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Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Brokers 2024

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Written By
Paul Holmes
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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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Edited By
James Barra
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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
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Fact Checked By
Michael MacKenzie
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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
Nov 9, 2024

If you’re an active trader in the UK, choosing a broker regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is not just a no-brainer, it should be your first priority.

Since it was established in 2013, it has emerged as one of the most respected and active financial regulators globally, earning it ‘green tier’ status in DayTrading.com’s Regulation & Trust Rating.

Picking an FCA-regulated broker should give you essential safeguards:

  • Up to £85,000 through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme should your broker go bankrupt.
  • Responsible leverage limits for retail investors up to 1:30 to protect you from incurring substantial losses.
  • Negative balance protection so that you cannot lose more pounds than you initially invested.
  • Transparency about the fees you will incur and the significant risks of online trading.
  • “Best execution” considering price, speed, order size and likelihood of execution.

Best FCA Brokers

We evaluated our first FCA-regulated broker, ETX Capital (now closed), in 2017. Since then, we've personally tested 265 trading platforms and have determined these are the 4 best FCA brokers in the market today:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    Interactive Brokers
    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    $0
    $100
    1:50
    FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
    Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
    Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
    Go To Interactive Brokers
  2. 2
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To IG
  3. 3
    Kraken
    Lower fees when trading volume exceeds $50,000 in 30 days
    Ratings
    3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    1.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5
    $10
    Variable
    FCA, FinCEN, FINTRAC, AUSTRAC, FSA
    Cryptos
    AlgoTrader
    Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, PayID, Silvergate Bank Transfer, Etana, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF
    Go To Kraken
  4. 4
    Gemini
    Ratings
    2 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5
    $0
    0.00001 BTC
    NYDFS, MAS, FCA
    Cryptos
    ActiveTrader, AlgoTrader, TradingView
    Bitcoin Payments, Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Silvergate Bank Transfer, Ethereum Payments, ACH Transfer, PayPal, Etana
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, HKD, SGD
    Go To Gemini

Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:

  1. Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 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.
  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. Kraken - Kraken is a leading cryptocurrency exchange with a proprietary trading terminal and a list of 220+ tradeable crypto tokens. Up to 1:5 leverage is available with stable rollover fees on spot crypto trading and up to 1:50 on futures. The exchange also supports crypto staking and has an interactive NFT marketplace.
  4. Gemini - Gemini is a cryptocurrency exchange set up in 2014 by the Winklevoss brothers, known for their early involvement in Facebook. The exchange is among the world’s 20 largest and most popular. Gemini clients can trade and stake 110+ cryptocurrencies, with derivatives trading available in some jurisdictions, an advanced proprietary platform and additional features including an NFT marketplace.

FCA Brokers Comparison

FCA Brokers Comparison
Broker FCA Regulated GBP Account Minimum Deposit Markets Platforms Leverage
Interactive Brokers logo
✔ ✔ $0 Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral 1:50
IG logo
✔ ✔ $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)
Kraken logo
✔ ✔ $10 Cryptos AlgoTrader -
Gemini logo
✔ ✔ $0 Cryptos ActiveTrader, AlgoTrader, 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 AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$100
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

  • IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries, most recently the Saudi Stock Exchange.
  • The TWS platform has clearly been built for intermediate and advanced traders and comes with over 100 order types and a reliable real-time market data feed that rarely goes offline.
  • While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.

Cons

  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
  • 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.
Visit Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers 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 AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, 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 is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, plus recently added US-listed futures and options, providing ample diversification opportunities.
  • The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met.

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.
  • IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders.
  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests.
Visit IG
IG Review

Kraken

"Kraken will suit traders looking for a diverse list of cryptos including Bitcoin and a good security track record."

William Berg, Reviewer

Kraken Quick Facts

Bonus OfferLower fees when trading volume exceeds $50,000 in 30 days
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCryptos
RegulatorFCA, FinCEN, FINTRAC, AUSTRAC, FSA
PlatformsAlgoTrader
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum TradeVariable
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF

Pros

  • Crypto staking
  • Low exchange fees on Kraken Pro
  • Low minimum deposit of $10

Cons

  • Does not support many newer altcoins
  • Slow verification times
  • Slow verification process on Pro account
Visit Kraken
Kraken Review

Gemini

"Gemini’s ActiveTrader platform and TradingView integration make it a good choice for serious crypto traders seeking a reliable charting environment, though we were disappointed by some unnecessary fees and previous security breaches."

