Best International Forex Brokers 2026 [CFTC, FCA, CySEC, ASIC]

Eda Kaya

Reviewer:

Eda Kaya
Rajesh  Sharma

Fact checker:

Rajesh Sharma
Modified:
Comments:0
Views:361
38 Min

The foreign exchange (Forex) market represents the highest-liquidity financial marketplace globally, processing an average daily turnover of approximately 9.6 trillion USD.

Every trading session involves a vast network of institutions, liquidity providers, brokers, and retail participants executing transactions across currency pairs. The table below offers a list of the best international brokers that traders can choose.

Trustpilot Ratings of International Forex Brokers

The following tab provides the Trustpilot ratings of the top Forex brokers that provide services in various regions. This shows how trustworthy is each brokerage based on genuine user reviews.

Broker

Trustpilot Rating

Number of Reviews

IC Markets

4.8/5⭐️

+49500

Fusion Markets

4.8/5⭐️

+5500

Exness

4.8/5⭐️

+25500

AvaTrade

4.7/5⭐️

+11500

HFM

4.6/5⭐️

+2500

Eightcap

4.1/5⭐️

+3000

TMGM

3.9/5⭐️

+800

FxPro

3.8/5⭐️

+800

XM

3.4/5⭐️

+2500

FXTM

2.6/5⭐️

+1000

Minimum Spreads of Forex Brokers in Spain

Traders across the global have access to a wide range of brokers that offer Zero spread accounts allowing traders to perform fast execution strategies with minimal spreads.

Brokers

Minimum Spreads

Fusion Markets

From 0.0 Pips

PU Prime

From 0.0 Pips

HFM

From 0.0 Pips

Pepperstone

From 0.0 Pips

Exness

From 0.0 Pips

XTB

From 0.1 Pips

City Index

From 0.1 Pips

OctaFX

From 0.6 Pips

IG Markets

From 0.6 Pips

Plus500

From 0.8 Pips

Non-Trading Fees in Forex Brokers of Spain

Besides the main spread and commissions, International traders must consider the brokers non-trading fees, including deposit, withdrawal, and inactivity which directly effect the overall trading costs.

Broker

Deposit Fee

Withdrawal Fee

Inactivity Fee

FBS

$0

$0

$0

Go Markets

$0

$0

$0

EC Markets

$0

$0

$0

BlackBull Markets

$0

$5

$0

Vantage

$0

Varies

$0

FXTM

$0

Varies

$5

Eightcap

$0

$0

$10 (in certain jurisdiction)

FxPro

$0

$0

$15

Forex.com

$0

Varies

$15

Pepperstone

$0

$20

$0

Number of Tradable Instruments in Forex Brokers of Spain

The table below provides an in-depth look on how diverse is the amount of tradable assets and markets in the top international Forex brokers.

Broker

Number of Tradable Assets

IG Markets

+17000

FP Markets

+10000

Capital.com

+6000

XM Group

+1400

AvaTrade

+1250

Vantage Markets

+1000

Eightcap

+800

AMarkets

+550

TMGM

+150

Global Prime

+100

Top 8 Forex Brokers in the World

The best brokers in the world often offer low spreads (from 0.0 pips), reasonable commissions in RAW accounts (about 4 to 5 dollars per lot), and have strong regulatory supervision my multiple financial authorities such as the FCA, CFTC, CySEC, ASIC, ESMA, etc.

The list below are the best international brokers that traders can choose to trade Forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, stocks, and more.

IC Markets

IC Markets is a multi-asset brokerage founded in 2007 with global operations and regulatory coverage under ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSA (Seychelles).

IC Markets Global Branch
IC Markets offers services to international traders via its global branch

The broker supports over 2,250 tradable instruments spanning Forex CFDs, Stock CFDs, Index CFDs, Commodity CFDs, Bond CFDs, and Crypto CFDs, offering infrastructure designed for both retail and professional market participants.

Clients can choose from Standard, Raw Spread, and Islamic accounts, with a minimum deposit of $200 and base currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, CHF, SGD, NZD, HKD, and CAD.

Trading execution follows a market execution model with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on Raw Spread accounts and commissions from $1.5 per lot on average. Leverage reaches up to 1:500, subject to regulatory jurisdiction.

Trading costs can be lowered by using the IC Markets rebate program vis the TradingFinder IB.

IC Markets integrates multiple professional trading platforms including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, cTrader Web, and the proprietary IC Markets Mobile App, supporting automated trading, expert advisors, and advanced charting systems.

