In a region defined by financial transformation, few executives have played a more active role in redefining brokerage and investment services than Daniel Takieddine. From his early days as a trader to his current role as CEO of the MENA region at BDSwiss and co-founder of Sky Links Capital, Takieddine has steadily become one of the most recognized voices in the Middle East’s evolving financial ecosystem.
Now at the helm of a SCA-licensed firm in the UAE and a sought-after market analyst featured regularly on CNBC Arabia, Sky News Arabia, Asharq Bloomberg, and Al Arabiya, Takieddine is not only leading market strategy—he’s helping shape investor behavior and regulatory confidence across the region.
A Career Built on Market Acumen
Takieddine began his career with a degree in economics and a passion for financial markets. He quickly immersed himself in international trading, client advisory, and market analysis, building a reputation for clear insight and strategic thinking. His work in brokerage operations gave him firsthand exposure to what institutional clients and retail investors truly needed—not just in terms of returns, but in reliability, transparency, and speed.
As he moved up the industry ranks, Takieddine’s leadership approach evolved from executing trades to building platforms—platforms that combine strong regulation, forward-thinking technology, and user empowerment. This shift laid the foundation for his move into the C-suite and set the stage for his next big venture: Sky Links Capital.
The Rise of Sky Links Capital
In a region where trust in financial systems varies widely, building a brokerage firm from the ground up is no small feat. But Takieddine saw an opportunity—and took it. In 2023, he co-founded Sky Links Capital, an independent brokerage firm headquartered in Dubai and regulated by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).
Sky Links Capital quickly gained industry attention for obtaining the SCA’s prestigious Category Five license, a designation that allows the firm to operate across various financial instruments and client categories. Under Takieddine’s leadership, Sky Links has positioned itself as a bridge between traditional brokerage standards and next-generation fintech innovation.
“We didn’t just want to start another brokerage,” Takieddine says. “We wanted to build something that could scale across the GCC and MENA while maintaining the highest levels of compliance, speed, and customer service.”
Expanding the Regional Footprint
With Sky Links Capital now licensed and operational, Takieddine is focused on regional growth. The firm recently received authorization to set up in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and is actively planning expansion into key financial centers across the GCC.
Takieddine’s regional strategy taps into the growing appetite for diversified investment platforms among young professionals, HNWIs, and institutional clients alike. From Saudi Arabia’s booming capital markets to Egypt’s fintech awakening, the region is ripe for new players—especially those who understand both global standards and local nuance.
“We’re seeing a generational shift in how people interact with their money,” he notes. “Investors in the Middle East are more informed, more digitally savvy, and more willing to embrace modern trading environments.”
A Voice of Authority in Financial Media
Beyond the boardroom, Takieddine has established himself as a go-to financial commentator on regional and international media outlets. His commentary—delivered in Arabic and English—spans topics such as central bank policy, energy prices, equity volatility, and geopolitical risk.
Takieddine’s frequent appearances on CNBC Arabia, Asharq Bloomberg, Sky News Arabia, and Al Arabiya have helped build public trust and enhance financial literacy across the region. His ability to distill complex macroeconomic trends into practical takeaways has made him a favorite among both retail investors and institutional observers.
Navigating Regulation with Precision
A key aspect of Takieddine’s success lies in his ability to work within evolving regulatory frameworks. From securing licensing through the UAE’s SCA to preparing for cross-border compliance in multiple jurisdictions, his experience demonstrates how strategic leadership can align with public-sector oversight to build long-term value.
His leadership at Sky Links emphasizes robust compliance protocols, audited operations, and client-focused transparency. This regulatory-first approach has not only differentiated the firm from less mature competitors, but has also opened doors for future partnerships with regional and international financial institutions.
The Vision: A Hybrid Brokerage Model
Looking ahead, Takieddine is betting on a hybrid brokerage model—one that offers the robustness of traditional financial services with the speed and accessibility of digital platforms. Sky Links Capital is already investing in artificial intelligence, smart order routing, and real-time data integration, all aimed at delivering faster executions and smarter portfolio management.
The goal, according to Takieddine, is not to disrupt just for the sake of it. Rather, it’s about designing systems that serve real investor needs while staying aligned with regulatory best practices.
“There’s no reason we can’t lead from the Middle East,” he says. “This region has the talent, capital, and ambition—it just needs the right infrastructure. That’s what we’re building.”
From his early days as a trader to his current role as a CEO, founder, and media analyst, Daniel Takieddine has proven himself to be a versatile and visionary leader. In an increasingly competitive and regulated financial environment, his success stands as a blueprint for how to blend innovation with integrity, and regional expertise with global thinking.
As Sky Links Capital prepares to expand its footprint across the Middle East and beyond, Takieddine’s influence will likely grow in tandem. In reshaping how brokerage services are delivered—and how markets are interpreted—he is not just building a company. He’s redefining an industry.
