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Best Regulated Brokers 2024

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Written By
James Barra
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Written By
James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. As a former management consultant, he has worked on major operational transformation programmes at prominent European banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
» James Barra Profile Page
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Edited By
Jemma Grist
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Edited By
Jemma Grist
Jemma is a writer, editor and fact-checker focused on retail trading and investing. Jemma brings a unique perspective to the forex, stock, and cryptocurrency markets and works across several investment websites as a researcher and broker analyst.
» Jemma Grist Profile Page
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Fact Checked By
Michael MacKenzie
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Fact Checked By
Michael MacKenzie
Michael is a writer and editor with over a decade in journalism and publishing. His niche lies in editing and fact-checking content in the financial services sector, with a focus on online brokers and trading platforms. Michael previously reported on politics and economics in the Middle East and edits books for established publishers.
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Updated
Oct 4, 2024

We strongly recommend that traders only use regulated trading platforms. Why? Authorization from a respected regulator is the best sign that you can trust a broker and that it operates a fair trading environment.

Choosing a well-regulated broker also reduces the risk of falling victim to trading scams, which have plagued the industry in recent years. In 2023, the FCA in the UK issued a record 2,285 scam warnings, while the FBI in the US reported investment scam losses of $4.57 billion, up from $3.31 billion the previous year.

Explore our pick of the best regulated brokers. We’ve verified the regulatory credentials of every platform listed.

Top 10 Regulated Brokers

Our tests show these 10 regulated brokers and trading platforms are in a league of their own:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    FOREX.com
    Regulated by: NFA, CFTC
    Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
    MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN
    Go To FOREX.com
  2. 2
    NinjaTrader
    Regulated by: NFA, CFTC
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    2.9 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.2 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
    NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Cheque
    USD
    Go To NinjaTrader
  3. 3
    Interactive Brokers
    Regulated by: FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    $0
    $100
    1:50
    FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
    Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
    Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
    Go To Interactive Brokers
  4. 4
    eToro USA
    Regulated by: SEC, FINRA
    Invest $100 and get $10
    https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    3.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    $10
    $10
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
    eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer
    USD
    Go To eToro USA
  5. 5
    IG
    Regulated by: FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To IG
  6. 6
    Pocket Option
    Regulated by: MISA
    50% Deposit Bonus
    Ratings
    2 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    $50
    $1
    MISA
    Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos
    Web, MT4, MT5
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Volet, Perfect Money, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, WebMoney, FasaPay, Ethereum Payments, Maestro, JetonCash, Airtel
    USD
    Go To Pocket Option
  7. 7
    IQCent
    Regulated by: IFMRRC
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    IFMRRC
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    Online Platform, TradingView
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, Mastercard
    USD, EUR
    Go To IQCent
  8. 8
    RedMars
    Regulated by: CySEC, AFM
    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    €250
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    CySEC, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos
    MT5
    Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, Visa
    USD, EUR
    Go To RedMars
  9. 9
    OANDA US
    Regulated by: NFA, CFTC
    CFDs are not available to residents in the United States.
    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.7 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)
    OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
    Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To OANDA US
  10. 10
    Plus500 US
    Regulated by: CFTC, NFA
    Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $200
    Trading with leverage involves risk.
    Ratings
    3.5 / 5
    3.7 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    $100
    0.0 Lots
    CFTC, NFA
    Futures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates
    WebTrader, App
    ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Mastercard, Visa
    USD
    Go To Plus500 US

Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:

