Best Regulated Brokers 2024
We strongly recommend that traders only use regulated trading platforms. Why? Authorization from a respected regulator is the best sign that you can trust a broker and that it operates a fair trading environment.
Choosing a well-regulated broker also reduces the risk of falling victim to trading scams, which have plagued the industry in recent years. In 2023, the FCA in the UK issued a record 2,285 scam warnings, while the FBI in the US reported investment scam losses of $4.57 billion, up from $3.31 billion the previous year.
Explore our pick of the best regulated brokers. We’ve verified the regulatory credentials of every platform listed.
Top 10 Regulated Brokers
Our tests show these 10 regulated brokers and trading platforms are in a league of their own:
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1FOREX.comRegulated by: NFA, CFTCActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures OptionsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN -
2NinjaTraderRegulated by: NFA, CFTC
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, CryptoNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignalACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, ChequeUSD -
3eToro USARegulated by: SEC, FINRAInvest $100 and get $10https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.
Ratings
$10$10SEC, FINRAStocks, Options, ETFs, CryptoeToro Trading Platform & CopyTraderACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire TransferUSD -
4Interactive BrokersRegulated by: FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
Ratings
$0$1001:50FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFMStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, CryptocurrenciesTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentralCheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF -
5IGRegulated by: FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFMForex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread BettingWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentralPayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD -
6Pocket OptionRegulated by: MISA50% Deposit Bonus
Ratings
$50$1MISABinary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, CryptosWeb, MT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Volet, Perfect Money, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, WebMoney, FasaPay, Ethereum Payments, Maestro, JetonCash, AirtelUSD -
7IQCentRegulated by: IFMRRC20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Ratings
$250$0.011:500IFMRRCBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoOnline Platform, TradingViewCredit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, MastercardUSD, EUR -
8RedMarsRegulated by: CySEC, AFM
Ratings
€2500.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)CySEC, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptosMT5Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, VisaUSD, EUR -
9OANDA USRegulated by: NFA, CFTCCFDs are not available to residents in the United States.
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartistWire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
10MoomooRegulated by: SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFCGet up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000
Ratings
$0$01:2SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFCStocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCsDesktop Platform, Mobile AppWire Transfer, ACH TransferUSD, HKD, SGD
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
- NinjaTrader - NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.
- eToro USA - eToro is a social investing platform that offers short-term and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto. The broker is well-known for its user-friendly community-centred platform and competitive fees. With FINRA and SIPC oversight and millions of users across the world, eToro is still one of the most respected brands in the industry. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
- Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
- IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
- Pocket Option - Established in 2017, Pocket Option is a binary options broker offering high/low contracts on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. With over 100,000 active users and a global reach, the platform continues to prove popular with budding traders.
- IQCent - IQCent is an offshore binary options and CFD broker based in the Marshall Islands. The brand continues to offer a range of unique account types with bonuses and perks, including payout boosts, TradeBacks and free rollovers. With 100+ assets, around-the-clock trading and 98% payouts, the firm is popular with aspiring short-term traders.
- RedMars - Launched in 2020, Cyprus-based RedMars offers competitive spreads on more than 300 instruments and leverage up to 1:500. Three accounts are available - Standard, Pro and VIP - serving a range of budgets and experience levels, with a fast and fully digital account opening process.
- OANDA US - OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is regulated by trusted agencies, including the NFA/CFTC. Around the clock support is available for short-term traders, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.
- Moomoo - Moomoo is an SEC-regulated app-based investment platform that offers a straightforward and affordable way to invest in Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Australian and US stocks, ETFs and other assets. Margin trading is available and the brand offers a zero-deposit account as well as several bonuses.
