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How to Subscribe to IPOs

Understanding IPOs

An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is the process of issuing shares of a private company to the public.

A public share issuance allows a company to raise capital from investors, transitioning from a private to a public company. That’s why an IPO is also commonly known as “going public.”

After the IPO, the company remains publicly listed on the market and its shares are traded through the exchange.

Explore multiple ways to Subscribe to IPO

IPO subscriptions allow you to purchase soon-to-be-issued company shares at an attractive price prior to the issue date. Subscriptions are the first opportunity for non-private investors to buy company shares in the main market. Here you can learn how to take advantage of upcoming IPOs.

IPO Subscriptions via DFM App
Mobile Apps

Our mobile apps will guide you step by step through the IPO subscription process.

DFM Mark ColorDownload DFM App
Ivestor App IconDownload iVestor App
IPO Subscriptions via IPO platform
IPO Subscription Platform

You can subscribe online through our IPO Platform. Subscriptions are only available during designated subscription periods.

Go to IPO Platform
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Receiving Banks

You also have the option to subscribe directly through a company’s receiving bank. The Prospectus of the issuing company will include a list of participating bank branches and available subscription methods.

An active DFM Investor Number (NIN) is required for all subscription methods. Get one in minutes through the DFM app.Get DFM Mobile App
IPO upgrade in liaison with Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank).MaryahBank Logo
IPO upgrade (leverage) options increase the chances of higher allocation. The amount of upgrade or the additional subscription amount depends on your initial contribution and the upgrade multiples available.  
Easy to apply: This user-friendly feature ensures a hassle-free experience, making it accessible to eligible investors. You will be able to opt for IPO upgrade through the DFM app when entering the value of your subscription.
Boost your subscription: You can invest a higher amount in a company’s IPO which can result in higher allocation. The upgrade options are multiples ranging from 1 to 5 times depending on the IPO. 
Selected IPO offerings: The upgrade is applicable to specific IPO’s and may not be available for other IPOs. 
IPO Upgrade app screens

Payment Methods

You can pay for IPO subscriptions through:

iVestor Card

Your card must be activated and contain sufficient funds.

Subscribe through UAE Payment Gateway

Subscribe online through the UAE Central Bank payment gateway by connecting your bank account.

Direct Transfer

Make a direct transfer to the specified bank account number.

FAQs

A fee of AED 2.00 per transfer is charged.

Yes, through the Guardian or Legal Representative.

Yes, you can. All DFM investor services can be accessed through a licensed Trading Member of DFM.

Yes, you can through an official Power of Attorney (POA). If the POA is issued outside of the UAE, it must be certified by the UAE Embassy of that country or the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

You can apply through the following channels:

  • DFM App(NIN is issued instantly)
  • eServices at www.dfm.ae (NIN is issued within 1 working day)
  • Dubai CSD Desk at DFM Trading Floor (NIN is issued instantly)
  • Licensed Brokerage Firms at DFM (NIN is issued within 1 working day)

There is no fee for obtaining a NIN.

  • Call the Customer Services Affairs on +971 4 305 5555 from the mobile number you have registered with DFM (weekdays 8:00am – 4:00pm) to receive the DFM Investor Number (NIN) immediately over the phone.
  • Alternatively, investors can visit the Dubai CSD Desk at the DFM Trading Floor, Rashid Tower, World Trade Centre, Dubai (From 8am to 04:00pm), Monday to Friday.
  • Contact your broker

No, it is not required. Your shares will be registered under your DFM Investor Number (NIN). However, to immediately trade with your allocated shares, you will need a registered account with a Trading Member. You can find the list of licensed DFM Trading Members at www.dfm.ae.

  • If you subscribed in person at a branch, an SMS and email confirmation will be sent by the bank.
  • If you subscribed online through the DFM IPO Subscription Platform, we will send you an email confirmation.

It will be refunded back to your iVestor Card.

An identification number issued for the Investor by Dubai CSD at DFM. This is required for an Investor to hold shares that are traded on DFM, including subscribing to an IPO of a company that will list on DFM.

This depends on your bank, as each bank has its own limit policy.

  • Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)
  • Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)
  • Emirates NBD
  • Emirates Islamic Bank
  • Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)
  • First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
  • Mashreq Bank
  • Ajman Bank

IPO Upgrade FAQs

IPO upgrade (leverage) options increase the chances of higher allocation. IPO upgrade is offered in liaison with our partner Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank). We recommend you review the below to understand the process and the fees.

The amount of upgrade or the additional subscription amount depends on your initial contribution and the upgrade multiples available.

For example if you want to subscribe AED 5,000 and you decide to use the upgrade facility to provide 2x the capital you added; therefore your subscription will be boosted to AED 15,000. AED 5,000 is your initial IPO subscription and the upgrade is for AED 10,000 (2x your contribution).

The upgrade options are multiples ranging from 1 to 5 times depending on the IPO.

There will be a minimum subscription amount to apply for the IPO upgrade (leverage).

You will see this option through the DFM app when entering the value of your subscription. The upgrade is applicable to specific IPO’s and may not be available for other IPOs.

The charges and fees levied is a minimum of AED 150.00 plus AED 0.15 per incremental shares allocated.

Example of fee calculation:
Original allocation: 1,000 shares
Additional shares received due to upgrade: 500 shares
Upgrade fee: AED 150.00 + (AED 0.15 * 500 shares= AED 75.00)
Total fee: AED 225.00

The upgrade request will be received and shall remain under process till its approved, adjusted, or not applied depending on the allocation criteria by our partner Bank. You will receive the updates via your email.

The request will remain under process until IPO closure date.

The status of your upgrade will have no impact on your initial IPO subscription.

Irrespective of the IPO upgrade request status, the subscription based on the initial IPO amount will not be impacted.
IPO upgrades will be accepted for UAE residents, primary investors (not minors), and individuals (not institutions) only and will not be available to non-UAE residents.
No, the investor can opt for one upgrade request only.

There are no additional interest or profit charges. The charges and fees levied is minimum of AED 150.00 plus AED 0.15 + 5% VAT per incremental share allocated due to the upgrade.

There are no margin calls applicable.

No, the IPO upgrade is only available for primary investors.

Our IPO upgrade financing partner Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank) requires investors to accept their terms and conditions for the account and wallet opening and fill additional information requested during the IPO upgrade journey.

Yes, Mbank will open a wallet account for you during the IPO upgrade process as per UAE Central Bank rules.

No, this wallet account will be used for the upgrade facility option only. If you wish to open a current account with Mbank, you will have to open it with them directly.

Only send the due amount as mentioned in the email, without adding the IPO upgrade amount.

The fee amount will be deducted from the refund amount of the original subscription.