Best CFD Trading Platforms and Brokers in South Korea 2025
CFD trading in South Korea has come under the spotlight in recent years, having been suspended in 2023 after stock manipulation schemes cost investors up to one trillion won. It has since resumed under tighter rules from Korea’s Financial Services Commission, resulting in fewer local brokers.
Explore our selection of the best CFD brokers in South Korea. Every CFD trading platform accepts retail investors from South Korea and has earned the trust of our experts.
Top 6 CFD Trading Platforms in South Korea
After testing 220 brokers, these 6 platforms emerged as the best for CFD traders in South Korea:
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- AvaTrade - AvaTrade's 1250+ leveraged CFD products span a wide range of asset classes including stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, crypto, and ETFs. What we love is that you can speculate on rising and falling prices in the broker’s feature-rich web and mobile platforms with market-leading research tools to help you discover short-term trading opportunities.
- XM - XM delivers for CFD traders with flexible leverage and a huge range of markets, including bespoke thematic indices for exposure to popular sectors like artificial intelligence. The MT4/MT5 platforms are also fast and dependable while a free VPS is available to qualifying XM traders running algo trading strategies.
- IC Markets - You gain access to over 2,250 CFDs, available for trading 24/5 across popular markets such as forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and bonds. Utilizing deep liquidity and advanced bridge technology, IC Markets ensures optimal conditions for scalpers, hedgers, and algo traders alike.
- RoboForex - RoboForex offers a growing suite of over 12,000 CFDs, encompassing forex, stocks, indices, commodities, futures and ETFs. With an initial deposit of $10 and micro lot trading through to very high leverage up to 1:2000, RoboForex caters to a broad range of derivative traders. On the downside, analysis reveals execution speeds of 1-3 seconds, noticeably slower than IC Markets at 0.35 seconds, and suboptimal for fast-paced strategies like scalping.
- Deriv - Since broadening its range of CFDs in 2023, Deriv now offers trading on rising and falling prices across hundreds of global financial markets. This includes the firm’s exclusive synthetic indices which imitate real markets but run around the clock for additional trading opportunities.
- Pepperstone - Pepperstone maintains its position as one of the fastest and most dependable CFD brokers during our latest round of testing. With execution speeds averaging around 30ms and an outstanding fill rate of 99.90%, the broker ensures a seamless trading experience without requotes or dealing desk interference. It also provides ample trading opportunities across over 1,300 assets.
Best CFD Trading Platforms and Brokers in South Korea 2025 Comparison
| Broker | CFD Trading | Minimum Deposit | Markets | Platforms | Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | ✔ | $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 | ✔ | $5 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral | 1:1000 |
| IC Markets | ✔ | $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) |
| RoboForex | ✔ | $10 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures | R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView | 1:2000 |
| Deriv | ✔ | $5 | CFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFs | Deriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | 1:1000 |
| Pepperstone | ✔ | $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) |
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."
AvaTrade Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000 |
|---|---|
| FTSE Spread | 0.5 |
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.5 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.13 |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) |
| Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM |
| Platforms | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- 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.
- 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.
- Support at AvaTrade performed excellently during testing, with response times of 3 minutes and localized support in major trading jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
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.
- AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
- 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.
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 |
|---|---|
| FTSE Spread | 1.4 |
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.002 |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY |
Pros
- XM stands out for its commitment to trader education, with a wealth of well-presented resources, including webinars, tutorials, and even real-time trading sessions through XM Live.
- 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.
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.
- While the XM app stands out for its usability and exclusive copy trading products, the selection of technical analysis tools needs to be improved to meet the needs of advanced traders.
- 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."
IC Markets Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.23 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.02 |
| Leverage | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) |
| Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
- 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.
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.
- There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
- Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
RoboForex
"RoboForex is great if you want a vast range of 12,000+ day trading markets with ECN accounts, powerful charting and loyalty promotions. It also stands out for stock traders with its user-friendly R StocksTrader platform, featuring 3,000+ shares, fees from $0.01 and sophisticated watchlists."
RoboForex Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.4 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:2000 |
| Regulator | IFSC |
| Platforms | R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- The R Stocks Trader platform rivals leading solutions like MT4, with netting and hedging capabilities, comprehensive backtesting, Level II pricing, and a flexible workspace.
- The broker offers two commission-free withdrawals each month in the Free Funds Withdrawal program, helping day traders to minimize transaction costs.
- The broker offers leverage up to 1:2000 for certain account types, which is among the highest in the industry. This high leverage allows day traders to maximize their trading potential, albeit with a corresponding increase in risk.
Cons
- RoboForex now restricts base currency options to USD and EUR. This limitation may inconvenience day traders preferring to manage their accounts in other currencies, while potentially leading to conversion fees.
- Despite offering a range of platforms, RoboForex still doesn't support the increasingly popular cTrader. This might deter traders who prefer this specific platform for their day trading activities and is available at firms like Fusion Markets.
- While RoboForex offers competitive spreads, some of its account types come with high trading commissions up to $20 per lot, trailing the cheapest brokers, such as IC Markets.
Deriv
"Deriv is ideal for active traders seeking alternative and unique ways to speculate on global financial markets, from multipliers and accumulator options to its bespoke synthetic indices, which mimic real market movements and are available 24/7, allowing for continuous trading opportunities regardless of market hours."
Deriv Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 1.28 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.4 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.59 (Apple) |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Regulator | MFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA |
| Platforms | Deriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- Although response times trail alternatives in our personal experience, Deriv offers 24/7 support and is one of the few brokers to offer WhatsApp assistance.
- After integrating TradingView and adding MT5 web trader, Deriv now offers a first-class selection of charting tools across desktop, web and mobile devices.
