Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Brokers 2025

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Written By
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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.  
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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.
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Fact Checked By
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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.
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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 219 trading platforms, and these 10 stand out as the superior options if you want an ASIC broker in February 2025:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    Moomoo
    Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000

    Ratings
    Trust Platform Assets Mobile Fees Accounts Research Education Support 4.3

    $0
    $0
    1:2
    SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
    Desktop Platform, Mobile App
    Wire Transfer, ACH Transfer
    USD, HKD, SGD
  2. 2
    xChief
    $100 No Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    Trust Platform Assets Mobile Fees Accounts Research Education Support 3.9

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    ASIC
    CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices
    MT4, MT5
    Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Credit Card, UnionPay, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Debit Card, Ethereum Payments, FasaPay, Volet
    USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF
  3. 3
    AvaTrade
    20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000

    Ratings
    Trust Platform Assets Mobile Fees Accounts Research Education Support 4.9

    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
    WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    Skrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, Boleto
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
  4. 4
    XM
    $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account

    Ratings
    Trust Platform Assets Mobile Fees Accounts Research Education Support 4.6

    $5
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
    MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-Pesa
    USD, EUR, GBP, JPY
  5. 5
    IC Markets

    Ratings
    Trust Platform Assets Mobile Fees Accounts Research Education Support 4.8

    $200
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower
    PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeCharge
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
  6. 6
    Pepperstone
    CFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81.8% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.

    Ratings
    Trust Platform Assets Mobile Fees Accounts Research Education Support 4.8

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
    CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade, Quantower
    Visa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, Skrill, PIX Payment, Apple Pay, Google Wallet
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
  7. 7
    Eightcap

    Ratings
    Trust Platform Assets Mobile Fees Accounts Research Education Support 4.6

    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, TradingView
    Neteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX Payment
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD
  8. 8
    eToro
    51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading with this provider. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

    Ratings
    Trust Platform Assets Mobile Fees Accounts Research Education Support 4.1

    $100
    $10
    FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF
    Stocks, ETFs, Options, Crypto
    eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
    Visa, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Swift, Debit Card, iDeal, Klarna, Sofort, Trustly, Przelewy24
    USD, EUR, GBP
  9. 9
    Fusion Markets

    Ratings
    Trust Platform Assets Mobile Fees Accounts Research Education Support 4.5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    ASIC, VFSC, FSA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade
    Visa, Skrill, Neteller, Mastercard, PayPal, Bitcoin Payments, FasaPay, Perfect Money, Doku Wallet, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Dragonpay, Sticpay, Ethereum Payments, TransferWise, AstroPay, PayID, JetonCash
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
  10. 10
    Trade Nation
    200 Sign-Up Reward Points
    84% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

    Ratings
    Trust Platform Assets Mobile Fees Accounts Research Education Support 4.4

    $0
    0.1 Lots
    1:500 (entity dependent)
    FCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA
    Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only)
    MT4
    Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Skrill, PayPal, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK

This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category in 2025:

