UK Brokers With Guaranteed Stop Loss Orders (GSLOs)
Brokers with guaranteed stop loss orders provide a beginner-friendly risk management tool. For a premium, investors can specify a price at which a trade will be closed, regardless of volatility and slippage. In this tutorial, we explain how a guaranteed stop loss works with a detailed example. We also look at their pros and cons, conditions, and list the top UK brokers with guaranteed stop loss orders in 2025.
UK Brokers With Guaranteed Stop Loss
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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, Bappebti xStation Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 -
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.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Treasuries, Custom Indices, Spread Betting FCA, ASIC, MAS, CIRO, BaFin, FMA, DFSA Web, MT4, TradingView Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) -
Founded in 1974, IG is a part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly listed brokerage (LSE: IGG). The company provides spread betting, CFD, and forex trading, offering access to over 17,000 markets. Its platforms and investing apps are notably user-friendly. Over the past 50 years, IG has consistently been an industry leader, excelling in all essential areas for traders.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) -
Founded in 2001, easyMarkets has earned a reputation as a reliable fixed spread broker. With continuous advancements, it distinguishes itself in the market. The firm has integrated the MetaTrader suite and TradingView, and enhanced unique risk management tools such as dealCancellation.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, FSC, FSA easyMarkets App, Web Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradingCentral Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $25 0.01 lots 1:2000 -
Founded in 2008 and based in Israel, Plus500 is a leading brokerage with over 25 million registered traders across more than 50 countries. It focuses on CFD trading, offering a user-friendly proprietary platform and mobile app. The company provides competitive spreads and does not impose commissions or charges for deposits or withdrawals. Plus500 stands out as a highly trusted broker, licensed by respected authorities such as the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, MAS, FSA, FSCA, FMA, EFSA WebTrader, App Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $100 Variable 1:30 -
Founded in 1983, City Index is a prestigious broker, now under the Nasdaq-listed StoneX Group. It excels in forex, CFDs, and spread betting. With access to over 13,500 instruments, City Index provides a dynamic Web Trader platform, exceptional educational materials, and round-the-clock support five days a week, ensuring a thorough trading experience.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Futures, Options, Bonds, Interest Rates,ETFs,Spread Betting FCA, ASIC, CySEC, MAS Web Trader, MT4, TradingView, TradingCentral Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 -
Introduced in 2017, Videforex provides trading opportunities across stocks, indices, cryptocurrencies, forex, and commodities through binary options and CFDs. The platform, alongside its mobile app and copy trading features, is intuitive and caters to novice and occasional traders. Additionally, its market analysis tools and trading contests offer valuable avenues for honing trading skills.
Instruments Regulator Platforms Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto TradingView Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $250 $0.01 1:500 -
BinaryCent, an unregulated binary options broker, offers round-the-clock trading on forex, cryptocurrencies, and stocks with payouts reaching 95%. Although unregulated, it prioritises client security by storing funds in European banks. The broker also provides CFDs with leverage as high as 1:500.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities VFSC Own Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $250 $0.01 1:500
How A Guaranteed Stop Loss Works
A guaranteed stop loss order (GSLO) is a common risk management tool offered by leading trading brokers. Most platforms allow traders to set up a regular stop loss to limit losses if the market moves against them. However in highly volatile markets, prices can swing substantially, causing a discrepancy between the price the trade was requested and the price at which it is executed. This is known as slippage or gapping.
Fortunately, brokers with guaranteed stop loss orders offer a solution. For a fee, traders can specify a price at which a trade will be executed, regardless of any slippage. So GSLOs help traders limit risk exposure when trading in volatile markets, such as commodities, forex or cryptocurrencies.
Example
Let’s assume you want to go long on Barclays stock (BARC), which is currently valued at £165.00.
You buy 100 shares and intend to hold the position for several days. Your total position size is £16,500 (100 x £165).
However, from your research, you believe that market developments may lead to a period of significant volatility, which could result in slippage. With this in mind, you set a guaranteed stop loss order at £160.00 to limit your potential losses.
The GSLO fee is calculated as the premium rate x number of units, which in this case, is £2 x 100 = £200.
Following unexpected geopolitical events and a bleak economic outlook, the value of Barclays stock suddenly falls to £155.00.
Using a regular stop loss, the trade would be closed at the new price (£155), meaning a loss of £1000 (£16,500 – (100 x £155)).
However, with a guaranteed stop loss, the trade would have been closed at £160, meaning a loss of £300 (£16,500 – (100 x £160) – £200)).
Note, most brokers with guaranteed stop loss orders only charge a fee if the GSLO is actually triggered.
How To Set Up A Guaranteed Stop Loss
When setting up a regular stop loss on a trading platform, many brokers make it easy to upgrade it to a guaranteed stop loss. At CMC Markets, for example, in the order settings window, clients can choose the type of stop loss order from a drop-down list.
Traders can then set the distance/level of the guaranteed stop loss. This is normally displayed in pips/points or a percentage. There is also usually a minimum distance from the existing market price that the GSLO can be set.
