Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Brokers 2024
Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA) was established in 1989 as a statutory agency under the Capital Markets Act Cap 485A. Operating under the National Treasury, the CMA’s primary mandate is to promote market integrity, protect traders, and foster fair and efficient capital markets in Kenya.
The CMA licenses and oversees various trading brokers, ensuring they comply with the legal and regulatory framework. A growing number of brokers have sought authorization from the CMA in recent years, including IC Markets and Pepperstone, as Kenya emerges as the leading centre for forex and CFD brokers in Africa.
We’ve assigned the CMA ‘yellow-tier’ status in line with our Regulation & Trust Rating, meaning it provides “strong investor protection”, especially for Kenyan traders, though it’s not as robust as ‘green-tier’ regulators.
We’ve pinpointed the best brokers regulated by the CMA. Our experts have verified the credentials of every recommended platform on the regulator’s List of Licensees.
Best CMA Brokers
After extensive hands-on testing, these 6 CMA-regulated trading platforms stand out from the pack:
-
1
IC Markets
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$2000.01 Lots1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMACFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, CryptoMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTradePayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeChargeUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
2
PepperstoneCFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCBCFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread BettingMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTradeVisa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, SkrillUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
3
Ingot Brokers
$100.01 Lots1:500ASIC, FSCA, JSC, FSA, CMACFDs, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Forex, CryptocurrenciesMT4, MT5Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Visa, Debit Card, Credit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, AUD -
4
FP Markets
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$400.01 Lots1:30 (UK), 1:500 (Global)ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMACFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, ETFs, CryptoIress, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentralNeteller, Skrill, Visa, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Credit Card, Dragonpay, Perfect Money, Mastercard, Debit Card, Sticpay, Bitcoin Payments, Rapid Transfer, Apple Pay, Google WalletUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, TRY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
5
Admiral MarketsForex & CFDs are complex products, not suitable for everyone, and come with the high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
$1000.01 Lots1:30 (EU), 1:500 (Global)FCA, CySEC, ASIC, JSC, CMAForex, CFDs, indices, shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, bonds, spread bettingMT4, MT5, TradingCentralNeteller, iDeal, Skrill, PayPal, Sofort, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, Swift, Credit Card, KlarnaUSD, EUR, GBP, SEK, CHF, CZK -
6
Exinity
$20 (World), $100 (Trader), $10,000 (Trader Pro)0.01 Lots1:2000FSRA, FCA, FSC, CMAStocks, Stock CFDs, Forex, Commodities, IndicesMT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Mastercard, Visa, Debit Card, NetellerUSD, AED
This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category:
- 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.
- 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.
- Ingot Brokers - Ingot Brokers is a multi-regulated brokerage established in 2006. The broker offers CFD trading opportunities on 1000+ instruments including forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. The broker supports the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms and offers both raw spreads and commission-free account options.
- FP Markets - Established in 2005 in Australia, FP Markets is an ASIC- and CySEC-regulated broker boasting an extensive suite of tradable assets. Its Standard and Raw accounts cater to day traders at every level, while it packs a punch in the tooling department, from the MetaTrader suite and intuitive TradingView to actionable trading ideas from Trading Central and AutoChartist.
- Admiral Markets - Admirals is a multi-regulated broker with an excellent range of leveraged instruments, including forex, stocks, indices, ETFs, commodities, cryptos and more. The broker supports the MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and TradingCentral platforms. With both spread betting and CFDs available and thousands of instruments, this broker provides more flexibility than most rivals.
- Exinity - Exinity provides flexible low-cost trading in FX, commodities, indices and equities alongside unique education and support provided by teams located across the world. Now operating in the Middle East, through regulation from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority in Abu Dhabi and the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius, Exinity provides a range of services to traders and investors looking for new opportunities in the financial markets.
CMA Brokers Comparison
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Markets | Platforms | Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
$200 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) |
|
|
$0 | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
|
|
$10 | CFDs, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Forex, Cryptocurrencies | MT4, MT5 | 1:500 |
|
|
$40 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, ETFs, Crypto | Iress, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral | 1:30 (UK), 1:500 (Global) |
|
|
$100 | Forex, CFDs, indices, shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, bonds, spread betting | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral | 1:30 (EU), 1:500 (Global) |
|
|
$20 (World), $100 (Trader), $10,000 (Trader Pro) | Stocks, Stock CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Indices | MT4, MT5 | 1:2000 |
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."
