Egypt’s leading mobile investment platform, Thndr, has announced its expansion into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after securing a Category 3A license from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
New Market, New Opportunities
Thndr’s initial offerings in the UAE will focus on direct access to US-listed securities, including stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and fractional shares. Notably, the platform will not impose minimum investment requirements, aligning with its mission to make investing accessible. As Thndr establishes its presence in the UAE, it plans to broaden its investment product range.
Proven Success in Egypt
Thndr’s expansion comes on the heels of significant success in its home market of Egypt. In 2023, Egyptians traded a substantial $1.8 billion on the platform, and as of April 2024, Thndr accounted for 8.5% of all retail transactions in the Egyptian market. With over 3 million downloads and 500,000 monthly active users, Thndr has successfully democratized stock market access for a new generation of investors in Egypt.
Four Pillars of Success
Thndr co-founder and CEO Ahmed Hamouda attributes the company’s success to four key pillars:
- A diverse investment store catering to individual needs.
- Strong collaboration with local regulators.
- Demystifying investing through accessible content.
- A user-centric product design focused on young, everyday investors.
Salah Kaddoura, General Manager of Thndr in the UAE, expressed enthusiasm for the company’s official entry into the market, highlighting the instrumental support received from the ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority. Peter Abu Hashem, Head of Growth and Strategy at Hub71, a tech ecosystem based in Abu Dhabi, welcomed Thndr, emphasizing the company’s potential to contribute positively to the UAE’s economy and society.
Thndr’s expansion into the UAE marks a significant milestone for the company and the broader fintech landscape in the Middle East and North Africa. With its proven track record and commitment to accessible investing, Thndr is poised to make a substantial impact in the UAE market.