Naser Taher on MultiBank Group’s global strategy and future outlook

Established in 2005, MultiBank Group is a leading financial derivatives provider with over one million clients in more than 100 countries and a daily trading volume exceeding $15.6bn. In this interview, we chat with Naser Taher, founder and chairman of MultiBank Group about the firm’s global reach and strategic vision.

Taher explains how the group navigates regulatory challenges, leverages emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain, and aligns its growth with Dubai’s financial vision as it expands its presence in the UAE.

With operations in over 100 countries, how does MultiBank Group manage such a diverse global presence? How do you ensure consistency in service quality and regulatory compliance across different regions?

With operations in over 100 countries, MultiBank Group relies on a solid regulatory foundation, working with 16 financial regulators globally, including BaFin in Germany, SCA and VARA in the UAE, MAS in Singapore and ASIC in Australia, ensuring an unblemished record since 2005.

Serving over a million customers worldwide with more than 20,000 products means we need to ensure consistent quality and compliance; our in-house legal team closely monitors regulatory updates to keep our services compliant. We combine innovative technology with a “client-first” approach, delivering secure and user-friendly trading platforms, backed by 24/7 customer support to give our clients top-notch service wherever they are.

The relocation of MultiBank Group’s headquarters to Dubai is a significant move. What motivated this decision, and how does it align with the UAE’s ‘We the Emirates 2031’ vision?

Dubai’s strategic location, forward-thinking policies, business-friendly environment, and most importantly the vision of its wise leadership, make it an ideal choice for our headquarters. The UAE’s ‘We the Emirates 2031’ vision aims to make the country a global financial hub, especially in cutting-edge areas like AI, blockchain, digital finance, electronic communication networks and robotic trading, among others.

Dubai is attracting key global financial and tech players in the industry, therefore by moving to Dubai, we’re positioned to contribute to this vision and drive our innovation efforts, aligning with the UAE’s mission to stay at the forefront of global finance.

How has this strategic shift benefited MultiBank Group, and what opportunities do you see in the UAE’s financial sector?

Relocating to Dubai has brought us closer to global markets, given us a strong regulatory environment, and placed us within a thriving financial ecosystem. The UAE’s commitment to fintech, digital assets, and sustainable finance aligns perfectly with our goals.

We’re also excited to have launched our UAE operations with MEX Digital FZE, securing VARA exchange and broker-dealer licenses under MultiBank.io to strengthen our regional presence offering unique opportunities such as dirham-denominated trading pairs and on and off fiat ramps.

MultiBank Group has achieved remarkable financial success. What do you attribute this success to, and how do you plan to sustain or surpass this level of performance in the future?

Our success comes down to a few key factors: regulatory compliance, technological innovation, and client-focused service. With a paid-up capital exceeding $322m, we’ve built the stability needed to handle large trading volumes securely. Our unblemished regulatory record since 2005 reiterates our commitment to integrity and excellence.

The previous year was our most successful financial year to date, with an impressive revenue of $306,636,717, confirming our dedication to setting new industry standards. Additionally, our total assets are currently valued at over $580m.

Looking ahead, we plan to sustain and surpass our performance by continuously innovating our product offerings, particularly in the areas of digital assets and copy trading.

We are committed to staying ahead of market trends, leveraging sophisticated technology, and making sure that our clients always have access to the best solutions and support.

In a highly regulated industry, how does MultiBank Group maintain its commitment to regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions? What are the challenges of adhering to diverse regulatory standards, and how does compliance contribute to the group’s reputation and success?

Compliance isn’t just a requirement at MultiBank Group — it’s a priority. As the largest and most regulated financial derivatives institution globally, we’re fully dedicated to meeting the highest standards across every region in which we operate; our legal team plays a crucial role in managing the complexities of multiple regulatory frameworks, helping us stay ahead of changes.

This commitment to compliance strengthens our reputation as a trusted financial provider, allowing us to build long-term relationships based on transparency and trust.

Technology plays a crucial role in the financial services industry. What role do emerging technologies like blockchain and AI play in your business strategy, and how do you see them shaping the future of the industry?

Blockchain and AI are key to MultiBank Group’s future. Our new AI division, MultiBank-AI, focuses on integrating AI into our internal processes and client services to boost efficiency and enhance the customer experience. Blockchain adds security and transparency, and we’re pioneering ways for clients to trade cryptocurrencies versus traditional assets combined with a state-of-the-art social copy trading platform, creating new opportunities in finance. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, we ensure that our clients get the most advanced and secure trading platforms available resulting in the ultimate financial ecosystem.

With your extensive background and experience, how have your personal and professional experiences shaped your approach to leading MultiBank Group? What are the core leadership principles that guide you in steering the group through the dynamic global financial landscape?

My leadership style is grounded in integrity, innovation, and a strong focus on the customer. Over the years, I’ve learned that adaptability is essential in navigating the fast-paced financial world. I lead by example and encourage a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

I’m committed to regulatory compliance, innovation and always prioritizing our clients’ needs — values that have guided us through challenges and fueled our success.

What are the current trends and challenges you observe in the global financial markets, and how is MultiBank Group positioned to navigate these? How do you anticipate the global financial markets will evolve in the coming years, and what are the strategies that MultiBank Group is implementing to stay competitive?

The financial markets are rapidly evolving, with digitalisation and regulation reshaping the landscape. The group is well-prepared to tackle these changes with a robust compliance framework, innovative products, and dedicated customer service.

We see the industry moving towards more digital integration, especially in fintech, and we’re committed to growing our digital asset offerings, upgrading our tech infrastructure, and maintaining top-tier compliance and customer service to stay competitive.

How has MultiBank Group performed in 2024, and what are your projections for 2025?

This year has been a year of big achievements for us, driven by a focus on compliance, innovation, and putting our clients first. We take pride in signing an agreement with Al Ansari Exchange through our subsidiary, MEX Global, enabling clients in the UAE to conveniently deposit and withdraw funds through Al Ansari Exchange’s extensive branch network. This reiterates our commitment to providing cutting-edge financial solutions that empower our clients and facilitate their banking needs in a secure and efficient manner.

In the years to come, we’re concentrating on expanding our digital finance offerings, especially in cryptocurrencies and copy trading, while enhancing our tech capabilities.

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the financial services industry who are looking to make a global impact?

For those aiming to make an impact in finance, I advise prioritising integrity, innovation, and customer value. This industry demands adaptability, an understanding of global markets, and a strong commitment to compliance. Making a global impact means embracing new technologies, fostering a culture of excellence, and surrounding yourself with talented people.

Success in finance is about balancing innovation with ethics and keeping your clients’ needs at the forefront.