ADSS (ADS Securities) is a prominent brokerage firm headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, known for its institutional background and solid presence in the Middle Eastern financial markets. With over a decade of experience, the broker has positioned itself as one of the few locally regulated entities under the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in the UAE. Offering leverage up to 1:500, a choice of MT4 and its proprietary ADSS Trader platform, and competitive spreads across major asset classes, ADSS has gained traction among traders in Asia and the MENA region. However, despite its strengths in infrastructure and execution quality, Asian traders should understand that ADSS’s regulatory reach is limited to the UAE and that the broker explicitly restricts services outside its authorized jurisdictions.
Between 60 to 80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
| Regulators | SCA |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Leverage | Between 1:10 and 1:500 | Payment Methods | Bank Transfer Visa Mastercard Skrill Neteller CashU |
At first glance, ADSS presents itself as a premium broker with a focus on professional standards and client experience. Its official website and trading environment emphasize reliability, local regulatory strength, and a high level of service that reflects its Middle Eastern institutional roots. Unlike many offshore brokers, ADSS’s tone and branding are conservative and compliance-oriented, suggesting a deliberate focus on maintaining regulatory credibility and transparent operations.
Asian traders visiting the ADSS website will immediately notice the structured layout of its account options, the clean design, and the emphasis on education and analytics. The firm highlights its Abu Dhabi base and SCA regulation as central points of trust. Although ADSS does not hold additional global licenses, its localized regulatory standing under UAE law gives it legitimacy in a region where financial oversight is growing stronger.
In terms of first impressions, ADSS distinguishes itself from high-leverage offshore brokers by presenting a more balanced image — one that combines competitive trading conditions with a sense of institutional reliability. However, while its infrastructure and platforms cater well to traders from Asia, certain regional restrictions apply, and the broker’s client base outside the Middle East remains limited due to these compliance constraints.
Overall, ADSS’s first impression is one of professionalism and regional focus. It does not rely on flashy marketing or unrealistic promotions. Instead, it emphasizes quality execution, personalized account management, and advanced tools that appeal to serious traders seeking a trustworthy environment to operate in global financial markets.
Regulation
ADSS operates under a single, legitimate financial license granted by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in the United Arab Emirates. This regulation is crucial because it differentiates ADSS from the large number of unregulated or offshore entities often found in the global CFD space. The details of the broker’s authorization are as follows:
- Regulator: Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), United Arab Emirates
- License Type: First Category — Dealing in Securities and Fifth Category — Arrangement and Advice (Introduction)
- Company Type: ADS Securities LLC – Sole Proprietorship Company (S.P.C.)
- Principal Office: 8th Floor, CI Tower, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
ADSS’s SCA authorization ensures that it operates under a framework of legal accountability and financial transparency within the UAE. The SCA imposes capital adequacy requirements, internal audits, and risk management standards that are comparable to mid-tier international regulators. Unlike offshore brokers, ADSS must adhere to domestic rules concerning client fund segregation, disclosure obligations, and periodic reporting.
However, it’s important to note that ADSS’s regulatory jurisdiction is geographically limited. The firm’s disclaimer clearly states that its products and services are intended only for residents of the UAE and are not directed toward clients in other countries where its activities may conflict with local regulations. This means that traders in Asia, while often able to access ADSS’s platforms, are technically outside the firm’s primary regulatory scope.
Disclaimer: ADSS is authorized and regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates. The broker’s services are not directed toward residents of jurisdictions where distribution or use of such services would be contrary to local law. Traders in Asia should ensure compliance with local financial regulations before opening an account with ADSS.
Opening an Account — Our Experience
Opening an account with ADSS is a structured and transparent process designed to meet SCA compliance standards. The account registration form requires traders to provide their full name, contact details, proof of identity, and proof of residence. The verification process is rigorous but efficient, usually completed within one business day once documentation is submitted.
ADSS supports multiple funding methods including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and certain e-wallets depending on region. Deposits are processed securely, and withdrawals follow a verification protocol to prevent unauthorized access. While ADSS does not charge internal deposit or withdrawal fees, intermediary bank costs may apply for international transfers — a common practice for regulated brokers.
The account management interface is user-friendly and clean, offering clients a clear view of balances, transaction history, and platform access links. One of ADSS’s strongest points is its dedicated account management team: even Classic account holders have access to basic support, while Elite and Pro members receive priority service and personalized attention from relationship managers.
In our experience, the onboarding process reflects ADSS’s professionalism. Communication was prompt, documents were verified swiftly, and account funding was straightforward. Asian traders, however, should note that depending on their jurisdiction, additional identity checks may apply to ensure adherence to SCA and FATF (Financial Action Task Force) guidelines.
