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Best Forex Trading Platforms In Sri Lanka 2024

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Written By
Michael MacKenzie
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Written 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.
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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.
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Fact Checked By
Jemma Grist
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Fact Checked 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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Updated
Oct 9, 2024

Forex trading is becoming popular in Sri Lanka, with investors interested in speculating on Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) and global currencies. Although the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) oversees the market, there aren’t many local brokers, so Sri Lankans often turn to overseas trading platforms.

Explore the best forex brokers in Sri Lanka, chosen for their reliability, value for money, selection of currency pairs and smooth account funding in Sri Lankan Rupees.

10 Top Forex Brokers In Sri Lanka

Our hands-on testing, analysis and comparisons show these are the 10 best forex trading platforms for investors in Sri Lanka:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    Vantage
    50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme
    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    $50
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds
    ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade
    Skrill, BPAY, JCB Card, AstroPay, Visa, Swift, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, UnionPay, FasaPay, Sticpay, Bitwallet, Volet
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN
    Go To Vantage
  2. 2
    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
    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
    Go To IC Markets
  3. 3
    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
    Go To AvaTrade
  4. 4
    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
    Visa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, Skrill, PIX Payment
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To Pepperstone
  5. 5
    XM
    $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
    Ratings
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4 / 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
    Go To XM
  6. 6
    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, CNMV
    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
    Go To Eightcap
  7. 7
    PrimeXBT
    $100 Deposit Bonus
    Ratings
    2.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    CFDs, Cryptos, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Futures
    Own
    Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Credit Card, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP
    Go To PrimeXBT
  8. 8
    IQ Option
    RISK WARNING: YOUR CAPITAL MIGHT BE AT RISK
    Ratings
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    0.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    $10
    0.001 Lots
    1:500
    CFD, Forex, Crypto, Stocks, Digital Options
    Own
    Skrill, Yandex Money, QIWI, Wire Transfer, Alipay, Perfect Money, MoneyGram, Credit Card, Vietcombank Transfer, Volet, Maestro, Sofort, GlobePay, Boleto
    USD, EUR, GBP, ZAR
    Go To IQ Option
  9. 9
    IG
    Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
    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
  10. 10
    FxPro
    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro), 1:1000 (Via Prime Ash Capital Limited)
    FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB, FSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures
    FxPro Platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, PLN
    Go To FxPro

Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons

  1. Vantage - Vantage offers 55+ currency pairs - above the industry average, so experienced traders can explore plenty of opportunities. Vantage's deep liquidity pool provides forex spreads from 0.0 pips in the ECN account, lower than many alternatives. There are also no commissions, deposit fees or hidden charges.
  2. IC Markets - IC Markets maintains its commitment to providing exceptionally tight 0.0-pip forex spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD. This makes it an excellent option if you are seeking superior execution, with an average of 35 milliseconds. Additionally, if you are a high-volume trader, you can benefit from rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot.
  3. AvaTrade - AvaTrade offers 50+ currency pairs with competitive spreads from 0.9 pips and zero commissions. You can trade majors, minors and exotics around the clock on industry-leading platforms, including MT4 and MT5. Traders can also access beginner-friendly trading tools and comprehensive forex education.
  4. Pepperstone - Pepperstone offers ultra-competitive forex spreads averaging 0.12 pips on EUR/USD in the Razor account, accompanied by a diverse portfolio comprising 100+ currency pairs - an extensive selection surpassing most competitors. Additionally, Pepperstone distinguishes itself by offering three currency indices (USDX, EURX, JPYX), not commonly found among alternative platforms. Pepperstone has now won our annual 'Best Forex Broker' award twice.
  5. XM - XM offers a strong selection of currency pairs with no re-quotes or hidden charges, while spreads have come down over the years, now starting from 0.8 pips on the EUR/USD in the commission-free account.
  6. Eightcap - Eightcap offers 50+ currency pairs in line with the industry average but trailing category leaders like CMC Markets with its 300+ currency pairs. However, Eightcap stands out with institutional-level spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like the EUR/USD, alongside low $3.50/side commissions. The broker also offers rich forex data to inform trading decisions, including key fundamentals, bullish/bearish indicators and a calendar that tracks key events in the foreign exchange market.
  7. PrimeXBT - PrimeXBT offers forex trading on over 50 majors, minors and exotics with margin opportunities and zero commissions. The forex platform is fast, reliable and feature-rich based on our latest tests with 3 charts, 10 timeframes, and 91 technical studies - ideal for active trading strategies.
  8. IQ Option - IQ Option offers CFD trading on 24 forex assets, including major pairs and some minors. EU traders can access a maximum of 1:30 leverage in line with local regulations. The broker offers commission-free trades but spreads are on the high side so the brand does not excel in this area.
  9. IG - IG offers an above-average suite of 80+ currency pairs on its proprietary web platform, mobile app or MetaTrader 4, with more advanced charts and forex analysis tools available on the ProRealTime software. Forex spreads are competitive based on tests, starting from 0.1 pips on majors like the EUR/USD.
  10. FxPro - FxPro offers 70+ currency pairs with ultra-fast execution speeds and tight spreads from 0.46 pips on EUR/USD. The range of forex assets outranks many rivals, including our award winner, AvaTrade. Various short-term forex strategies are permitted, including EA trading and hedging.

