regulatory sandbox encouraging fintech experimentation, and Saudi Arabia with continued investments in financial technology and infrastructure.

This is where our role as CFI is to contribute to what comes next. By supporting financial literacy, enabling access to smarter tools, driving innovation in technology and AI, and advocating for transparency, we're helping build the foundation for the future of trading in the region, one where more people feel equipped and empowered to take part in tomorrow’s financial markets.

2024 was a record-breaking year for CFI Financial Group. Please share some details and key factors supporting the business of the group.

The year 2024 marked a defining chapter in CFI's journey. In the second half of the year alone, we achieved a combined trading volume of $2.15 trillion, representing a 142% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This surge resulted from strategic focus, disciplined execution, and strong client engagement.

One of the key drivers was our investment in technology, particularly in making trading accessible and personalised for all types of traders and investors. Our proprietary CFI Trading App, enhanced with Kaiana AI, our intelligent assistant, has played a central role. It offers clients an intuitive experience with real-time insights and seamless functionality. This app is part of our broader platform suite, which includes MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and the CFI Multi-Asset platform, giving traders and investors of all levels access to global and regional markets, powerful analytics, and flexible, personalised trading experiences.

Equally important was our strategic expansion. In 2024, we entered new markets, launched localised services, and deepened our presence in existing regions. Our global footprint now extends to 15 countries, supported by a team focused on delivering personalised service, relevant market access, and a strong culture of investing in people and talent, ensuring that our teams evolve alongside our ambitions and contribute meaningfully to our clients’ success.

Partnerships also played a critical role. Collaborations with figures like Lewis Hamilton and regional institutions reinforced our brand’s presence and values, offering aspirational yet authentic touchpoints that resonate with traders of all levels.

Ultimately, what made 2024 exceptional wasn't just performance; it was how we achieved it: with consistency, innovation, and a client-first mindset.

What is your business plan for 2025 to sustain the growth in the years to come?

2025 will be about sustaining momentum through clarity of vision and focused execution. A major priority will be solidifying our presence in markets where we already hold significant market share while continuing to expand in newly entered regions. We're on a mission to maintain high rates of growth by deepening engagement in established areas and scaling responsibly in markets where we’ve recently launched operations. We're entering the year with confidence but also with a strong sense of responsibility to build on the foundations we've laid.

We will continue building on the strong technology infrastructure already in place, further enhancing the systems that power our client experience. Kaiana AI will continue to evolve as a personalised assistant, delivering insights and support based on user behavior and market data. Our proprietary CFI Trading App will see new features to improve accessibility, engagement, and real-time decision-making for all trader profiles.

We're continuing to expand the asset classes available to our clients, building on progress made over the past few years. In 2025, we'll further strengthen our cryptocurrency offering, broaden access to thematic investment opportunities, and enhance the availability of diversified, multi-asset portfolios. The goal remains clear: to give traders and investors more control, more choice, and more innovative paths to their goals, with solutions that reflect the evolving demands of the market.

Education will be equally central to our strategy. We've seen how knowledge directly impacts confidence and outcomes. That's why we'll expand our multilingual educational programs, seminars, webinars, social media formats, and in-app learning tools. This empowers users to grow with us, not just in trading but in financial capability.

Lastly, we'll continue investing in people and partnerships. Whether through strengthening our teams or collaborating with institutions that share our values, we want to create long-term value through consistency, innovation, and trust. 

We're not just planning for another year, we're building toward a more inclusive, advanced, and responsive future for the next generation of traders and investors.

What are the key digital transformation trends shaping enterprises in the Middle East and Gulf region?

The Middle East and Gulf region is undergoing a profound digital transformation, with several key trends reshaping the business landscape. AI and automation are leading the way, revolutionising industries by optimising processes, enhancing customer experiences, and driving efficiencies. In the financial sector, innovative tools are being used to offer personalised trading strategies, automate routine tasks, and provide real-time insights, helping businesses and traders make smarter, more informed decisions.

Cloud computing is also playing a pivotal role in this transformation, enabling companies to scale, collaborate, and access powerful computational resources more effectively. Financial services in the region are leveraging cloud-based solutions to manage data securely, process transactions faster, and offer more flexible, real-time services to their clients. As the demand for accessible, secure, and responsive services grows, cloud technology is a cornerstone of the region's digital revolution.

