UAE investors can now fund trading accounts in near real-time with the new system.
Dubai: Emirates NBD now offers near-instant funding for brokerage accounts, helping UAE investors seize market opportunities without delay.
The bank confirmed that International Securities is the first brokerage to go live on Emirates NBD Pay using Visa’s Account Funding Transaction model, allowing card-to-account transfers directly from a client’s bank card.
This upgrade eliminates delays associated with traditional bank transfers, giving investors faster access to funds at a time when markets are moving rapidly.
How the system works
Investors with International Securities can now top up their trading accounts directly via the broker’s platform using debit cards, with transactions processed through existing card networks.
Funding that previously relied on interbank processing timelines can now be completed almost instantly, enabling investors to act without waiting for transfers to clear.
This improvement also reduces friction in the funding process, which has often been a hurdle for retail investors seeking to enter or adjust positions quickly.
Expanding digital investment infrastructure
The rollout represents the first live use of the AFT model on Emirates NBD Pay for a brokerage, establishing a framework that can be extended to other brokers and investment platforms.
The bank is positioning this initiative as part of a broader effort to modernise financial infrastructure, particularly in areas where payment speed directly impacts user experience and investment decision-making.
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“The onboarding of International Securities on Emirates NBD Pay using the AFT model demonstrates our commitment to advancing digital payment capabilities across the investment landscape,” said Anith Daniel.
He noted that the initiative enables faster market participation while ensuring secure and scalable processing in line with global standards.
What it means for investors
For retail investors, quicker funding narrows the gap between decision and execution, particularly during volatile periods when timing can significantly impact outcomes.
The move also meets rising expectations for seamless digital services, where users anticipate the same speed in financial transactions as in other online activities.
Ayman Hamed said the integration is designed to enhance the client experience.
“We are pleased to be the first broker to go live on Emirates NBD Pay using Visa’s AFT model. This underscores our commitment to making life easier for our clients,” he said.
He added that clients can now fund their accounts faster through a secure debit card method, allowing them to access market opportunities without delay.
The launch of card-based funding for brokerage accounts marks a shift in how investors engage with financial markets, moving from slower, bank-dependent processes to faster, platform-driven models.
This change is expected to broaden participation, particularly among younger, digitally active investors who value speed and convenience.
The system also lays the groundwork for further innovation, with potential expansion into related areas such as digital wallets and other investment products.