Client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks, supported by negative balance protection and investor compensation schemes under CySEC of up to €20,000, reinforcing institutional-grade risk management and operational transparency.

Account Types

Standard Account, Raw Spread Account, Islamic Account

Regulating Authorities

ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FSA (Seychelles)

Minimum Deposit

$200

Deposit Methods

Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard), PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay

Withdrawal Methods

Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay

Maximum Leverage

Up to 1:500 (jurisdiction dependent)

Trading Platforms & Apps

MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, cTrader Web, IC Markets Mobile App

IC Markets Pros and Cons

The table below lists the core benefits and drawbacks of trading with IC Markets.

Pros

Cons

ECN-style execution model with deep liquidity sourced from tier-1 banks and non-bank liquidity providers

No proprietary web trading platform comparable to TradingView Web or eToro WebTrader

Ultra-low spreads from 0.0 pips on Raw Spread Account with average commission from $1.5 per lot

Cryptocurrency CFD coverage is smaller than Forex and indices selection

Supports over 2,250 instruments including Forex CFDs, Stock CFDs, Index CFDs, Commodity CFDs, Bond CFDs, Crypto CFDs

No built-in copy trading network like ZuluTrade

Full support for MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, cTrader Web, IC Markets Mobile App

-

Exness

Exness is a global multi-asset brokerage established in 2008, operating under the EXNESS Group with leadership from Petr Valov and Igor Lychagov.

Exness broker for International users
Exness holds ASIC, CySEC, and FSA (Seychelles) licenses allowing to offer services world-wide

The broker maintains regulatory coverage across several high-trust jurisdictions including FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles), CMA (Kenya), CBCS (Curaçao), and FSC (BVI). All entities require traders to complete the Exness verification procedure.

The trading ecosystem supports Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, and CFD instruments.

Exness offers +200 tradable symbols and flexible account structures including Standard, Standard Cent, Pro, Raw Spread, and Zero. These accounts can be chosen during the Exness registration process.

Entry requirements begin at a $10 minimum deposit, with spreads from 0.0 pips and commissions ranging from $0.2 to $3.5 depending on account configuration.

Exness provides a multi-platform environment through MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Exness Terminal (web), and the Exness Trade mobile application, supporting algorithmic trading, social trading, and copy trading integration, all available to download in the Exness dashboard.

Additional features, includes Negative Balance Protection, segregated client funds, Exness VPS hosting, and fast execution under both market execution and instant execution models.

Account Types

Standard, Standard Cent, Pro, Raw Spread, Zero

Regulating Authorities

FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles), CMA (Kenya), CBCS (Curaçao), FSC (BVI)

Minimum Deposit

From $10 (depends on account type & payment method)

Deposit Methods

Bank Transfer, Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, Perfect Money, WebMoney, Cryptocurrency Payments

Withdrawal Methods

Bank Transfer, Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, Perfect Money, WebMoney, Cryptocurrency Withdrawals

Maximum Leverage

Up to 1:2000 (jurisdiction & instrument dependent)

Trading Platforms & Apps

MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Exness Terminal (Web), Exness Trade Mobile App

Pros and Cons of Exness

The table below helps traders have a clear picture of the benefits and limitations of trading with Exness broker.

Pros

Cons

Broad regulatory coverage under FCA, CySEC, FSCA, FSA, CMA, CBCS, FSC, offering multi-jurisdiction compliance

Regulatory conditions differ by region, creating variation in leverage and protections

Very low entry barrier with minimum deposit from $10 and flexible account structures

Limited proprietary research content compared to institutional brokers

Diverse account types: Standard, Standard Cent, Pro, Raw Spread, Zero

-

Tight spreads from 0.0 pips with transparent commission models

-

XM Group

XM Group is a global multi-asset brokerage established in 2009, operating for over 15 years with a client base exceeding 15 million traders and processing nearly 14 million trades daily.

XM Group Broker official website
XM Group offers copy trading and beginner education to all international brokers

The trading ecosystem delivers access to over 1,400 CFD instruments, spanning Forex (55+ currency pairs), Stocks (1,200+ share CFDs), Indices, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Precious Metals, and Turbo Stocks.

Account offerings after completing the XM Group verification include Micro, Standard, Ultra Low, Shares, and Islamic (swap-free) structures, with entry thresholds starting at $5 and leverage reaching 1:1000 depending on the entity and instrument.

XM supports professional execution through MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and the proprietary XM Mobile App, featuring market and instant execution, MQL5 signal services, XM Group copy trading infrastructure, negative balance protection, and segregated client funds.

