Trading and investing platform eToro has partnered with fintech infrastructure provider Lean Technologies to offer instant AED bank transfers for its customers in the United Arab Emirates. The collaboration makes eToro one of the first global multi-asset investment platforms in the UAE to leverage a locally regulated open banking provider for secure, instant AED funding.
The new feature enables UAE-based users to link their eToro account to their local bank, letting them to securely deposit funds in seconds without leaving the eToro application. According to the companies, this streamlines the funding process by eliminating steps like manually entering card details and switching between different apps, which reduces friction and the risk of error.
Leveraging open banking for a streamlined user experience
Both eToro and Lean Technologies are regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a factor that both companies highlighted as reinforcing their commitment to working with trusted, locally regulated partners.
Doron Rosenblum, EVP of business solutions at eToro, said: “We’re proud to be one of the first global investing platforms to bring instant bank transfers to customers in the UAE. Open banking is a powerful innovation that’s transforming how people move and manage their money. By integrating this capability, our users will benefit from a faster, easier, and safer funding experience. It’s another key milestone in our mission to make investing simple and transparent for everyone.”
George Naddaf, managing director at eToro MENA, added: “eToro and Lean are both regulated by Abu Dhabi Global Market. The partnership reinforces eToro’s commitment to working with trusted, locally regulated partners to enhance the user experience for customers, as well as reinforcing the UAE’s rapidly growing fintech ecosystem.”
Omar Hamada, VP of sales & partnerships at Lean Technologies, said: “Our partnership with eToro ensures that their customers in the UAE can fund their accounts instantly and securely, without the friction or cost of traditional payment methods. By embedding Lean’s infrastructure, eToro has streamlined the entire process, giving users a faster and safer way to move money. It’s exactly the kind of impact we aim to create; empowering leading platforms to deliver simpler, more reliable financial journeys to their customers.”
Part of a broader regional localisation strategy
The integration of instant bank transfers is part of eToro’s wider strategy to localise its services for the MENA region. Other recent initiatives include the opening of its Abu Dhabi office, the addition of stocks listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market to its platform, and the integration of the national identity platform UAE PASS into its onboarding process.
To encourage adoption of the new feature, eToro is offering zero conversion fees on AED to USD conversions for deposits made via instant bank transfer until 31 December 2025 . eToro, founded in 2007, currently has 40 million registered users from 75 countries.
