10 Best FCA Regulated Forex Brokers (UK)
Last Update: March 28th, 2024
10 Best FCA Regulated Forex Brokers offer peace of mind with strict financial security measures and adhere to high ethical standards.
In this in-depth guide you’ll learn:
- What is the Primary Objective of the FCA?
- Benefits of Trading with FCA-Regulated Brokers?
- Best Approved, Regulated, and Licensed FCA Brokers?
- Reviews of the brokers on the list.
- A breakdown of FCA Regulations and rules.
- Platforms for Beginners with low minimum deposit.
- How to check if the broker is regulated.
So, if you’re ready to go “all in” with the 10 Best FCA Regulated Forex Brokers…
Let’s dive right in…
🏆 10 Best Forex Brokers
| Broker | Review | Regulators | Min Deposit | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 |  | Read Review | ASIC, FSA, CBI, BVI, FSCA, FRSA, CySEC, ISA, JFSA | USD 100 | Visit Broker >> |
| 🥈 |  | Read Review | FMA, FSA | USD 50 | Visit Broker >> |
| 🥉 |  | Read Review | FSCA, CySEC, DFSA, FSA, CMA | USD 0 | Visit Broker >> |
| 4 |  | Read Review | SFSA, FSCA, CySec* | USD 5 | Visit Broker >> |
| 5 |  | Read Review | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB | USD 100 | Visit Broker >> |
| 6 |  | Read Review | FCA, FINMA, FSA, ASIC | USD 0 | Visit Broker >> |
| 7 |  | Read Review | CySEC, FCA, FSA, FSCA, Labuan FSA | USD 100 | Visit Broker >> |
| 8 |  | Read Review | Not Regulated | 0.001 BTC | Visit Broker >> |
| 9 |  | Read Review | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, CMA | USD 100 | Visit Broker >> |
| 10 |  | Read Review | SVGFSA | USD 5 | Visit Broker >> |
10 Best FCA Regulated Forex Brokers (UK) (2024*)
- ☑️IG Group – Overall, Best FCA Forex Broker in the UK.
- ☑️CMC Markets – Known for its Extensive Market research tools.
- ☑️Plus 500 – Has the Best Regulated Risk Control features.
- ☑️Pepperstone – Made the list due to its Multiple Trading platforms.
- ☑️City Index – Wide range of CFDs and tools.
- ☑️XTB – Award-winning xStation trading platform.
- ☑️Exness – Known for its MT 4 / MT5 Tight Spreads.
- ☑️FXCM – Great and dependable trading Analytics Tools.
- ☑️eToro – Diverse Licensed Financial Asset offerings.
- ☑️Tickmill – Known for its Ultra-low regulated Spreads.
Overview of the FCA
The FCA, an autonomous governmental entity established by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 in the UK, governs customer-focused financial businesses. Its primary objective is safeguarding customers’ interests while maintaining transparency within UK finance markets.
In addition, the organization’s overarching aim is threefold: protect customers from harm, promote honesty within a trustworthy banking environment, and encourage competition that benefits all stakeholders involved.
With its extensive authority, the FCA can regulate financial system activities successfully. It sets specific standards for monetary services, monitors adherence by enterprises, and possesses disciplinary capabilities to deal with non-compliance situations.
These enforcement measures may take varied forms, such as fines imposition, restrictions, or withdrawals of license issuance, in addition to prosecuting corporations or individuals accused under finance-related misconduct categories like insider trading frauds.
The main objective of the FCA is to safeguard customers by ensuring fairness, clarity, and the absence of deceit or bias in financial products and services.
In addition, the regulatory authority also aims at reinforcing transparency within the UK’s financial ecosystem through endeavors such as combating money laundering practices while endorsing suitable market procedures.
The forex market places a crucial emphasis on the role played by the FCA. Forex brokers must adhere strictly to tough financial benchmarks under their jurisdiction, including meeting capital adequacy criteria.