  1. FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
  2. NinjaTrader - NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.
  3. Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
  4. eToro USA - eToro is a social investing platform that offers short-term and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto. The broker is well-known for its user-friendly community-centred platform and competitive fees. With FINRA and SIPC oversight and millions of users across the world, eToro is still one of the most respected brands in the industry. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
  5. IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
  6. Pocket Option - Established in 2017, Pocket Option is a binary options broker offering high/low contracts on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. With over 100,000 active users and a global reach, the platform continues to prove popular with budding traders.
  7. IQCent - IQCent is an offshore binary options and CFD broker based in the Marshall Islands. The brand continues to offer a range of unique account types with bonuses and perks, including payout boosts, TradeBacks and free rollovers. With 100+ assets, around-the-clock trading and 98% payouts, the firm is popular with aspiring short-term traders.
  8. RedMars - Launched in 2020, Cyprus-based RedMars offers competitive spreads on more than 300 instruments and leverage up to 1:500. Three accounts are available - Standard, Pro and VIP - serving a range of budgets and experience levels, with a fast and fully digital account opening process.
  9. OANDA US - OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is regulated by trusted agencies, including the NFA/CFTC. Around the clock support is available for short-term traders, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.
  10. Plus500 US - Plus500 is a well-established broker that entered the US market in 2021. Authorized by the CFTC and NFA, it provides futures trading on forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and interest rates. With a 10-minute sign-up, a manageable $100 minimum deposit, and a straightforward web platform, Plus500 continues to strengthen its offering for traders in the US.

Best Regulated Brokers 2024 Comparison

Best Regulated Brokers 2024 Comparison
Broker Regulators Instruments Platforms Minimum Deposit
FOREX.com logo
NFA, CFTC Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral $100
NinjaTrader logo
NFA, CFTC Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal $0
Interactive Brokers logo
FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral $0
eToro USA logo
SEC, FINRA Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader $10
IG logo
FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral $0
Pocket Option logo
MISA Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos Web, MT4, MT5 $50
IQCent logo
IFMRRC Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto Online Platform, TradingView $250
RedMars logo
CySEC, AFM CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos MT5 €250
OANDA US logo
NFA, CFTC Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA) OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist $0
Plus500 US logo
CFTC, NFA Futures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates WebTrader, App $100

FOREX.com

"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

FOREX.com Quick Facts

Bonus OfferActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.
  • FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
  • There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.

Cons

  • Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
  • Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
  • FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
Visit FOREX.com
FOREX.com Review

NinjaTrader

"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

NinjaTrader Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo
  • NinjaTrader continues to deliver comprehensive charting software for active day traders with bespoke technical indicators and widgets
  • NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC

Cons

  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
Visit NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader Review

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$100
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

  • The new IBKR Desktop platform takes the best of TWS while adding bespoke tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to create a genuinely impressive trading experience for day traders at every level.
  • There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.
  • The TWS platform has clearly been built for intermediate and advanced traders and comes with over 100 order types and a reliable real-time market data feed that rarely goes offline.

Cons

  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
  • IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
Visit Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers Review

eToro USA

"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

eToro USA Quick Facts

Bonus OfferInvest $100 and get $10
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
RegulatorSEC, FINRA
PlatformseToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade$10
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The $10 minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly
  • The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos
  • Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence

Cons

  • Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders
  • There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools
  • The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
Visit eToro USA
eToro USA Review

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met
  • As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust
  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis

Cons

  • Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges
  • IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders
  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests
Visit IG
IG Review

Pocket Option

"Pocket Option excels for its easy-to-use web platform which provides a best-in-class user experience for short-term binary traders. The $50 minimum deposit is also accessible for beginners while opening an account is really easy. Looking at the negatives, Pocket Option still trails alternatives in its market offering and regulatory credentials."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Pocket Option Quick Facts

Bonus Offer50% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos
RegulatorMISA
PlatformsWeb, MT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$50
Minimum Trade$1
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Extremely fast and smooth sign-up process that takes less than 2 minutes
  • The MetaTrader platforms offer integrated analysis with helpful technical summaries for short-term traders
  • The web platform shines for its straightforward design and usability that will appeal to beginners looking to speculate on popular financial markets in a few clicks

Cons

  • You need to deposit $1000 to access the extended list of 250+ assets, otherwise just 130+ assets are available
  • Pocket Option offers a slimmed down iteration of the MT4 and MT5 that doesn't provide the full charting package for advanced traders
  • Despite offering competitive payouts up to 92%, binary brokers like IQCent offer higher returns up to 98% based on tests
Visit Pocket Option
Pocket Option Review

IQCent

"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

IQCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorIFMRRC
PlatformsOnline Platform, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$250
Minimum Trade$0.01
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • CFD trading fees are competitive based on tests, including 0.7 pips on major forex pairs such as EUR/USD
  • The broker's 24/7 customer support is fast and reliable, responding within 1 minute during tests
  • IQCent is one of the few binary options brokers that also offers a copy trading service for hands-off traders

