Best Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Brokers 2026
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:
- Segregation of client funds through firms like Commonwealth Bank of Australia to prevent brokerage misuse.
- Risk transparency for informed decision-making, including the percentage of losing clients CFD trading.
- Execution transparency for competitive and fair deal execution that’s essential for short-term trading.
- Negative balance protection to prevent losses for retail investors beyond their initial investment.
- Strict leverage limits to minimize risk, notably 1:30 for major forex pairs like AUD/USD.
- Dispute resolution through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).
Best ASIC Brokers
Since evaluating AvaTrade, our first ASIC-regulated broker in 2017, we’ve personally tested 141 trading platforms, and these 3 stand out as the superior options if you want an ASIC broker in April 2026:
This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category in 2026:
- Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to over 170 markets across 40 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
- 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.
- Coinbase - Launched in 2012 as a platform enabling users to buy and sell Bitcoin via bank transfers, Coinbase has emerged as a crypto behemoth, expanding its services to include 240+ crypto assets, developing sophisticated trading platforms for retail investors, listing on the US Nasdaq, and securing licenses with multiple regulators. In May 2025, Coinbase also became the first crypto company to join the S&P 500, a milestone that enhances its credibility.
ASIC Brokers Comparison
| Broker | ASIC Regulated | AUD Account | Minimum Deposit | Markets | Platforms | Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | ✔ | ✔ | $0 | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Cryptocurrencies | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower | 1:50 (major forex pairs), 1:2-1:4 (equities) |
| Moomoo | ✔ | - | $0 | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs | Desktop Platform, Mobile App | 1:2 |
| Coinbase | ✔ | - | $0 | Crypto, Stocks and ETFs (US only) | Coinbase, Advanced Trade, Wallet, NFT, TradingView | - |
Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Interactive Brokers Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Cryptocurrencies |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, CIRO, FCA, CBI, ASIC, SFC, SEBI, JFSA, MAS |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $100 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
- IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.
- Interactive Brokers was named 'Best US Broker' for 2025 by DayTrading.com, recognizing its long-standing commitment to US traders, ultra-low margin rates, and global market access at minimal cost.
Cons
- IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
- You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
- Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
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
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA, SIPC, MAS, SFC, ASIC, FMA, CIRO, CIPF, JFSA, SC |
| Platforms | Desktop Platform, Mobile App |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $0 |
| Account Currencies | USD, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Moomoo's analytics and insights are impressive and detailed compared to other brands
- Moomoo has partnered with Nasdaq to offer new Monday and Wednesday weekly expirations for options on 9 major U.S. stocks
- Moomoo is a Member of FINRA and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), adding another level of security for prospective clients
Cons
- There is no phone or live chat support - common options at most other brokers
- There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
- It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer
Coinbase
"Coinbase is ideal for beginners looking for an intuitive platform to buy and sell a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, with robust security and regulatory compliance. However, its fees are higher compared to competitors in our tests, and it’s not as tailored for short-term traders."
Coinbase Quick Facts
| Demo Account | No |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Crypto, Stocks and ETFs (US only) |
| Regulator | FCA, CSSF, CBI, CySEC, BaFin, MAS, OSC, ASIC, BMA |
| Platforms | Coinbase, Advanced Trade, Wallet, NFT, TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $2 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- Coinbase has teamed up with Chainlink DataLink so now premium exchange data, including spot prices, order books, and futures data, is accessible on-chain, enabling better DeFi pricing and risk management.
- As a Nasdaq-listed company, Coinbase follows strict financial regulations, with licensing across the US, UK, and Europe. Security includes FDIC insurance for USD balances (up to $250,000) and two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Coinbase Advanced bolstered its leveraged trading offering with a suite of new futures products in 2025, including Ripple (XRP), Natural Gas (NGS), and Cardano (ADA), providing accessible ways to trade, hedge, or diversify.
Cons
- High crypto fees based on tests, especially compared to competitors like Kraken and BitMEX, and notably on the standard dealing platform.
- There are woeful research tools; Advanced Trade has TradingView charts but lacks features like news feeds, economic calendars, and AI market insights.
- Frustrating customer support during testing, with most help options hidden behind login, making it tough for locked-out users or non-account holders to get assistance.
Methodology
To pinpoint the top trading platforms regulated by the ASIC, we:
- Took our evolving directory of 141 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:
- Visit the ASIC Connect Website: Go to ASIC Connect and click “Search our registers.”
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Article Sources
- Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC)
- Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act
- Australian Financial Services (AFS) Licence
- Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)
- ASIC Warns Brokers Considering High-Risk Offers To Retail Investors
- Corporations Act
- Investor Alert List
- ASIC Connect
- Interactive Brokers - ASIC Fine
- Openmarkets - ASIC Fine
- Forex CT - ASIC Fine
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