Michael MacKenzie, Reviewer

Gemini Quick Facts

Demo AccountNo
InstrumentsCryptos
RegulatorNYDFS, MAS, FCA
PlatformsActiveTrader, AlgoTrader, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.00001 BTC
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • There is a decent range of educational guides and tutorials suitable for beginners
  • The trading app features a user-friendly, modern design and intuitive interface, with an excellent range of charting tools for day traders
  • The exchange ensures high security standards with 2FA a requirement for all crypto investors

Cons

  • There are high fees for some funding methods including a 3.49% fee for card transactions
  • There is no practice profile or demo account for prospective traders
  • The exchange has a history of concerning incidents including the collapse of its Earn program and a phishing breach
Visit Gemini
Gemini Review

Methodology

To list the top FCA-authorised brokers, we:

  • Analysed our almost-daily updated directory of 265 brokers to find those claiming an FCA license.
  • Verified their status using the Financial Services Register, removing firms that aren’t officially authorised.
  • Combined the results with testing insights and 200+ data points to identify the top 10 FCA-regulated brokers.

How Can I Check If A Broker Is Regulated By The FCA?

To check if a brokerage is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), follow these simple steps:

  1. Visit the FCA Register: Head to the FCA’s official website for the Financial Services Register. This searchable database lists all companies and individuals regulated by the FCA.
  2. Enter Broker Details: Type in the broker’s name, FCA reference number (if you have it), or even their trading name. This will help you narrow down results and find the exact entity you’re looking for.
  3. Verify Details: Once you find the brokerage, check that the details (like their address, website, and contact info) match what the broker has provided you. Scammers sometimes use similar names to mimic legitimate firms, so make sure all information aligns.
  4. Check Permissions: Look at what activities the FCA has authorised the broker to conduct. This section will show whether they’re legally allowed to offer the specific services you’re interested in (like CFD trading or forex trading).
  5. Confirm FCA Logo and Warning: UK-regulated brokers often display the FCA logo on their website but always double-check this on the FCA’s site. The FCA Register will also highlight if there are any warnings or restrictions on the broker’s activities.
💡
Follow this process to help ensure you deal with a legitimate, FCA-regulated broker, not an unregulated entity or a potential trading scam.

Broker Check Example

Suppose you’re considering trading with IG, one of our industry’s most prominent and oldest brokers, who began trading with a gold index in 1974, and who earned our ‘safest broker‘ status in 2024.

To give you some background, IG Group Holdings plc is a company floated on the London Stock Exchange.

All things considered, they’re a safe bet, yes? They should be, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t exercise our right to check them out.

We’re using IG as an example to illustrate the same level of due diligence you should employ if you’re considering trading with a small broker and not necessarily one of the industry behemoths like IG.

My first port of call is the Financial Services Register, the FCA page directing me to the register of regulated firms.

Navigating the FCA's Financial Services Register

However, I want to concentrate on the register section on the website page. This is where you can enter the details you have on the firm to check its current status.

Using the FCA's register to check a UK broker is regulated

Now, IG is different in size from your average broker; a few subsidiary firms are connected to the overall holdings company. So, I decided to search the two entities listed on the IG website: IG Index Limited and IG Markets Limited.

As an example, the IG Index Limited search provided the following result.

Results of running IG through the FCA's broker database

Here, you can discover the firm’s status and clearly see what permissions it has to trade. These questions are listed on the left-hand side; click, and you get the answers.

Complaints section of FCA database for IG broker

One of the most important areas on the page is the contact details. So, if you ever have a significant issue with IG that you can’t resolve with a contact at the firm, the contact details of the compliance department are listed here.

For your information, the search on IG Markets Limited delivered a nearly identical result to that of IG Index Limited.

Results of putting IG through the FCA's database or authorised brokers

So, to summarise, our search on IG quickly discovered that (as you’d expect) the company, in the various guises relevant to me as an active trader, has all the regulatory approvals and permissions to trade, and there are no issues I should be concerned with.

You can also check out our video run through below to see how you can perform this check yourself in under 45 seconds.

What Is The FCA?

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the UK’s watchdog for financial services. It monitors firms to ensure they abide by the rules and treat customers fairly.

The FCA regulates a wide range of financial firms and their activities, from banks and investment firms to insurance providers and financial advisers.

Founded in 2013, the FCA stepped in after the 2008 financial crisis, when trust in the financial sector was at an all-time low. It took over the responsibility of what was then the OFT, the Office of Fair Trading.

The FCA is independent and funded by the firms it regulates, which gives it the resources and freedom to investigate and hold businesses accountable.