Best Regulated Brokers 2024 Comparison
FOREX.com
"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
FOREX.com Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs |
---|---|
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options |
Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:50 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
- FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
- The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
Cons
- There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
- Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
NinjaTrader
"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
NinjaTrader Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
---|---|
Instruments | Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto |
Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
Platforms | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:50 |
Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- NinjaTrader continues to deliver comprehensive charting software for active day traders with bespoke technical indicators and widgets
- Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
- NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
Cons
- There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
- The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
eToro USA
"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
eToro USA Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | Invest $100 and get $10 |
---|---|
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto |
Regulator | SEC, FINRA |
Platforms | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader |
Minimum Deposit | $10 |
Minimum Trade | $10 |
Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos
- Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence
- The broker's Academy offers comprehensive learning materials for beginners to advanced-level investors
Cons
- The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
- There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools
- Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders
Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Interactive Brokers Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
---|---|
Instruments | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies |
Regulator | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Minimum Trade | $100 |
Leverage | 1:50 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- The new IBKR Desktop platform takes the best of TWS while adding bespoke tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to create a genuinely impressive trading experience for day traders at every level.
- IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries, most recently the Saudi Stock Exchange.
- IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.
Cons
- Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
- You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
- IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
IG
"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IG Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
---|---|
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM |
Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our 'Best Trading App' award.
- IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, plus recently added US-listed futures and options, providing ample diversification opportunities.
- IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis.
Cons
- While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients.
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
- Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests.
Pocket Option
"Pocket Option excels for its easy-to-use web platform which provides a best-in-class user experience for short-term binary traders. The $50 minimum deposit is also accessible for beginners while opening an account is really easy. Looking at the negatives, Pocket Option still trails alternatives in its market offering and regulatory credentials."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
Pocket Option Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 50% Deposit Bonus |
---|---|
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos |
Regulator | MISA |
Platforms | Web, MT4, MT5 |
Minimum Deposit | $50 |
Minimum Trade | $1 |
Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Well-funded traders who deposit $1000+ can qualify for a 2%+ payout boost, more tradable assets and exclusive perks
- The range of payment methods beats the majority of rivals, providing fast, secure and convenient deposits for traders in most countries
- The MetaTrader platforms offer integrated analysis with helpful technical summaries for short-term traders
Cons
- The maximum binary contract length of 4 hours is restrictive for longer-term trading strategies. Alternatives like Videforex offer binaries up to 1 month
- You need to deposit $1000 to access the extended list of 250+ assets, otherwise just 130+ assets are available
- Pocket Option offers a slimmed down iteration of the MT4 and MT5 that doesn't provide the full charting package for advanced traders
IQCent
"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
IQCent Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
---|---|
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Regulator | IFMRRC |
Platforms | Online Platform, TradingView |
Minimum Deposit | $250 |
Minimum Trade | $0.01 |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- CFD trading fees are competitive based on tests, including 0.7 pips on major forex pairs such as EUR/USD
- Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes
- IQCent is one of the few binary options brokers that also offers a copy trading service for hands-off traders
Cons
- IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month
- The broker is not overseen by a respected regulator, though this is common among binary options firms
- IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no stocks
RedMars
"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
RedMars Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
---|---|
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos |
Regulator | CySEC, AFM |
Platforms | MT5 |
Minimum Deposit | €250 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- Getting started on RedMars is incredibly easy - you can be up and running in just a few minutes based on tests
- The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
- The broker is one of a limited number of firms to offer an account specially designed for VIPs with premium support and invites to exclusive events
Cons
- While RedMars' spreads are within industry averages, they don't offer a significant edge over the cheapest day trading brokers we've personally used, notably IC Markets
- RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing
- With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
OANDA US
"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
OANDA US Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
---|---|
Instruments | Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA) |
Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
Platforms | OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:50 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- OANDA is a reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators including the CFTC
- The proprietary OANDA web platform continues to deliver a highly competitive charting environment, including 65+ technical indicators powered by TradingView
- Beginners can get started easily with $0 minimum initial deposit
Cons
- It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
- There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
- The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
Moomoo
"Moomoo remains an excellent choice for new and intermediate stock traders who want to build a diverse investment portfolio. What really stands out is the broker's user-friendly app and the low trading fees."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
Moomoo Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000 |
---|---|
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs |
Regulator | SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC |
Platforms | Desktop Platform, Mobile App |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Minimum Trade | $0 |
Leverage | 1:2 |
Account Currencies | USD, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- There is no minimum deposit requirement making the broker accessible for beginners
- Moomoo is a Member of FINRA and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), adding another level of security for prospective clients
- The broker offers access to extended pre-market trading hours
Cons
- It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer
- There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
- There is no phone or live chat support - common options at most other brokers
How Did We Choose The Best Regulated Brokers?
