Leverage cuts both ways: CFD losses can exceed what you expected to risk.

If you're comparing brokers for indices trading, Fusion Markets sits in an interesting spot: it's built as a low-cost, raw-spread operation, and its index CFD conditions reflect that philosophy. For traders in the UAE, the practical question is how those conditions hold up when you factor in the entity serving you and the local regulatory context.
Fusion Markets isn't a household name like some of the giants, but it has carved out a reputation since 2017 for being one of the cheapest ways to trade CFDs. The broker's Australian roots (HQ in Melbourne) and its focus on ECN-style execution mean you'll find pricing that often beats the bigger brands. The trade-off is that UAE retail clients are onboarded under the offshore arms, Gleneagle Securities Pty Limited (Vanuatu VFSC) or Fusion Markets International Ltd (Seychelles FSA), not the ASIC-regulated entity that handles Australian clients.
Market Map Placement
To understand where Fusion Markets fits, you have to look at the broader landscape of brokers available to UAE traders. There are essentially three tiers: local brokers licensed by the SCA/CMA or DFSA, large international brands with multiple tier-1 licenses, and offshore operations like Fusion Markets that compete primarily on cost.
Fusion Markets occupies the cost-focused end of that spectrum. The broker's entire pitch is built around raw spreads and low commissions, and it's genuinely good at that. But it's not competing with the likes of a locally regulated entity like Daman Markets or a multi-regulated giant like CMC Markets on regulatory depth or investor protection. It's a different value proposition: you get lower costs, but you sacrifice the safety net of a top-tier regulator.
| Dimension | Fusion Markets (UAE clients) | Typical Local/DFSA Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Vanuatu VFSC, Seychelles FSA | SCA/CMA, DFSA, FSRA |
| Max FX leverage | Up to 1:500 | ~1:30 to 1:50 |
| Max index leverage | 1:100 | Subject to local caps |
| Cost model | Raw spreads + commission | Often all-in spread |
| Investor compensation | No local scheme | Varies by jurisdiction |
That table sums up the core tension. You're getting significantly higher leverage and lower costs, but you're also outside the local regulatory safety net. That's not a reason to avoid the broker, but it's a factor to weigh carefully.
Cost efficiency compared
The pricing is where Fusion Markets genuinely stands out. The Zero account offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a commission of AUD 4.50 per side per lot. For a round turn on EUR/JPY, that's roughly AUD 9 total, which is among the lowest costs you'll find anywhere. The Classic account, on the other hand, bundles everything into the spread, with pricing from around 0.9 pips on EUR/JPY and no commission.
For indices specifically, the cost structure follows the same logic. You're paying the raw spread plus the AUD commission on the Zero account, or a slightly wider all-in spread on the Classic account. Either way, the costs are competitive, and there's no minimum deposit to get started.
| Account Type | Spread (EUR/JPY example) | Commission | Index CFD Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero | From 0.0 pips | AUD 4.50/side/lot | Raw spread + commission |
| Classic | From ~0.9 pips | None | All-in spread |
One thing to note is that there are no deposit bonuses at Fusion Markets. The broker doesn't use that kind of promotion, so don't expect a bonus to pad your initial balance. What you see in the spread is what you get.