IC Markets Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto |
| Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
- IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
- You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
Cons
- There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
- 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.
- Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
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."
Pepperstone Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates of 25%+ through the Active Trader program.
- 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.
- 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.
- There’s no simplified proprietary trading platform, nor are there any social trading features, which could be a disadvantage if you are new to day trading.
Ingot Brokers
"Ingot Brokers is a good choice for day traders looking for a no-frills broker with a wide range of instruments. Experienced traders will appreciate access to the advanced MT5 platform, although beginners may be disappointed in the lack of educational resources."
William Berg, Reviewer
Ingot Brokers Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Forex, Cryptocurrencies |
| Regulator | ASIC, FSCA, JSC, FSA, CMA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, AUD |
Pros
- Traders can access the market-leading MT4 and MT5 platforms, collectively offering dozens of advanced technical indicators and charting tools for detailed analysis
- Multiple free payment methods are available, including bank transfers and crypto payments
- Ingot Brokers offers a copy trading service with passive income opportunities for experienced strategy providers
Cons
- The ECN account offers fewer assets than the other account types
- The range of 30+ currency pairs is below the industry average and won’t be sufficient for serious forex traders
- The broker’s educational resources and market research trail most competitors
FP Markets
"FP Markets strikes an ideal balance between affordability and quality for active traders. They’ve managed to keep trading costs low while expanding their investment offering, charting tools, and research features, all while providing excellent support you can rely on for urgent trading queries."
FP Markets Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, ETFs, Crypto |
| Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
| Platforms | Iress, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $40 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (UK), 1:500 (Global) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, TRY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- FP Markets offers a superb selection of tradable assets, especially since expanding its suite of commodities and supporting over 10,000 stocks.
- FP Markets has integrated top-notch research tools from Trading Central and Autochartist, helping traders identify short-term opportunities based on chart patterns, indicators, and other technical factors.
- FP Markets has a seamless onboarding experience, standing out with crypto deposits and over 10 base currencies, catering to global traders.
Cons
- While pricing in the Raw account is excellent, spreads in the Standard account trail the cheapest brokers with a 1.1-pip average spread on the EUR/USD compared to the 0.8-pip average at IC Markets.
- FP Markets trails the best MetaTrader brokers, despite offering a Trader's Toolbox on MT4, just 130 instruments are available, limiting opportunities for serious traders, especially compared to Pepperstone with its 1,300 assets.
- FP Markets’ Iress platform is only available to clients in Australia. It also primarily emphasizes stock trading over forex trading, and data fees can accumulate rapidly unless you're an active trader or maintain a high-balance account.
Admiral Markets
"Admirals is a good pick for novice-to-intermediate traders that want a trustworthy, regulated broker with access to a wide range of markets with tight spreads and no commission."
Admiral Markets Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Forex, CFDs, indices, shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, bonds, spread betting |
| Regulator | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, JSC, CMA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (EU), 1:500 (Global) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, SEK, CHF, CZK |
Pros
- MetaTrader 4 platform and app integration
- Demo account to test the broker before real-money trading
- Low minimum deposit from $100
Cons
- US traders not accepted
- Monthly inactivity fee
- The demo account expires after 30 days
Exinity
"Exinity's competitive ECN pricing, excellent range of forex pairs and high leverage makes this a great choice for dedicated forex day traders."
Exinity Quick Facts
| Demo Account | No |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, Stock CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Indices |
| Regulator | FSRA, FCA, FSC, CMA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $20 (World), $100 (Trader), $10,000 (Trader Pro) |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:2000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, AED |
Pros
- Leverage up to 1:2000 for traders with an appetite for risk
- Supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms
- 24-hour customer support
Cons
- No bonus schemes
- No cryptocurrency trading available
- Does not accept traders from the US
Methodology
To identify the top brokers regulated in Kenya, we:
- Scoured our directory of approximately 500 brokers to find those who claim to be regulated by the CMA.
- Put their company credentials through the List of Licensees to verify they were authorized.
- Ranked them by their rating, combining 100+ data entries with the observations of our testers.
How Can I Check A Broker Is Regulated By The CMA?
