Best Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Brokers 2026

Are you an Aussie looking for a secure online trading environment? If so, choosing a broker regulated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) is a vital first step.

Since launching in 1991, it’s proven a robust financial regulator, increasingly holding brokers to a high standard, adding an Investor Alert List, and securing ‘green tier’ status in DayTrading.com’s Regulation & Trust Rating.

Day trade with an ASIC-regulated broker and you can expect:

Best ASIC Brokers

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Since evaluating AvaTrade, our first ASIC-regulated broker in 2017, we’ve personally tested 143 trading platforms, and these 6 stand out as the superior options if you want an ASIC broker in October 2026:

Tested with a live trading account Accepts traders from India Your capital is at risk. Trade only with funds you can afford to lose.

1. Our top pick in India
   1

   IC

   4.8/ 5

   Visit IC Read review
   • Demo account
   • Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB, CMA-Kenya
   • Min. deposit: $200
2. 2

   AvaTrade

   4.9/ 5

   Visit AvaTrade Read review
   • Demo account
   • Min. deposit: $100
   • Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
3. 3

   Trade Nation

   4.4/ 5

   Visit Trade Nation Read review
   • Demo account
   • Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CMVM , FSCA, SCB, FSA
   • Platforms: TN Trader, MT4, TradingView
4. 4

   Pepperstone

   4.8/ 5

   Visit Pepperstone Read review
   • Demo account
   • Min. deposit: $0
   • Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
   73-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs
5. 5

   Fusion Markets

   4.6/ 5

   Visit Fusion Markets Read review
   • Demo account
   • Regulator: ASIC, VFSC, FSA
   • Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade
6. 6

   Markets.com

   4.4/ 5

   Visit Markets.com Read review
   • Demo account
   • Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, BVI FSC
   • Platforms: Web Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral

Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.

Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers in October 2026:

1. IC 4.8/5 IC Markets (now IC) is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 200,000 clients from over 200 countries.
2. AvaTrade 4.9/5 Established in 2006, AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker trusted by over 400,000 traders. Operating under regulation in 9 jurisdictions, AvaTrade processes an impressive 2+ million trades each month. Through like MT4, MT5, and its proprietary WebTrader, the broker provides a growing selection of 1,250+ instruments. Whether it’s CFDs, AvaOptions, or the more recent AvaFutures, short-term traders at all levels will find opportunities. With terrific education and 24/5 multilingual customer support, AvaTrade delivers the complete trading experience.
3. Trade Nation 4.4/5 Trade Nation is a top FX and CFD broker regulated in multiple jurisdictions including the UK and Australia. The firm offers low-cost fixed and variable spreads on 1000+ assets with robust trading platforms and training materials. The Signal Centre can also be used for trade ideas.
4. Pepperstone 4.8/5 Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 830,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,400+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, helping to ensure a secure environment for day traders at all levels.
5. Fusion Markets 4.6/5 Fusion Markets is an online broker established in 2017 and regulated by the ASIC, VFSC and FSA. It is best known for its low-cost forex and CFD trading, although its multiple account types and copy trading solutions cater to a range of traders. New clients can sign up and start trading in 3 easy steps.
6. Markets.com 4.4/5 Established in 2008, Markets.com is a long-standing, multi-regulated broker with oversight from the CySEC and FSCA. It offers unique features to track hedge fund moves and insider trades, while providing stock signals to alert traders to market opportunities. Its choice of accounts (Classic to Professional) caters to all levels of active trader. 72.3% of retail accounts lose money.