Their mission is clear: protect consumers, keep the markets stable, and promote competition. The FCA can step in if a company is shady, dish out fines, and even revoke the licence, which is about as serious as it gets.

So, if you’re dealing with an FCA-regulated broker, which I always do as a UK-based trader with over 10 years of experience, you’re in safe hands.

author image
Paul Holmes
Author

What Powers Does The FCA Have?

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has a broad range of powers to keep financial firms in line and protect consumers. Here’s a breakdown of what they can do:

These powers allow the FCA to intervene at any point if it spots unfair practices, prevent potential crises, and keep the financial system running smoothly for everyone.

What Rules Must An FCA Broker Follow?

Brokers regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK must adhere to strict rules to ensure they operate fairly, transparently, and responsibly.

These rules ensure that FCA brokers operate in a way that protects clients, promotes transparency, and keeps the UK’s financial markets stable.

💡
Check the FCA’s Warning List, which is updated almost daily, for unauthorised trading platforms that may be targeting British investors.

How Does The FCA Protect Active Traders?

A practical example of how the FCA protects short-term traders is its restrictions on CFD product offerings, aimed at minimising the risks that retail traders face. In 2019, the FCA introduced rules specifically for CFD and CFD-like products.

Here’s how these rules work to protect traders like us:

  1. Leverage Limits: The FCA placed strict limits on leverage for retail traders, capping it at levels between 1:30 and 1:2 depending on the asset. For instance, major currency pairs like GBP/USD are limited to 1:30. At the same time, more volatile assets like British stocks are capped at 1:2. By reducing leverage, the FCA helps CFD traders avoid rapid losses that can wipe out accounts.
  2. Negative Balance Protection: Another critical rule is negative balance protection, meaning traders cannot lose more than the funds in their accounts. Previously, with high leverage, a trader could end up owing more than their initial investment if the market moved against them. Now, losses are capped, giving traders more peace of mind.
  3. Standardised Risk Warnings: Brokers must display clear, standardised risk warnings on their platforms, including the percentage of retail clients who lose money on CFD products. This gives traders a realistic view of the risks associated with CFDs, allowing them to make better-informed decisions.
  4. Ban on Monetary Incentives: The FCA has prohibited companies from offering cash bonuses or gifts to encourage CFD trading, which can lure inexperienced traders into risky positions. Instead, brokers focus on education and responsible trading practices.
  5. Enhanced Transparency: The FCA mandates that brokers disclose fees, spreads, and other charges upfront so traders aren’t surprised by hidden costs that could eat into profits.
Through these rules, the FCA significantly reduces the likelihood of excessive losses, prevents misleading marketing tactics, and ensures active traders have access to transparent and safer trading environments.

These measures have transformed the CFD market, making it a safer place for retail traders.

author image
Paul Holmes
Author

Does The FCA Have Teeth?

Yes. The Financial Conduct Authority has issued substantial fines to online brokers and financial services firms over the years, especially when companies have engaged in practices like manipulating forex rates, failing to protect client funds, or misleading customers.

Here are some notable examples:

  1. FXCM UK (2014): The FCA fined FXCM, a major retail forex broker, £4 million. The brokerage was found to have engaged in “asymmetric slippage,” which meant that positive price changes for customers were often ignored while unfavourable changes were passed on to them. FXCM also failed to disclose conflicts of interest.
  2. Interactive Brokers (2018): The FCA fined Interactive Brokers £1.05 million for “for failings in its post-trade systems and controls for identifying and reporting suspicious transactions”.
  3. ForexTB (2024): The FCA fined ForexTB (FXTB) £276,100 for unfair treatment of customers, unauthorised investment advice, pressuring inexperienced clients into risky CFD trading, and encouraging false information for “professional client” status.

These cases illustrate the FCA’s commitment to cracking down on misconduct within the online trading industry, ensuring that brokers prioritise transparency, market integrity, and client protection. The FCA’s fines act as a powerful deterrent, reinforcing the high standards expected of brokers in the UK.

Bottom Line

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) continues to play a crucial role in maintaining trust, stability, and fairness in the UK’s financial markets. Through rigorous rules, they ensure that brokers operate transparently, protect client funds, and treat customers fairly.

This regulation adds a valuable layer of security for retail investors, helping you choose reputable brokers and trade with peace of mind.

By selecting an FCA-regulated brokerage, you’re opting for a provider that’s held to high standards, monitored for compliance, and backed by a robust framework for consumer protection.

To get started, use DayTrading.com’s pick of the best-FCA regulated trading platforms.

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