Best Day Trading Platforms And Brokers In Sri Lanka 2025

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Written By
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Written By
Jemma Grist
Jemma is a writer, editor and fact-checker focused on retail trading and investing. Jemma brings a unique perspective to the forex, stock, and cryptocurrency markets and works across several investment websites as a researcher and broker analyst.
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Edited By
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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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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.
Updated

We’ve tested, rated and ranked the best day trading platforms in Sri Lanka.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka supervises the country’s financial markets, but many resident traders use trusted international brokers that provide an excellent environment for short-term traders. This is allowed, but you must still follow local tax and trading regulations.

Top 10 Platforms For Day Trading In Sri Lanka

Following our latest evaluations, these 10 brokers stand out as the best for short-term traders in Sri Lanka:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    AvaTrade
    20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000

    Ratings
    4.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5

    $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
  2. 2
    XM
    $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account

    Ratings
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.9 / 5

    $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
  3. 3
    IC Markets

    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.1 / 5
    4.2 / 5

    $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
  4. 4
    RoboForex
    $30 No Deposit Bonus
    RoboForex Ltd and its affiliates do not target EU/EEA/UK clients. Please be aware that you are able to receive investment services from a third-country firm at your own exclusive initiative only, taking all the risks involved.

    Ratings
    3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.4 / 5

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:2000
    IFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures
    R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
    Visa, iDeal, Trustly, Neteller, Skrill, Giropay, Sofort, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Alipay, POLi, Perfect Money, MoneyGram, Cashu, SafeCharge, WeChat Pay, Vietcombank Transfer, Volet, ecoPayz, AstroPay
    USD, EUR
  5. 5
    Exness

    Ratings
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    1.5 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:Unlimited
    CySEC, FCA, FSCA, CMA, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSC, JSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    Exness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Boleto, Airtel, Debit Card, Neteller, Skrill, Perfect Money, Sticpay, AstroPay, Cashu, FasaPay, WebMoney, M-Pesa
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR, KRW, MXN, KES, CNY
  6. 6
    Deriv

    Ratings
    3.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $5
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    MFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA
    CFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFs
    Deriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
    Neteller, Visa, Skrill, WebMoney, FasaPay, Perfect Money, Diners Club, Banxa, Paytrust, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, JCB Card, Sticpay, Trustly, Volet, Paysafecard, AstroPay, Maestro, Airtm, Boleto, JetonCash, Przelewy24, Bitcoin Payments, PIX Payment, Airtel, M-Pesa
    USD, EUR, GBP
  7. 7
    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
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.1 / 5

    $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
  8. 8
    Eightcap

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5

    $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
  9. 9
    Fusion Markets

    Ratings
    3.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    1.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 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
    easyMarkets
    50% Deposit Bonus Or Up To A $2000 Tradable Bonus

    Ratings
    4.1 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    3.6 / 5

    $25
    0.01 lots
    1:2000
    CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, FSC, FSA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    easyMarkets App, Web Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradingCentral
    UnionPay, Credit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, AstroPay, Perfect Money, WebMoney, Sticpay, Visa, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, CHF, HKD, SGD, PLN, CZK, MXN, CNY

Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. RoboForex - RoboForex is an online broker, established in 2009 and registered with the IFSC in Belize. Traders can choose from five accounts (Prime, ECN, R StocksTrader, ProCent, Pro) catering to different needs with trades from 0.01 lots and spreads from 0 pips. RoboForex has also enhanced its offering over the years, adding CFD instruments and launching its stock trading platform, plus the CopyFX system.
  5. Exness - Established in 2008, Exness has maintained its position as a highly respected broker, standing out with its industry-leading range of 40+ account currencies, growing selection of CFD instruments, and intuitive web platform complete with useful extras like currency convertors and trading calculators.
  6. Deriv - Established in 1999, Deriv is an innovative broker now serving over 2.5 million global clients. The firm offers CFDs, multipliers and more recently accumulators, alongside its proprietary derived products which can't be found elsewhere, providing flexible short-term trading opportunities.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  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. easyMarkets - Established in 2001, easyMarkets has made for a name for itself as a trusted, fixed spread broker. Improvements to its tools over the years, from adding the MetaTrader suite and TradingView to enhancing its exclusive risk management tools like dealCancellation, mark it out from the competition.