Best Forex Trading Platforms In Sri Lanka 2024 Comparison

Best Forex Trading Platforms In Sri Lanka 2024 Comparison
Broker Forex Assets EUR/USD Spread Forex App Rating Minimum Deposit Regulator
Vantage logo
55+ 0.0 4 / 5 $50 FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC
IC Markets logo
75 0.02 4.8 / 5 $200 ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
AvaTrade logo
50+ 0.9 4.3 / 5 $100 ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
Pepperstone logo
100+ 0.1 4.7 / 5 $0 FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
XM logo
55+ 0.8 4.7 / 5 $5 ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
Eightcap logo
50+ 0.0 3.6 / 5 $100 ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV
PrimeXBT logo
45+ 0.1 3 / 5 $0 -
IQ Option logo
60+ 14 pips 4.5 / 5 $10 -
IG logo
80+ 0.8 4.9 / 5 $0 FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
FxPro logo
70+ 1.58 pips (Ave) 2.5 / 5 $100 FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB, FSC

Vantage

"Vantage remains an excellent option for CFD traders seeking a tightly-regulated broker with access to the reliable MetaTrader platforms. The fast sign-up process and $50 minimum deposit make it very straightforward to start day trading quickly."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Vantage Quick Facts

Bonus Offer50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme
GBPUSD Spread0.5
EURUSD Spread0.0
EURGBP Spread0.5
Total Assets55+
Leverage1:500
PlatformsProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN

Pros

  • Vantage caters to hands-off investors with beginner-friendly social trading via ZuluTrade & Myfxbook
  • The ECN accounts are very competitive with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $1.50 commission per side
  • There’s an excellent suite of day trading software, including the award-winning platforms MT4 and MT5

Cons

  • It's a shame that some clients will need to register with the offshore entity, which offers less regulatory protection
  • The average execution speeds of 100ms to 250ms are slower than alternatives based on tests
  • Unfortunately, cryptos are only available for Australian clients
Visit Vantage
Vantage Review

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

GBPUSD Spread0.23
EURUSD Spread0.02
EURGBP Spread0.27
Total Assets75
Leverage1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Account CurrenciesUSD, 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.
  • 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

  • The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
  • Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
  • Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
Visit IC Markets
IC Markets Review

AvaTrade

"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

AvaTrade Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
GBPUSD Spread1.5
EURUSD Spread0.9
EURGBP Spread1.5
Total Assets50+
Leverage1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
PlatformsWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more
  • Day traders can access stable spreads and zero commissions with no hidden fees
  • The broker’s unique risk management tool, AvaProtect, protects against losses up to $1 million and is easy to activate in the platform

Cons

  • There is no ECN account with raw spreads
  • A high $2000 minimum investment is required to use DupliTrade, which will be out of reach for many beginners
  • Traders from the US are not accepted
Visit AvaTrade
AvaTrade Review

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

GBPUSD Spread0.4
EURUSD Spread0.1
EURGBP Spread0.4
Total Assets100+
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.
  • Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
  • Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.

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 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.
  • 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.
Visit Pepperstone
Pepperstone Review

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
GBPUSD Spread0.8
EURUSD Spread0.8
EURGBP Spread1.5
Total Assets55+
Leverage1:1000
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY

Pros

  • 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.
  • 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.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Visit XM
XM Review

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

GBPUSD Spread0.1
EURUSD Spread0.0
EURGBP Spread0.1
Total Assets50+
Leverage1:500
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView
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.
  • With tight spreads from 0 pips, low commission fees, and high leverage up to 1:500 for certain clients, Eightcap provides cost-effective and flexible trading conditions that can accommodate an array of strategies, including day trading and scalping.
  • 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.