They must also ensure that customer funds remain segregated from company accounts to protect traders’ finances and well-being. These guidelines promote honesty and impartiality in an inherently unpredictable industry, offering peace of mind amidst heightened risk levels in this domain.
The FCA encourages competition within the financial system industry, which endeavors to establish an equitable playing field.
This involves imposing regulations that mandate transparent and impartial customer treatment while taking measures against corporations engaging in unjust practices, allowing new and existing companies to compete on equal terms.
Benefits of Trading with FCA-Regulated Brokers
Advantages and Protections Offered to Traders by the FCA
Several advantages and protective measures exist for traders who trade with FCA-regulated brokers.
Firstly, the FCA mandates strict financial and ethical criteria that compel brokers to operate transparently and equitably. Such requisites include disclosing information explicitly, practicing fair marketing methods, and providing dependable statistics on investment products.
Consequently, this affords traders a secure trading milieu wherein they can make informed decisions without fear of any undue hazards or uncertainties arising from dishonest practices by their brokerages.
Traders can benefit from multiple safeguards, thanks to the FCA’s prioritization of customer protection. Such measures guard against unfair business practices and misleading advertising.
Moreover, Investment Firms must supply traders with accurate risk alerts and information so that they comprehend any potential hazards related to their trading activities under FCA regulations.
Moreover, the FCA’s regulatory framework offers measures to mitigate potential market instability and broker insolvency hazards.
Such a comprehensive strategy towards safeguarding traders instills confidence in UK financial markets while stimulating an ethically sound and long-lasting trading ecosystem.
10 Best Forex Brokers Regulated by The FCA (UK)
| 🔎Broker Name | 👉 Open Account | 🔑Key Features | 💻Compliance Standards | 🦲Trader Protection |
| IG Group | 👉 Open Account | Diverse trading instruments, advanced trading platforms, and educational resources | Adheres to FCA regulations, rigorous financial reporting, and client fund segregation | FSCS protection, negative balance protection, and risk management tools |
| CMC Markets | 👉 Open Account | Competitive spreads, extensive market research tools, and dynamic trading platforms | Strict adherence to FCA guidelines, real-time risk management | FSCS coverage, segregated client accounts, and enhanced customer protection measures |
| Plus500 | 👉 Open Account | User-friendly platform, risk control features, free email & push notifications on market events | Complies with FCA regulatory framework client money protection | Negative balance protection, investor compensation fund, and real-time alerts |
| Pepperstone | 👉 Open Account | Low latency trading, no dealing desk, multiple trading platforms | FCA regulated, strict audit standards, client fund segregation | Negative balance protection, secure client portal, regulatory insurance |
| City Index | 👉 Open Account | Wide range of CFDs, advanced charting tools, and customizable trading platforms | FCA authorized and regulated, transparent fee structure | Retail client funds held in segregated accounts, balance protection |
| XTB | 👉 Open Account | Award-winning xStation trading platform, comprehensive educational material | Conforms to FCA directives, SSL encryption | Negative balance protection, guaranteed stop-loss orders |
| Exness | 👉 Open Account | Tight spreads, instant withdrawals, and 24/7 customer support | FCA-compliant, anti-money laundering checks | FSCS eligibility, segregated accounts, protection from volatility |
| FXCM | 👉 Open Account | Proprietary Trading Station platform, range of trading analytics tools | In line with FCA requirements, strict oversight of operations | Compensation scheme membership, segregated funds, trade protection services |
| eToro | 👉 Open Account | Social trading network, diverse financial asset offerings, copy trading service | Regulated by FCA, transparent pricing policy | Client asset segregation, risk management settings, community guidance |
| Tickmill | 👉 Open Account | Ultra-low spreads, high-speed execution, and fully automated trading | FCA-licensed strict internal audits | FSCS insurance, segregated client accounts, and balance protection measures |
IG Group
Overview
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) oversees IG Group, ensuring compliance with strict requirements. IG prioritizes transparency, customer protection, and capital adequacy standards. It also provides clear risk warnings and customer money protection. Regular reporting and independent audits reinforce IG’s commitment to acceptable procedures, ensuring a safer trading environment for customers.