Best Day Trading Platforms And Brokers In Sri Lanka 2025 Comparison

Best Day Trading Platforms And Brokers In Sri Lanka 2025 Comparison
Broker Minimum Deposit Markets Platforms Leverage Regulator
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) ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
XM logo
$5 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies MT4, MT5, TradingCentral 1:1000 ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
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) ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
RoboForex logo
$10 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView 1:2000 IFSC
Exness logo
$10 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto Exness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral 1:Unlimited CySEC, FCA, FSCA, CMA, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSC, JSC
Deriv logo
$5 CFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFs Deriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView 1:1000 MFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA
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) FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
Eightcap logo
$100 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto MT4, MT5, TradingView 1:500 ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB
Fusion Markets logo
$0 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade 1:500 ASIC, VFSC, FSA
easyMarkets logo
$25 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto easyMarkets App, Web Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradingCentral 1:2000 CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, FSC, FSA

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

  • 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.
  • 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.

Cons

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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 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.
  • IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.

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.
  • The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.

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."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

RoboForex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$30 No Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures
RegulatorIFSC
PlatformsR StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:2000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • RoboForex offers over 12,000 instruments, providing more short-term trading opportunities than the vast majority of online brokers, with forex, stocks, indices, ETFs, commodities, and futures.
  • RoboForex is known for its tight spreads starting from 0 pips and low minimum deposits from $10, making it accessible to those on a budget. The ability to trade with micro lots further lowers the barrier to entry for new traders.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • RoboForex provides a variety of account types, which, while offering flexibility, can be overwhelming for newer traders trying to choose the most suitable option for their trading style. Alternatives, notably eToro, provide a smoother entry into online trading with one retail account.

Exness

"After slashing its spreads, improving its execution speeds and support trading on over 100 currency pairs with more than 40 account currencies to choose from, Exness is a fantastic option for active forex traders looking to minimize trading costs."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Exness Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorCySEC, FCA, FSCA, CMA, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSC, JSC
PlatformsExness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:Unlimited
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR, KRW, MXN, KES, CNY

Pros

  • Excellent range of account types for all experience levels, including Cent, Pro plus the introduction of Raw Spread, ideal for day traders.
  • Exness Terminal offers a streamlined experience for beginners with dynamic charts while setting up watchlists is a breeze.
  • Highly competitive spreads, reduced for USOIL and BTCUSD in 2024, are available from 0 pips with low commissions from $2 per side.

Cons

  • Exness has expanded its range of CFDs and added a copy trading feature, but there are still no real assets such as ETFs, cryptocurrencies or bonds
  • Apart from a mediocre blog, educational resources are woeful, especially compared to category leaders like IG which provide a more complete trading journey for newer traders.
  • Retail trading services are unavailable in certain jurisdictions, such as the US and the UK, limiting accessibility compared to top-tier brokers like Interactive Brokers.

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."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Deriv Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFs
RegulatorMFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA
PlatformsDeriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP

Pros

  • After integrating TradingView and adding MT5 web trader, Deriv now offers a first-class selection of charting tools across desktop, web and mobile devices.
  • 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.
  • Deriv stands out with its innovative products, from multipliers and derived indices to its addition of accumulator options, providing exclusive short-term trading opportunities.

Cons

  • Leverage up to 1:1000 will appeal to traders with a large risk appetite but frustratingly there is no ability to flex the leverage in the account area.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

  • 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 boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day 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.

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.
  • 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.

