Best FCA-Regulated Brokers 2026
To stay safe, UK traders should choose a broker regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We have tested the best FCA brokers in 2026 and listed them here.
Top 5 FCA Brokers
To help British traders stay safe, our experts have ranked the 5 best FCA-regulated brokers:
- eToro: Best Overall Broker | FCA License Number: 583263
- XTB: Best Broker For Beginners | FCA License Number: 522157
- CMC Markets: Best Broker For Active Traders | FCA License Number: 173730
- Pepperstone: Best MetaTrader Broker | FCA License Number: 684312
- Eightcap: Best Broker For Forex Trading | FCA License Number: 921296
All Brokers Regulated By The FCA
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Established in 1974, IG is a unit of IG Group Holdings Plc, listed on the LSE as IGG. It provides access to over 17,000 markets through intuitive platforms and apps. For half a century, IG has remained an industry leader, excelling in all vital aspects for traders.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs (not in US), Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting (UK only) CFTC, NFA, FCA, BaFin, ASIC, FINMA, MAS, JFSA, FMA, DFSA, BMA Web, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) -
Established in Poland in 2002, XTB caters to over a million clients worldwide. This forex and CFD broker offers a robust regulatory framework, a diverse range of assets, and prioritises trader satisfaction. It provides an intuitive proprietary platform equipped with excellent tools to support aspiring traders.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs on shares, Indices, ETFs, Raw Materials, Forex currencies, cryptocurrencies, Real shares, Real ETFs FCA, CySEC, KNF, DFSA, FSC, SCA, CMF, Bappebti xStation Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 -
Spreadex, regulated by the FCA, provides spread betting across 10,000+ CFD instruments, including 60 forex pairs. Traders have the option to engage in short-term positions on sporting events as well. With a history exceeding 20 years, the company has earned numerous accolades.
Instruments Regulator Platforms Forex, CFDs, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto, Bonds, Interest Rates, ETFs, Options, Spread Betting FCA Spreadex Platform, TradingView, AutoChartist Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage £0 (but £5 minimum for standard payment methods) £0.01 1:30 -
Trade Nation is a leading FX and CFD broker regulated in the UK and Australia, among other places. The company provides competitively priced fixed and variable spreads on over 1,000 assets. Traders benefit from advanced platforms and comprehensive training materials. Additionally, the Signal Centre offers valuable trade ideas.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Spread Betting (UK and Ireland only), Cryptos (Bahamas entity only) FCA, ASIC, CMVM , FSCA, SCB, FSA TN Trader, MT4, TradingView Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.1 Lots 1:30 -
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) stands as a leading brokerage, offering access to 170+ markets in 40 nations alongside extensive investment services. With 40+ years in finance, this Nasdaq-listed entity complies with regulations from the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, ensuring global trustworthiness in trading.
Instruments Regulator Platforms Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Cryptocurrencies, CFDs SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, CIRO, FCA, CBI, ASIC, SFC, SEBI, JFSA, MAS Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 $0 1:30 -
Founded in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a highly esteemed forex and CFD broker with more than 830,000 clients globally. It provides access to 1,400+ instruments via platforms like MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView, with competitive and clear fees. Regulated by reputable bodies such as the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, it guarantees a safe trading environment for all traders.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto CFDs (only Pro clients), Spread Betting FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA, SCA, SCB, CMA-Kenya Pepperstone Trading Platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail - UK, EU, Australia), 1:500 (Pro), 1:200 (Offshore), 1:400 (Kenya) -
Eightcap, an acclaimed broker regulated by the FCA, offers exceptionally low trading costs. Recognised as the top-rated brand by TradingView's vast user base of 100 million, traders can directly access the platform. UK traders can open a live account with a minimum deposit of just £100.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs in Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSC, SCB, FSA MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradeLocker Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage £100 0.01 Lots 1:30
IG
XTB
Spreadex
Trade Nation
Interactive Brokers
Pepperstone
EightcapSafety Comparison
Compare how safe the Best FCA-Regulated Brokers 2026 are and what features they offer to protect traders.