Account Types
ADSS offers three main account types, each tailored to different trading volumes and levels of experience. These tiers — Classic, Elite, and Pro — share the same leverage structure but differ in deposit requirements, spreads, and access to premium services.
| Account Type | Minimum Deposit | Spreads | Leverage | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | $100 | Market spreads | Up to 1:500 | 24/5 support, educational resources, standard trading tools. |
| Elite | $25,000 | 25% lower spreads | Up to 1:500 | Dedicated manager, exclusive events, multi-base currency options. |
| Pro | $25,000 | From 0.0 pips | Up to 1:500 | Low commissions, RM + Sales Trader access, elite-level support. |
Each account provides access to both MT4 and the ADSS Trader platform. The Classic account is ideal for new or intermediate traders who want institutional-level execution with minimal entry requirements. The Elite and Pro accounts, meanwhile, cater to professional and high-net-worth individuals seeking tighter spreads and direct support from experienced trading teams.
Platforms
ADSS provides two main trading platforms: the globally recognized MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and its proprietary ADSS Trader. This dual offering gives clients the flexibility to choose between the familiarity of MT4 and the more modern, web-based experience of the in-house system.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4): The platform supports all major features including one-click trading, customizable charts, Expert Advisors (EAs), and detailed trade analysis. ADSS’s MT4 servers deliver fast execution with minimal latency, supported by the broker’s strong technological infrastructure in Abu Dhabi. Traders can also benefit from mobile versions on iOS and Android.
ADSS Trader Platform: This proprietary platform stands out for its sleek interface, intuitive design, and full synchronization across desktop and mobile devices. It’s designed to appeal to traders seeking simplicity without compromising analytical depth. ADSS Trader integrates advanced order management tools, multiple chart layouts, and access to market insights directly within the dashboard.
Both platforms provide direct market access, competitive execution speeds, and robust charting tools. The broker’s execution model is built around institutional liquidity aggregation, offering deep market pricing. However, ADSS does not disclose the identity of its liquidity providers, a common practice among proprietary-dealing brokers.
From a usability perspective, ADSS scores high. Its platforms are reliable, stable, and beginner-friendly while still offering sufficient functionality for advanced users. For Asian traders accustomed to MT4-based brokers, the addition of ADSS Trader provides a refreshing alternative that combines simplicity with strong performance.
Assets
ADSS provides access to a wide selection of CFDs, including Forex, commodities, indices, equities, and cryptocurrencies. Rather than focusing on quantity, ADSS emphasizes diversity, liquidity, and transparency across its asset offering.
Available Assets
Below you can see which assets are available for trading with ADSS:
| Asset | Availability |
|---|---|
| Currencies | 54 |
| Real Stocks | ✗ |
| Stock CFDs | ✓ |
| Commodities | ✓ |
| Indices | ✓ |
| Real ETFs | ✗ |
| ETFs CFDs | ✓ |
| Futures | ✗ |
| Options | ✗ |
| Bonds | ✓ |
| Cryptocurrency CFDs | ✓ |
| Real Cryptocurrencies | ✗ |
*Availability of certain assets may vary based on account type, platform, or region.
The broker’s asset portfolio is structured to accommodate both traditional and modern trading strategies. Forex remains the core focus, supported by major and minor currency pairs, while commodities and indices provide opportunities for diversification. Equities and crypto CFDs are available for traders seeking exposure to emerging digital and corporate markets, though these remain derivative-based instruments rather than physical assets.
For Asian traders, this mix is strategic. It allows them to engage with global markets while leveraging local currency fluctuations and commodity demand trends that often drive regional economies. For example, traders in Singapore or Malaysia can use ADSS to hedge exposure to oil and gold, assets closely tied to their domestic economies.
ADSS’s approach to asset diversity is professional and balanced. Instead of overwhelming clients with excessive options, it focuses on providing tight spreads, stable execution, and quality data feeds. This disciplined selection aligns with the broker’s institutional background and risk-conscious trading philosophy.
Spreads
ADSS offers spreads that vary by account type, starting from 0.0 pips on Pro accounts and around 1.2–1.6 pips on Classic accounts. The broker operates a transparent pricing model, emphasizing institutional-grade liquidity without hidden markups.
Spreads Offered
Below a visual representation of ADSS's spreads across several currency pairs:
*Spreads are variable and may change based on market conditions, account types and trading volumes.
During our testing, spreads remained consistent across sessions, particularly on major pairs like EUR/USD and USD/JPY. The average execution speed was under 100 milliseconds, making the platform suitable for scalpers and day traders alike. ADSS’s pricing competitiveness improves significantly for Elite and Pro users who benefit from reduced spreads and lower trading commissions.
The broker’s policy of no-dealing-desk intervention ensures fair order routing and price transparency. While this claim aligns with industry norms, the lack of public liquidity provider disclosure may concern highly institutional clients. Nevertheless, execution quality during normal trading conditions was efficient, with minimal slippage.
In volatile markets, spreads did widen slightly but remained within acceptable limits compared to other brokers in the same regulatory class. Overall, ADSS’s spread performance is strong, particularly when considering the broker’s regulatory oversight and capital strength under the SCA.
Other Trading Costs
In addition to spreads, ADSS applies standard trading costs such as overnight swap rates, which vary depending on the instrument and direction of the trade. These financing charges are competitive and displayed transparently on the trading platforms. Traders can also access swap-free (Islamic) accounts upon request, complying with Sharia-compliant principles.
