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Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Brokers 2024

Written By

Paul Holmes

Written By

Paul Holmes

Paul has over 14 years experience in the trading industry, both as a full-time trader and working with leading brokers. He’s traded indices and forex, developed proprietary day trading techniques, and built his own MetaTrader algorithms. He excels at delivering simple-to-follow guides for beginners to experienced traders.  

» Paul Holmes Profile Page

Edited By

James Barra

Edited By

James Barra

James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. As a former management consultant, he has worked on major operational transformation programmes at prominent European banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.

» James Barra Profile Page

Fact Checked By

Michael MacKenzie

Fact Checked By

Michael MacKenzie

Michael is a writer and editor with over a decade in journalism and publishing. His niche lies in editing and fact-checking content in the financial services sector, with a focus on online brokers and trading platforms. Michael previously reported on politics and economics in the Middle East and edits books for established publishers.

» Michael MacKenzie Profile Page

Updated

Dec 3, 2024

Are you an Aussie looking for a secure online trading environment? If so, choosing a broker regulated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) is a vital first step.

Since launching in 1991, it’s proven a robust financial regulator, increasingly holding brokers to a high standard, adding an Investor Alert List, and securing ‘green tier’ status in DayTrading.com’s Regulation & Trust Rating.

Day trade with an ASIC-regulated broker and you can expect:

Best ASIC Brokers

Since evaluating AvaTrade, our first ASIC-regulated broker in 2017, we’ve personally tested 216 trading platforms, and these 3 stand out as the superior options if you want an ASIC broker in December 2024:

Click a broker for details

1. 1

   
   Moomoo
   Go To Moomoo

   Moomoo Review

   New Customer Bonus Offer Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000

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   Ratings

   Regulation & Trust 4.7 / 5

   Accounts & Banking 3.3 / 5

   Assets & Markets 3 / 5

   Fees & Costs 3.8 / 5

   Platforms & Tools 3 / 5

   Customer Support 2.8 / 5

   Research 3.8 / 5

   Education 4.4 / 5

   iOS App 4.6 / 5

   Android App 3.3 / 5

   ---

   Minimum Deposit $0

   Minimum Trade $0

   Leverage 1:2

   Regulator SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC

   Instruments Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs

   Platforms Desktop Platform, Mobile App

   Payment Methods Wire Transfer, ACH Transfer

   Account Currencies USD, HKD, SGD

   Go To Moomoo
2. 2

   
   IG
   Go To IG

   IG Review

   Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

   ---

   Ratings

   Regulation & Trust 4.9 / 5

   Accounts & Banking 4 / 5

   Assets & Markets 4.5 / 5

   Fees & Costs 3.5 / 5

   Platforms & Tools 4.9 / 5

   Customer Support 4.5 / 5

   Research 4.9 / 5

   Education 5 / 5

   iOS App 4.6 / 5

   Android App 4 / 5

   ---

   Minimum Deposit $0

   Minimum Trade 0.01 Lots

   Leverage 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)

   Regulator FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM

   Instruments CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting

   Platforms Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral

   Payment Methods PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card

   Account Currencies USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

   Go To IG
3. 3

   
   xChief
   Go To xChief

   xChief Review

   New Customer Bonus Offer $100 No Deposit Bonus

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   Ratings

   Regulation & Trust 4 / 5

   Accounts & Banking 3.8 / 5

   Assets & Markets 3.7 / 5

   Fees & Costs 3 / 5

   Platforms & Tools 4.3 / 5

   Customer Support 3.5 / 5

   Research 3.5 / 5

   Education 3.3 / 5

   iOS App 0 / 5

   Android App 0 / 5

   ---

   Minimum Deposit $10

   Minimum Trade 0.01 Lots

   Leverage 1:1000

   Regulator ASIC

   Instruments CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices

   Platforms MT4, MT5

   Payment Methods Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Credit Card, UnionPay, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Debit Card, Ethereum Payments, FasaPay, Volet

   Account Currencies USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF

   Go To xChief

Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons

1. Moomoo - Moomoo is an SEC-regulated app-based investment platform that offers a straightforward and affordable way to invest in Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Australian and US stocks, ETFs and other assets. Margin trading is available and the brand offers a zero-deposit account as well as several bonuses.
2. IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
3. xChief - xChief is a foreign exchange and CFD broker, established in 2014. The company is based offshore and registered with the VFSC and FMA. Users can choose between a wide selection of accounts and base currencies, making ForexChief accessible to global traders. The brand also stands out for its no deposit bonus and fee rebates for high-volume traders.