To find the best regulated trading brokers, we:
- Took our database comprizing 267 online brokers and trading platforms;
- Pinpointed those that are regulated after verifying their credentials on the respective regulator’s databases;
- Sorted them by their rating which balances 100+ data entries with the personal observations of our testers.
All Regulators
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Brokers 2024
- Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) Brokers 2024
- Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Brokers 2024
- Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) Brokers 2024
- Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Brokers 2024
- Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) Brokers 2024
- Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) Brokers 2024
- European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) Brokers 2024
- Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) Brokers 2024
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Brokers 2024
- Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Brokers 2024
- Financial Markets Authority (AMF) Brokers 2024
- Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) Brokers 2024
- Financial Service Board (FSB) Brokers 2024
- Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) Brokers 2024
- Investment Industry Regulatory Organization Of Canada (IIROC) Brokers 2024
- Japan Financial Services Agency (FSA) Brokers 2024
- Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Brokers 2024
- National Commission for Companies and the Stock Exchange (CONSOB) Brokers 2024
- National Futures Association (NFA) Brokers 2024
- National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) Brokers 2024
- Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) Brokers 2024
- New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA) Brokers 2024
- Securities And Exchange Board Of India (SEBI) Brokers 2024
- Securities and Exchange Commission of Brazil (CVM) Brokers 2024
- Securities And Futures Commission Of Hong Kong (SFC) Brokers 2024
- Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) Brokers 2024
- The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) Brokers 2024
- US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Brokers 2024
- Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) Brokers 2024
Do I Need A Regulated Broker?
Yes. If you want to trade on a secure trading platform then selecting a regulated broker is a no-brainer.
Sometimes traders may opt for an unregulated broker to access trading promotions or high leverage that aren’t permitted in tightly regulated jurisdictions, but we do not recommend this, especially for newer traders.
There are three key reasons why you should choose a regulated broker:
- Protection: Many regulators require authorized brokers to provide retail traders with access to compensation in the event the firm is unable to meet its financial obligations, negative balance protection to prevent traders losing more than their deposited funds, and to operate segregated accounts so client funds cannot be misused. For example, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) in the US provides up to $500,000 per person and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the UK provides up to £85,000.
- Transparency: Regulators normally require brokers to be transparent about trading fees, order execution, and risks, all of which are critical considerations for day traders. For example, in the European Union (EU), regulated brokers are required to publish the percentage of losing traders on their website, especially when using complex products like contracts for difference (CFDs), which are popular with active traders.
- Security: Regulated brokers are often required to implement systems to protect your data, notably encryption protocols and security audits. For example, the ASIC in Australia requires multi-factor authentication for digital transactions while the FCA in the UK requires brokers to adhere to strict rules under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
For these reasons, I only deposit funds with regulated brokers. As a UK-based investor, this means I hold my capital with FCA-regulated trading platforms.
Are All Brokers Created Equal?
Where things get slightly tricky is that simply choosing any ‘regulated broker’ isn’t enough.
This is because not all regulatory bodies offer the same levels of protection. There is a common misconception that financial agencies supervise brokers across numerous jurisdictions. However, often regulatory remit is limited to those brokers with a license issued within the regulator’s jurisdiction.
Therefore, bodies outside your financial jurisdiction may not provide such extensive legal recourse should there be an issue, be it access to investor compensation or formal dispute channels. For example, the JFSA in Japan offers up to ¥10,000,000 per investor through its Investor Protection Fund (IPF), however it’s primarily available to residents.