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.
  • After bolstering its roster in 2021, Eightcap offers one of the most extensive selections of cryptocurrency CFDs in the market, with crypto/fiat pairs, crypto/crypto pairs, plus crypto indices for broader exposure to the market.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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 continues to impress with its pricing that provides tight spreads with below-average commissions that will appeal to active day traders.
  • Fusion Markets offers best-in-class support with very fast, friendly and helpful responses during tests and no frustrating automated chatbot to navigate.

Cons

  • While the selection of currency pairs trumps most rivals, the broker's alternative investment offering is average with no stock CFDs beyond the US.
  • The demo account expires after 30 days, limiting its potential as a useful trading tool alongside a real-money account.
  • There is no proprietary trading platform or app built with beginners in mind, a notable drawback compared to AvaTrade.

easyMarkets

"easyMarkets provides fixed spreads starting at 0.7 pips, making it an excellent choice for beginners seeking predictable trading costs. After adding a Bitcoin-based account, it’s also a stand-out option for crypto-focused traders who want to deposit, trade, and withdraw in digital currencies."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

easyMarkets Quick Facts

Bonus Offer50% Deposit Bonus Or Up To A $2000 Tradable Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorCySEC, ASIC, FSCA, FSC, FSA
PlatformseasyMarkets App, Web Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$25
Minimum Trade0.01 lots
Leverage1:2000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, CHF, HKD, SGD, PLN, CZK, MXN, CNY

Pros

  • Unlike variable spreads offered by 90%+ of brokers we've tested, easyMarkets provides fixed spreads from 0.7 pips. This makes trading costs predictable, a significant advantage for beginners and those trading in volatile markets.
  • With 20+ years in the industry, multiple awards, and authorization from two ‘green tier’ regulators, easyMarkets continues to earn its reputation as a secure broker for active traders.
  • easyMarkets takes risk management seriously, with negative balance protection plus guaranteed stop losses and its dealCancellation (enhanced in 2024 to include periods of 1, 3, or 6 hours) in the Web Trader.

Cons

  • While easyMarkets provides solid educational resources for beginners, they fall short for advanced traders. The Academy offers well-structured courses and engaging gamification, but the overall content lacks depth.
  • easyMarkets is falling behind by not providing the copy trading features you get at category leader eToro, which are popular among beginners looking to follow the strategies of experienced traders.
  • easyMarkets does not offer a zero-spread account like Pepperstone, which can be a drawback for day traders and high-frequency traders who require minimal transaction costs.

Methodology

To identify the top day trading platforms in Sri Lanka, we analyzed our evolving database of 219 brokers, focusing on those that accept Sri Lankan traders.

Our rankings were based on comprehensive assessments, drawing on direct evaluations and objective data.

  • We ensured that each broker on our list accepts day traders from Sri Lanka.
  • We only included brokers with credible regulatory licenses.
  • We prioritized brokers offering a broad range of financial markets.
  • We favored brokers with competitive fees for active traders.
  • We focused on brokers with dependable charting platforms.
  • We examined each broker’s leverage and margin requirements.
  • We assessed the quality and speed of each broker’s order execution.

DayTrading.com Testing Methodology Snapshot

How To Choose A Day Trading Broker In Sri Lanka

Based on extensive experience testing online brokers, we’ve boiled it down to several key factors when selecting a day trading provider:

Trust

Choosing a reputable broker is essential to protect yourself from trading scams, something the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has warned against in recent years.

Trustworthy brokers often have a long history, positive user reviews and are sometimes even listed on stock exchanges. Importantly, they are regulated by respected authorities in DayTrading.com’s Regulation and Trust Rating.

That said, although the Central Bank regulates Sri Lanka’s financial markets, many online brokers are not under its jurisdiction, so some residents turn to overseas brokers. While no laws prohibit this, it’s important to comply with local tax and trading regulations.

  • AvaTrade continues to provide a trustworthy environments for day traders, with licensing from nine regulators, including CySEC and ADGM. Combined with its long history since 2006, AvaTrade earned a high trust score in our latest assessment.

Market Access

To build a rounded portfolio, consider a broker with a wide range of instruments.