Unique Features
| 🔎Broker | IG |
| ⚖️Regulation | FCA, BaFin CySEC, FINMA, DFSA, FSCA, MAS, JFSA, ASIC, FMA, CFTC, NFA, BMA |
| 💰Minimum Deposit | $250 |
| 💳 Sign-up Bonus? | No |
| 📊Spreads | From 0.1 pips |
| 📊Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) 1:222 (Pro) |
| 💰Commission | From 0.10% |
| ❌Inactivity Fee | Yes, $12 after 2 years of inactivity |
| 💻Account Types | CFD, Spread Betting, DMA |
| 👉 Open Account | 👉 Open Account |
IG Group Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| IG has held FCA regulations since 2002 | IG has product and leverage restrictions |
| IG can meet stringent capital adequacy requirements | The commission structure is less competitive |
| IG offers clear risk warnings and undergoes frequent audits |
CMC Markets
Overview
CMC Markets, regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, adheres to strict rules to protect clients’ interests. FCA registration mandates transparency, product risk description, and equitable order execution. Client funds are segregated into separate bank accounts.
Unique Features
| 🔎Broker | CMC Markets |
| ⚖️Regulation | BaFin, FCA, ASIC, MAS, FMA, IIROC, DFSA |
| 💰Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| 💳Sign-up Bonus? | No |
| 📊Spreads | From 0.5 pips |
| 📈Leverage | 1:30 |
| 💳Commission | From 0.1% per share |
| ❌Inactivity Fee | Yes, 10 GBP after a year of inactivity |
| 💻Account Types | CFD Account |
| 👉 Open Account | 👉 Open Account |
CMC Markets Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| CMC Markets exceeds the FCA’s minimum capital requirements | There is a limited product portfolio |
| There is an extensive education hub | Dormant accounts face inactivity fees |
| Negative balance protection is applied | There are strict margin calls |
| There is a cap on leverage to protect traders |
Plus500
Overview
Plus500 operates under FCA supervision, adhering to rules for customer protection, including transparency, equitable order implementation, safe fund separation, and regulation of capital adequacy to ensure sufficient cash for customer commitments.
Unique Features
| 🔎Broker | Plus500 |
| ⚖️Regulation | ASIC, FSCA, FCA, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, MAS |
| 💰Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| 💳Sign-up Bonus? | No |
| 📊Spreads | From 0.8 pips |
| 📈Leverage | 1:30 |
| 💳Commission | None; only the spread is charged |
| ❌Inactivity Fee | Yes, $10 after three months of inactivity |
| 💻Account Types | Live Account |
| 👉 Open Account | 👉 Open Account |
Plus500 Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| The platform is user-friendly | There are limited non-CFD instruments |
| Plus500 is compliant with all FCA limit | Platform customization is limited |
| There is negative balance protection applied | Lacks basic research materials |
Pepperstone
Overview
Pepperstone UK, regulated by the FCA, highlights client money protection and fair business practices. It requires clearness, product descriptions, and equitable order execution. Client funds are segregated across different bank accounts to prevent corporate issues.
Unique Features
| 🔎Broker | Pepperstone |
| ⚖️Regulation | ASIC, BaFin, CMA, CySEC, DFSA, FCA and SCB |
| 💰Minimum Deposit | AU$200 |
| 💳Sign-up Bonus? | No |
| 📊Spreads | From 0.0 pips |
| 📈Leverage | 1:200 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| 💳Commission | From AU$7 |
| ❌Inactivity Fee | None |
| 💻Account Types | Standard Account, Razor Account |
| 👉 Open Account | 👉 Open Account |
Pepperstone Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| Pepperstone focuses on the best execution practices | There is a lack of extensive education |
| All client funds are held in segregated accounts | There are leverage limits applied |
| Pepperstone has competitive conditions and fees | |
| All retail accounts are protected by negative balance protection |
City Index
Overview
City Index’s parent company, StoneX Group, Inc., is an FCA-registered business that ensures customer protection and transparency by fully explaining the inherent risks of CFD and spread betting products, enabling traders to make informed decisions.
