Best Forex Trading Platforms In Sri Lanka 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:
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1Vantage50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme
Ratings
$500.01 Lots1:500FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, BondsProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTradeSkrill, BPAY, JCB Card, AstroPay, Visa, Swift, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, UnionPay, FasaPay, Sticpay, Bitwallet, VoletUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN -
2IC Markets
Ratings
$2000.01 Lots1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMACFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, CryptoMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTradePayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeChargeUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
3AvaTrade20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, FuturesWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTradeSkrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, BoletoUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD -
4PepperstoneCFDs 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
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCBCFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread BettingMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTradeVisa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, Skrill, PIX PaymentUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
5XM$30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
Ratings
$50.01 Lots1:1000ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, EnergiesMT4, MT5, TradingCentralCredit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-PesaUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY -
6Eightcap
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:500ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCBCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptoMT4, MT5, TradingViewNeteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX PaymentUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD -
7PrimeXBT$100 Deposit Bonus
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:1000CFDs, Cryptos, Forex, Indices, Commodities, FuturesOwnBitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Credit Card, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP -
8IQ OptionRISK WARNING: YOUR CAPITAL MIGHT BE AT RISK
Ratings
$100.001 Lots1:500CFD, Forex, Crypto, Stocks, Digital OptionsOwnSkrill, Yandex Money, QIWI, Wire Transfer, Alipay, Perfect Money, MoneyGram, Credit Card, Vietcombank Transfer, Volet, Maestro, Sofort, GlobePay, BoletoUSD, EUR, GBP, ZAR -
9FxPro
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro), 1:1000 (Via Prime Ash Capital Limited)FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB, FSACFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, FuturesFxPro Edge, MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, DupliTradeWire Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa, Google Wallet, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, PLN -
10FXCC100% First Deposit Bonus Up To $2000
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:500CySECCFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoMT4Skrill, Neteller, Rapid Transfer, Sofort, Paysafecard, Visa, Bitcoin Payments, Credit Card, Debit Card, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, UnionPay, Ethereum Payments, Netbanx Asia, BoletoUSD, EUR, GBP
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- 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.
- 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.
- AvaTrade - AvaTrade delivers 50+ currency pairs with tight spreads from 0.9 pips and zero commissions. Trade majors, minrs, and exotics 24/5 on leading forex platforms, notably MT4, with sophisticated charting tools and forex education to sharpen your edge, including a dedicated guide to 'Currency Trading'.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- FxPro - FxPro offers 70+ currency pairs but no minors and stands out with its ultra-fast execution speeds and tight spreads averaging 0.45 pips on EUR/USD. Forex traders can also build test and deploy short-term trading strategies on the industry-leading MT4 software, with expert advisors (EAs) for algo trading.
- FXCC - FXCC's key selling point is its forex trading conditions. ECN spreads come in as low as 0.0 pips during peak trading hours, while it supports a wider range of currency pairs than the majority of rivals with over 70 forex assets. Additionally, you have access to MT4, which was built specifically for forex trading and excels for its charting tools.
Best Forex Trading Platforms In Sri Lanka 2024 Comparison
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 Offer | 50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme |
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GBPUSD Spread | 0.5 |
EURUSD Spread | 0.0 |
EURGBP Spread | 0.5 |
Total Assets | 55+ |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Platforms | ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN |
Pros
- Vantage maintains its high trust score thanks to its strong reputation and top-tier regulation from the FCA and ASIC
- The low minimum deposit of $50 and zero funding fees make this broker a great choice for new traders
- 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
- A steep $10,000 deposit is needed for the best trading conditions, which include the $1.50 commission per side
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 Spread | 0.23 |
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EURUSD Spread | 0.02 |
EURGBP Spread | 0.27 |
Total Assets | 75 |
Leverage | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
- 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 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
- 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.
- The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
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 Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000 |
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GBPUSD Spread | 1.5 |
EURUSD Spread | 0.9 |
EURGBP Spread | 1.5 |
Total Assets | 50+ |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) |
Platforms | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 Spread | 0.4 |
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EURUSD Spread | 0.1 |
EURGBP Spread | 0.4 |
Total Assets | 100+ |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
- There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates of 25%+ through the Active Trader program.
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.
