August 8, Updated: August 10, I am from Oman and live in Dubai.

International Stock Trading - Fidelity Investments

I am an investor at the Dubai Financial Market and would like to expand my portfolio to the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock exchange. But how can I, as a UAE-based Arab, go about doing this? With most financial brokers offering advanced online trading platforms to their clients nowadays, it is now fairly easy to trade global financial markets using a single platform from almost anywhere in the world — that is, anywhere with internet access.

Not only has it become easy to trade online, but the process of opening brokerage accounts has never been easier as it pretty much happens exclusively online these days. The competition among online global brokerage firms has become very fierce in recent years, and traders have been the primary beneficiaries by having easier access to global exchanges at reduced trading costs. One way would be to open an account with any of the locally-based brokers that can provide access to international markets online, and there are many.

The other would be to simply open an account with any of the top online brokerage companies that are home to the major financial markets such as the United States or London.

Provided that these local brokers can offer competitive rates when it comes to execution costs, it would make sense to deal with a local broker with international access rather than dealing with a foreign broker even though dealing with a foreign broker may have additional advantages such as access to better online platforms and better customer service.

Still, almost any broker with a global coverage should be able to provide access to the major international equity markets. Most brokers now allow clients to open accounts online, so there should be little hassle in terms of setting up an account whether locally or abroad.

However, one important thing to consider is the fact that with a foreign broker, funds will have to be held outside of your country of residence.

To some people this may carry an added element of risk, as most prefer to deal with local institutions. To sum up, here are the key differences between what a local broker with access to international markets and a foreign broker can provide:.

I have invested in the London Stock Exchange for a number of years. However, I started doing so before I left the United Kingdom to live in the UAE. This means I use the same broker from the UK that I was using before and I have access to a UK bank account that I regularly transfer funds to from here.

I need some advice to help me to consolidate my credit cards and loans into one monthly installment. I have two loans and three credit card payments every month that are very difficult for me to pay.

Also, the interest rates are very high. I have tried many banks but they said I am not eligible for this kind of settlement. My monthly salary is Dh5, and my total outstanding debt is Dh60, The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only.

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