  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. 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.
  3. AvaTrade - Established in 2006, AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker trusted by over 400,000 traders. Operating under regulation in 9 jurisdictions, AvaTrade processes an impressive 2+ million trades each month. Through like MT4, MT5, and its proprietary WebTrader, the broker provides a growing selection of 1,250+ instruments. Whether it’s CFDs, AvaOptions, or the more recent AvaFutures, short-term traders at all levels will find opportunities. With terrific education and 24/5 multilingual customer support, AvaTrade delivers the complete trading experience.
  4. XM - XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been delivering low trading fees across its growing roster of 1000+ instruments. It’s also highly regulated, including by ASIC and CySEC and offers a comprehensive MetaTrader experience.
  5. IC Markets - IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.
  6. Pepperstone - Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for day traders at all levels.
  7. Eightcap - Eightcap is a multi-regulated forex and CFD broker established in Australia in 2009. The broker has proven popular with active day traders, providing 800+ instruments with tight spreads and notable improvements in recent years, integrating the leading TradingView platform, alongside AI-powered financial calendars and algo trading tools with zero coding experience required.
  8. eToro - eToro is a top-rated multi-asset platform which offers trading services in thousands of CFDs, stocks and cryptoassets. Launched in 2007, the brand has millions of active traders globally and is authorized by tier one regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. The brand is particularly popular for its comprehensive social trading platform. Crypto Trading is offered via eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. CFDs are not available in the US Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in the UK and some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. 51% of retail accounts lose money.
  9. Fusion Markets - Fusion Markets is an online broker established in 2017 and regulated by the ASIC, VFSC and FSA. It is best known for its low-cost forex and CFD trading, although its multiple account types and copy trading solutions cater to a range of traders. New clients can sign up and start trading in 3 easy steps.
  10. Trade Nation - Trade Nation is a top FX and CFD broker regulated in multiple jurisdictions including the UK and Australia. The firm offers low-cost fixed and variable spreads on 1000+ assets with robust trading platforms and training materials. The Signal Centre can also be used for trade ideas.

ASIC Brokers Comparison

ASIC Brokers Comparison
Broker ASIC Regulated AUD Account Minimum Deposit Markets Platforms Leverage
Moomoo logo
- $0 Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs Desktop Platform, Mobile App 1:2
xChief logo
- $10 CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices MT4, MT5 1:1000
AvaTrade logo
$100 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
XM logo
- $5 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies MT4, MT5, TradingCentral 1:1000
IC Markets logo
$200 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
Pepperstone logo
$0 CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade, Quantower 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Eightcap logo
$100 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto MT4, MT5, TradingView 1:500
eToro logo
- $100 Stocks, ETFs, Options, Crypto eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral -
Fusion Markets logo
$0 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade 1:500
Trade Nation logo
$0 Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only) MT4 1:500 (entity dependent)

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 OfferGet up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
RegulatorSEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC
PlatformsDesktop Platform, Mobile App
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$0
Leverage1:2
Account CurrenciesUSD, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • The broker offers access to extended pre-market trading hours
  • Moomoo is a Member of FINRA and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), adding another level of security for prospective clients
  • The ‘Moomoo Token’ generates dynamic passwords for transaction security - a unique and helpful safety feature

Cons

  • 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
  • It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer

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 AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices
RegulatorASIC
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF

Pros

  • The low minimum deposit of $10 will appeal to beginners, as well as the beginners’ guides in the Library
  • xChief offers STP/ECN execution with low spreads from 0.0 pips and low commission rates starting from $2.50 per side
  • The broker offers several account types to suit different traders, including a Cent account for beginners and pro-level hedging/netting accounts

Cons

  • The total range of 150+ assets is much lower than most competitors who typically offer hundreds
  • The Classic+ and Cent accounts provide access to fewer instruments than the other account types, at 50+ and 35+, respectively
  • xChief is an offshore broker with weak regulatory oversight from the VFSC, so traders will receive limited safeguards

AvaTrade

"AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

AvaTrade Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
PlatformsWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • The WebTrader excelled in our hands-on tests, sporting a user-friendly interface for beginners, complete with robust charting tools like 6 chart layouts and 60+ technical indicators.
  • Years on, AvaTrade remains one of the few brokers offering a bespoke risk management tool, AvaProtect, that insures losses up to $1M for a fee and is easy to activate on the platform.
  • AvaTrade continues to enhance its suite of products, recently through AvaFutures, providing an alternative vehicle to speculate on over 35 markets with low day trading margins.

Cons

  • While signing up is a breeze, AvaTrade lacks an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides the raw spreads and ultra-fast execution many day traders are looking for.
  • Although the deposit process itself is smooth, AvaTrade still doesn’t facilitate crypto payments, a feature increasingly offered by brokers like TopFX, which caters to crypto-focused traders.
  • The AvaSocial app is good but not great – the look and feel, plus the navigation between finding strategy providers and account management needs upgrading to rival category leaders like eToro.