Fintech innovations are rapidly growing, with the rise of digital payments, mobile banking, and blockchain technology. These developments are making financial services more accessible to a broader range of individuals, particularly younger, tech-savvy populations who are increasingly turning to digital-first solutions for their financial needs. This shift is contributing to financial inclusion, helping more people access investment opportunities and manage their finances in innovative ways.

However, with these advancements comes an increasing focus on cybersecurity. As businesses digitise, the need for strong cybersecurity measures becomes critical to protect sensitive data, maintain regulatory compliance, and preserve customer trust. The region is making significant strides in strengthening cybersecurity frameworks, and companies are investing in the latest security technologies to protect both their clients and their own operations.

At CFI, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these trends, investing in technology and innovations that enable smarter, safer, and more inclusive financial services across the region. By integrating cloud-based solutions and top-tier cybersecurity protocols into our platforms, we ensure that we can continue to offer our clients the best possible tools to navigate the ever-evolving financial landscape.

Please describe four pillars of CFI and their role in generating awareness about the financial market?

At CFI, our business philosophy rests on four foundational pillars that consistently guide how we create impact, both in the market and in the lives of our clients. These pillars are not slogans, but embedded values that shape how we operate, grow, and deliver value every day.

Accessibility: We believe everyone should have access to the opportunity that financial markets present, regardless of whether or not they choose to act on it. That starts with fair execution, transparent conditions, and the broadest possible range of accessible products. Our goal is to ensure that anyone interested in exploring the world of trading and investing can do so with confidence, without barriers standing in the way.

Technology and Innovation: We invest in technology not for its own sake, but to solve real problems for traders and investors. Our focus is on continuously improving the user experience through intuitive design, data-driven insights, and smart automation. Whether through AI-assisted decision-making or seamless access to platforms and tools, our goal is to ensure trading feels simple, intelligent, and responsive to every user's needs.

Education: Empowered clients make smarter decisions. That's why education is central to our long-term vision. Through multilingual webinars, in-person seminars, video content, in-app learning tools, and timely research and analysis, we deliver relevant knowledge in real time, helping clients gain the confidence they need to navigate financial markets.

Partnerships and Community Impact: Our partnerships, both global and regional, are built on alignment of values and long-term vision. They help us connect with communities, amplify our presence in meaningful ways, and create a positive ripple effect that supports our mission of financial empowerment and inclusion. They reflect who we are: a company that values ambition, relevance, and impact. These partnerships help us reach new audiences, strengthen community ties, and reinforce trust in our brand. Together, these four pillars form the foundation of CFI's growth strategy, enabling us to expand meaningfully, connect authentically, and remain the trusted force in an evolving industry.

What is your vision for CFI Financial Group in the Middle East over the next five years?

Our vision is centered on long-term leadership - both in terms of market presence and the role we play in shaping the future of trading and investing across the Middle East. Over the next five years, we aim to strengthen our position as the most trusted and forward-looking brokerage firm in the region.

That means continuing to lead with innovation and personalisation, ensuring that our technology and platforms evolve alongside our clients' needs. From enhanced AI-driven tools like Kaiana AI to our proprietary trading app, we'll keep building experiences that are not only intuitive but also empowering. But it’s not just about the tools. It's about deepening relationships. 

We plan to expand our presence further across the region, not just by opening offices but by being part of the financial, educational, and cultural dialogue in every market we serve. That includes supporting financial literacy, hosting educational initiatives, and forming partnerships that make a tangible impact on communities.

Our growth will continue to be guided by a people-first philosophy - whether it's our clients, our team, or the broader communities we engage with. We’re committed to creating long-term value through inclusion, education, and consistency.

We don't just want to grow, we want to lead in a way that's responsible, relevant, and sustainable for years to come.

Hisham Mansour, Co-founder and Managing Director of CFI

Hisham Mansour - Leads from the front

With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Hisham Mansour is the Founder, Managing Director, and Partner of CFI Financial Group Holding. He is an industry veteran and also serves as the Group CEO of CFI Global Management Limited, based in Dubai’s International Financial Centre. 

Hisham, a successful and passionate entrepreneur, is primarily focused on reimagining how people trade and invest. He is leading CFI Financial Group in its mission of delivering with passion innovative and ultra-competitive trading services accessible to everyone

In addition to his leadership role at CFI, Hisham is a highly respected figure in the global financial trading industry, bringing invaluable expertise in financial strategy, global operations, and market expansion. 

He has completed various professional courses, including Marketing Analytics from the Wharton School in 2021 and Mastering Digital Marketing from the London Business School in 2021.

Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Hisham holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Business School of Lausanne and has studied finance at the University of Jordan.