Cons

  • There's no automated trading support for algo traders
  • The market analysis is very basic with limited technical summaries and insights from analysts
  • IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month
Visit IQCent
IQCent Review

RedMars

"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

RedMars Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos
RegulatorCySEC, AFM
PlatformsMT5
Minimum Deposit€250
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • RedMars offers one of the best platforms for day trading, MT5, hosting 21 timeframes, dozens of analytical tools, flexible templates and algo trading
  • Getting started on RedMars is incredibly easy - you can be up and running in just a few minutes based on tests
  • Clients in the EU, in particular, can trade with peace of mind knowing RedMars is authorized by the CySEC with up to €20K compensation available through the ICF in the event of bankruptcy

Cons

  • RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing
  • While RedMars' spreads are within industry averages, they don't offer a significant edge over the cheapest day trading brokers we've personally used, notably IC Markets
  • With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
Visit RedMars
RedMars Review

OANDA US

"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

OANDA US Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsOANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • Day traders can enjoy fast and reliable order execution
  • Seasoned day traders can access industry-leading tools, including an MT4 premium upgrade and advanced charting provided by MotiveWave
  • OANDA is a reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators including the CFTC

Cons

  • The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
  • There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
  • It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
Visit OANDA US
OANDA US Review

Plus500 US

"Plus500 US stands out as an excellent choice for beginners, offering a very user-friendly platform, low day trading margins, and access to the Futures Academy to enhance trading skills."

Michael MacKenzie, Reviewer

Plus500 US Quick Facts

Bonus OfferWelcome Deposit Bonus up to $200
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsFutures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates
RegulatorCFTC, NFA
PlatformsWebTrader, App
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.0 Lots
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The straightforward account structure, pricing model and web platform offer an easier route into futures trading than rivals like NinjaTrader
  • Plus500 US excels for its low fees with very competitive day trading margins and no inactivity fees, live data fees, routing fees, or platform fees
  • Plus500 is a publicly traded company with a good reputation, over 24 million traders, and a sponsor of the Chicago Bulls, instilling a sense of trust

Cons

  • Despite competitive pricing, Plus500 US lacks a discount program for high-volume day traders, a scheme found at brokers like Interactive Brokers
  • Although support response times were fast during tests, there is no telephone assistance
  • The proprietary platform is user-friendly but lacks advanced technical analysis tools found in third-party solutions like MetaTrader 4
Visit Plus500 US
Plus500 US Review

How Did We Choose The Best Regulated Brokers?

To find the best regulated trading brokers, we:

  • Took our database comprizing 267 online brokers and trading platforms;
  • Pinpointed those that are regulated after verifying their credentials on the respective regulator’s databases;
  • Sorted them by their rating which balances 100+ data entries with the personal observations of our testers.

All Regulators

Do I Need A Regulated Broker?

Yes. If you want to trade on a secure trading platform then selecting a regulated broker is a no-brainer.

Sometimes traders may opt for an unregulated broker to access trading promotions or high leverage that aren’t permitted in tightly regulated jurisdictions, but we do not recommend this, especially for newer traders.

There are three key reasons why you should choose a regulated broker:

  1. Protection: Many regulators require authorized brokers to provide retail traders with access to compensation in the event the firm is unable to meet its financial obligations, negative balance protection to prevent traders losing more than their deposited funds, and to operate segregated accounts so client funds cannot be misused. For example, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) in the US provides up to $500,000 per person and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the UK provides up to £85,000.
  2. Transparency: Regulators normally require brokers to be transparent about trading fees, order execution, and risks, all of which are critical considerations for day traders. For example, in the European Union (EU), regulated brokers are required to publish the percentage of losing traders on their website, especially when using complex products like contracts for difference (CFDs), which are popular with active traders.
  3. Security: Regulated brokers are often required to implement systems to protect your data, notably encryption protocols and security audits. For example, the ASIC in Australia requires multi-factor authentication for digital transactions while the FCA in the UK requires brokers to adhere to strict rules under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
For these reasons, I only deposit funds with regulated brokers. As a UK-based investor, this means I hold my capital with FCA-regulated trading platforms.
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James Barra
Author

Are All Brokers Created Equal?