ASIC Brokers Comparison

ASIC Brokers Comparison

Broker	ASIC Regulated	AUD Account	Minimum Deposit	Markets	Platforms	Leverage
IC	1	✔Yes	$200	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto	MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower	1:5000 (FSA Only)
AvaTrade	1	✔Yes	$100	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures	WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade	1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
Trade Nation	1	✔Yes	$0	CFDs, Forex, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Spread Betting (UK and Ireland only), Cryptos (Bahamas entity only)	TN Trader, MT4, TradingView	1:30 (FCA, CMVM, ASIC), 1:200 (FSCA, SCB), 1:500 (FSA)
Pepperstone	1	✔Yes	$0	CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto CFDs, Spread Betting	Pepperstone Trading Platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView	1:30 (Retail - UK, EU, Australia), 1:500 (Pro), 1:200 (Offshore), 1:400 (Kenya)
Fusion Markets	1	✔Yes	$0	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto	MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade	1:500
Markets.com	1	✔Yes	$200	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Crypto, ETFs, Bonds	Web Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral	1:500

Community Sentiment

See how users rate these brokers based on the average customer ratings submitted on DayTrading.com, plus ratings from Trustpilot, the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Community Sentiment

Broker	Our Users' Rating	Trustpilot Score	Trustpilot Reviews	iOS App Rating	Android App Rating
IC	4.3 / 5	3.0 / 5	2	3.1 / 5	4.2 / 5
AvaTrade	4.3 / 5	4.8 / 5	13545	4.3 / 5	4.0 / 5
Trade Nation	4.0 / 5	4.4 / 5	2142	4.5 / 5	4.5 / 5
Pepperstone	4.0 / 5	4.2 / 5	3666	4.4 / 5	4.1 / 5
Fusion Markets	3.6 / 5	4.8 / 5	9999	4.8 / 5	4.4 / 5
Markets.com	1.0 / 5	3.6 / 5	1257	3.1 / 5	3.5 / 5

IC

4.8/ 5

Visit IC IC review

IC (formerly IC Markets) offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders.

IC quick facts

Demo Account

✔Yes

Instruments

CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto

Regulator

ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB, CMA-Kenya

Platforms

MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower

Minimum Deposit

$200

Minimum Trade

0.01 Lots

Account Currencies

USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

• IC offers fast and dependable 24/7 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
• IC offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
• IC secured DayTrading.com's 'Best MT4/MT5 Broker' in 2025 for its seamless, industry-leading MetaTrader integration, refined over years to maximize the platform experience.

Cons

• Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
• There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
• While IC offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.

Visit IC IC review

AvaTrade

4.9/ 5

Visit AvaTrade AvaTrade review

AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets.

AvaTrade quick facts

Demo Account

✔Yes

Instruments

CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures

Regulator

ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, JFSA, BVI, FSRA/ADGM, AFM, CMA-Kenya, CIRO (via Friedberg Direct)

Platforms

WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade

Minimum Deposit

$100

Minimum Trade

0.01 Lots

Account Currencies

USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, ZAR

Pros

• AvaTrade launched AvaFutures to offer low-margin access to global markets, then expanded in 2025 as one of the first brokers to add CME’s Micro Grain Futures, and then later in the year went further by integrating with TradingView.
• Support at AvaTrade performed excellently during testing, with response times of 3 minutes and localized support in major trading jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
• Years on, AvaTrade remains one of the few brokers offering a bespoke risk management tool, AvaProtect, that insures losses up to $1M for a fee and is easy to activate on the platform.

Cons

• The AvaSocial app is good but not great – the look and feel, plus the navigation between finding strategy providers and account management needs upgrading to rival category leaders like eToro.
• AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
• While signing up is a breeze, AvaTrade lacks an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides the raw spreads and ultra-fast execution many day traders are looking for.

Visit AvaTrade AvaTrade review

Trade Nation

4.4/ 5

Visit Trade Nation Trade Nation review

Trade Nation suits discretionary traders who want to speculate on major indices like the US 500 or liquid FX pairs, and want the predictable all-in costs of fixed spreads. In tests, we found the fixed-spread TN Trader environment particularly useful for trading around scheduled economic releases owing to its reliable charting environment and because published spreads stayed capped.

