Professional Trading Accounts
Professional trading accounts offer higher leverage with fewer regulatory protections for eligible investors. This guide explains how to become an elective professional client, in line with FCA requirements. Our traders have also listed the best pro trading accounts in the UK:
Brokers With Professional Trading Accounts
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Founded in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a highly regarded broker specialising in forex and CFDs. Serving more than 400,000 clients globally, it provides access to over 1,300 financial instruments through popular platforms like MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView. Its fee structure is both low and transparent. With regulation by reputable bodies such as the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, Pepperstone guarantees a safe trading environment for traders at every level.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto (only Pro clients), Spread Betting FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade, Quantower Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (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, Bappebti xStation Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 -
Founded in 2006, FxPro has built a reputation as a reliable non-dealing desk (NDD) broker, providing trading access across more than 2,100 markets to over 2 million clients globally. It has received over 100 industry awards, reflecting its favourable conditions for active traders.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Spread Betting FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB, FSA FxPro Edge, MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $100 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 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 -
Founded in 2006, GO Markets is a well-regarded CFD broker, providing various accounts, pricing models, and dependable execution for traders. Their consistent product enhancements, including MT5, TradingView, new stock CFDs, a PAMM service, and convenient local payment methods for Latin American traders, have been noteworthy.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, ETFs, Crypto ASIC, CySEC, FSC, FSA GO TradeX™, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:500 -
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 £0.01 1:30
Pepperstone
XTB
FXPro
IG
City Index
GO Markets
SpreadexSafety Comparison
Compare how safe the Professional Trading Accounts are and what features they offer to protect traders.
| Broker | Trust Rating | FCA Regulated | Negative Balance Protection | Guaranteed Stop Loss | Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| XTB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| FXPro | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| IG | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| City Index | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| GO Markets | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| Spreadex | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
Payments Comparison
Compare which popular payment methods the Professional Trading Accounts support and whether they have trading accounts denominated in British Pounds (GBP).
| Broker | GBP Account | Debit Card | Credit Card | Neteller | Skrill | Apple Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| XTB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| FXPro | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| IG | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| City Index | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| GO Markets | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Spreadex | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Mobile Trading Comparison
How good are the Professional Trading Accounts at mobile trading using apps or other mobile interfaces.
| Broker | Mobile Apps | iOS Rating | Android Rating | Smart Watch App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| XTB | iOS & Android | ✔ | ||
| FXPro | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| IG | iOS & Android | ✔ | ||
| City Index | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| GO Markets | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Spreadex | iOS & Android | ✘ |
Beginners Comparison
Are the Professional Trading Accounts 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| XTB | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| FXPro | ✔ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| IG | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| City Index | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| GO Markets | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Spreadex | ✘ | £0 | £0.01 |
Advanced Trading Comparison
Do the Professional Trading Accounts offer features that allow for more advanced trading strategies?
| Broker | Automated Trading | Pro Account | Leverage | VPS | AI | Low Latency | Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| XTB | Open API | ✔ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| FXPro | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| IG | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, build your own on ProRealTime | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| City Index | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✔ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| GO Markets | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader | ✔ | 1:500 | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Spreadex | ✘ | ✔ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
Detailed Rating Comparison
Use this heatmap to compare our detailed ratings for all of the Professional Trading Accounts.
| Broker | Trust | Platforms | Mobile | Assets | Fees | Accounts | Support | Research | Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | |||||||||
| XTB | |||||||||
| FXPro | |||||||||
| IG | |||||||||
| City Index | |||||||||
| GO Markets | |||||||||
| Spreadex |
Our Take On Pepperstone
"Pepperstone is a premier trading platform, providing tight spreads, swift execution, and sophisticated charting tools for seasoned traders. Beginners benefit from no minimum deposit, comprehensive learning materials, and outstanding 24/7 support."
Tobias Robinson
Reviewer
Pros
- Pepperstone presents itself as an economical choice for traders, offering spreads as low as 0.0 in its Razor account. The Active Trader programme provides rebates up to 30% on indices and commodities, plus $3 per lot on forex.
- Over the years, Pepperstone has consistently garnered recognition from DayTrading.com’s annual awards. Recently, it was honoured as the 'Best Overall Broker' in 2025 and was the 'Best Forex Broker' runner-up the same year.
