Market access is only the starting point: IC at Forex Expo Dubai 2026

IC MENA General Manager Jason Hughes on what traders now expect from their broker, and why infrastructure matters most when markets move fast.

IC (formerly IC Markets Global) joined more than 16,000 traders, brokers and industry professionals on the opening day of Forex Expo Dubai 2026, held on 22–23 September at Dubai World Trade Centre. In an executive interview and a leadership panel, Jason Hughes, General Manager, IC MENA, said that market access no longer sets a broker apart. What matters is how the trading experience holds up under pressure.

IC was also recognised as “Worlds Most Trusted Broker” at Forex Expo Dubai 2026, marking another milestone for the brand as it continues to strengthen its presence across international markets.

Beyond market access

In an executive interview at the event, Jason discussed how expectations of brokers are evolving and why the infrastructure behind the trading experience matters increasingly as markets become faster and more interconnected.

“Access to markets is just the starting point. What matters is the quality of the experience around that access. For us, that means execution, technology, infrastructure and reliability, particularly when markets are moving quickly and those things matter most. Weve been in the market for nearly 20 years, and that longevity matters. Serious traders want to know that the infrastructure behind their trading has been tested over time and is built to perform consistently.”

IC continues to invest in execution, connectivity and access to liquidity, with a focus on ensuring the technology and infrastructure behind each order can perform consistently during periods of heightened market volatility.

A more international, more sophisticated trader

Jason also reflected on the evolution of the regional trading landscape and the increasingly international profile of traders in the UAE and wider region.

“Its interesting how international and sophisticated the market has become. Traders here have exposure to different markets, asset classes and regions, and they expect the same level of technology, access and service they would expect from a global financial centre. You need global capability, but you also need to understand the market and the clients you are serving locally.”

As traders make greater use of automation, advanced tools and multi-asset strategies, he noted, the bar for brokers keeps rising.

Running FX and crypto risk from the UAE

On 23 September, Jason Hughes joined the leadership panel “Running FX and Crypto Risk from a Well-Tested UAE Hub”. The panel discussed how firms should respond when geopolitics, policy announcements and social media move markets almost at once.

Jason addressed how quickly a brokerage should adjust its risk posture after a major geopolitical event and how well-prepared firms do in practice to manage liquidity and client exposure during extreme volatility. The discussion also explored the advantages and challenges of managing FX and crypto risk from the UAE as the country continues to develop as an international financial hub.

Performance under pressure

ICs stand featured the TGR Haas F1 Team show car and a race simulator, which drew steady crowds across both days. “Motorsport and trading are very different worlds, but the common thread is performance under pressure,” said Hughes. “It comes from preparation, precision, technology and the ability to make good decisions when it matters most.”

About IC

IC is one of the worlds largest online trading providers, offering access to a wide range of trading instruments across Forex, indices, commodities, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. Founded in 2007 in Australia, IC is known for its deep liquidity, ultra-low spreads, and advanced trading technology, trusted by traders in over 200 countries. Ranked No. 1 globally for retail FX/other volumes (Finance Magnates Q4 Report), IC continues to invest in innovation, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships as it expands across the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.