Cons

  • 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.
  • Eightcap needs to continue bolstering its suite of instruments to match category leaders like Blackbull Markets with its 26,000+ assets, featuring a particularly weak selection of commodities.
Visit Eightcap
Eightcap Review

PrimeXBT

"PrimeXBT is perfect for aspiring traders looking for crypto derivatives alongside traditional markets like forex and indices, all tradable on an intuitive, web-based platform. The copy trading solution is also ideal for hands-off traders with 5-star ratings and performance graphs to help you find the right trader."

William Berg, Reviewer

PrimeXBT Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$100 Deposit Bonus
GBPUSD SpreadVariable
EURUSD Spread0.1
EURGBP SpreadVariable
Total Assets45+
Leverage1:1000
PlatformsOwn
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP

Pros

  • Ultra-fast execution speeds, averaging 7.12ms, make PrimeXBT an excellent option for day traders looking to secure the best prices in volatile markets.
  • Maker and taker fees of at 0.01% and 0.02%, respectively, for crypto futures contracts are highly competitive within the industry.
  • The web platform and app were built for technical traders with advanced charting features, a customizable layout and multiple order types including one-cancels-the-other (OCO).

Cons

  • While common in the crypto industry, PrimeXBT lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, seriously elevating the risk for retail traders.
  • The lack of integration with established platforms like MT4 will be limiting for traders familiar with the world’s most popular forex trading software.
  • Despite improvements, the selection of around 100+ instruments still seriously trails competitors, notably OKX with its 400+ assets.
Visit PrimeXBT
PrimeXBT Review

IQ Option

"IQ Option is a good broker for beginners with a slick platform and low minimum investment. New users can also open an account in three easy steps."

William Berg, Reviewer

IQ Option Quick Facts

GBPUSD Spread5 pips
EURUSD Spread14 pips
EURGBP Spread15 pips
Total Assets60+
Leverage1:500
PlatformsOwn
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, ZAR

Pros

  • User-friendly platform for beginners
  • Excellent range of payment methods
  • iOS & Android compatible app

Cons

  • €10 inactivity fee after 90 days
  • No MetaTrader 4 integration
Visit IQ Option
IQ Option 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

GBPUSD Spread0.9
EURUSD Spread0.8
EURGBP Spread0.9
Total Assets80+
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading, while IG has also added TradingView integration.
  • The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met.
  • 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.

Cons

  • IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
  • While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients.
  • 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.
Visit IG
IG Review

FxPro

"FxPro is best for experienced traders looking for wide market access, premium research tools and advanced charting platforms. The competitive fees and fast execution will serve serious short-term traders, whilst the BnkPro investment service will appeal to those looking for long-term e-money solutions."

William Berg, Reviewer

FxPro Quick Facts

GBPUSD Spread2.39 pips (Ave)
EURUSD Spread1.58 pips (Ave)
EURGBP Spread1.74 pips (Ave)
Total Assets70+
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro), 1:1000 (Via Prime Ash Capital Limited)
PlatformsFxPro Platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • Comprehensive analysis and trading tools are available for seasoned traders, including signals powered by Trading Central and VPS hosting
  • There are 4 superior day trading platforms, including a proprietary solution with over 50 indicators, 7 chart types and an impressive 15 chart time frames
  • There's an interactive learning center for beginners with tests, courses, video tutorials and webinars

Cons

  • There's no copy trading service, which reduces the appeal for strategy providers looking to earn extra revenue
  • FxPro's services are mainly geared towards experienced investors and beginners may find the broker's fees and accounts complex
  • The broker charges a $10 inactivity fee after 6 months of account dormancy, though this is more lenient than many brokers
Visit FxPro
FxPro Review

How We Rate Forex Brokers In Sri Lanka

These are the primary areas we evaluate forex trading platforms in, and recommend you do also:

Trust

Choose a trustworthy broker to guard against forex trading scams.

This is especially important since the Sri Lankan Central Bank has warned against sophisticated financial scams, whereby fraudsters claim they have large amounts of blocked local or foreign currency and will “pay handsome amounts” to Sri Lankans who can help in accessing it.

Choose an established forex broker that’s authorized by a ‘green-tier’ regulator, such as the FCA in the UK, the ASIC in Australia, or the CySEC in Europe.

Given that there is a limited number of forex brokers registered in Sri Lanka, this may mean opening an account with an overseas trading platform. That said, make sure you follow Sri Lankan regulations and tax rules.