- Deriv revamped its app in 2025, now sporting a slicker interface alongside improved position management and streamlined contract details for smarter mobile trading.
Cons
- Although there’s a basic blog, there's little in terms of technical analysis or market reports which could help active traders identify potential opportunities.
- Apart from the MFSA in the EU, Deriv lacks top-tier regulatory credentials, reducing the level of safeguards like access to investor compensation.
- While the Academy launched in 2021 is a step in the right direction, there is limited education on advanced trading topics for seasoned traders and no live webinars to upskill new traders.
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
| FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.4 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.02 |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade, Quantower |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates up to 30% (index and commodities) and $3/lot (forex) through the Active Trader program.
- Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
- Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
Cons
- 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.
- 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.
How We Chose The Best CFD Trading Platforms In South Korea
To find the best CFD trading platforms in South Korea, we took our database comprising 220 brokers that have been tested over many years, identified those that accept South Korean traders, and then ranked them by their overall rating which considers key factors, notably:
We Prioritized Brokers We Trust
We only recommend CFD brokers we trust after balancing their regulatory credentials with their standing in the industry and the observations of our experts during the hands-on testing process.
CFD trading in South Korea is overseen by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), with the FSC responsible for policy decisions and the FSS in charge of executing policies and overseeing brokers.
Korean regulators introduced stringent rules on CFDs in September 2023 after Ra Deok-yeon, head of a trading firm, capitalized on flaws in the local CFD trading environment to manipulate stock prices, leading to huge investor losses.
As part of the changes, CFD traders must put down at least 40% of the trading amount, while the monthly balance requirement for qualifying CFD traders has jumped from 50 million won to 300 million won, amongst other requirements.
As a result, the number of locally registered CFD providers has dropped from 13 to just 4, potentially turning more South Koreans towards trusted global brokers regulated in other jurisdictions.
- IG takes our spot as the most trusted CFD broker, boasting 13 regulatory licenses, an excellent record spanning over 50 years, plus positive real-money trading experiences from our experts.
We Prioritized Brokers With Transparent Leverage Requirements
One of the main draws of CFDs is the ability to use leverage to amplify returns.
Let’s say you want to trade CFDs on popular South Korean stocks, such as Samsung Securities. 1:5 leverage on an outlay of 150,000 won would multiply your trading power and subsequent returns or losses by 5.
Therefore, we selected CFD platforms which offer leverage trading with clear margin requirements, ensuring you understand how much you need to deposit and the balance you need to maintain to prevent a margin call (a request from your broker to deposit more funds before they automatically close out your position).
- XM excels with flexible leverage trading opportunities up to 1:1000, alongside an easy-to-use margin calculator that can help you establish balance requirements before you open a CFD trade.
We Prioritized Brokers With A Great Selection Of Markets
For over 30 years, South Korea has had strict rules in place to prevent foreign investors from entering local markets. And whilst the nation is opening up on domestic stock and bonds, not many global brokers offer CFDs on South Korean instruments beyond currency pairs with the Korean won, such as the USD/KWR.
Even brokers known for their huge investment offerings, such as IG and Interactive Brokers, are being slow on the uptake to add Korean stocks to their suite of CFDs, despite the growing demand we’re seeing from seasoned traders.
In the meantime, we’ve favored brokers with a wide range of CFD trading opportunities, for example, access to stocks and indices from neighboring Asian countries such as Japan.
- FOREX.com offers a growing selection of 5,500+ CFDs spanning popular asset classes like forex, shares, commodities, and cryptos, plus indices providing exposure to Asian economies.
We Prioritized Brokers With Low Pricing
Maximizing profits is about more than just selecting the right CFD trades – it’s about choosing a broker that offers great spreads, low to no commissions, and potentially rebates if you’re a high-volume trader.
That’s why we record and analyze fees on popular markets and then balance them with the overall CFD trading environment, considering the availability of research tools that provide helpful insights, for example, into the decisions from the Bank of Korea or companies listed on the Korean Exchange.
- IC Markets routinely impresses following our real-money experience trading on the platform with spreads from 0.0, cash rebates, plus deep liquidity that helps CFD traders secure the best prices.
We Prioritized Brokers With Excellent Trading Tools
CFDs are short-term trading products that lend themselves to strategies like day trading, which typically require powerful charting tools for technical analysis.
We’ve been testing CFD brokers that accept traders from South Korea for years and MetaTrader 4 remains the most widely available option. It’s reliable, feature-rich and also caters to algo traders.
However, an increasing number of in-house solutions rival the MetaTrader suite in the charting department, while also delivering more user-friendly workspaces for aspiring traders, notably eToro.
- Pepperstone offers a first-rate selection of platforms, from the MetaTrader suite with ‘Smart Trader Tools’ that deliver 28 useful add-ons, to TradingView, cTrader, plus Autochartist for insights.
FAQ
Who Regulates CFD Trading Platforms And Brokers In South Korea?
The Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) regulate CFD trading platforms and brokers in South Korea.
Many CFD providers registered and authorized in other jurisdictions accept traders from South Korea, however you may give up regulatory safeguards.
How Much Money Do I Need To Open A CFD Trading Account In South Korea?
Our analysis of hundreds of brokers reveals you normally need between 0 and 250 USD, around 0 to 330,000 won, to open a CFD trading account in South Korea.
Having said that, some CFD trading platforms stand out for budget traders, notably Blackbull Markets and Pepperstone, featuring no minimum deposit.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- South Korea Financial Services Commission (FSC)
- South Korea Financial Supervisory Service (FSS)
- Korean Exchange (KRX)
- Bank of Korea
- Bloomberg - Samsung Securities Stock
- The Korea Times - CFD Trading Resumes
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