Unique Features
| 🔎Broker | City Index |
| ⚖️Regulation | CIRO, CySEC, NFA, CFTC, CIMA, SFC, FSA Japan, MAS, ASIC |
| 💰Minimum Deposit | $150 |
| 💳Sign-up Bonus? | No |
| 📊Spreads | 0.5 pips |
| 📈Leverage | 1:400 |
| 💳Commission | 8 USD on share CFDs |
| ❌Inactivity Fee | Yes, $15 per month after 2 years |
| 💻Account Types | Standard Account, MT4 Account |
| 👉 Open Account | 👉 Open Account |
City Index Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| There are clear risk warnings in place | There is a complex and expensive commission structure |
| All retail accounts have negative balance protection | There are platform limitations |
| There are independent audits conducted regularly | There is an inactivity fee |
| City Index is an FSCS member |
XTB
Overview
XTB, a UK-registered FCA company, is regulated to ensure responsible practices and customer protection. XTB values transparency, outlining product risks, and ensuring equitable execution of client orders. To protect clients’ funds, strict measures like segregation are implemented.
Unique Features
| 🔎Broker | XTB |
| ⚖️Regulation | FCA, ACPR, BaFin, DFSA, KNF, CNMV, FSCA, CySEC, IFSC |
| 💰Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| 💳Sign-up Bonus? | No |
| 📊Spreads | From 0.5 pips |
| 📈Leverage | 1:500 |
| 💳Commission | None on Forex, Stocks, Crypto, ETFs |
| ❌Inactivity Fee | Yes, €10 per month after 1 year of inactivity |
| 💻Account Types | Standard, Swap-Free |
| 👉 Open Account | 👉 Open Account |
XTB Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| There is no set minimum deposit requirement | There is a limited choice between platforms |
| All retail accounts have negative balance protection | There are fewer account types than competitors |
| All client funds are kept in segregated accounts | The fee schedule is complex |
| There are extensive research tools offered |
Exness
Overview
Exness (UK) Ltd, a UK-based business within the Exness Group, is regulated by the FCA and adheres to strict client protection standards. It ensures transparency, secures client funds, and enforces capital adequacy rules to meet client commitments.
Unique Features
| 🔎Broker | Exness |
| ⚖️Regulation | FSA, CBCS, FSC, FSC BVI, FSCA, CySEC, FCA, CMA |
| 💰Minimum Deposit | Flexible, depends on payment method |
| 💳Sign-up Bonus? | No |
| 📊Spreads | From 0.0 pips |
| 📈Leverage | 1:Unlimited |
| 💳Commission | From $0.1 per side |
| ❌Inactivity Fee | None |
| 💻Account Types | Standard, Standard Cent, Pro, Zero, Raw Spread |
| 👉 Open Account | 👉 Open Account |
Exness Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| There are clear risk warnings in place | There is a limited product range |
| Exness is extremely transparent | There are basic research materials |
| There are frequent audits done |
FXCM
Overview
The FCA in the UK regulates FXCM, secure clearness, accurate risk descriptions, and fair order execution to protect clients’ interests.
Unique Features
| 🔎Broker | FXCM |
| ⚖️Regulation | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA |
| 💰Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| 💳Sign-up Bonus? | No |
| 📊Spreads | From 0.2 pips |
| 📈Leverage | 1:30 (FCA), 1:400 (other regions) |
| 💳Commission | None; only the spread is charged |
| ❌Inactivity Fee | $50 after 12 months of inactivity |
| 💻Account Types | CFD Trading Account |
| 👉 Open Account | 👉 Open Account |
FXCM Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| FXCM exceeds the capital requirements | There are leverage restrictions |
| Commissions and fees are transparent | Spreads can widen considerably |
| All client funds are protection | |
eToro
Overview
eToro UK, under FCA’s regulatory supervision, maintains transparency by disclosing product risks and ensuring fair order execution. It uses segregated bank accounts to protect clients’ funds and adheres to capital adequacy rules to meet client obligations.