  • AvaTrade is highly trusted and earned 4.8/5 in our ‘Regulation and Trust’ rating. It’s licensed by 7 regulators including 2 ‘green-tier’ regulators (ASIC and CySEC), has more than 15 years in the forex industry and provides transparent trading conditions on its 50+ currency pairs.

Currency Pairs

Pick a forex broker that facilitates short-term trading on the currencies you’re interested in.

For investors in Sri Lanka, this may mean the USD/LKR, EUR/LKR and GBP/LKR, however these are not widely available on most online trading platforms.

Instead, consider platforms with a wide range of currency pairs, providing access to majors and minors, plus volatile exotics that can provide skilled day traders with an opportunity to profit.

USD/INR trading on Vantage
TradingView – USD/INR Chart

You’re also more likely to find currencies that are relevant to Sri Lanka with a larger list, for instance, regional currencies like the Indian rupee (INR), which is commonly traded in the USD/INR pair.

  • Pepperstone has one of the most extensive suites of currency pairs we’ve seen, with 100+ forex assets spanning majors, minors, crosses, exotics and NDFs, including the USD/INR. It’s also scooped our ‘Best Forex Broker’ award twice now.

Pricing

Low-cost platforms that don’t sacrifice quality provide an optimal environment for active Sri Lankan forex traders.

That’s why we evaluate fees on the most popular currency pairs; EUR/USD, EUR/GBP and GBP/USD, alongside investigating additional fees such as conversion costs if transferring Sri Lankan Rupees to an account based in another currency.

We then weigh the price against the forex broker’s tools, such as economic calendars that provide insights into regional influences like releases from India’s central banks, plus Sri Lankan economic data from sectors like agriculture and mining which play a significant role in the LKR’s performance.

  • IC Markets offers some of the tightest spreads based on tests, starting from zero with EUR/USD averaging 0.1 pips, alongside excellent tools like Trading Central and DupliTrade.

Forex Platforms

Find a platform that’s user-friendly and equipped with the features you need to place short-term forex trades.

In our experience, web-accessible proprietary platforms best suit beginners with intuitive designs, essential charting tools and helpful guides, while advanced day traders often prefer established third-party platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 or cTrader.

TradingView is an increasingly popular forex platform, with a clean design that I love, and a huge range of integrated features, notably economic data on Sri Lankan Central Bank decisions as well as actionable trading ideas from its 50-million strong user base.

TradingView's economic calendar for Sri Lanka
TradingView’s economic calendar for Sri Lanka
  • FOREX.com offers a superb range of tools for forex traders at levels, including MT4, MT5 and TradingView. You also get access to premium services like Autochartist and Trading Central to help you research trading opportunities on its 80+ currency pairs.

Accounts

Choose a forex broker with an affordable minimum deposit and convenient funding options.

Payment methods are a particularly important concern for Sri Lankan forex traders because you may need to find convenient international solutions if banking restrictions make depositing funds difficult. Digital solutions are also on the rise in Sri Lanka, according to Statista.

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Some forex brokers accepting traders from Sri Lanka accept cryptocurrency deposits, however we’ve found that regulations on crypto transfers often change, so make sure you’re up to date on the latest rules in Sri Lanka before trying this.
  • RoboForex offers hassle-free account funding for Sri Lankans with 15+ payment options, including bank cards and AliPay while the minimum deposit is accessible at 10 USD.

Methodology

We compiled a list of the best forex trading platforms in Sri Lanka by filtering our database of 265 brokers for firms that accept traders from Sri Lanka and ranking them by their overall rating which considers key areas, notably:

DayTrading.com broker testing methodology overview

  • Authorization from a trusted regulator if not the CBSL.
  • A wide range of currency pairs of interest in Sri Lanka.
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees and competitive forex spreads.
  • Intuitive, feature-rich forex platforms and apps based on direct tests.
  • Convenient account funding for Sri Lankans with a low starting deposit.

FAQ

Trading forex is legal in Sri Lanka if residents abide by the rules laid down by its financial regulators.

Who Regulates Forex Trading In Sri Lanka?

The Sri Lankan Central Bank oversees forex trading in Sri Lanka. It also implements rules that impact how much foreign currency locals can buy.

Trading currencies with an unregulated brokerage may not be allowed and you may not receive legal protections. Also keep in mind you could lose all your funds.

How Much Does It Cost To Start Trading Forex In Sri Lanka?

Our evaluations of 265 brokers show you’ll need up to 250 USD, around 75,000, to open a forex trading account.

That said, top-rated platforms like Pepperstone don’t require any investment to register, giving traders in Sri Lanka an affordable way to access foreign exchange markets.

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