Trade Nation quick facts

Demo Account

✔Yes

Instruments

CFDs, Forex, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Spread Betting (UK and Ireland only), Cryptos (Bahamas entity only)

Regulator

FCA, ASIC, CMVM , FSCA, SCB, FSA

Platforms

TN Trader, MT4, TradingView

Minimum Deposit

$0

Minimum Trade

0.1 Lots

Account Currencies

USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK

Pros

• The demo comes with a $5,000 practice account and you can request a one-on-one platform walkthrough by callback - this level of personal help is rare.
• The broker expanded into Europe with regulated online trading services after securing authorization from Portugal's CVMV, boosting its safety protections for European residents.
• Trade Nation accounts can now be linked with TradingView, providing advanced multi-charts and the ability to execute trades directly.

Cons

• Withdrawals can take up to five business days, which is around the industry average but slower than the 1-3 days we’re increasingly seeing brokers offer in an attempt to quash withdrawal complaints from retail investors.
• There is no raw or ECN pricing tier, which are often prefered by day traders. No matter how much you deposit or trade, you use the same fixed (or variable on MT4) pricing as beginners, making it unsuitable for scalpers especially.
• The 2–20% rebate scheme is closed to FCA, CMVM, and ASIC clients, meaning active day traders in these regions who would benefit from transaction rebates cannot claim them.

Visit Trade Nation Trade Nation review

Pepperstone

4.8/ 5

Visit Pepperstone Pepperstone review

Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/5 support (18h a day on weekends).

Pepperstone quick facts

Demo Account

✔Yes

Instruments

CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto CFDs, Spread Betting

Regulator

FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA, SCA, SCB, CMA-Kenya

Platforms

Pepperstone Trading Platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView

Minimum Deposit

$0

Minimum Trade

0.01 Lots

Account Currencies

USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

• Pepperstone has started providing trading in pre-IPO perpetual futures like SpaceX (SPCX.US-PERP) in select regions, such as the UAE.
• Offers a dedicated CopyTrading app for traders who want a less active approach to trading, available in some countries.
• There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.

Cons

• Execution may not feel as reliable in fast markets as headline speeds suggest. In our own testing, execution was fast at desired prices, but some community complaints focus on slippage, stop-loss fills and spread-sensitive order triggers during volatile conditions.
• Pepperstone has removed support for several tools that elevated the trading experience for active retail traders, notably Autochartist, Capitalise.ai and a free VPS for qualifying traders (now only pro traders in some countries).
• Despite improvements to its range of markets, crypto CFD offerings are still fairly limited compared to other brokers who focus on this area, such as Eightcap, and there's no option to invest in real coins.

Visit Pepperstone Pepperstone review

Fusion Markets

4.6/ 5

Visit Fusion Markets Fusion Markets review

Fusion Markets is a standout option for forex traders looking for excellent pricing with spreads near zero, industry-low commissions and recently TradingView integration. It’s a particularly good broker for Australian traders where the company is headquartered and regulated by the ASIC.

Fusion Markets quick facts

Demo Account

✔Yes

Instruments

CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto

Regulator

ASIC, VFSC, FSA

Platforms

MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade

Minimum Deposit

$0

Minimum Trade

0.01 Lots

Account Currencies

USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

• Fusion Markets is set up to support algo traders with a sponsored VPS solution and a 25% discount if you opt for the NYC Servers VPS for MT4 or cTrader.
• The range of charting platforms and social trading features is excellent, with MT4, MT5, cTrader and more recently TradingView, catering to a wide range of trader preferences.
• Average execution speeds of around 37 milliseconds are noticeably faster than many rivals and can help day traders secure optimal prices in fast-moving markets.

Cons

• Fusion Market trails alternatives, notably IG, in the education department with limited guides and live video sessions to upskill new traders.
• Traders outside of Australia must sign up with weakly regulated global entities with limited safeguards, though in August 2026 they made negative balance protection available to all eligible accounts.
• While the selection of currency pairs trumps most rivals, the broker's alternative investment offering is average with no stock CFDs beyond the US.