| Broker | Trust Rating | FCA Regulated | Negative Balance Protection | Guaranteed Stop Loss | Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| XTB | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| Spreadex | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Trade Nation | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| Interactive Brokers | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| Pepperstone | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| Eightcap | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
Payments Comparison
Compare which popular payment methods the Best FCA-Regulated Brokers 2026 support and whether they have trading accounts denominated in British Pounds (GBP).
| Broker | GBP Account | Debit Card | Credit Card | Neteller | Skrill | Apple Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| XTB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Spreadex | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Trade Nation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Interactive Brokers | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Pepperstone | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Eightcap | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Mobile Trading Comparison
How good are the Best FCA-Regulated Brokers 2026 at mobile trading using apps or other mobile interfaces.
| Broker | Mobile Apps | iOS Rating | Android Rating | Smart Watch App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | iOS & Android | ✔ | ||
| XTB | iOS & Android | ✔ | ||
| Spreadex | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Trade Nation | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Interactive Brokers | iOS & Android | ✔ | ||
| Pepperstone | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Eightcap | iOS & Android | ✘ |
Beginners Comparison
Are the Best FCA-Regulated Brokers 2026 good for beginner traders, that might want an affordable setup to get started, along with good support and educational resources?
| Broker | Demo Account | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Trade | Support Rating | Education Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| XTB | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Spreadex | ✘ | £0 (but £5 minimum for standard payment methods) | £0.01 | ||
| Trade Nation | ✔ | $0 | 0.1 Lots | ||
| Interactive Brokers | ✔ | $0 | $0 | ||
| Pepperstone | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Eightcap | ✔ | £100 | 0.01 Lots |
Advanced Trading Comparison
Do the Best FCA-Regulated Brokers 2026 offer features that allow for more advanced trading strategies?
| Broker | Automated Trading | Pro Account | Leverage | VPS | AI | Low Latency | Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, build your own on ProRealTime | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| XTB | - | ✔ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Spreadex | ✘ | ✔ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Trade Nation | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✘ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Interactive Brokers | Capitalise.ai, TWS API | ✘ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pepperstone | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail - UK, EU, Australia), 1:500 (Pro), 1:200 (Offshore), 1:400 (Kenya) | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Eightcap | TradingView Bots | ✘ | 1:30 | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
Detailed Rating Comparison
Use this heatmap to compare our detailed ratings for all of the Best FCA-Regulated Brokers 2026.
| Broker | Trust | Platforms | Mobile | Assets | Fees | Accounts | Support | Research | Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | |||||||||
| XTB | |||||||||
| Spreadex | |||||||||
| Trade Nation | |||||||||
| Interactive Brokers | |||||||||
| Pepperstone | |||||||||
| Eightcap |
Our Take On IG
"IG offers a complete package: an easy-to-use web platform, top-tier beginner education, enhanced charting via TradingView, up-to-date data, and strong trade execution for seasoned traders."Tobias Robinson
Reviewer
Pros
- The web-based platform supports traders at every level, offering advanced charting tools and real-time market data vital for trading. Additionally, IG now includes TradingView integration.
- IG secured a crypto asset license from the FCA, enabling its return to the UK market. It now offers buying, selling, and storage services for over 55 digital tokens with fees starting at 1.49%, all under FCA regulation.
- The ProRealTime advanced charting platform remains free, provided traders meet modest monthly activity requirements.
Cons
- IG imposes a monthly inactivity fee of $12 to $18 after two years, discouraging occasional investors.
- In the UK and EU, negative balance protection is available. However, US clients lack account protection and guaranteed stop losses.
- Beginners may find IG's fees complicated, as they vary depending on the trades or services. This could cause confusion and unexpected costs.
Our Take On XTB
"XTB excels for novice traders with its superb xStation platform, minimal trading costs, no required deposit, and outstanding educational resources, many of which are fully integrated into the platform."William Berg
Reviewer
Pros
- Top-notch customer support, available 24/5, includes a welcoming live chat with response times under two minutes during tests.
