Independent reviews of UK brokers since 1996

Regulated brokers are required to publish figures on the percentage of clients that lose money on their platforms. We’ve collated these so you can see the brokers with the fewest losing traders, otherwise known as the brokers with the most winning traders.

Top UK Brokers With The Most Winning Traders

After recording the percentage of traders that lose on their platforms, these brokers stand out with the fewest losers:

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Our picks at a glance

  1. 1 FXOpen Top score: Mobile 3.7 Info Visit FXOpen
  2. 2 eToro Top score: Trust 4.0 Info Visit eToro
  3. 3 Interactive Brokers Top score: Assets 4.3 Info Visit Interactive Brokers
  4. 4 Spreadex Top score: Mobile 4.5 Info Visit Spreadex
  5. 5 CMC Markets Top score: Trust 4.7 Info Visit CMC Markets
  6. 6 HYCM Top score: Trust 3.8 Info Visit HYCM
  7. 7 IG Top score: Fees 4.5 Info Visit IG
  1. Our top pick

    1 FXOpen logo

    FXOpen

    FCA regulatedGBP accountTradingView
    3.7/5

    Founded in 2005, FXOpen is a well-regulated broker that has drawn over one million traders. Tailored for active trading, it offers a diverse range of over 700 markets. The platform facilitates high-frequency trading, scalping, and various algorithmic strategies through the use of expert advisors (EAs).

    Winning Traders: 40%

    Instruments
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, ETFs
    Regulator
    FCA, CySEC, FC
    Platforms
    TickTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
    Min. Deposit
    $100
    Min. Trade
    0.01 Lots
    Leverage
    1:30 (EU, UK), 1:1000 (Global)
    Trust
    3.9
    Fees
    3.8
    Platforms
    4.0
    Support
    3.8
    Visit FXOpen Read review
  2. 2 eToro logo

    eToro

    FCA regulatedGBP accountFree demo
    4.0/5

    eToro is a leading multi-asset platform providing trading services across numerous CFDs, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. Since its 2007 inception, it has attracted millions of traders worldwide. It operates with authorisation from top regulators such as the FCA and CySEC. Its social trading feature is especially well-regarded. Crypto investments are high-risk and possibly unsuitable for retail investors. There's a potential to lose all invested capital. Familiarise yourself with the risks. 61% of retail CFD accounts incur losses.

    Winning Traders: 39%

    Instruments
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs
    Regulator
    FCA, CySEC, MiCA, MFSA, FSRA, ASIC, FSAS, MAS, GFSC
    Platforms
    eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
    Min. Deposit
    $50
    Min. Trade
    $10
    Leverage
    1:30
    Trust
    4.3
    Fees
    3.4
    Platforms
    2.8
    Support
    2.5
    Visit eToro Read review

    61% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading with this provider. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

  3. 3 Interactive Brokers logo

    Interactive Brokers

    FCA regulatedISAGBP account
    4.3/5

    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.

    Winning Traders: 38%

    Instruments
    Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Cryptocurrencies, CFDs
    Regulator
    SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, CIRO, FCA, CBI, ASIC, SFC, SEBI, JFSA, MAS
    Platforms
    Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower
    Min. Deposit
    $0
    Min. Trade
    $1
    Leverage
    1:30
    Trust
    4.5
    Fees
    4.3
    Platforms
    3.3
    Support
    3.0
    Visit Interactive Brokers Read review
  4. 4 Spreadex logo

    Spreadex

    FCA regulatedSpread bettingGBP account
    4.5/5

    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.

    Winning Traders: 36%

    Instruments
    Forex, CFDs, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto, Bonds, Interest Rates, ETFs, Options, Spread Betting
    Regulator
    FCA
    Platforms
    Spreadex Platform, TradingView, AutoChartist
    Min. Deposit
    £0 (but £5 minimum for standard payment methods)
    Min. Trade
    £0.01
    Leverage
    1:30
    Trust
    4.0
    Fees
    4.0
    Platforms
    4.3
    Support
    4.3
    Visit Spreadex Read review
  5. 5 CMC Markets logo

    CMC Markets

    FCA regulatedISASpread betting
    4.7/5

    Founded in 1989, CMC Markets is a reputable broker publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange. It holds authorisation from top-tier regulators such as the FCA, ASIC, and CIRO. The brokerage, which has received multiple awards, boasts a global membership exceeding one million traders.