Confirming whether a broker is regulated by the CMA is straightforward:
- Navigate to the CMA’s List of Licensees.
- Expand the drop-down section ‘NON-DEALING ONLINE FOREIGN EXCHANGE BROKER.’
- View regulated broker details, including company and trading name, registered address, and license number.
To show you how this works in practice, below are the results of a search I did to check that Pepperstone, a terrific broker for day trading featuring lightening-fast execution and razor-sharp spreads, is authorized to operate in Kenya.
What Rules Must CMA-Regulated Brokers Follow?
Brokers in Kenya must obtain a license from the CMA to operate legally in the country. The licensing process is rigorous and ensures that brokers meet high financial stability, integrity, and competence standards.
It involves a thorough review of the broker’s financial records, operational structure, and business practices. The CMA also conducts background checks on the broker’s key personnel to ensure they have the necessary qualifications and experience.
At the time of writing, the CMA has licensed 10 non-dealing forex brokers to operate in Kenya, with the largest brands including firms like Pepperstone, HF Markets and FP Markets. That said, the List of licensed brokers fluctuates as the CMA grants new licenses and revokes non-compliant ones.
The CMA establishes clear criteria for online brokers seeking a Kenyan license. The fundamental rules and requirements that CMA-regulated brokers must follow encompass financial stability, operational structure, and responsible business practices:
- The CMA has a minimum capital adequacy requirement set at 30 million Kenya shillings, ensuring brokers possess sufficient financial resources to operate responsibly.
- All licensed brokers must maintain a physical presence within Kenya to facilitate oversight, with nearly every CMA-regulated broker we’ve evaluated maintaining an office in the capital, Nairobi.
- The CMA mandates qualified leadership with a solid financial background, promoting responsible management of client funds.
- Obtaining a CMA license can take several months, reflecting the thoroughness of the CMA’s review process.
- Regulations dictate that all business in Kenya is conducted in the local currency, the Kenyan shilling.
Yet while the CMA provides strong trader protections, especially for Kenyan traders, it’s not yet as robust as other prominent regulators, such as the FCA in the UK or ASIC in Australia.Its shortcomings centre around its relatively limited resources to enforce rules, sometimes slow and inconsistent penalties, and the country’s less developed financial markets.
What Powers Does The CMA Have?
The CMA plays a vital role in safeguarding Kenyan traders. They achieve this by recommending that new traders only participate with brokers licensed by the CMA.
The CMA’s regulations extend to Kenyan soil, and some offshore brokers continue to solicit Kenyan investors despite needing a CMA license. While these overseas brokers might be regulated elsewhere, the CMA has advised many times over the years against using them due to the lack of CMA oversight.
The CMA actively monitors and enforces compliance among licensed brokers. In recent years, it has taken several enforcement actions, including imposing fines and penalties on brokers who violate regulatory requirements.
For instance, In October 2018, Kenyan authorities issued a cease and desist order to Pesos Capital Markets Limited. The order alleged that the firm was operating as a fund manager and an online foreign exchange dealer without the necessary licenses required by the Capital Markets Act.
Public notices and investor alerts are regularly issued to inform the public about unlicensed entities and potential scams.
Bottom Line
The CMA is the guardian of Kenya’s capital markets, ensuring their integrity and fostering growth. This includes regulating brokers to promote fair and transparent practices.
The CMA implements a licensing process that only qualified firms can pass. They maintain constant vigilance through ongoing monitoring of licensed brokerages, ensuring adherence to regulations. Additionally, the CMA can take decisive enforcement against any broker violating the established rules.
When choosing a CMA-licensed broker, you benefit from the CMA’s regulations to safeguard Kenyan traders. Trading with an unlicensed broker removes these protections, leaving Kenyan traders with limited avenues to seek compensation or resolve disputes.
Article Sources
- Capital Markets Authority (CMA)
- The National Treasury
- Annual Report for 2022 - CMA
- List of licensees - CMA
- Regulatory Framework - CMA
- Licensing Guidelines - CMA
- Capital Markets Act (Cap 485A) - Kenya Law
- Kenya’s CMA Warns of Rise in Unlicensed Online Forex Trading - CGTN Africa
- Kenya’s Regulator tightens Surveillance on Rogue Stock Brokerage firms - The Kenyan Wall Street
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