- Setting up an XTB account is straightforward and fully online, requiring only a few minutes. This simplicity eases new traders into the world of trading.
- In 2026, XTB expanded its asset offerings and markets. It introduced options trading in Spain and Germany, launched spot cryptocurrencies in select regions, and unveiled Investment Plans 2.0. These enhanced plans now feature more pre-built options, including sectors like Defence, a user-friendly interface, and increased flexibility to mix stocks and ETFs within individual plans.
Cons
- It is frustrating that XTB products do not allow traders to modify the default leverage level. Manually adjusting leverage can greatly reduce risk in forex and CFD trading.
- XTB has stopped supporting MT4, restricting traders to its own platform, xStation. This decision may discourage experienced traders accustomed to using the MetaTrader suite.
- Trading fees are competitive, with average EUR/USD spreads of about 1 pip. However, they are not as low as the most affordable brokers, such as IC Markets. Additionally, an inactivity fee applies after a year.
Our Take On Spreadex
"Spreadex attracts UK traders keen on spread betting in financial markets and traditional sports wagers. It offers low fees for short trades, and spread bet profits are tax-free. With a robust charting platform and no minimum deposit, it's easy to begin."Tobias Robinson
Reviewer
Pros
- Over 10,000 instruments and superior access to AIM small-caps are available, including exclusive offerings not found with larger brokers. This provides UK-centric traders with enhanced opportunities in niche small-cap configurations.
- Spreadex has integrated Autochartist-powered trading signals into its desktop platform. This offers real-time, pattern-based insights aimed at assisting active traders in spotting potential opportunities.
- During live trials near London, Spreadex exhibited 120–200ms round-trip latency across over 50 FTSE and EUR/USD trades. There were no requotes, and slippage remained largely controlled under normal market conditions.
Cons
- Spreadex lacks MT4, MT5, cTrader, API, VPS, and algorithmic trading support, making it ideal for active traders rather than those using automated or bespoke trading systems.
- Spreadex requires real funds initially, offering no demo accounts. Few spread betting brokers neglect to accommodate new traders in this manner.
- Execution is satisfactory, though not top-tier. Tests showed 0.2–0.4 pip slippage in stable liquid markets, but news-induced volatility increased some fills to around 1 pip. Thinner AIM stocks often experienced 2–4 point slippage.
Our Take On Trade Nation
"Trade Nation caters to discretionary traders aiming to speculate on major indices like the US 500 or liquid FX pairs, with the certainty of fixed spreads. Our tests revealed the TN Trader's fixed spreads to be advantageous, especially during economic announcements, thanks to its dependable charting and capped spreads."Tobias Robinson
Reviewer
Pros
- During tests of the TN Trader account in standard market conditions, fixed spreads remained stable. Major forex pairs experienced prompt order fills, albeit with slight entry level drift as prices fluctuated between click and execution.
- The broker expanded into Europe by launching regulated online trading services, after securing authorization from Portugal's CVMV, enhancing safety measures for European residents.
- The demo includes a £5,000 practice account, and you can request a personalised platform walkthrough via callback. This level of individual assistance is uncommon.
Cons
- There is no raw or ECN pricing tier, often favoured by traders. Regardless of your deposit or trading volume, you receive the same fixed (or variable on MT4) pricing as novices, rendering it particularly unsuitable for scalpers.
- Withdrawals may take up to five business days, aligning with industry norms. However, this is slower compared to the 1-3 days many brokers now offer to minimise complaints from retail investors.
- Offshore SCB and FSA firms offer retail investors leverage up to 1:200 and 1:500. In contrast, regions like the UK, Europe, and Australia cap leverage at 1:30. Thus, an FSA client can access 16 times more exposure than a UK retail client on identical trades. However, this comes with reduced oversight and no compensation schemes.
