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In my experience as a trader, understanding the full fee structure of any broker is crucial, especially when assessing risk and cost-effectiveness. With Mashreq, I noted that the overall cost environment is quite complex and, notably, higher than most regulated brokers I’ve used. The commission structure for equities varies depending on the market, but to give an idea, major European exchanges generally involve a commission of 0.76% per trade with a minimum fee, for example, 30 EUR. For US shares, the rate is per share—21.25 cents for shares above $10, with a minimum commission of $30 per trade. These are not competitive rates compared to many global brokers. One aspect that stands out is the multitude of non-trading fees. Account maintenance involves minimum balance requirements, and falling below the threshold (often AED 3,000) triggers a monthly penalty of AED 21. There are also charges for statements, cheque books, transaction requests, and services such as updating Emirates ID—many of which can quickly add up, eroding returns for active investors. Investment-related spreads are not transparently published, so the true cost of trading—especially in currencies—is difficult to predict, and that uncertainty is a red flag for me. Additionally, deposit and withdrawal methods seem standard, but there are various withdrawal and transaction charges. The lack of a demo account and high minimum requirements for some accounts further increase barriers for new traders. In my view, between the persistent service fees, rather high trading commissions, and the absence of regulatory protection, the total cost structure makes Mashreq a less appealing option for most retail investors, especially when compared to established, regulated brokers. I would only consider such a fee-heavy institution with extreme caution and thorough cost-benefit analysis.