- The award-winning customer support can be accessed through phone, email, or live chat. During tests, response times have consistently been under 5 minutes.
Cons
- Although its market range has improved, its crypto offerings remain limited compared to brokers specialising in this sector, lacking real coin investment options.
- Pepperstone doesn't offer cTrader Copy, a favoured feature for copying trades found in the cTrader platform, which is available on other platforms such as IC Markets. However, Pepperstone has launched its own user-friendly copy trading app.
- Pepperstone's demo accounts expire after 30 days, which may not provide sufficient time to explore various platforms and evaluate trading strategies.
Our Take On XTB
"XTB emerges as an ideal option for novice traders, offering the impressive xStation platform, zero commission pricing, no required minimum deposit, and outstanding educational resources, many of which are conveniently integrated into the platform."
Pros
- The xStation platform stands out with its user-friendly design and intuitive tools, such as adaptable news feeds, sentiment heatmaps, and a trader calculator. These features streamline the learning process for new traders.
- XTB offers a superb array of educational resources, such as training videos and articles, embedded within the platform to assist traders of all experience levels.
- Top-notch customer support, available 24/5, includes a welcoming live chat with response times under two minutes during tests.
Cons
- XTB lacks a raw spread account, a feature increasingly offered by competitors such as Pepperstone. This omission might not satisfy traders seeking the most competitive spreads.
- 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.
- The demo account lasts only four weeks, posing a challenge for traders wanting to fully explore the xStation platform and refine short-term strategies before investing actual money.
Our Take On FXPro
"FxPro is an excellent choice for traders, offering swift execution speeds under 12ms, reduced fees since 2022, and outstanding charting platforms like MT4, MT5, cTrader, and FxPro Edge."
Pros
- FxPro's Wallet is a notable feature enabling traders to securely manage their funds. It ensures additional protection and ease by separating unused funds from active trading accounts.
- FxPro provides four dependable charting platforms, including the user-friendly FxPro Edge. It features more than 50 indicators, 7 types of charts, and 15 different timeframes.
- FxPro uses a 'No Dealing Desk' (NDD) model for swift and transparent order execution, usually within 12 milliseconds, making it well-suited for short-term trading strategies.
Cons
- FxPro offers customer support five days a week around the clock, accessible via various platforms, and the service quality is reliable based on tests. However, the absence of weekend support can be a drawback for traders requiring help beyond standard market times.
- There are no passive investment options such as copy trading or interest on cash. While traders might not find these essential, competitors like eToro, which accommodate both active and passive investors, offer more extensive services.
- FxPro, with its $10M funded demo account and expanding Knowledge Hub, mainly caters to experienced traders. Beginners might find its account and fee structure challenging to understand.
Our Take On IG
"IG offers a complete package with an intuitive online platform, top-tier beginner education, advanced charting tools through its TradingView integration, real-time data, and swift execution for seasoned traders."
Pros
- The ProRealTime advanced charting platform remains free, provided traders meet modest monthly activity requirements.
- As a seasoned broker, IG adheres to stringent regulatory standards across various regions, ensuring significant trust.
- IG provides a wide range of professional and engaging educational materials, such as webinars, articles, and analyses, tailored for traders.
Cons
- IG imposes a monthly inactivity fee of $12 after two years, discouraging occasional traders.
- IG has ended its swap-free account, diminishing its attractiveness to Islamic traders.
- In the UK and EU, negative balance protection is available. However, US clients lack account protection and guaranteed stop losses.
Our Take On City Index
"City Index suits active traders perfectly, offering rapid execution speeds averaging 20ms and a customisable web platform with over 90 technical indicators. Its educational resources are exceptional. For UK traders interested in spread betting on 8,500+ instruments tax-free, City Index is an excellent option."
Pros
- City Index is under the regulation of leading authorities, such as the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, and MAS in Singapore. Its parent company, StoneX Group Inc., is publicly listed, which enhances its credibility.
- City Index has significantly improved the trading experience. In 2024, they introduced Performance Analytics, providing insights into trades and discipline. The revamped mobile app now includes integrated market research and swipe-access news.
- City Index offers adaptable trading platforms suited to every expertise level. For newcomers, the Web Trader platform is straightforward and user-friendly. For more in-depth analysis and automated features, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and TradingView are supported, providing a comprehensive trading experience for all traders.
