Deed Limited is a property crowdfunding platform licensed in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Under DFSA rules, authorised firms must classify clients as either:
Retail Clients
Professional Clients
Because Deed was created to give ‘everyday people’ access to investment opportunities in Dubai, the majority of our individual clients are classified as Retail Clients under DFSA rules.
Retail Clients benefit from the highest level of regulatory protection. If you meet the DFSA’s criteria, you may request to be re-categorised as a Professional Client, which can make you eligible for a broader range of investment options under the appropriate regulatory framework.
Quick guide: which one should I choose?
Retail Investor (default)
Best for most investors.
The minimum investment amount is $136 (approximately AED 500) with yearly maximum limits of $100,000 USD (approximately 367,250 AED), as per DFSA investment limits.
Simple, straightforward, and designed for everyday investing
Basic documentation is required for account setup
Enhanced safeguards for Retail Clients under DFSA regulations
Professional Investor (by request)
For experienced investors who meet DFSA’s eligibility requirements.
Fewer regulatory restrictions on investment activities for experienced investors
Increased investment pathways
Eligibility for larger investment amounts, provided you can demonstrate the required financial standing
Even if you qualify as a Professional Client, you can choose to remain classified as a Retail Client if that better aligns with your personal investment goals and preferences.
Who qualifies as a Professional Client?
DFSA requires a two-part eligibility test
1) Net assets
You have at least USD 1,000,000 in net assets, excluding your primary residence.
2) Knowledge & experience
You have sufficient knowledge and experience to understand the risks of the relevant investments (Deed must assess this as part of the process).
What changes on Deed if you’re a Professional Client?
1) Investment limits
Retail limits on Deed:
Annual platform limit (Retail): USD 100,000 per calendar year (resets every January 1)
Per-property cap (Retail): USD 50,000 per property per investment round
Still applies to everyone (Retail + Professional):
Maximum ownership: no investor may acquire more than 33% of any single Property SPV
2) Payment methods
Retail Clients: bank transfer/debit card (as shown in-app)
Professional Clients: may be enabled to fund via credit card, plus bank transfer/debit card
How do I request Professional Client status?
Email [email protected] with the subject:
Professional Client request
We’ll guide you through the DFSA assessment and the supporting information required.