XM

"With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

XM Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY

Pros

  • XM’s customer support has delivered over years of testing, with 24/5 assistance in 25 languages, response times of <2 minutes and now a growing Telegram channel.
  • XM’s growing roster of 1,000+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
  • XM’s Zero account is ideal for day trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, and no requotes or rejections.

Cons

  • Although trusted and generally well-regulated, the XM global entity is registered with the weak IFSC regulator and UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
  • XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable or web-accessible solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
  • XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader and TradingView which are increasingly being favored over MetaTrader for their smoother user experience and superior charting packages.

IC Markets

"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IC Markets Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower
Minimum Deposit$200
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
  • IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.

Cons

  • While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
  • Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
  • There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.

Pepperstone

"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Pepperstone Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade, Quantower
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.
  • Pepperstone has greatly improved the deposit and withdrawal experience in recent years, adding Apple Pay and Google Pay in 2025, as well as PIX and SPEI for clients in Brazil and Mexico in 2024.
  • Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.

Cons

  • Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
  • Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets, though it has introduced an intuitive copy trading app.
  • Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.

Eightcap

"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms, education via Labs, and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 120+ crypto CFDs, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Eightcap Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD

Pros

  • Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed every competitor to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.
  • With tight spreads from 0 pips, low commission fees, and high leverage up to 1:500 for certain clients, Eightcap provides cost-effective and flexible trading conditions that can accommodate an array of strategies, including day trading and scalping.
  • Eightcap stands out with a selection of powerful trading tools and resources, including MT4 and MT5, the innovative algorithmic trading platform Capitalise.ai, and more recently the 50-million strong social trading network TradingView.

Cons

  • The demo account expires after 30 days and can only be extended upon request - a notable inconvenience compared to the likes of XM with its unlimited demo mode.
  • In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.
  • Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.

eToro

"eToro's social trading platform leads the pack with a terrific user experience and active community chat that can help beginners find opportunities. There are also competitive fees on thousands of CFDs and real stocks, plus excellent rewards for experienced strategy providers."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

eToro Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, ETFs, Options, Crypto
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF
PlatformseToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade$10
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP

Pros

  • eToro is a world-renowned brand with top-tier global regulation and a 25M+ user community.
  • eToro has finally introduced EUR and GBP accounts, cutting conversion fees and providing a trading experience more tailored to local needs.
  • eToro introduced automated crypto staking (except for Ethereum which requires opt-in) providing a route to passive income.

Cons

  • There is a $30 minimum withdrawal amount and a $5 fee, which will affect novices with low capital.
  • The lack of additional charting platforms like MT4 will reduce the appeal for seasoned day traders accustomed to using third-party software.
  • There are limited contact methods aside from the in-platform live chat.

Fusion Markets

"Fusion Markets is a standout option for forex traders looking for excellent pricing with spreads near zero, industry-low commissions and recently TradingView integration. It’s a particularly good broker for Australian traders where the company is headquartered and regulated by the ASIC."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Fusion Markets Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, VFSC, FSA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • The range of charting platforms and social trading features is excellent, with MT4, MT5, cTrader and more recently TradingView, catering to a wide range of trader preferences.
  • Fusion Markets is set up to support algo traders with a sponsored VPS solution and a 25% discount if you opt for the NYC Servers VPS for MT4 or cTrader.
  • Fusion Markets continues to impress with its pricing that provides tight spreads with below-average commissions that will appeal to active day traders.

Cons

  • The demo account expires after 30 days, limiting its potential as a useful trading tool alongside a real-money account.
  • Fusion Market trails alternatives, notably eToro and IG, in the education department with limited guides and live video sessions to upskill new traders.
  • Traders outside of Australia must sign up with weakly regulated global entities with limited safeguards and no negative balance protection.