Additional infrastructure includes 24/7 multilingual support, advanced educational programs, and global liquidity access, positioning XM as a scalable brokerage framework for both retail and advanced traders.

Traders must note that opening an account with via the TradingFinder IB in this broker, makes them eligible to earn rebates (up to $37.5) via the XM Group rebate program.

Account Types

Micro, Standard, Ultra Low, Shares, Islamic (Swap-Free)

Regulating Authorities

CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), FSCA (South Africa), DFSA (Dubai), FSC (Belize), FSC (Mauritius), FSA (Seychelles)

Minimum Deposit

$5

Deposit Methods

Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard), Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Local Payment Solutions

Withdrawal Methods

Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Perfect Money

Maximum Leverage

Up to 1:1000 (depending on regulatory entity and instrument)

Trading Platforms & Apps

MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), XM WebTrader, XM Mobile App (iOS & Android)

XM Group Pros and Cons

The following tables indicates the pros and cons of trading with the XM Group broker for international traders.

Pros

Cons

Regulated by multiple top-tier authorities including CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, DFSA, FSC Belize, FSC Mauritius, FSA Seychelles

No proprietary trading platform outside MT4, MT5, and XM WebTrader

Very low entry barrier with $5 minimum deposit on Micro and Standard accounts

Leverage restrictions under CySEC and ASIC entities (up to 1:30)

Wide variety of account structures: Micro, Standard, Ultra Low, Shares, Islamic Swap-Free

-

High maximum leverage up to 1:1000 (jurisdiction dependent)

-

HFM

HFM, also known as HF Markets, operates as a multi-asset CFD broker with global regulatory coverage spanning CySEC in Europe, FCA in the United Kingdom, DFSA in the UAE, FSCA in South Africa, and FSA in Seychelles.

HFM services for International traders
Based on their entity, traders have access to high leverage up to 1:2000 via HFM broker

All broker entities require traders to complete the HFM verification process to comply with AML and KYC laws.

The broker supports several account models including Cent, Zero, Pro, and Premium, accommodating different trading styles and cost preferences.

Pricing is structured around floating spreads that begin from 0.0 pips on the Zero account, while standard accounts maintain competitive spread levels without commission on most forex pairs.

HFM delivers market access through MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary mobile application, enabling trading across Forex, Metals, Energies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, and Cryptocurrencies.

Additional infrastructure such as VPS hosting, Autochartist integration, economic calendars, trading calculators, and SMS market alerts are all accessible in the HFM dashboard.

With over 1,000 tradable instruments, HFM copy trading services, PAMM accounts, Islamic account support, and extensive educational resources, this broker positions itself as a comprehensive trading ecosystem rather than a single-product brokerage.

Account Types

Cent, Premium, Pro, Zero, Islamic (Swap-Free), Copy Trading, PAMM

Regulating Authorities

FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), DFSA (Dubai), FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles)

Minimum Deposit

$0 for Cent, $100 for Premium, $500 for Pro, $0 for Zero

Deposit Methods

Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, Skrill, Neteller, Perfect Money, Fasapay, Crypto Payments, Local Bank Transfers

Withdrawal Methods

Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, Skrill, Neteller, Perfect Money, Fasapay, Crypto Wallets

Maximum Leverage

Up to 1:2000 (depending on regulatory entity and account type)

Trading Platforms & Apps

MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, HFM Trading App (iOS & Android), WebTrader

HF Markets Pros and Cons

Traders must consider the following pros and cons of trading with the HF Markets broker.

Pros

Cons

Multi-jurisdiction regulation under FCA, CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, and FSA Seychelles providing layered investor protection

Higher minimum deposit on Pro account ($5000) compared with entry-level accounts

Broad account architecture including Cent, Premium, Pro, Zero, Islamic, PAMM, and Copy Trading accounts

Leverage restrictions for EU and UK clients

Very high leverage availability up to 1:2000 under offshore entities

Crypto CFD range smaller than some dedicated crypto brokers

Extensive market coverage across Forex, Metals, Energies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, and Cryptocurrencies

-

Eightcap

Eightcap is an Australian-founded CFD broker established in 2009 in Melbourne, operating under a multi-jurisdiction regulatory framework that includes ASIC in Australia, FCA in the United Kingdom, CySEC in Cyprus, and SCB in The Bahamas.

Eightcap official website
Traders in Australia and other regions can use the Eightcap website

This regulatory structure enables Eightcap to serve clients across major financial regions while enforcing core protections such as segregated client funds and negative balance protection.

The broker offers three primary live account models: Standard, Raw, and TradingView, alongside a Demo account.