    Winning Traders: 31%

    Instruments
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Treasuries, Custom Indices, Spread Betting, Certificates and Warrants (Germany and Austria)
    Regulator
    FCA, ASIC, MAS, CIRO, BaFin, FMA, DFSA
    Platforms
    Web, MT4, MT5, TradingView
    Min. Deposit
    $0
    Min. Trade
    0.01 Lots
    Leverage
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    Trust
    4.8
    Fees
    4.3
    Platforms
    4.3
    Support
    4.5
    Visit CMC Markets Read review

    Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when spread betting and/or trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

  6. 6 HYCM logo

    HYCM

    FCA regulatedGBP accountFree demo
    3.8/5

    HYCM, authorised by four global entities including the FCA, is an online broker. It provides short-term CFD trading on forex, shares, commodities, indices, ETFs, and Bitcoin. The broker supports MT4, MT5, and Trading Central analysis.

    Winning Traders: 30%

    Instruments
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs
    Regulator
    FCA, DFSA
    Platforms
    HYCM Trader, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
    Min. Deposit
    $20
    Min. Trade
    0.01 Lots
    Leverage
    1:30
    Trust
    4.3
    Fees
    3.8
    Platforms
    3.8
    Support
    3.8
    Visit HYCM Read review
  7. 7 IG logo

    IG

    FCA regulatedISASpread betting
    4.5/5

    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.

    Winning Traders: 30%

    Instruments
    CFDs (not in US), Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting (UK only)
    Regulator
    CFTC, NFA, FCA, BaFin, ASIC, FINMA, MAS, JFSA, FMA, DFSA, BMA, CONSOB
    Platforms
    Web, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime
    Min. Deposit
    $0
    Min. Trade
    0.01 Lots
    Leverage
    1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro)
    Trust
    4.4
    Fees
    5.0
    Platforms
    4.8
    Support
    4.5
    Visit IG Read review

    Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Compare

Safety Comparison

Compare how safe the Best Brokers With The Fewest Losing Traders are and what features they offer to protect traders.

Broker Trust Rating FCA Regulated Negative Balance Protection Guaranteed Stop Loss Segregated Accounts
3.9
4.3
4.5
4.0
4.8
4.3
4.4

Payments Comparison

Compare which popular payment methods the Best Brokers With The Fewest Losing Traders support and whether they have trading accounts denominated in British Pounds (GBP).

Broker GBP Account Debit Card Credit Card Neteller Skrill Apple Pay

Mobile Trading Comparison

How good are the Best Brokers With The Fewest Losing Traders at mobile trading using apps or other mobile interfaces.

Broker Mobile Apps iOS Rating Android Rating Smart Watch App
iOS & Android 5.0 5.0
iOS & Android 4.0 3.8
iOS & Android 4.3 4.5
iOS & Android 4.5 4.5
iOS & Android 4.1 3.7
iOS & Android 3.0 3.6
iOS & Android 4.6 4.0

Beginners Comparison

Are the Best Brokers With The Fewest Losing Traders 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
$100 0.01 Lots 3.8 1.5
$50 $10 2.5 4.0
$0 $1 3.0 4.3
£0 (but £5 minimum for standard payment methods) £0.01 4.3 4.0
$0 0.01 Lots 4.5 4.3
$20 0.01 Lots 3.8 3.3
$0 0.01 Lots 4.5 4.8

Advanced Trading Comparison

Do the Best Brokers With The Fewest Losing Traders offer features that allow for more advanced trading strategies?

Broker Automated Trading Pro Account Leverage VPS AI Low Latency Extended Hours
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader 1:30 (EU, UK), 1:1000 (Global)
Automate your trades via CopyTrader - follow profitable traders. Open and close trades automatically when they do. 1:30
TWS API 1:30
1:30
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader 1:30
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, build your own on ProRealTime 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro)

Detailed Rating Comparison

Use this heatmap to compare our detailed ratings for all of the Best Brokers With The Fewest Losing Traders.

Broker Trust Platforms Mobile Assets Fees Accounts Support Research Education
3.9 4.0 5.0 3.5 3.8 3.5 3.8 2.0 1.5
4.3 2.8 3.9 3.8 3.4 4.1 2.5 4.3 4.0
4.5 3.3 4.4 4.7 4.3 3.5 3.0 4.4 4.3
4.0 4.3 4.5 4.5 4.0 3.8 4.3 4.3 4.0
4.8 4.3 3.9 4.7 4.3 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.3
4.3 3.8 3.3 - 3.8 4.0 3.8 3.3 3.3
4.4 4.8 4.3 4.5 5.0 4.0 4.5 4.9 4.8

Our Take On FXOpen

FXOpen is perfect for high-volume traders, providing swift execution via its ECN system, spreads starting at 0 pips, and reduced commissions as low as $1.50 per lot.