Importantly, guaranteed stop losses can only be set during trading hours. With that said, you may be able to move the GSLO further away from the current market price outside of standard trading hours.
Setting Up A GSLO On CMC Markets
Setting Up Notes & Tips:
- Most brokers do not let you apply a GSLO to an existing/open position
- The GLSO premium is usually displayed on the order screen and is not charged unless it is triggered
- Make sure you have enough capital in your account to cover any increase in margin exposure if you modify your guaranteed stop loss
Advantages & Disadvantages Of Guaranteed Stop Losses
Pros
- Easy to understand and use
- Limits losses in volatile markets
- Protects against slippage and gapping
- Beginner-friendly risk management tool
- There is a long list of UK-regulated brokers with stop loss orders
- The GSLO premium is normally only charged if the stop loss is triggered
Cons
- Brokers usually charge a fee, known as the GSLO premium
- In many cases, regular stop losses will suffice, which are also cheaper
How To Choose Brokers With Guaranteed Stop Losses
Whilst guaranteed stop loss orders are a useful risk management tool, they are not the only option or consideration when choosing an online brokerage. Also look at the following:
Trading Platform
One of the most important factors is the platform(s) a broker offers. This is the interface investors use to navigate the markets, manage their trades, and control their accounts. Some of the most popular options are MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), though many brokers with guaranteed stop loss orders also offer a proprietary terminal.
A useful tip is to open a free demo account to test a broker’s platform before committing capital. You can also use a paper trading profile to explore a firm’s suite of risk management alerts and tools.
Fees & Charges
Brokers will have different GSLO premium rates. The fee can vary depending on the market, for example, forex vs commodities vs cryptocurrencies. It’s also worth comparing any spreads, commissions, hedge and overnight fees. In addition, there may be bank deposit and withdrawal charges to factor in. Finally, some brokers offer premium analysis tools and pattern recognition technology in return for a fee.
Consider the full list of trading and non-trading fees to find the best low-cost provider.
Education & Research
For beginners, in particular, it can be worth signing up with a brokerage that offers a good selection of educational materials. Some firms offer dedicated training academies for novice investors. Topics can include how to use risk management tools, such as guaranteed stop loss orders, plus insights into specific markets.
Social trading tools can also be an effective way to learn from seasoned investors.
Assets & Products
Brokers with guaranteed stop loss orders offer access to different markets and products. Do you want to speculate on the LSE or FTSE? Perhaps you want to take positions on foreign stocks listed on the NYSE or NASDAQ? Some firms also specialise in forex trading, offering a long list of currency pairs with the GBP.
Note, most UK-regulated brokers cap leverage to 1:30 on derivatives like CFDs.
Bottom Line On Brokers With Guaranteed Stop Loss
Brokers with guaranteed stop loss offer a user-friendly risk management tool that can protect traders from large losses in highly volatile markets. A GSLO essentially protects against slippage, ensuring a trade will always be executed at the pre-determined price. Some platforms charge when you open a guaranteed stop loss order, but many brokers only charge if the GSLO is triggered. Use our guide above to add a guaranteed stop loss to your next trade.
See our list of the best UK brokers with guaranteed stop loss orders to start trading.
FAQ
What Is A Guaranteed Stop Loss?
A guaranteed stop loss order (GSLO) is a straightforward risk management tool that instructs a broker to automatically close a position at a specified price. It is used to protect against high volatility and gapping, where the price fluctuates significantly without stopping at a level in between. Guaranteed stop loss orders can be used on a range of markets, from forex to stocks, oil, gold and silver.
What Is The Difference Between A Guaranteed Stop Loss And A Regular Stop Loss?
Regular stop losses will close a position at the price level you have specified most of the time. However, during periods of high volatility, slippage can occur whereby the price moves between the time you request a trade and when the trade is executed, which can lead to larger losses. This can be mitigated by using a guaranteed stop loss. This will guarantee that the trade will be executed at the pre-determined price, regardless of any slippage. The caveat is that brokers with guaranteed stop losses usually charge a fee, known as a premium.
What Are GSLO Premium Rates?
The premium rate will determine the fee you pay to exercise a guaranteed stop loss. Brokers with guaranteed stop losses charge different fees, however, many platforms use the following formula: (premium rate x number of units).
What Is The Best Broker With Guaranteed Stop Loss Orders?
There is no universally “best” broker. Each brokerage is different, offering its own risk management tools, market access, spreads and commission, plus trading platforms and investing apps. With that said, we have compiled a list of the top UK brokers with guaranteed stop losses.
When Should I Use A Guaranteed Stop Loss?
Using a guaranteed stop loss too frequently can lead to large fees and a regular stop loss can work effectively in many cases. With that in mind, brokers with guaranteed stop losses are best used during periods of high volatility when slippage and gapping could occur. One example of this could be when prices shift between market close and market open over the weekend.