Cons
- Unlike brokers like AvaTrade and BlackBull, City Index lacks options for passive trading, such as social copy trading or real ownership of stocks and ETFs. This limitation may reduce its appeal to traders seeking a more hands-off approach.
- City Index does not offer an Islamic account with swap-free conditions, making it less attractive to Muslim traders than brokers such as Eightcap and Pepperstone.
- Although many brokers, such as eToro, have broadened their crypto offerings, City Index restricts its clients to crypto CFDs. This limited selection may not meet the needs of traders seeking a wider variety of altcoins.
Our Take On GO Markets
"GO Markets is ideal for active CFD traders focused on minimal spreads, clear pricing, and swift execution on robust charting platforms such as MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView. The GO Plus+ account offers raw spreads starting at 0.0 pips with low commissions, making it perfect for scalpers and high-frequency traders."
Pros
- GO Markets has enhanced its services, adding over 1000 new stock CFDs in 2024. In 2025, it will introduce local payment options for traders in Latin America, such as Pago Efectivo in Peru and Paynet in Mexico.
- GO Markets simplifies complex topics, creating a supportive learning community. Its educational offerings include courses, webinars, podcasts, and weekly live coaching, perfect for new traders.
- MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView support lets traders access top platforms with fast execution and strong charting capabilities.
Cons
- During testing, we discovered that GO Markets limits TradingView access in demo mode unless a live account is registered first—a restriction contrasting with firms providing full demo platform access immediately.
- GO Markets' research tools are quite basic, missing the depth and frequent updates of larger rivals that provide daily insights, analyst commentary, and sophisticated forecasting tools.
- While offering decent multi-asset coverage, our analysis revealed restricted options in categories such as commodities and indices, providing only about 15 indices and 10 commodities.
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."
Pros
- Spreadex has added trading signals to its desktop platform, using Autochartist to deliver real-time, pattern-based insights. These insights assist traders in spotting potential opportunities.
- There is a superb selection of instruments and trading vehicles for short-term traders.
- The broker provides a user-friendly custom charting platform and mobile application.
Cons
- The absence of a demo account may dishearten potential clients wishing to evaluate Spreadex's offerings.
- The proprietary terminal does not offer the detailed charting capabilities found in platforms such as MT4 and MT5.
- Limited customer support may lead to delays in resolving issues.
What Is A Professional Trading Account?
A professional trading account is offered to investors who meet certain requirements, including experience in the finance sector, a minimum portfolio size, and the placement of large trades in the last 12 months.
These profiles provide several advantages over standard trading accounts, from higher leverage and lower margin rates to competitive fees, dedicated account managers and support for out-of-hours trade execution.
However, a professional trading setup often lacks various protection measures, with no negative balance protection, limited money segregation requirements, and a greater assumption that clients will understand the risks associated with certain trading products.
Ultimately, professional trading accounts are only suitable for individuals with previous or current experience in financial services.
How To Get A Professional Trading Account
In the UK, the requirements for the professional trader designation are set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Elective Professional Status
The elective professional trader status is obtained based on previous experience and available capital rather than formal trading certifications.
The FCA requires brokers to ensure elective professional clients meet at least two of the following definitions:
- Has placed 40 trades of significant size within the last year on relevant markets – ideally at an average frequency of 10 per quarter over the previous four quarters.
- Has a total cash and financial instruments portfolio of £500,000 or more – excluding company pensions, property and other non-financial investments.
- Has worked or currently works in the financial sector in a professional trading or associated role – with specific knowledge of the type of instruments available on the trading account.
Make An Application
If these conditions are met, you must put in writing your request to be treated as a professional client, giving evidence that the minimum requirements are met and stating your intentions to trade on specific markets, such as commodities or forex.
If this is satisfactory, the firm will reply to your written request with a full breakdown of the professional trading setup. The FCA requires this to include “a clear written warning of the protections and investor compensation rights the client may lose”.
The next correspondence from your side must be an acknowledgement of the implications and risks of losing such protections.
Open An Account
Once the legal and regulatory formalities are complete, finish any further verification and deposit funds into the account.
At this stage, a personal account manager may become involved, guiding you through the remainder of the process and helping you navigate your new broker.