ADSS does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees, though intermediary banks may apply third-party costs. There are no account maintenance charges, but inactivity fees may apply after prolonged periods of no trading activity. Such conditions are typical across regulated brokers and serve to maintain operational efficiency.
The broker’s funding options are reliable, with high-level encryption protecting all transactions. International clients should note that wire transfers may take several days to process depending on the bank’s network. Credit card and e-wallet deposits are usually instant.
Overall, ADSS maintains transparency regarding all trading-related costs. There are no hidden markups, and clients receive detailed statements that clarify spreads, swaps, and commissions for each transaction. This commitment to clarity reinforces ADSS’s credibility as a professionally managed financial firm.
Trading Conditions
ADSS offers leverage up to 1:500 across all account types, providing flexibility for both conservative and high-volume traders. However, given its regulated status under the SCA, the broker enforces strict margin requirements and automatic risk management protocols to prevent account imbalances.
Execution quality is one of ADSS’s strong points. The broker’s infrastructure includes low-latency servers optimized for MT4 and ADSS Trader, ensuring precise order execution. During testing, order confirmation was nearly instantaneous, and no significant requotes were observed.
The broker’s trading environment supports both discretionary and automated strategies. VPS hosting can be integrated for algorithmic systems, and latency remains low enough to accommodate short-term trading methods such as scalping or news trading. Market depth and real-time liquidity are accessible directly from the platforms, providing transparency at the execution layer.
For Asian traders, these conditions are attractive. The combination of high leverage, institutional pricing, and technological robustness positions ADSS as a viable alternative to Western brokers that impose stricter leverage limits. Nevertheless, traders should manage leverage carefully and ensure compliance with their country’s financial regulations.
Is ADSS a Good Option for Asian Traders?
For traders in Asia, ADSS offers a compelling mix of regional stability and institutional trading conditions. Its SCA regulation ensures operational integrity, and its infrastructure delivers performance suited to high-frequency and professional trading. The broker’s 1:500 leverage is particularly appealing in markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where such ratios are often restricted by local rules.
However, the key limitation lies in its jurisdictional scope. ADSS explicitly states that its services are not directed toward residents outside the UAE, and traders accessing its platform from abroad do so at their own discretion. While this clause primarily serves compliance purposes, it highlights the broker’s cautious approach toward cross-border solicitation.
Asian traders looking for reliability, strong execution, and personalized service may find ADSS appealing — especially those who value regulation under a legitimate authority rather than unregulated offshore entities. The broker’s Middle Eastern base also ensures proximity and accessibility to Asian markets, both geographically and culturally.
That said, traders must understand that SCA regulation, while credible, is not equivalent to Tier 1 authorities like MAS or ASIC. Therefore, while ADSS can serve as a trustworthy trading partner, it should not be viewed as a substitute for brokers regulated under global top-tier financial bodies.
Our Verdict
ADSS represents a distinctive proposition in today’s global brokerage landscape: a fully regulated, regionally focused broker offering competitive trading conditions and institutional reliability. Its base in Abu Dhabi gives it both credibility and operational stability, while its platforms and services cater effectively to the needs of traders across Asia and the Middle East.
The broker’s strengths include excellent execution quality, a range of account types to fit different experience levels, and multilingual support. Its focus on compliance and client service places it above many offshore competitors. However, its limited regulatory reach and geographic restrictions may prevent some Asian traders from fully accessing its services.
In conclusion, ADSS is best suited for traders who prioritize safety, professionalism, and transparency over promotional bonuses or extreme leverage. Its structured approach to trading aligns well with disciplined investors who understand the importance of regulated environments.
Disclaimer: ADSS operates under the supervision of the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in the UAE. Its services are not intended for residents of jurisdictions where trading CFDs is restricted or illegal. Asian traders should confirm local compliance requirements before opening an account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ADSS regulated by a recognized authority?
Yes. ADSS is authorized and regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates, ensuring compliance with financial standards and capital adequacy requirements.
What is the maximum leverage offered by ADSS?
The broker provides leverage up to 1:500 across all account types, suitable for both retail and professional traders.
Which trading platforms does ADSS support?
ADSS offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and its proprietary ADSS Trader platform, both compatible with desktop and mobile devices.
Can Asian traders open an account with ADSS?
Yes, but they must verify that CFD trading is permitted in their jurisdiction. ADSS primarily serves clients in the UAE but accepts traders internationally under certain conditions.
What are the available account types?
ADSS offers three accounts: Classic ($100 minimum deposit), Elite ($25,000 minimum), and Pro ($25,000 minimum). Each varies in spreads, commissions, and service levels.
Does ADSS charge deposit or withdrawal fees?
No. ADSS does not charge internal fees for deposits or withdrawals, although third-party processing charges may apply depending on the payment method.
Note: Any opinions expressed in this article are not to be considered investment advice and are solely those of the authors. Singapore Forex Club is not responsible for any financial decisions based on this article's contents. Readers may use this data for information and educational purposes only.