Equally, financial agencies enforce varying degrees of regulations. For instance, all FCA brokers must segregate trader’s funds. Whereas offshore bodies like the FSC of Mauritius may not enforce this regulation. Furthermore, FCA brokers must automate and process client withdrawals promptly, while offshore brokers have been known to delay withdrawals, which can be extremely frustrating.
To help you understand which regulators are ‘good’ and crucially – which aren’t, we’ve drawn upon our collective decades working in the trading industry and personal experiences using various trading platforms to classify regulators based on the level of protection they provide:
- Green Tier: These regulators provide the strongest investor safeguards and actively oversee authorized brokers. Notable examples include the SEC in the US, FCA in the UK and ASIC in Australia.
- Yellow Tier: These regulators still provide strong investor safeguards and monitor authorized brokers but not always to the same degree as ‘green tier’ regulators. Notable examples include the FSCA in South Africa, the SEBI in India, and the DFSA in Dubai which is becoming increasingly popular as established brokers like Plus500 have been looking to expand their presence in the Middle East.
- Orange Tier: These regulators provide limited investor safeguards and scrutiny of authorized brokers, requiring caution before signing up. Notable examples include the BMA in Bermuda, the BOB in Botswana and the BCE in Ecuador.
- Red Tier: These regulators provide little to no investor safeguards and we consider them high-risk. Notable examples include the VFSC in Vanuatu, the FSA in Seychelles, and the SCB in the Bahamas.
I recommend extreme caution when dealing with brokers registered with ‘red tier’ regulators. They are sometimes used by scammers to strip traders of any legal protections they may be afforded in well-regulated regions.In one high-profile case, the bad actors behind trading firm EverFX, convinced aspiring investors to move their funds to offshore entities where there was little to zero regulatory oversight.
The global scamming network is estimated to have made off with up to an eye-watering $1 billion.
How Can I Check If My Broker Is Regulated?
Checking whether a broker is regulated is incredibly straightforward, with an increasing number of financial bodies operating digital, publicly accessible databases where you can input a trading firm’s details.
You’ll normally need to follow a few simple steps:
- Navigate to the respective regulator’s database (usually searchable on the agency’s website)
- Enter the broker’s company name or license number (often found at the bottom of the broker’s website)
- Read the search results to confirm they are authorized (check which investment services and where they are permitted to do business)
I have personally checked the regulatory details of hundreds of brokers on countless regulators’ databases, from the US and UK to Europe, Australia and beyond.To show you how it’s done, below you can see the results of a search I ran on XTB, which claimed to be authorized by the CySEC.
Bottom Line
Choosing a regulated trading platform should be your first priority. It’s a win-win for both traders and brokers.
For traders, it’s the best indication a firm can be trusted to operate in a fair manner. For brokers, regulatory oversight helps build a solid reputation and reduces the need to constantly try and undercut competitors in areas like leverage limits.
Picking a regulated broker is also especially important given the increasing sophistication of trading scams we’ve been witnessing with alarm in recent years, capitalizing on the growing class of ‘finfluencers’ and interest in artificial intelligence (AI).
Use our list of top regulated day trading platforms to be sure a broker is regulated.
FAQ
What Is Trading Regulation?
Regulatory bodies and watchdogs supervise financial markets and online brokers. They enforce a range of rules and regulations to protect retail traders.
The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), since replaced by MiFID II, is the closest the world has got to an overarching regulatory system. It was brought into the UK in 2007 and has been the bedrock of Europe’s financial regulatory systems since.
What Is A Regulated Broker?
Regulated brokers receive a license to operate within that jurisdiction, so long as they adhere to specific rules and regulations, often designed to protect retail traders and the functioning of financial markets.
What Is An Unregulated Broker?
Unregulated brokers operate without having to adhere to a set of guidelines. Arguably, therefore, they do not have the same interest in safeguarding your interests. This allows them to offer attractive features like high leverage and welcome bonuses, but the catch is limited legal protection for your funds.
Which Is The Best Regulated Broker?
Use our list of the top regulated brokers to find a trading platform that best suits your needs. Our experts have independently verified the regulatory credentials of every broker recommended.
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