Derivatives suitability test FAQ
1. Who can trade derivatives in the UAE?
Both Retail and Qualified Investors can trade derivatives on OKX UAE, but each category has different requirements and limitations.
2. What derivatives products can I access?
OKX UAE offers crypto derivatives including futures, options, and perpetual contracts. Product access and leverage depend on your investor classification (Retail or Qualified).
3. What is the difference between a Retail Investor and a Qualified Investor?
Retail Investors:
Can trade derivatives with up to 5x leverage
Must pass a suitability assessment
Qualified Investors:
Can trade derivatives with up to 20x leverage
Must meet Qualified Investor criteria and pass a suitability assessment
4. What is a suitability assessment, and why is it required?
The suitability assessment evaluates whether you have the financial means, trading experience, and risk tolerance necessary for derivatives trading. This is a regulatory requirement designed to protect investors and ensure responsible participation in complex trading products.
5. How do I become a Qualified Investor?
You must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Net assets of AED 3,500,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) in the past 30 days
Annual income of AED 700,000 or more
And:
Complete a suitability assessment
Note: Virtual asset holdings are counted at 50% of market value, as per VARA regulations.
6. What documents are required for Qualified Investor verification?
Category | Accepted documents |
|---|---|
Cash holdings | Local bank statements, foreign bank statements. |
Portfolio value | Broker statements, bank statements, asset manager holding statements, tax filings/receipts. |
Real estate (excluding your primary place of residence) | Title deeds, appraised valuations, rental agreements, property valuations, sale contracts. |
Virtual assets | Snapshots of holdings at OKX, statements from other CEX/DEX platforms, evidence of cold storage. |
Gross income | Bank statements showing monthly salary and/or rental income of the past 3 months, employer salary letters, documents proving annual profit for non-salaried individuals. |
Note:
Local or foreign bank statements must show your cash holdings over the last 30 days.
Statements of your portfolio value and your virtual asset holdings must be generated within the past 7 days.
Property valuation documents must be issued by RERA or a UAE-based bank.
7. What happens if my Qualified Investor application is rejected?
You will be notified if your documentation doesn't meet the criteria. You may re-apply only if your financial situation changes materially and you meet the VARA Qualified Investor classification