Institutional Professional Status
Another way to gain a professional trading setup is to trade on behalf of a regulated or authorised entity. Qualifying companies include:
- Pension funds
- Local authorities
- Investment firms
- Insurance companies
- Commodity derivatives dealers
Hedge funds that meet capital requirements can also qualify as professional clients, as can local and regional banks.
This list is not exhaustive, and several other types of financial institutions meet the FCA criteria for per se professional clients.
Advantages Of Pro Trading Accounts
- Higher Leverage – The FCA caps the leverage available to regular traders at 1:30. However, professional clients can access higher leverage of up to 1:500.
- Exclusive Markets – Some markets, such as swaps or complex derivatives, may only be accessible to professional investors through select brokerages. Moreover, brokers that offer professional trading accounts may take bespoke trading requests on behalf of professional or institutional clients.
- Rebates & Lower Fees – One way brokers try to entice professional traders and their significant capital to their platforms is through lower fees and rebates. Some pro trading brokers may even offer zero fees for maker transactions.
- Bespoke Support – Many brokers offer personal account managers to help professional traders manage their profiles. These dedicated support staff are more knowledgeable and available than traditional customer service representatives and often proactively monitor accounts or pass on bespoke trades to a dealing desk.
Disadvantages Of Pro Trading Accounts
- Stringent Eligibility Criteria – Pro trading accounts are limited to those working on behalf of institutions or working in relevant jobs in the financial sector. There is no formal trading certification that allows investors to qualify for this type of account. In addition, there are significant capital requirements.
- Lack Of Protection – Several protections available to retail investors, such as negative balance protection and automatic stop-outs are not provided to professional clients. This makes trading with a professional account riskier.
How To Compare Brokers With Professional Trading Accounts
Instruments & Markets
Ensure that the brokerage offers the specific markets and instruments that you wish to trade, or has the ability to execute bespoke trades if that is a facility you require.
Note, specialised brokers may require prospective clients to have specific experience in their market to register for a pro trading account.
Trading Platforms
Professional traders may need multi-asset platforms with complex analysis tools, sophisticated order types, and support for deep market data.
Check if the broker supports your preferred platform, or offers API access so you can use your own trading programs and algorithms.
Leverage & Margin
In addition to offering high leverage, the best brokers with professional trading accounts offer low margin rates on products like CFDs and spread betting.
Pepperstone Professional Trader Leverage
Fees & Commissions
Professional traders may need to shop around to find the lowest fees and commissions. With high-volume and high-capital trades, finding the best deal can have a significant impact on profits. Some brokers also offer fee rebates.
Alternatively, see our list of professional trading accounts with competitive fees.
Further Considerations
Professional Trader Tax
Investors may want to consult with a qualified tax professional. Activity in a professional trading account may be classified as self-employed or business income.
This means that professional trader tax may be in line with regular income tax rather than speculative or capital gains tax.
Extended Hours
Professional traders may have access to after trading hours, depending on the broker and the market being traded.
This can provide additional opportunities for profits, but it also carries additional risks, such as increased volatility and lower liquidity.
Bottom Line On Professional Trading Accounts
While the hurdles to qualifying for a professional trading account in the UK are significant, benefits such as lower fees, higher leverage and extended trading hours are attractive. This said, professional trader status is not all positive, as investors may lose protections such as negative balance protection and automated stop-out levels.
See our ranking of the best pro trading accounts to find a suitable provider.
FAQ
What Is A Pro Trading Account?
A professional trading account is an account designed for experienced investors that have or currently work in professional trading jobs. It offers advantages such as higher leverage and lower fees compared to standard trading accounts. On the downside, elective professional status comes with fewer regulatory protections, including no negative balance protection.
What Are The Professional Trading Account Requirements In The UK?
For brokers and investors based in the UK, the FCA requires investors to have professional experience in a finance role (minimum one year), a significant existing portfolio of trading products (minimum £500,000), and a demonstrable record of high volume transactions in the last four quarters (minimum 10 per quarter).
Can A Person Have 2 Trading Accounts – Pro And Retail?
It is possible for an investor to have a combination of trading accounts, including both retail and professional trading setups. However, a professional trader using a retail account may still be liable for professional trader tax implications.