Trading conditions are structured with spreads from 0.0 pips on the Raw account and commission-free pricing on Standard and TradingView accounts, except for share CFDs.

Traders can benefit from up to $3.6 cashbacks via Eightcap rebate in this Forex broker.

Market access spans over 800 instruments across Forex, commodities, metals, indices, shares, and more than 200 cryptocurrency CFDs, all delivered through MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and full TradingView integration.

Eightcap enhances its trading environment with Capitalise.ai for code-free automation, FlashTrader for precision order execution, and an AI-powered economic calendar.

Funding and withdrawals are supported via bank transfer, cards, e-wallets, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies. With 24/5 customer support, Eighcap insists on providing top-tier services to all traders who complete the Eightcap registration.

Account Types

Standard, Raw, TradingView, Demo

Regulating Authorities

ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), SCB (Bahamas)

Minimum Deposit

$100

Deposit Methods

Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Cryptocurrency Payments

Withdrawal Methods

Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Cryptocurrency Withdrawals

Maximum Leverage

Up to 1:500 (jurisdiction and instrument dependent)

Trading Platforms & Apps

MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView Platform Integration

Pros and Cons of Eightcap

Check the table below before opening an account with Eightcap to ensure you know all its pros and cons.

Pros

Cons

Strong regulatory coverage under ASIC, FCA, CySEC, and SCB providing high compliance standards

No proprietary standalone trading platform

Deep integration with TradingView alongside MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5

Crypto CFD offering restricted under some regulatory jurisdictions

Over 800 instruments including Forex, Indices, Commodities, Shares, and 200+ Cryptocurrency CFDs

-

Competitive pricing with spreads from 0.0 pips on Raw account

-

FxPro

FxPro operates as a multi-asset brokerage infrastructure that has been active since 2006, combining global regulatory coverage with a broad trading technology ecosystem.

Clients gain access to more than 2,100 financial instruments spanning Forex, equities, indices, metals, energy contracts, futures, and cryptocurrency CFDs.

The broker supports various trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, FxPro WebTrader, and the proprietary FxPro mobile application.

Execution models integrate both market execution and instant execution, while trading features include Expert Advisors, scalping, copy trading via FxPro CopyTrade, negative balance protection, and optional Islamic account structures.

All features become available after completing the FxPro verification process.

Pricing architecture varies by account structure, with Standard, Raw+, and Elite configurations offering different spread and commission models. Traders can lower trading costs up to 30% in this Forex broker via the FxPro rebate program.

Funding operations in the FxPro dashboard utilize payment networks such as Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and international bank transfers, with most deposits and withdrawals processed without broker fees under standard conditions.

Account Types

Standard, Raw+, Elite

Regulating Authorities

FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), FSCA (South Africa), SCB (Bahamas)

Minimum Deposit

$100

Deposit Methods

Bank Wire, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal

Withdrawal Methods

Bank Wire, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal

Maximum Leverage

Up to 1:30 (retail EU/UK), up to 1:500 (professional / offshore)

Trading Platforms & Apps

MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, FxPro WebTrader, FxPro Mobile App

FxPro Pros and Cons

Consider the following advantages and disadvantage when opening an account with the FxPro broker.

Pros

Cons

Regulation by FCA, CySEC, FSCA, and SCB, providing multi-jurisdiction compliance and investor protection

Retail leverage limited to 1:30 under FCA and CySEC regulation

Wide platform ecosystem including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, FxPro WebTrader, and FxPro Mobile App

Inactivity fee applied after prolonged account dormancy ($15)

Advanced execution model with No Dealing Desk infrastructure and deep liquidity from tier-1 providers

-

Availability of professional accounts with leverage up to 1:500 for eligible clients

-

Fusion Markets

Fusion Markets operates as a multi-regulated online brokerage supported by oversight from ASIC and VFSC, with corporate registration under Gleneagle Securities Pty Limited in Vanuatu and Australia.

The broker provides access to major financial markets, including Forex, Indices, Share CFDs, Commodities, Metals, Energy, and Cryptocurrencies. Traders can access each symbol contract specification in the Fusion Markets dashboard.

Client funds are held in segregated accounts with HSBC and National Australia Bank, enhancing operational security and financial transparency.

The trading environment is built around MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, and cTrader, all available across desktop, web, and mobile.

Account structures include Zero, Classic, and Swap-Free, each tailored to different cost models and execution preferences.

All account types become available after completing the Fusion Markets registration process.

Fusion Markets maintains ultra-low spreads starting from 0.0 pips, offers commission-free options, and supports advanced services such as VPS hosting, Copy Trading, MAM, PAMM, and Fusion+.

