IC MENA General Manager Jason Hughes on what traders now expect from their broker, and why infrastructure matters most when markets move fast.
Dubai, UAE – 27 September 2026
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 World's 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. We've 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.
"It's 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
IC's 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 world’s 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.
Risk Disclaimer:
The accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the information contained on this site cannot be guaranteed. IC Markets Global does not warrant, guarantee or make any representations, or assume any liability regarding financial results based on the use of the information in the site.
News, views, opinions, recommendations and other information obtained from sources outside of www.ic.com, used in this site are believed to be reliable, but we cannot guarantee their accuracy or completeness. All such information is subject to change at any time without notice. IC Markets Global assumes no responsibility for the content of any linked site. The fact that such links may exist does not indicate approval or endorsement of any material contained on any linked site. IC Markets Global is not liable for any harm caused by the transmission, through accessing the services or information on this site, of a computer virus, or other computer code or programming device that might be used to access, delete, damage, disable, disrupt or otherwise impede in any manner, the operation of the site or of any user’s software, hardware, data or property.
Media contact
IC Global Communications
media@ic.comMarket 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.
Dubai, UAE – 27 September 2026
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 World's 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. We've 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.
"It's 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
IC's 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 world’s 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.
Risk Disclaimer:
The accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the information contained on this site cannot be guaranteed. IC Markets Global does not warrant, guarantee or make any representations, or assume any liability regarding financial results based on the use of the information in the site.
News, views, opinions, recommendations and other information obtained from sources outside of www.ic.com, used in this site are believed to be reliable, but we cannot guarantee their accuracy or completeness. All such information is subject to change at any time without notice. IC Markets Global assumes no responsibility for the content of any linked site. The fact that such links may exist does not indicate approval or endorsement of any material contained on any linked site. IC Markets Global is not liable for any harm caused by the transmission, through accessing the services or information on this site, of a computer virus, or other computer code or programming device that might be used to access, delete, damage, disable, disrupt or otherwise impede in any manner, the operation of the site or of any user’s software, hardware, data or property.
Media contact
IC Global Communications
media@ic.comDisclaimer:
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Publication date:
2026-09-30 10:26:10 (GMT)
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