Where things get slightly tricky is that simply choosing any ‘regulated broker’ isn’t enough.

This is because not all regulatory bodies offer the same levels of protection. There is a common misconception that financial agencies supervise brokers across numerous jurisdictions. However, often regulatory remit is limited to those brokers with a license issued within the regulator’s jurisdiction.

Therefore, bodies outside your financial jurisdiction may not provide such extensive legal recourse should there be an issue, be it access to investor compensation or formal dispute channels. For example, the JFSA in Japan offers up to ¥10,000,000 per investor through its Investor Protection Fund (IPF), however it’s primarily available to residents.

Equally, financial agencies enforce varying degrees of regulations. For instance, all FCA brokers must segregate trader’s funds. Whereas offshore bodies like the FSC of Mauritius may not enforce this regulation. Furthermore, FCA brokers must automate and process client withdrawals promptly, while offshore brokers have been known to delay withdrawals, which can be extremely frustrating.

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It isn’t necessarily that brokers are less interested in looking out for their traders. For instance, FCA licenses are relatively expensive so many small but still great brokers opt for CySEC authorization.

To help you understand which regulators are ‘good’ and crucially – which aren’t, we’ve drawn upon our collective decades working in the trading industry and personal experiences using various trading platforms to classify regulators based on the level of protection they provide:

I recommend extreme caution when dealing with brokers registered with ‘red tier’ regulators. They are sometimes used by scammers to strip traders of any legal protections they may be afforded in well-regulated regions.

In one high-profile case, the bad actors behind trading firm EverFX, convinced aspiring investors to move their funds to offshore entities where there was little to zero regulatory oversight.

The global scamming network is estimated to have made off with up to an eye-watering $1 billion.

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James Barra
Author

How Can I Check If My Broker Is Regulated?

Checking whether a broker is regulated is incredibly straightforward, with an increasing number of financial bodies operating digital, publicly accessible databases where you can input a trading firm’s details.

You’ll normally need to follow a few simple steps:

  1. Navigate to the respective regulator’s database (usually searchable on the agency’s website)
  2. Enter the broker’s company name or license number (often found at the bottom of the broker’s website)
  3. Read the search results to confirm they are authorized (check which investment services and where they are permitted to do business)
I have personally checked the regulatory details of hundreds of brokers on countless regulators’ databases, from the US and UK to Europe, Australia and beyond.

To show you how it’s done, below you can see the results of a search I ran on XTB, which claimed to be authorized by the CySEC.

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James Barra
Author
XTB broker regulation details on CySEC register
XTB – CySEC License

Bottom Line

Choosing a regulated trading platform should be your first priority. It’s a win-win for both traders and brokers.

For traders, it’s the best indication a firm can be trusted to operate in a fair manner. For brokers, regulatory oversight helps build a solid reputation and reduces the need to constantly try and undercut competitors in areas like leverage limits.

Picking a regulated broker is also especially important given the increasing sophistication of trading scams we’ve been witnessing with alarm in recent years, capitalizing on the growing class of ‘finfluencers’ and interest in artificial intelligence (AI).

Use our list of top regulated day trading platforms to be sure a broker is regulated.

FAQ

What Is Trading Regulation?

Regulatory bodies and watchdogs supervise financial markets and online brokers. They enforce a range of rules and regulations to protect retail traders.

The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), since replaced by MiFID II, is the closest the world has got to an overarching regulatory system. It was brought into the UK in 2007 and has been the bedrock of Europe’s financial regulatory systems since.

What Is A Regulated Broker?

Regulated brokers receive a license to operate within that jurisdiction, so long as they adhere to specific rules and regulations, often designed to protect retail traders and the functioning of financial markets.

What Is An Unregulated Broker?

Unregulated brokers operate without having to adhere to a set of guidelines. Arguably, therefore, they do not have the same interest in safeguarding your interests. This allows them to offer attractive features like high leverage and welcome bonuses, but the catch is limited legal protection for your funds.

Which Is The Best Regulated Broker?

Use our list of the top regulated brokers to find a trading platform that best suits your needs. Our experts have independently verified the regulatory credentials of every broker recommended.

Article Sources

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