Visit Fusion Markets Fusion Markets review

Markets.com

4.4/ 5

Visit Markets.com Markets.com review

Markets.com is best suited to retail investors who trade frequently but don’t want to calculate commissions, thanks to its spread-only pricing (EUR/USD around 1.3 pips). It especially appeals to short-term traders who value fast execution, flexible asset choice spanning 2,200+ instruments and proprietary tools like hedge fund confidence indices and insider trade alerts.

Markets.com quick facts

Demo Account

✔Yes

Instruments

CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Crypto, ETFs, Bonds

Regulator

ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, BVI FSC

Platforms

Web Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral

Minimum Deposit

$200

Minimum Trade

0.01 Lots

Account Currencies

USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, PLN, CZK

Pros

• Within the 2,200+ CFDs, Markets.com offers thematic baskets like the Warren Buffett Blend and Cannabis Blend, which behaved like ready-made mini-ETFs during testing, saving the work of balancing weights manually.
• Markets.com provides commission-free trading on most assets with spreads starting from around 0.6 pips on major forex pairs, making it cost-effective for casual traders.
• Markets.com’s Hedge Fund Confidence and Insider Trading tools pulls SEC filings into the dashboard within 24 hours of disclosure, helping to spot fund moves and C-suite buys before most retail newsfeeds updated.

Cons

• The proprietary web platform felt a bit basic once we pushed into advanced charting with fewer drawing/indicator options than full TradingView or MetaTrader.
• Inactivity charges kick in after just 3 months, while variable spreads are wider than top ECN brokers during testing, which may deter day traders and high-frequency traders.
• During sign-up, we hit unclear account type explanations and got stuck in an email verification loop that locked us out for an hour - way less streamlined than other brokers we’ve tested.

Visit Markets.com Markets.com review

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) was established in 1991 under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act to promote fair and transparent financial markets across Australia.

Following a string of corporate collapses and rising financial misconduct, Australia needed a single body with comprehensive regulatory powers to oversee financial markets. ASIC was born to fill that gap.

ASIC’s powers are broad. It licences financial services businesses and enforces compliance with the Corporations Act, which regulates how companies operate, report, and engage with investors.

ASIC also investigates complaints, such as those from retail traders, and has the authority to prosecute misconduct, impose fines, and even deregister businesses that break the rules.

What Powers Does ASIC Have?

ASIC has a range of powerful tools to enforce financial laws and keep Australia’s markets in check:

• Licensing Power: ASIC issues licences to financial service providers and credit providers, ensuring that only qualified and compliant businesses can operate. Brokers cannot legally provide financial services in Australia without an ASIC licence.
• Investigative Power: ASIC has the authority to investigate any suspected misconduct or breach of financial laws. It can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and demand records from individuals or businesses if there’s reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing.
• Enforcement Power: If ASIC finds misconduct, it can take several actions: issuing fines, suspending or revoking a licence, and imposing penalties. In more serious cases, it can pursue civil or criminal charges, leading to court proceedings.
• Regulatory Power: ASIC sets and enforces standards for company conduct, corporate governance, financial reporting, and disclosures. It can impose conditions on business operations and make sure companies follow ethical and legal guidelines.
• Banning and Disqualification: ASIC can ban individuals from managing companies or providing financial services if they’re found to be dishonest or unethical. This prevents repeat offenders from staying in the industry.
• Consumer Protection Initiatives: ASIC actively creates and enforces policies to protect consumers. It can demand that brokers improve their practices, disclose clearer information, and stop offering risky or misleading products.

What Rules Must An ASIC Broker Follow?

Brokers regulated by ASIC must follow strict rules to maintain transparency, protect consumers, and ensure ethical behaviour in the financial markets.