Unique Features
| 🔎Broker | eToro |
| ⚖️Regulation | CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FinCEN, FINRA, SIPC, DNB, FSA |
| 💰Minimum Deposit | $200 |
| 💳Sign-up Bonus? | No |
| 📊Spreads | From 1 pips |
| 📈Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:400), Pro |
| 💳Commission | None |
| ❌Inactivity Fee | Yes, $10 per month after a year |
| 💻Account Types | Standard Account |
| 👉 Open Account | 👉 Open Account |
eToro Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| eToro offers negative balance protection | There are limited customization options with the platform |
| eToro is a reputable social trading platform | There are limited customization options |
| All accounts receive negative balance protection | |
| eToro is transparent about its operations and trading conditions |
Tickmill
Overview
Tickmill UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Tickmill, is regulated by the FCA, ensuring strict client protection. The company prioritizes clarity, product risk information, and equitable order execution while securely segregating client funds.
Unique Features
| 🔎Broker | Tickmill |
| ⚖️Regulation | Seychelles FSA, FCA, CySEC, Labuan FSA, FSCA, DFSA |
| 💰Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| 💳Sign-up Bonus? | Yes, 30 USD no-deposit bonus |
| 📊Spreads | From 0.0 pips |
| 📈Leverage | 1:500 |
| 💳Commission | From $1 per side |
| ❌Inactivity Fee | None |
| 💻Account Types | Classic, Pro, VIP |
| 👉 Open Account | 👉 Open Account |
Tickmill Pros and Cons
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
| Tickmill has some of the best trade execution | There are limited educational materials |
| Tickmill offers a negative balance on all retail accounts | |
| All client funds are segregated |
Conclusion
According to our research, and to conclude, The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is adjusting its regulatory environment for Forex and CFD brokers to the changing financial sector.
The authority has implemented strict professional indemnity insurance measures, improved customer protection in financial advertising, and aggressive efforts towards crypt asset regulation.
These improvements demonstrate the authority’s responsiveness to financial innovation while maintaining market stability and defending trader interests.
As the regulatory perimeter broadens to include innovative financial products, brokers and traders must stay knowledgeable to handle compliance complexity. The FCA’s dynamic approach to market supervision is crucial for promoting a transparent and fair financial sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the FCA?
The Financial Behavior Authority (FCA) regulates the behavior of UK financial services businesses and financial markets, making sure they are honest, fair, and effective.
Who is the Best FCA regulated Forex Broker?
Determining the “best” FCA-regulated forex broker is personal and relies on the trader’s unique requirements and preferences; nonetheless, traders often evaluate aspects such as platform user-friendliness, trading conditions, and customer support when selecting brokers. Some of the best FCA-regulated brokers today include Exness, Pepperstone, CMC Markets, Tickmill, and others.
What makes a broker “FCA-regulated”?
An FCA-regulated broker follows tight criteria established by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, assuring customer protection and fair dealings.
What are the benefits of choosing an FCA-regulated broker?
FCA regulation provides peace of mind by requiring clarity, segregation of client money, capital adequacy standards, and independent scrutiny.
What factors should I consider when choosing an FCA-regulated broker?
Fees, spreads, platform, minimum deposit, customer support, and product offers are all important considerations.
Are there different types of FCA-regulated brokers?
Yes, some specialize in forex, CFDs, spread betting, or all of the above. Consider your chosen trading style.
Can I trust reviews of FCA-regulated brokers?
Reviews may be useful, but always check facts with official sources and FCA resources.
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