Before accessing all the available features, traders must complete the Fusion Markets verification process in 3 simple steps.

With maximum leverage reaching 1:500 and no minimum deposit requirement, the broker accommodates a wide range of trading profiles. Its infrastructure emphasizes fast execution, flexible funding methods, and professional risk management tools.

Account Types

Classic Account, Zero Account, Swap-Free (Islamic), Demo Account

Regulating Authorities

ASIC (Australia), VFSC (Vanuatu)

Minimum Deposit

$0

Deposit Methods

Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard), Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Crypto Payments

Withdrawal Methods

Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Crypto Wallets

Maximum Leverage

Up to 1:500

Trading Platforms & Apps

MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, TradingView, WebTrader, iOS App, Android App

Fusion Markets Pros and Cons

The table below offers a list of the benefits and drawbacks of trading with the Fusion Markets broker.

Pros

Cons

Ultra-low spreads starting from 0.0 pips on Zero Account with institutional-grade liquidity providers

Not regulated by Tier-1 regulators in all regions outside Australia

Strong regulation under ASIC combined with additional global coverage via VFSC

Educational content is relatively basic for advanced algorithmic traders

Full platform suite including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradingView integration

-

No minimum deposit requirement, suitable for beginners and micro-account strategies

-

TMGM

TMGM, also known as TradeMax Global Markets, operates as a multi-jurisdictional forex and CFD broker with a regulatory structure anchored by ASIC in Australia and extended through VFSC (Vanuatu), FSC (Mauritius), CMA (Kenya), and FSA (Seychelles).

All traders must complete the TMGM verification process to comply with Anti-Money laundering and Know Your Customer rules.

Client fund protection includes segregation of funds, negative balance protection under the ASIC entity, and professional indemnity insurance coverage of up to AUD 10 million, supplemented by Financial Commission membership for dispute resolution and compensation.

The broker delivers access to more than 12,000 tradable instruments across Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Energies, and Cryptocurrency CFDs.

Trading is supported on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, the IRESS institutional platform, and the proprietary TMGM Mobile App. All platforms are available for download via the TMGM dashboard.

Account structures include Edge (ECN), Classic, and multi-tier IRESS accounts, with spreads from 0.0 pips on Edge and commissions of $3.5 per lot. Maximum leverage reaches 1:1000 depending on regulatory jurisdiction.

TMGM integrates copy trading via ZuluTrade HUBx, provides Islamic accounts, supports automated trading through Expert Advisors, and offers global liquidity with execution speeds averaging below 30 milliseconds.

Funding is facilitated through diversified TMGM deposit and withdrawal methods including Visa, MasterCard, WISE, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay, bank transfer, and stablecoin deposits via USDT and USDC.

Account Types

Edge (ECN), Classic, IRESS Standard, IRESS Platinum, IRESS Premier, Islamic Account

Regulating Authorities

ASIC (Australia), VFSC (Vanuatu), FSC (Mauritius), CMA (Kenya), FSA (Seychelles)

Minimum Deposit

$100 for Classic & Edge accounts, higher tiers for IRESS accounts

Deposit Methods

Bank Transfer, Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay, WISE, USDT, USDC

Withdrawal Methods

Bank Transfer, Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay, WISE, USDT, USDC

Maximum Leverage

Up to 1:1000 (varies by regulation and account type)

Trading Platforms & Apps

MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), IRESS, TMGM Mobile App, ZuluTrade HUBx

Pros and Cons of TMGM

The table below offers a detailed look into the pros and cons of trading with TMGM.

Pros

Cons

Multi-regulation by ASIC, VFSC, FSC, CMA, and FSA providing diversified regulatory oversight

Offshore regulation entities such as VFSC and FSA offer lower investor protection compared to Tier-1 regulators

Advanced trading infrastructure with MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and professional-grade IRESS platform

IRESS platform access requires significantly higher minimum deposits

Ultra-low latency execution via Equinix NY4 and LD4 data centers with ECN pricing on Edge accounts

-

Broad asset coverage including Forex, Indices, Commodities, Shares, Cryptocurrencies, and Futures CFDs

-

Forex trading is considered a lawful financial activity in many jurisdictions, but its legality is determined by national regulatory systems rather than by the global market itself.