Leverage limits for uae traders
The leverage story is important, especially for UAE traders. Fusion Markets offers up to 1:500 on FX majors and metals, 1:100 on indices and energies, and 1:20 on crypto CFDs. Those numbers are much higher than what you'd get from a locally regulated broker, where the DFSA caps retail leverage at around 1:30 for major pairs, and the SCA/CMA has its own limits in the neighborhood of 1:50.
That higher leverage cuts both ways. It means you can control a larger position with less capital, which amplifies both gains and losses. A 1% move against you on a 1:100 leveraged index position wipes out a significant chunk of your margin. It's essential to manage position sizes accordingly, especially if you're accustomed to the tighter constraints of a local regulator.
Platform Support and Instruments
Fusion Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and has TradingView integration. That covers just about every preference, whether you're a fan of the classic MT4 interface, the advanced features of cTrader, or the charting power of TradingView. All of these are available on desktop, web, and mobile, so you can trade from anywhere.
In terms of instruments, you have access to 250+ CFDs, including over 90 forex pairs, metals, commodities, indices, share CFDs, and crypto CFDs. The index selection covers major global benchmarks like the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and DAX, among others.
| Platform | Key Strength |
|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | Vast ecosystem, expert advisors |
| MetaTrader 5 | More timeframes, depth of market |
| cTrader | Advanced order types, transparency |
| TradingView | Superior charting and social features |

Regulatory and Local Context
Fusion Markets holds no UAE SCA/DFSA/ADGM licence. UAE clients are served under the Vanuatu VFSC (reg. 40256) and Seychelles FSA (licence SD096) entities. This means there's no local investor compensation scheme and no local regulator to turn to if things go wrong. The UAE regulatory framework requires any firm offering forex/CFD services to the public to hold a local licence, so this offshore arrangement is something to be aware of. As of this review, Fusion Markets is not on any UAE regulator warning list.
For individual retail traders, the tax picture is favorable. There's no personal income tax or capital gains tax on trading profits in the UAE, so you keep what you make. Corporate tax at 9% applies to business profits above AED 375,000, but for individuals, there's no filing duty.
UAE-Specific Trading Details
A few practical considerations apply if you're trading indices from the UAE. First, there's no AED base-currency account. Your account will be in USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF, CAD, NZD, SGD, or HKD, so depositing AED will incur a conversion cost. Second, funding options include bank wire, Visa/Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and crypto (BTC/USDT). Cards are instant with no broker fee, but international bank wires may carry a ~USD 20-30 fee.
| Funding Method | Speed | Broker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard | Instant | $0 |
| Skrill/Neteller/PayPal | Instant | $0 |
| Crypto (BTC/USDT) | Varies | $0 |
| International wire | 1-2 days | ~USD 20-30 |
Third, if you're trading indices that track US or European markets, keep an eye on the session overlap. The London/New York overlap from 16:00 to 20:00 GST typically offers the best liquidity and tightest spreads, which is when you'll get the most favorable execution on index CFDs.
The Bottom Line for Indices
Fusion Markets is a solid choice if you're focused purely on cost efficiency. The raw spreads and low commissions are hard to beat, and the platform selection is comprehensive. The 1:100 leverage on indices is generous, especially compared to the tighter caps imposed by local UAE regulators.
The main caveat is the regulatory structure. You're trading under an offshore entity, which means no local investor protection and no compensation scheme. That's a trade-off you need to be comfortable with. For some traders, the cost savings justify it; for others, the peace of mind offered by a more strictly regulated broker will be worth the higher fees.
Choose it when you're an experienced trader who understands the risks of offshore entities and prioritizes low costs and high leverage. Reconsider when you're a newer trader who values regulatory oversight and local protection more than the tightest possible spreads, in which case sticking with a broker licensed by the DFSA or SCA/CMA might be a better fit.
Questions
What is the maximum leverage on indices at Fusion Markets?
Fusion Markets offers up to 1:100 leverage on indices and energies for UAE clients. This is significantly higher than the caps imposed by local UAE regulators, which are generally around 1:30 to 1:50 for retail clients.
Does Fusion Markets offer a swap-free account for Islamic traders?
Yes, Fusion Markets offers a swap-free or Shariah-compliant account option on request, available across both the Zero and Classic account types. This is relevant for traders in the UAE who need to comply with Islamic finance principles.
Are there any deposit bonuses for UAE clients at Fusion Markets?
No, Fusion Markets does not offer deposit bonuses. The broker's model is built around low spreads and transparent costs, so promotions like deposit bonuses are not part of their offering.