Our Take On Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers ranks highly for seasoned traders due to its robust charting platforms, live data, and bespoke layouts via the new IBKR Desktop app. Its competitive pricing and sophisticated order choices appeal to traders, and its wide equity options are industry-leading."Tobias Robinson
Reviewer
Pros
- A wide range of third-party research subscriptions, both free and paid, are available for traders. Additionally, by subscribing to Toggle AI, traders can receive commission rebates from IBKR.
- While initially targeting seasoned traders, IBKR has recently widened its appeal by eliminating its $10,000 minimum deposit requirement.
- IBKR offers an economical environment for traders, featuring low commissions, narrow spreads, and a clear fee structure.
Cons
- Support can be sluggish and frustrating. Tests reveal that you may face challenges reaching customer service quickly, which could result in delays in issue resolution.
- IBKR offers a variety of research tools, but their inconsistent placement across trading platforms and the 'Account Management' webpage creates a confusing experience for users.
- TWS has a steep learning curve, making it difficult for newcomers to navigate and grasp its features.
Our Take On Pepperstone
"Pepperstone excels in trading with tight spreads, swift execution, and advanced charting for seasoned traders. Beginners enjoy zero minimum deposit, comprehensive educational materials, and outstanding 24/5 support, including 18-hour weekend assistance."Tobias Robinson
Reviewer
Pros
- Pepperstone now offers trading in pre-IPO perpetual futures, including SpaceX (SPCX.US-PERP), in select areas like the UAE.
- Provides a specialised CopyTrading app for traders preferring a more passive strategy, available in select countries.
- By integrating spread betting via TradingView, Pepperstone offers a streamlined, tax-efficient trading platform with sophisticated analysis tools for financial spread bettors in eligible countries.
Cons
- Although the market range has expanded, crypto CFD options remain somewhat restricted, especially when compared to specialised brokers like Eightcap. Additionally, there is no facility to invest in actual cryptocurrencies.
- Execution might not appear as dependable in rapid markets as headline speeds imply. Our tests showed swift execution at targeted prices. However, community feedback highlights concerns over slippage, stop-loss fills, and order triggers sensitive to spreads amid volatility.
- Overnight holding fees exceed those of some Market Maker brokers (typically Benchmark + 2.5%). Pepperstone suits traders and forex scalpers well but is less ideal for swing traders who keep positions open overnight.
Our Take On Eightcap
"Eightcap excels for traders, offering diverse charting platforms, educational Labs, and AI tools. With over 120 crypto CFDs, it stands out in crypto trading and has won our 'Best Crypto Broker' award twice consecutively."William Berg
Reviewer
Pros
- Eightcap Challenges, the broker's proprietary trading firm, operates under multiple regulations, eliminating the third-party risks typical of white-label firms. It offers tailored funded accounts for crypto traders with approximately 150 crypto pairs and is integrated with the TradingView platform.
- Eightcap has excelled in all essential trading areas, surpassing all rivals to clinch our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024. It also earned the titles of 'Best Crypto Broker' and 'Best TradingView Broker' for 2025.
- In 2021, Eightcap enhanced its lineup, now providing an extensive range of cryptocurrency CFDs. It offers crypto/fiat and crypto/crypto pairs, along with crypto indices for comprehensive market exposure.
Cons
- Despite the growing range of tools available, Eightcap lacks popular industry resources such as Autochartist and Trading Central. These provide advanced charting analytics, live news, and essential market insights for traders focused on short-term strategies.
- Despite a helpful array of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap lags behind IG's extensive resources for aspiring traders. IG boasts a dedicated Academy app and features 18 diverse course categories.
- Eightcap must enhance its range of over 800 instruments to rival top competitors like Blackbull Markets, which offers 26,000+ assets, especially improving its limited commodities selection.
How The FCA Protects Traders
FCA-regulated brokers must provide several safeguards to UK traders:
- Negative balance protection so that you cannot lose more than your account balance should the markets move against you, in effect preventing you from becoming indebted to a broker.
- Segregated client accounts to keep your funds separate from company capital, protecting your money from misuse or broker insolvency.