The legal framework of forex trading is generally built on the following pillars:

  • broker licensing and registration with recognized financial authorities
  • investor protection mechanisms such as negative balance protection and compensation schemes
  • leverage limitations designed to reduce systemic risk
  • capital adequacy and financial reporting requirements for brokers
  • taxation rules governing trading profits
  • anti-money laundering and know-your-customer compliance procedures

Different regions apply these principles through their own regulatory bodies. In the European Union, oversight is coordinated under MiFID II and enforced by national regulators.

In the United States, retail forex activity falls under the supervision of the National Futures Association. The United Kingdom relies on the Financial Conduct Authority, while the Australian Securities and Investments Commission performs a similar role in Australia.

Several Asian jurisdictions, including Japan and Singapore, operate under tightly controlled regulatory environments.

As a result, forex trading remains legal when conducted through properly authorized brokers and in full compliance with local financial laws.

Which Financial Authorities Regulate International Forex Brokers?

The table below offers a list of top financial regulatory bodies that regulate Forex brokers.

Country

Regulatory Authority

Name Abbreviation

United States

Commodity Futures Trading Commission

CFTC

United Kingdom

Financial Conduct Authority

FCA

Australia

Australian Securities and Investments Commission

ASIC

Germany

Federal Financial Supervisory Authority

BaFin

Japan

Japan Financial Services Agency

JFSA

Switzerland

Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority

FINMA

Canada

Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization

CIRO

Singapore

Monetary Authority of Singapore

MAS

Cyprus

Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission

CySEC

Hong Kong

Securities and Futures Commission

SFC

Traders can see a more complete list of these entities in the TF score page.

Forex regulation in the world
Well-known financial authorities in the Forex trading world

How to Verify Forex Broker Regulations

Before opening any trading account, verifying a broker’s regulatory standing is a critical risk-control procedure. The following structured process allows traders to confirm legitimacy using official regulatory databases and documented compliance records.

Verification Process:

  1. Review the Broker’s Official Website: Locate the broker’s legal information section, typically found in the footer or “About Us” page. Identify regulatory disclosures, license numbers, and supervisory authorities such as FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, or MAS;
  2. Determine the Supervisory Authority: Match the broker’s declared regulator with recognized global financial authorities including: FCA in the United Kingdom, ASIC in Australia, NFA and CFTC in the United States, MAS in Singapore, and similar Tier-1 institutions;
  3. Access the Regulator’s Official Registry: Navigate directly to the regulator’s primary database such as FCA Register, NFA BASIC, ASIC Register, or MAS Financial Institutions Directory;
  4. Conduct Database Validation: Search using the broker’s legal company name or license number. Confirm registration status, approved financial activities, and operational permissions for forex trading;
  5. Evaluate Compliance History: Examine any enforcement actions, warnings, fines, or disciplinary records issued by the authority. Verify that authorized services align with the products the broker offers.

Here are the risks you should monitor while verifying broker licenses:

  • Missing license data
  • Inconsistent corporate details
  • Refusal to provide regulatory documentation
  • Absence from official regulatory databases

This verification framework significantly reduces exposure to fraudulent platforms and unlicensed intermediaries.

How to verify Forex broker regulation
Traders must provide the regulation number in the authorities website to check the Forex brokers’ license

Do I Pay Taxes for Trading Forex?

Traders who trade Forex in regulated environments in different countries must pay taxes to the main authority of their place of residence. The taxation rates heavily depends on country you trade in.

  • United Kingdom: Forex trading gains are taxed by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) either as Capital Gains Tax at 10% to 20% or as trading income taxed progressively from 20% to 45% depending on classification;
  • Spain: Forex and CFD profits are taxed as savings income under IRPF and collected by the Agencia Tributaria, with progressive capital gains rates of 19% up to €6,000, 21% to €50,000, 23% to €200,000, 27% to €300,000, and 30% above €300,000;
  • Germany: Forex profits are taxable investment income administered by Bundeszentralamt für Steuern and subject to 25% capital gains tax plus 5.5% solidarity surcharge, resulting in an effective rate of about 26.375%, higher if church tax applies;
  • France: Forex profits are taxable and handled by Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP), typically under the PFU flat tax regime at a total rate of about 30% including income tax and social contributions;
  • Canada: Forex gains are taxed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) either as capital gains where 50% of profit is taxable, or as business income taxed at full marginal rates which vary by province and can exceed 45%;
  • Russia: Forex income is taxable personal income supervised by the Federal Tax Service of Russia, generally at a flat 13% for residents and 15% for high incomes, with local brokers often acting as tax agents;
  • South Korea: Forex profits are included in taxable income and collected by the National Tax Service (NTS) with progressive combined tax rates including local surtax ranging approximately from 6.6% up to 49.5%;
  • India: Forex trading profits are taxable under Indian income tax law and administered by the Income Tax Department of India, with personal income tax rates ranging from 5% to 30% plus applicable surcharges and cess;
  • United Arab Emirates: Individual forex trading profits are currently tax-free with 0% personal income tax under Federal Tax Authority (FTA) rules, while corporate trading activities may fall under the 9% corporate tax regime;
  • Singapore: Forex profits may be taxable as personal or business income depending on trading behavior, administered by IRAS, with progressive personal income tax rates from 0% up to 22%;
  • Cyprus: Corporate forex profits are taxed at 12.5% and regulated by the Cyprus Tax Department, one of the lowest rates in the European Union;
  • South Africa: Forex profits are taxed as income or capital gains and enforced by SARS, with personal income tax brackets ranging from 18% to 45% and effective capital gains rates up to about 18%;
  • Australia: Forex trading profits are treated as taxable income and collected by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), with personal tax rates ranging from 0% to 45% plus Medicare levy;
  • United States: Forex profits are taxable and reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under Section 988 (ordinary income) or Section 1256 (capital gains, if elected);
  • Cyprus: Corporate forex profits are taxed at 12.5 percent and regulated by the Cyprus Tax Department.
Forex trading tax
Forex tax rates in US, UK, France, Germany, etc.