Trade Nation

"Trade Nation is a good choice for newer traders looking for a wide range of financial markets on a user-friendly platform. There is no minimum deposit, free funding options and strong education."

William Berg, Reviewer

Trade Nation Quick Facts

Bonus Offer200 Sign-Up Reward Points
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only)
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA
PlatformsMT4
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.1 Lots
Leverage1:500 (entity dependent)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK

Pros

  • A choice of trading platforms and apps, including MT4, make the brand a good fit for savvy traders
  • Trade Nation is a multi-regulated and respected broker that previously operated as Core Spreads
  • The trading firm offers tight spreads and a transparent pricing schedule

Cons

  • Fewer legal protections with offshore entity

Methodology

To pinpoint the top trading platforms regulated by the ASIC, we:

  • Took our evolving directory of 219 brokers to find those claiming ASIC authorization.
  • Ran their details through ASIC Connect to confirm they are indeed authorized.
  • Combined the results with findings from our own tests and 200+ data entries to rank the best ASIC brokers.

How Can I Check If My Broker Is Regulated By ASIC?

To confirm if your brokerage is ASIC-regulated, follow these simple steps:

  1. Visit the ASIC Connect Website: Go to ASIC Connect and click “Search our registers.”
  2. Choose the prompt “Search ASIC’s registers”: This option opens a new window which allows you to search specifically for brokers and financial services providers authorized to operate in Australia.
  3. Identify the brokerage: In the new page/window below enter the broker’s name, company name, or AFS licence number if you have it. This will help you pull up the provider’s details.
  4. Verify their status and details: Check that the broker’s name matches and that their licence status is “Registered” or “Active.” This indicates they are currently regulated by ASIC. You’ll also see their licence conditions and any disciplinary actions, if applicable.
  5. Check the details on your broker’s website: A legitimate ASIC-regulated broker will often display their licence number on their website (usually in the footer). Cross-reference this number with the ASIC register to make sure it’s valid and active.

Broker Verification Example

I’ll walk you through how I searched IC Markets.

Established in 2007, IC Markets has a reputation as one of Australia’s longest-serving and most reputable brokers. Still, it only took a few minutes to verify they were ASIC-regulated and immediately delivered peace of mind.

I visited ASIC Connect and clicked “Search our registers”. Then I selected the “Australian Financial Services Licensee” Register to ensure I was definitely searching for financial services providers licensed to operate in Australia.

Opening ASIC Connect to check a broker is regulated

A new website window opened. I searched for IC Markets by entering “IC Markets” or their legal name, “International Capital Markets Pty Ltd,” into the search bar.

I could have also used their Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence number, which is 335692.

Checking IC Markets is regulated on ASIC database

I checked the registration status and saw that International Capital Markets Pty Ltd is registered with ASIC. I verified the licence status to ensure it was “Registered” or “Active,” confirming that ASIC regulates them.

ASIC Connect result of searching IC Markets broker

Finally, I cross-checked the Information on IC Markets’ website by scrolling to the footer, where they display their ASIC licence number.

I verified that the number matched the one I found on the ASIC register (335692), ensuring the broker I’m dealing with is indeed the one regulated by ASIC.

IC Markets website footer showing ASIC license details

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You can also check out our video on how to carry out this check yourself:

What Is The ASIC?

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.

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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:

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.

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:

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While CFD trading remains inherently risky, ASIC’s rules help minimize excessive losses and promote fair practices in the industry.

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:

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ASIC continues to offer warnings about high-risk trading products, including securities lending, crypto assets, and so-called ‘zero’ cost brokerages.

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.

Article Sources

The writing and editorial team at DayTrading.com use credible sources to support their work. These include government agencies, white papers, research institutes, and engagement with industry professionals. Content is written free from bias and is fact-checked where appropriate. Learn more about why you can trust DayTrading.com