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 |
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GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 |
EURUSD Spread | 0.8 |
EURGBP Spread | 1.5 |
Total Assets | 55+ |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
Account Currencies | USD, 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 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.
Cons
- 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.
- 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.
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 Spread | 0.1 |
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EURUSD Spread | 0.0 |
EURGBP Spread | 0.1 |
Total Assets | 50+ |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD |
Pros
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 |
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GBPUSD Spread | Variable |
EURUSD Spread | 0.1 |
EURGBP Spread | Variable |
Total Assets | 45+ |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Platforms | Own |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- Maker and taker fees of at 0.01% and 0.02%, respectively, for crypto futures contracts are highly competitive within the industry.
- PrimeXBT has added fresh opportunities with new tokens for exchanging and funding, including 1Inch, Aave, and Injective.
- 24/7 customer support, available via live chat, proved excellent during testing, while the extensive help centre is perfect for self-help.
Cons
- 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.
- While common in the crypto industry, PrimeXBT lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, seriously elevating the risk for retail traders.
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 Spread | 5 pips |
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EURUSD Spread | 14 pips |
EURGBP Spread | 15 pips |
Total Assets | 60+ |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Platforms | Own |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, ZAR |
Pros
- High payouts on binary options
- Reliable 24/7 multilingual support
- User-friendly platform for beginners
Cons
- No MetaTrader 4 integration
- €10 inactivity fee after 90 days
FxPro
"FxPro is a stellar option for day traders, sporting exceptionally fast execution speeds under 12ms, competitive fees that were lowered in 2022, and terrific charting platforms in MT4, MT5, cTrader and FxPro Edge."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
FxPro Quick Facts
GBPUSD Spread | 0.6 |
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EURUSD Spread | 0.45 |
EURGBP Spread | 0.73 |
Total Assets | 70+ |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro), 1:1000 (Via Prime Ash Capital Limited) |
Platforms | FxPro Edge, MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- FxPro offers four reliable charting platforms, notably the intuitive FxPro Edge, with over 50 indicators, 7 chart types and 15 chart timeframes.
- FxPro's Wallet is a standout feature that allows traders to manage funds securely. By segregating unused funds from active trading accounts, the Wallet provides additional protection and convenience.
- FxPro operates under a 'No Dealing Desk' (NDD) model, ensuring fast and transparent order execution, often under 12 milliseconds, ideal for short-term trading strategies.
Cons
- Despite a growing Knowledge Hub and a $10M funded demo account, FxPro is geared towards advanced traders, with beginners potentially finding the account and fee structure complex.
- There are no passive investment tools like copy trading or interest paid on cash. While active traders may not miss these, competitors like eToro catering to active and passive investors have more comprehensive offerings.
- While FxPro provides 24/5 customer support through multiple channels that performed well during testing, it lacks 24/7 availability, which can disadvantage traders needing assistance outside traditional market hours.
FXCC
"FXCC continues to prove itself an excellent option for forex day traders with an extensive range of 70+ currency pairs, ultra-tight spreads from 0.0 pips during testing, and high leverage up to 1:500 in the ECN XL account. "
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
FXCC Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 100% First Deposit Bonus Up To $2000 |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 1.0 |
EURUSD Spread | 0.2 |
EURGBP Spread | 0.5 |
Total Assets | 70+ |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Platforms | MT4 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- As an MT4 broker, FXCC offers advanced charting tools and excellent support for algo traders, especially when combined with the free VPS
- There are no restrictions on short-term trading strategies like day trading and scalping
- There are no deposit fees except industry-standard mining charges on cryptos, which is advantageous for active traders
Cons
- High withdrawal fees may catch out unsuspecting traders, including a significant $45 charge for bank wire payments
- There is a threadbare selection of research tools like Trading Central and Autochartist, value-add features available at category leaders like IG
- While the range of currency pairs exceeds most alternatives, the selection of additional assets is narrow, and notably, there are no stocks
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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 216 brokers for firms that accept traders from Sri Lanka and ranking them by their overall rating which considers key areas, notably:
- 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
Is Forex Trading Legal In Sri Lanka?
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 216 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.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- Sri Lankan Central Bank
- Sri Lanka Securities and Exchange Commission
- Financial Scam Warning - Sri Lankan Central Bank
- Digital Payment Usage in Sri Lanka - Statista
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