Sri Lankan traders may look for currency pairs involving the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), such as LKR/USD, or stocks listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, like Beruwala Resorts PLC, although these markets aren’t widely offered in our experience.

Fortunately, many brokers offer access to global markets, including the country’s major export commodities such as rubber, and popular currency pairs like EUR/USD.

Infographic showing popular day trading markets in Sri Lanka

  • Pepperstone offers a wide selection of over 1,300 global markets, including exotic currency pairs, emerging markets ETFs and a diverse array of hard and soft commodities.

Pricing

Active day traders can easily burn through their profits if trading costs are too high, so we look for notable fees during our evaluations. This includes spreads, commissions and applicable conversion fees when transferring to and from LKR.

Note that spreads and fees can be higher for volatile or illiquid markets, such as Sri Lankan securities.

We also check for account maintenance fees, such as inactivity charges as well as deposit and withdrawal charges (although many brokers don’t charge for deposits these days).

  • IC Markets maintains its reputation as one of the cheapest brokers for active traders, with raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major assets like EUR/USD and commission rates from only $3.50 per side.

Charting Platforms

Choose a reliable charting platform with all the analysis tools you need to make informed decisions.

A good selection of technical indicators can be particularly important for short-term strategies, and leading platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and TradingView deliver these in the dozens.

Many of these platforms also offer integrated research and analysis such as news feeds and economic calendars.

For beginners, a proprietary terminal such as eToro’s copy trader may be a superior choice if you’re looking for a user-friendly design.

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Most brokers offer a free demo account where you can test your strategies without risking real funds.
TradingView platform, showing LKR/USD chart
TradingView
  • RoboForex delivers a superb package of tools and platforms, including MetaTrader 4, the proprietary R Stocks Trader terminal and an integrated copy trader tool, catering to beginners and seasoned traders.

Leverage Trading

Leverage allows you to gain exposure to a larger position size using a small deposit (known as margin), and subsequently increase your potential profits and losses.

With this in mind, it’s important to understand a broker’s leverage and margin requirements and to implement a risk management strategy to help protect you from significant losses.

Our research has found that there are no restrictions on leverage in Sri Lanka, which means you could trade with up to 1:1000 at some brokers, though we don’t recommend this for beginners due to the risk of thumping losses.
author image
Jemma Grist
Author
  • XM offers high leverage up to 1:1000 with flexibility for traders of all experience levels. Leverage and margin requirements are provided clearly from within the client area, along with an ‘all in one calculator’ that’s a snap to use.

Execution Quality

Fast order execution can make the difference when you’re day trading financial markets.

The best brokerages ensure that trades are executed with minimal slippage (the difference between the requested price and executed price) and low rates of latency (the delay between the requested trade and the actual trade).

We prefer firms with fast execution speeds (usually less than 100 milliseconds for optimum performance).

  • Fusion Markets offers competitive execution speeds of around 37 milliseconds, making it a top choice for active traders or those using Expert Advisors (EAs).

Account Funding

Opt for a broker that supports convenient deposit and withdrawal methods. Most brokers we’ve examined require a minimum deposit of up to 250 USD.

It’s also worth checking for local bank transfers, credit card payments and mobile payments accepted in Sri Lanka which might make funding smoother.

  • Exness supports flexible payment methods including wire transfers and mobile payments like Airtel. Minimum deposits also start from just 10 USD, making the broker accessible for beginners or those with limited capital.

FAQ

Who Regulates Day Trading Platforms In Sri Lanka?

The Sri Lankan Central Bank oversees the country’s financial markets but does not actively regulate as many brokerages as some other bodies.

Sri Lankans can sign up with brokers that are regulated by other trusted authorities, but they must still adhere to local laws, including tax requirements.

Which Is The Best Broker For Day Traders From Sri Lanka?

The best broker depends on your requirements. See DayTrading.com’s list of the top day trading platforms in Sri Lanka to find the right fit.

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