ASIC Brokers Comparison

ASIC Brokers Comparison

Broker	ASIC Regulated	AUD Account	Minimum Deposit	Markets	Platforms	Leverage
	✔	-	$0	Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs	Desktop Platform, Mobile App	1:2
	✔	✔	$0	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting	Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral	1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
	✔	-	$10	CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices	MT4, MT5	1:1000

Moomoo

"Moomoo remains an excellent choice for new and intermediate stock traders who want to build a diverse investment portfolio. What really stands out is the broker's user-friendly app and the low trading fees."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Moomoo Quick Facts

Bonus Offer	Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000
Demo Account	Yes
Instruments	Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
Regulator	SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC
Platforms	Desktop Platform, Mobile App
Minimum Deposit	$0
Minimum Trade	$0
Leverage	1:2
Account Currencies	USD, HKD, SGD

Pros

• The ‘Moomoo Token’ generates dynamic passwords for transaction security - a unique and helpful safety feature
• Moomoo is a Member of FINRA and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), adding another level of security for prospective clients
• It is reassuring that Moomoo holds licenses with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), among others

Cons

• It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer
• There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
• There is no phone or live chat support - common options at most other brokers

Visit Moomoo

Moomoo Review

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

Demo Account	Yes
Instruments	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
Regulator	FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
Platforms	Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit	$0
Minimum Trade	0.01 Lots
Leverage	1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
Account Currencies	USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

• The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our 'Best Trading App' award.
• IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis.
• The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading, while IG has also added TradingView integration.

Cons

• Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges.
• Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests.
• IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.

Visit IG

IG Review

xChief

"xChief continues to prove popular with investors looking to trade highly leveraged CFDs on the popular MetaTrader platforms. The broker's rebate scheme and investment accounts will particularly appeal to seasoned traders. However, the lack of top-tier regulatory oversight is a major drawback."

William Berg, Reviewer

xChief Quick Facts

Bonus Offer	$100 No Deposit Bonus
Demo Account	Yes
Instruments	CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices
Regulator	ASIC
Platforms	MT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit	$10
Minimum Trade	0.01 Lots
Leverage	1:1000
Account Currencies	USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF

Pros

• The broker offers a turnover rebate scheme geared towards active investors, as well as trading credits and several other occasional bonuses
• The broker offers several account types to suit different traders, including a Cent account for beginners and pro-level hedging/netting accounts
• xChief delivers a high-quality day trading environment via the MT4 and MT5 platforms, with market-leading charts, indicators and tools

Cons

• xChief is an offshore broker with weak regulatory oversight from the VFSC, so traders will receive limited safeguards
• The broker trails competitors when it comes to research tools and educational resources
• The Classic+ and Cent accounts provide access to fewer instruments than the other account types, at 50+ and 35+, respectively

Visit xChief

xChief Review

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) was established in 1991 under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act to promote fair and transparent financial markets across Australia.

Following a string of corporate collapses and rising financial misconduct, Australia needed a single body with comprehensive regulatory powers to oversee financial markets. ASIC was born to fill that gap.

ASIC’s powers are broad. It licences financial services businesses and enforces compliance with the Corporations Act, which regulates how companies operate, report, and engage with investors.

ASIC also investigates complaints, such as those from retail traders, and has the authority to prosecute misconduct, impose fines, and even deregister businesses that break the rules.

ASIC’s core mission is consumer protection, ensuring everyone, from individual investors to large corporations, have a fair shot in a secure financial system.

By holding companies like online brokers accountable, ASIC aims to protect consumers, prevent fraud, and maintain trust in the Australian financial market.

Paul Holmes

Author

What Powers Does ASIC Have?

ASIC has a range of powerful tools to enforce financial laws and keep Australia’s markets in check:

• Licensing Power: ASIC issues licences to financial service providers and credit providers, ensuring that only qualified and compliant businesses can operate. Brokers cannot legally provide financial services in Australia without an ASIC licence.
• Investigative Power: ASIC has the authority to investigate any suspected misconduct or breach of financial laws. It can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and demand records from individuals or businesses if there’s reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing.
• Enforcement Power: If ASIC finds misconduct, it can take several actions: issuing fines, suspending or revoking a licence, and imposing penalties. In more serious cases, it can pursue civil or criminal charges, leading to court proceedings.
• Regulatory Power: ASIC sets and enforces standards for company conduct, corporate governance, financial reporting, and disclosures. It can impose conditions on business operations and make sure companies follow ethical and legal guidelines.
• Banning and Disqualification: ASIC can ban individuals from managing companies or providing financial services if they’re found to be dishonest or unethical. This prevents repeat offenders from staying in the industry.
• Consumer Protection Initiatives: ASIC actively creates and enforces policies to protect consumers. It can demand that brokers improve their practices, disclose clearer information, and stop offering risky or misleading products.