What is the Maximum Trading Leverage in International Forex Brokers?

The maximum trading leverage offered by Forex brokers heavily depends on the regulatory framework under which they operate. In the European Union and Australia, retail leverage is capped at 1:30. In the United States, the maximum allowable leverage for major currency pairs is 1:50. In offshore jurisdictions with fewer regulatory restrictions, leverage can extend as high as 1:5000.

Below are international brokers that provide some of the highest leverage options in the global Forex market:

Broker

Maximum Leverage

Exness

1:Unlimited

JustMarkets

1:3000

AMarkets

1:3000

HFM

1:2000

RoboForex

1:2000

FBS

1:2000

LiteFinance

1:1000

NordFX

1:1000

PU Prime

1:1000

AvaTrade

1:400

What Are the Best Forex Trading Platforms to Trade in International Brokers?

There are many trading platforms that international traders can use to trade currency pairs in Forex brokers but these are the best available options:

Best Forex trading platfroms
Traders can use MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and NinjaTrader to trade Forex

MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

MetaTrader 4 is the most widely used Forex trading platform, supporting advanced charting, technical indicators, Expert Advisors, and automated trading via MQL4. It integrates with ECN and STP brokers, offers fast execution, VPS compatibility, and supports hedging, scalping, and algorithmic strategies.

MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

MetaTrader 5 extends MT4 with multi-asset trading, Depth of Market, economic calendar, and multi-threaded Strategy Tester. Built on MQL5, MT5 provides improved order management, faster execution, and native support for netting and hedging systems.

TradingView

TradingView is a cloud-based trading and charting platform featuring institutional-grade charts, Pine Script automation, social trading, real-time data, and direct broker connectivity.

Its browser-based architecture enables seamless trading across devices with professional analytics tools.

NinjaTrader

NinjaTrader specializes in advanced order flow analysis, volumetric indicators, and futures-focused execution.

With NinjaScript automation, professional analytics, and high-performance infrastructure, it serves quantitative and proprietary traders through international brokers.

cTrader

cTrader is an ECN trading platform offering Level II pricing, low-latency execution, FIX API connectivity, advanced charting, and automated trading via cAlgo. It is optimized for brokers delivering institutional-grade execution and liquidity access.

Forex Trading Comparison in Various Countries

The table below offers a detailed look at the Forex trading conditions of well-established countries.

Comparison Factor

Germany

Spain

United States

Australia

Primary Regulator

Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin)

Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV)

CFTC and NFA

Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)

Regulatory Framework

EU-wide MiFID II and ESMA compliance

National CNMV framework aligned with EU MiFID II and ESMA

Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association

National regulatory framework under ASIC

Retail Leverage Cap (Forex Majors)

1:30

1:30

1:50

1:30

Investor Protection Level

Very high

Very high

High

High

Negative Balance Protection

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Client Fund Segregation

Mandatory

Mandatory under CySEC / MiFID rules

Mandatory

Required under ASIC rules

Broker Transparency Requirements

Strict EU disclosure rules

Strict EU disclosure rules (CNMV advertising restrictions 2023)