• Licensing and Authorization: Brokers must hold an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence to operate legally. To obtain and maintain this licence, they must meet ASIC’s criteria, including financial stability, qualifications, and competency standards.
• Client Money Handling: Brokers are required to keep client funds separate from company funds, holding them in segregated accounts. This helps protect client funds from being used for business operations or other improper purposes.
• Disclosure Obligations: Brokers must provide clients with clear, upfront information about their products, services, fees, and potential risks. This includes issuing a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) so clients understand what they’re getting into.
• Compliance With Market Conduct Standards: ASIC trading platforms must operate honestly and fairly, avoiding deceptive practices like price manipulation, insider trading, or false advertising. They’re expected to follow high ethical standards and maintain market integrity.
• Risk Warnings: Brokers must provide transparent risk warnings, especially for high-risk products like CFDs which are popular with day traders. This means clients are informed of potential losses, not just potential gains before they start trading.
• Financial Reporting and Auditing: ASIC requires brokers to submit regular financial reports, proving their financial health and compliance. ASIC may also conduct audits to verify the broker’s practices and ensure ongoing adherence to rules.
• Client Dispute Resolution: ASIC mandates that brokerages have a transparent dispute resolution process in place. They must be part of an external dispute resolution scheme, such as the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), to address client complaints promptly.
• Ongoing Training and Development: Brokers must ensure their representatives are properly trained and qualified to give financial advice. This rule ensures that clients receive reliable and accurate information and advice.

How Does ASIC Protect Active Traders?

CFD trading in Australia is very popular with active traders, and ASIC has stepped up its restrictions on brokers offering these products in recent years to protect retail investors:

• Leverage Limits: ASIC limits the amount of leverage brokers can offer retail traders. For example, the maximum leverage for major forex pairs is capped at 1:30. For cryptocurrencies, it’s 1:2. This reduces the risk of significant losses by preventing traders from borrowing excessively to fund their trades.
• Negative Balance Protection: ASIC mandates that brokers provide negative balance protection, meaning traders can’t lose more money than initially invested. If a trade goes against a client significantly, their account won’t fall into a negative balance, preventing debt above the initial investment.
• Standardised Risk Warnings: ASIC requires brokers to display clear, standardized risk warnings on CFD products. This ensures that traders know the risks involved, including the high probability of losses, and can make informed decisions before entering the market.
• Margin Close-Out Rules: To prevent excessive losses, ASIC enforces a margin close-out rule. If a trader’s funds fall to 50% of the required margin, the broker must close out the trade automatically. This helps prevent traders from sustaining more substantial losses than necessary.
• Ban on Inducements: ASIC prohibits brokers from offering incentives like bonuses, cash rebates, or “free” trading schemes to attract CFD traders. This discourages brokers from using high-pressure sales tactics or enticing promotions to bring in less-informed traders.
• Enhanced Disclosures: ASIC requires brokers to provide detailed disclosures on CFD products, including information on trading fees, spreads, risks, and how CFDs work. This transparency helps traders understand all aspects of CFD trading, not just the potential rewards.

Has ASIC Fined Any Brokers?

While ASIC may occasionally be criticised for not acting fast enough in some cases, it has a strong track record of enforcement and has acted against several brokers for various regulatory breaches over the years. Essentially, ASIC has increasingly big teeth.

Here are some notable examples where it has flexed its regulatory muscles:

• Interactive Brokers (2023): ASIC took action against the Australian branch of Interactive Brokers, levying a $832,500 fine for negligent and reckless conduct related to suspicious trading by a client.
• Openmarkets (2023): ASIC handed out a $4.5 million fine to Openmarkets for failing to have suitable systems for identifying whether the orders of a client were intended to manipulate prices or create a false impression of active trading.
• Forex Capital Trading (2020): ASIC fined Forex CT $20 million for various breaches, notably unconscionable conduct, conflicted remuneration for sales staff, and failure to act in its clients’ best interests.

Bottom Line

Year after year, ASIC introduces and enforces strict safeguards that online brokers must follow, with the aim of protecting retail investors.

Verifying that a broker is ASIC-regulated is a crucial step to protect your investments and ensure you’re dealing with a reputable and compliant company.

To get started, check out DayTrading.com’s pick of the best ASIC-regulated day trading brokers.