- Limiting leverage to 1:30 for retail investors, helping to minimise losses when trading on margin. The maximum leverage is 1:30 for major forex pairs, 1:20 for other forex pairs, gold and major indices, 1:10 for other commodities and minor indices, and 1:5 for stocks.
- Participation in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which can compensate eligible clients up to £85,000 per person, per firm if the broker fails and cannot return your invested money or assets (this does not cover trading losses). Separately, from 1 December 2025, eligible client cash held at a UK bank, building society or credit union is protected as a deposit up to £120,000 per person, per banking licence. FCA-regulated brokers should keep this money in client accounts (segregated or pooled), and the FSCS will usually see through account structures and treat you as the beneficial owner of your amount. However, the £120,000 cap is shared with any other cash you already hold with the same banking group, so it’s worth knowing if your broker’s banking provider is the same as for your personal accounts.
- External audits to verify the broker has effective controls and systems, plus sufficient liquidity, adding credibility and trust.
The FCA can also ban investing products for up to a year while it contemplates permanent bans. In addition, they enforce proper data protection, as well as working to protect vulnerable customers from trading scams.
The FCA has the power under trading regulations to proceed with legal action against unregulated brokers, and it can offer compensation to consumers up to £30,000 should they get caught in illegitimate deals.
The financial agency has a history of action, particularly in forex, binary options and cryptocurrency markets. The body has handed out significant fines to brokers for manipulating prices and acting against the interests of traders. In fact, the FCA has seen years where it’s given out close to £230 million in fines. This is significantly more than the fines many forex regulatory bodies have handed out in recent years.
How To Check A Broker Is Regulated By The FCA
You can check whether a forex and CFD broker is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority by following these steps:
- Find the broker’s license number (usually visible in the website footer)
- Run the license number or company name in the Financial Services Register
- Check the broker is authorised to provide online trading services to UK investors
This is the process our team follows to check whether a brokerage is regulated in the UK. We have verified the regulatory credentials of these FCA-approved brokers:
Dangers Of Unregulated Brokers
Although most financial services providers in the UK are regulated by the FCA, some businesses remain unregulated. We recommend caution if you are considering an unregulated broker – there are several risks:
- Exposure to online scams that may steal your personal information and money
- Fewer applicable trading regulations to foster a safe trading environment
- Limited legal channels if a broker doesn’t pay out your profits
- Limited payment and user security
Bottom Line
The FCA is the gold standard for investing and trading regulations. Other agencies from around the world, including the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (CySEC), often follow the rules and benchmarks laid down by the FCA.
We always check a brokerage is regulated by the FCA before recommending them to our UK readers. We also consider the firm’s reputation and the quality of its trading products, accounts, fees and services.
FAQ
What Is The FCA?
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is a regulatory body, established in 2013, that monitors financial services in the United Kingdom. It was brought in to replace the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in line with the new regulatory structure of the Financial Services Act. The change followed the 2008 financial crisis which led to legislators wanting a tighter grip on the sector.
The FCA aims to create a safe environment for traders, brokers, and other market participants and has a range of powers and trading regulations at its disposal. It regulates both retail and wholesale financial services companies.
The FCA operates as a separate entity to the UK government and is financed by its 50,000+ industry members.
What Markets Do The FCA Regulate?
Markets and products that fall under the FCA’s trading regulations include: forex, stocks, spread betting, binary options, contracts for difference (CFDs), and cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum.
Are All Online Brokers Regulated By The FCA?
No, far from all online brokers are regulated by the FCA, and many will not necessarily make it apparent how they are regulated. Careful traders should make sure they trade with a broker that is regulated by the FCA here in the UK. Use our list of FCA-regulated brokers to find one.
Which Is The Best FCA-Regulated Broker?
There is no single best FCA-approved broker as traders have different needs. With that said, our ranking of FCA-regulated brokers rates the top platforms for a range of trading styles, budgets and markets. Use our list to compare FCA brokers and find the right platform for your needs.