Strict reporting, disclosure, and conduct standards

Licensing and conduct rules under ASIC

Broker Availability

Broad EU access via passporting

CNMV-licensed brokers plus EU brokers via MiFID II passporting

Domestic brokers

ASIC licensed brokers

Access to International Brokers

High via EU passporting

High via EU passporting

No

Yes

Typical Trading Platforms

MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, NinjaTrader

MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, NinjaTrader

MT4, MT5, TradingView, proprietary apps

MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, NinjaTrader

Maximum Loss Protection

Cannot lose more than deposit

Cannot lose more than deposit

Mandatory for retail traders

Cannot lose more than deposit

Tax Treatment of Forex Profits

Capital gains tax with limited offsets

Capital gains tax under IRPF progressive system

Variable, up to 37%

Generally treated as assessable income, reported to ATO

Conclusion

TradingFinder experts reviewed the best international Forex brokers and have concluded that IC Markets, HFM, Exness, TMGM, Fusion Markets, FxPro, and Eightcap are the best available options.

Traders now must compare the account types (Standard, Raw, ECN, etc.) spreads (from 0.0 pips), commissions, deposit and withdrawal methods, and customer support to choose the best broker based on their trading needs.

All brokers have been thoroughly evaluated based on Forex methodology.

FAQs

Which are the best international Forex brokers?

The best international Forex brokers include IC Markets, HFM, Exness, TMGM, Fusion Markets, FxPro, and Eightcap.

Which broker has the highest Trustpilot rating?

IC Markets and Fusion Markets currently hold the highest Trustpilot rating at 4.8 out of 5.

Which brokers offer the lowest trading spreads?

Fusion Markets, Exness, HFM, and Pepperstone offer some of the lowest spreads in the market, starting from 0.0 pips.

What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with Exness?

The minimum deposit required to open an account with Exness starts from 10 USD, depending on the selected account type.

Which broker offers the largest number of tradable instruments?

IG Markets offers the largest selection of tradable instruments, providing access to more than 17,000 financial assets.

Which broker is most suitable for scalping and algorithmic trading?

IC Markets is highly suitable for scalping and algorithmic trading due to its ECN execution model and ultra-low latency trading infrastructure.

Do regulated brokers segregate client funds?

Yes, regulated brokers are legally required to segregate client funds in accordance with regulatory standards enforced by authorities such as the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC.

Which broker provides the highest leverage options?

Exness provides some of the highest leverage options in the Forex market, including unlimited leverage under specific regulatory jurisdictions.

Which broker has the lowest minimum deposit requirement?

XM has the lowest minimum deposit requirement, allowing traders to open accounts with as little as 5 USD.

Which broker offers the widest range of CFD instruments?

TMGM offers one of the widest ranges of CFD instruments, with access to more than 12,000 tradable products.

Which brokers provide full TradingView integration?

Eightcap and Fusion Markets both provide full TradingView integration for professional charting and order execution.

Which brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) trading accounts?

IC Markets, Exness, XM, HFM, Fusion Markets, and TMGM all offer Islamic trading accounts designed to comply with Sharia principles.

Is Forex trading legal in most countries?

Yes, Forex trading is legal in most countries when conducted through brokers that are properly licensed and regulated by recognized financial authorities.

Which regulatory authorities are considered the most reliable in the Forex industry?

The most reliable regulatory authorities in the Forex industry include the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, CFTC, MAS, and FINMA.

Which broker delivers the fastest trade execution speeds?

TMGM delivers extremely fast trade execution speeds, with average execution times below 30 milliseconds.

Which brokers are best suited for professional traders?

IC Markets and FxPro are best suited for professional traders due to their institutional-grade liquidity, execution quality, and advanced trading technology.

Do top Forex brokers provide negative balance protection?

Yes, most top-tier Forex brokers provide negative balance protection to prevent traders from losing more than their deposited capital.

Which broker offers the greatest variety of trading platforms?

FxPro offers the greatest variety of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and its proprietary FxPro WebTrader.

Which brokers are most suitable for beginner traders?

XM and Fusion Markets are among the most suitable brokers for beginner traders due to their low minimum deposits and user-friendly account structures.

What are the most important factors when selecting a Forex broker?

The most important factors when selecting a Forex broker include regulatory security, trading costs, platform quality, execution reliability, and fund protection.

score of blog
5 From 5.0
(1)
Rate this post
0Comment
Trade With The Recommended Service
adLBank Crypto Exchange register
Your Capital is at risk.
adpocketoption broker register
Your Capital is at risk.
adMaven Trading Prop Register
Your Capital is at risk.
adE8 Markets Prop Register
Your Capital is at risk.
adHF Markets Broker register
Your Capital is at risk.
adIQ Option register
Your Capital is at risk.