Tobias Robinson Reviewer

Pros

  • FXOpen integrated TradingView in 2022 and enhanced its TickTrader platform in 2024. This upgrade delivers Level 2 pricing, over 1,200 trading instruments, and sophisticated order options. The platform appeals to both seasoned and high-frequency traders.
  • FXOpen significantly cut FX spreads by over 40% in 2022. In 2023, they launched commission-free index trading. These changes make trading more economical for traders.
  • In 2024, FXOpen simplified its account options. Traders now benefit from ECN accounts with raw spreads starting at 0.0 pips. The platform offers rapid execution and reduced commissions for those with high trading volumes, enhancing user experience.

Cons

  • Though FXOpen remains a trusted broker with authorizations from the FCA and CySEC, it lost its ASIC license in 2024 due to 'serious concerns.' Consequently, it no longer accepts traders from Australia.
  • FXOpen's educational resources are quite limited, with a scarcity of courses and webinars commonly available at brokers such as IG. This deficiency may deter novice traders looking to enhance their understanding.
  • Even with an expanded asset portfolio, FXOpen provides a more limited selection of global stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies compared to the leading firm BlackBull. This results in fewer diverse trading opportunities for traders.

Our Take On eToro

eToro's social trading platform excels with its outstanding user experience and lively community chat, aiding beginners in spotting opportunities. It offers competitive fees on numerous CFDs and real stocks, alongside exceptional rewards for seasoned strategists.

Tobias Robinson Reviewer

Pros

  • In July 2026, eToro Edge introduced significant enhancements, including a charting package tailored for active traders and AI trading via Tori.
  • The trading app provides a top-tier social environment featuring an engaging feed and community chat, which we enjoy using.
  • The entry requirements for eToro Club have been reduced. For $4.99 monthly, members enjoy 18 benefits, including a debit card that converts purchases into stocks with a 4% share return.

Cons

  • The absence of extra charting platforms such as MT4 may deter experienced traders who rely on external software.
  • There are no assured stop-loss orders, which could be a valuable risk management tool for novice traders.
  • The minimum withdrawal is set at $30, accompanied by a $5 fee. This may impact traders with limited funds, particularly those just starting out.

61% of retail CFD accounts lose money. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

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

  • IBKR is a highly respected brokerage, regulated by top-tier authorities, ensuring the integrity and security of your trading account.
  • Interactive Brokers has introduced a single platform linking prediction markets on Kalshi, CME Group, and ForecastEx. Users can trade yes/no contracts on political, economic, and climate events, with fixed $1 payouts. Enjoy 24/6 market access and earn interest on eligible positions.
  • The TWS platform is tailored for intermediate and advanced traders, featuring over 100 order types and a dependable real-time market data feed with exceptional uptime.

Cons

  • TWS has a steep learning curve, making it difficult for newcomers to navigate and grasp its features.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

  • 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.
  • 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.

Cons

  • Spreadex requires real funds initially, offering no demo accounts. Few spread betting brokers neglect to accommodate new traders in this manner.
  • CFDs, financial spread bets, sports, and casino activities are combined in one account balance. For serious traders, this means non-trading losses can immediately decrease the margin for trading positions.
  • 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 CMC Markets

Equipped with advanced charts and a broad array of tradable CFDs, including an unmatched selection of currencies and bespoke indices, CMC Markets offers an excellent online platform for traders at any level.

Tobias Robinson Reviewer

Pros

  • The CMC web platform offers an excellent user experience, featuring advanced trading chart tools and customisable options, suitable for both novice and seasoned traders. It also supports MT4, MT5, and, from 2025, TradingView.
  • CMC Markets has introduced an AI News feature. This leverages AI to highlight and summarise market stories instead of executing trades, suggesting the future direction of broker research tools.
  • We upgraded its 'Assets & Markets' rating due to frequent product expansions in 2025 and 2026. These include extended hours for 5,000+ US stocks and ETFs, new share CFDs, certificates, warrants, and fractional shares in certain areas.

Cons

  • Although there have been improvements, the online platform still needs further refinement to match the user-friendly trading experience offered by competitors such as IG.
  • A £15 monthly inactivity fee applies after a year of no activity, possibly discouraging casual investors.
  • The CMC Markets app provides a comprehensive trading package; however, its design and user experience lag behind market leaders such as eToro.

69% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Our Take On HYCM

Traders seeking a multi-asset broker with robust platform support, additional analysis tools, and stringent regulation should consider HYCM. The competitive raw-spread accounts benefit scalpers and high-volume traders.

Tobias Robinson Reviewer

Pros

  • HYCM, established in 1977, has endured events like Black Wednesday, the 2008 financial crisis, the SNB shock, and various FCA regulatory changes that saw many rivals restructure or exit. While many brokers recently obtained FCA regulation, HYCM's longstanding compliance spans a full generation of retail traders. This signifies a uniquely established track record.
  • Instead of a fixed leverage cap, HYCM's model automatically decreases leverage as position volume grows, safeguarding traders from excessive exposure on large trades without manual margin adjustments. Typical retail brokers set a static leverage limit, leaving risk control entirely to traders. The dynamic model provides a structural risk safeguard, especially beneficial for novice traders gradually expanding positions.
  • While most retail CFD brokers offer gold, oil, and silver, HYCM goes further by providing agricultural soft commodities. This is available from a standard account without requiring a higher minimum deposit or professional status. For those seeking true commodity diversification beyond metals and energy, such access is unusually available at this level.

Cons

  • The limitation appears solely in HYCM's terms. Investors opening a Fixed or Classic account, creating a short-term strategy, and executing rapid trades risk having profits seized and accounts suspended without notice. The Raw account allows more precise trading, but the threshold between allowed and forbidden trading frequency is not clearly defined on hycm.com.
  • HYCM still uses the same MT4, MT5, and proprietary mobile app infrastructure from five years ago. There's no TradingView, cTrader, social trading, copy trading, or PAMM available. Despite having nearly 50 years of history and FCA regulation, the lack of platform development shows little focus on technology investment. This is crucial as rivals integrate TradingView and expand social trading to appeal to new retail traders.
  • Brokers such as eToro, Pepperstone, and IC Markets have created client acquisition channels centred on social and copy trading. HYCM lacks this approach. This leaves new traders wishing to invest in proven strategies and experienced traders aiming to profit from managing external capital without a platform. Consequently, HYCM fails to serve this segment of retail traders.

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

  • IG excels with its diverse instruments, offering stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, it provides US-listed futures, options, and an AI Index, ensuring varied diversification opportunities.
  • 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 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.

Cons

  • Beginners may find IG's fees complicated, as they vary depending on the trades or services. This could cause confusion and unexpected costs.
  • IG has ended its swap-free account, diminishing its attractiveness to Islamic traders.
  • IG imposes a monthly inactivity fee of $12 to $18 after two years, discouraging occasional investors.

70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

How Investing.co.uk Chose The Brokers With The Fewest Losing Traders

We reviewed the regulator-required statistics on client trading outcomes that brokers must publish under ESMA and other oversight rules.

We recorded these figures and then ranked brokers based on the percentage of traders reporting losses, highlighting those with the lowest proportion.

Investing.co.uk day trading platforms research methodology

What To Look For In A Broker

There are many reasons a broker’s clientele might have a high win rate, but the losing percentage isn’t necessarily reflective of the level of service offered by UK trading firms. While a useful metric, for us the best brokers with the fewest losing traders also excel in the following areas:

Trust

As with any broker we review, we’re looking for reliable and trustworthy firms as a top priority, and we won’t recommend any that fail to meet our strict requirements on trust.

Foremost among these is regulation, as we favour firms that are overseen by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or another respected international regulator.

This is especially important when it comes to discerning the number of losing traders because the FCA and European regulators require brokers to disclose this information. So, if you find the percentage of losing traders prominently displayed on a broker’s website, it is likely to be overseen by one of these regulators.

  • Interactive Brokers is a reputable, publicly listed brokerages with licenses from numerous respected bodies around the world, including the FCA’s UK, providing peace of mind for British traders.

Fees

You’ll have a better chance of a consistent win rate if you choose a broker with low fees as each trade you make has a lower bar to profitability.

For us, the most important fee for traders is the spread – the difference between an instrument’s buy and sell price – because this represents the first hurdle you need to cross before you make a profit.

Let’s say you open a trade on EUR/USD with a broker that charges a 1-pip spread. The currency will need to move at least 1.1 pips in your direction before you start making a profit.

But many brokers charge a much tighter spread on a major pair like EUR/USD, and with a 0.1-pip spread, your threshold to profit is 90% lower, which naturally translated to more winning trades.