What Rules Must An ASIC Broker Follow?

Brokers regulated by ASIC must follow strict rules to maintain transparency, protect consumers, and ensure ethical behaviour in the financial markets.

• Licensing and Authorization: Brokers must hold an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence to operate legally. To obtain and maintain this licence, they must meet ASIC’s criteria, including financial stability, qualifications, and competency standards.
• Client Money Handling: Brokers are required to keep client funds separate from company funds, holding them in segregated accounts. This helps protect client funds from being used for business operations or other improper purposes.
• Disclosure Obligations: Brokers must provide clients with clear, upfront information about their products, services, fees, and potential risks. This includes issuing a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) so clients understand what they’re getting into.
• Compliance With Market Conduct Standards: ASIC trading platforms must operate honestly and fairly, avoiding deceptive practices like price manipulation, insider trading, or false advertising. They’re expected to follow high ethical standards and maintain market integrity.
• Risk Warnings: Brokers must provide transparent risk warnings, especially for high-risk products like CFDs which are popular with day traders. This means clients are informed of potential losses, not just potential gains before they start trading.
• Financial Reporting and Auditing: ASIC requires brokers to submit regular financial reports, proving their financial health and compliance. ASIC may also conduct audits to verify the broker’s practices and ensure ongoing adherence to rules.
• Client Dispute Resolution: ASIC mandates that brokerages have a transparent dispute resolution process in place. They must be part of an external dispute resolution scheme, such as the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), to address client complaints promptly.
• Ongoing Training and Development: Brokers must ensure their representatives are properly trained and qualified to give financial advice. This rule ensures that clients receive reliable and accurate information and advice.

How Does ASIC Protect Active Traders?

CFD trading in Australia is very popular with active traders, and ASIC has stepped up its restrictions on brokers offering these products in recent years to protect retail investors:

• Leverage Limits: ASIC limits the amount of leverage brokers can offer retail traders. For example, the maximum leverage for major forex pairs is capped at 1:30. For cryptocurrencies, it’s 1:2. This reduces the risk of significant losses by preventing traders from borrowing excessively to fund their trades.
• Negative Balance Protection: ASIC mandates that brokers provide negative balance protection, meaning traders can’t lose more money than initially invested. If a trade goes against a client significantly, their account won’t fall into a negative balance, preventing debt above the initial investment.
• Standardised Risk Warnings: ASIC requires brokers to display clear, standardized risk warnings on CFD products. This ensures that traders know the risks involved, including the high probability of losses, and can make informed decisions before entering the market.
• Margin Close-Out Rules: To prevent excessive losses, ASIC enforces a margin close-out rule. If a trader’s funds fall to 50% of the required margin, the broker must close out the trade automatically. This helps prevent traders from sustaining more substantial losses than necessary.
• Ban on Inducements: ASIC prohibits brokers from offering incentives like bonuses, cash rebates, or “free” trading schemes to attract CFD traders. This discourages brokers from using high-pressure sales tactics or enticing promotions to bring in less-informed traders.
• Enhanced Disclosures: ASIC requires brokers to provide detailed disclosures on CFD products, including information on trading fees, spreads, risks, and how CFDs work. This transparency helps traders understand all aspects of CFD trading, not just the potential rewards.

Has ASIC Fined Any Brokers?

While ASIC may occasionally be criticised for not acting fast enough in some cases, it has a strong track record of enforcement and has acted against several brokers for various regulatory breaches over the years. Essentially, ASIC has increasingly big teeth.

Here are some notable examples where it has flexed its regulatory muscles:

• Interactive Brokers (2023): ASIC took action against the Australian branch of Interactive Brokers, levying a $832,500 fine for negligent and reckless conduct related to suspicious trading by a client.
• Openmarkets (2023): ASIC handed out a $4.5 million fine to Openmarkets for failing to have suitable systems for identifying whether the orders of a client were intended to manipulate prices or create a false impression of active trading.
• Forex Capital Trading (2020): ASIC fined Forex CT $20 million for various breaches, notably unconscionable conduct, conflicted remuneration for sales staff, and failure to act in its clients’ best interests.

Bottom Line

Year after year, ASIC introduces and enforces strict safeguards that online brokers must follow, with the aim of protecting retail investors.

Verifying that a broker is ASIC-regulated is a crucial step to protect your investments and ensure you’re dealing with a reputable and compliant company.

To get started, check out DayTrading.com’s pick of the best ASIC-regulated day trading brokers.