You also need to consider any commission fees, which are often necessary to unlock the accounts with the tightest spreads, as well as non-trading fees such as deposit/withdrawal charges.

  • IG is a low-cost CFD broker that charges no commissions on many assets and has tight spreads on popular assets, such as EUR/USD from around 0.6 pips.

Leverage

Leverage allows you to increase the size of your position with borrowed funds, and when used wisely this can increase your gains from winning trades and will have a positive effect on your overall profitability.

Note that your losses will also be magnified in leveraged trades, so you need to use this tool with care.

You need to trade very carefully when you use leverage, since a poorly planned trade or an unexpected turn of events can leave you very far out of pocket.

I suggest using leverage conservatively, and employing strong risk management techniques when you do. Stop loss orders, for example, will help prevent sudden, sharp market movements from wiping out your trading capital.

author image
Michael MacKenzie
Author
  • FXOpen is a reliable option for UK retail investors looking for leverage trading, with various accounts offering leverage up to 1:30 in line with FCA regulations.

Copy Trading

You can sometimes significantly boost your win rate by using copy or social trading to benefit from the expertise of a professional trader or investor.

We find this feature especially useful for new traders and those with little time to analyse markets and research trades.

The best copy trading brokers provide detailed information on all aspects of the master trader’s style, track record and portfolio, allowing you to make an informed decision before you invest.

eToro's copy trading interface
Traders can easily find and compare successful master traders on eToro’s copy trading interface
  • eToro is a copy trading pioneer and still provides one of the best experiences for traders who use this feature, with an intuitive and easy-to-use platform that allows traders to easily find and compare master traders who suit their needs.

Platforms & Apps

You should choose a broker with powerful charting platform options and apps as these crucial tools help you plot and execute your trades effectively, and naturally impact your ratio of winning and losing trades.

The top brokers offer stable trading platforms and apps. Look for customisation, order types, intuitive charts, automated trading, and integrated news streams. Long-time favourites include MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, and the newer TradingView has quickly become a leading option.

  • FxOpen remains a top option for its platform choices, with traders able to use MT4, MT5, TradingView or the proprietary TickTrader platform.

In line with transparency requirements introduced by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in 2018, brokers must disclose the percentage of traders that win/lose money on their platforms. This accompanied a ban on the sale of binary options and restrictions on the marketing of CFDs.

Prior to this, some brands used misleading advertisements and messaging that did not adequately convey the risks of online trading.

Brokers must update these figures every three months to comply with the rules.

Where To Find Figures On Losing Traders

The percentage of clients that lose money must be displayed clearly on a broker’s website, usually at the top or bottom of each webpage.

Pepperstone, for instance, publishes this information in the header of every page on its UK site.

Pepperstone risk warning with percentage of losing traders

Brokers that do not clearly display the winning/losing percentage may not be regulated, and if they are, they could be in breach of the requirements. Either way, this is a red flag.

What The Figures Mean (And Don’t Mean)

Unsurprisingly, the brokers with the fewest losing traders are likely to attract new users. However, a word of warning…

The percentage of winning/losing traders can change significantly. Volatile assets like cryptocurrency and unpredictable events can cause a spike or drop in the figures. With this in mind, compare similar brands over the same period.

Copy trading has also had an impact on published figures. Losing traders can now opt to follow the strategies and positions of experienced traders, potentially boosting their returns, and in turn, the percentage of profitable clients overall.

Ultimately, brokers with the fewest losing traders are able to stay profitable despite more users making money on their platforms and apps. How they can do this will vary, from lower overheads to higher fees in other areas.

Bottom Line

It is a legal requirement for UK-regulated brokers to publish and update figures on the number of losing traders on their platform. This is good news for traders, who can now see which brokers have the most winning traders. It is also a win for online brokers, who have another marketing tool to attract new retail investors.

FAQ

Do Brokers Have To Publish Losing Trader Figures?

In line with ESMA’s 2018 transparency rules, authorised brokers must publish details of the number of winning/losing customers. This information is publicly available and can normally be viewed in the header or footer of a brand’s website.

How Do Brokers With The Fewest Losing Clients Make Money?

Brokers may charge higher fees in other areas, from wider spreads and larger commissions to withdrawal fees and charges for extra tools and market data. The losing trading percentage isn’t necessarily reflective of the overall service provided by brokers.

Article Sources

ESMA Restrictions On CFDs & Binary Options – 2018