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Trading GBP/ZAR

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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.
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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.
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Fact Checked By
William Berg
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Fact Checked By
William Berg
William contributes to several investment websites, leveraging his experience as a consultant for IPOs in the Nordic market and background providing localization for forex trading software. William has worked as a writer and fact-checker for a long row of financial publications.
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Updated
Jul 24, 2024

GBP/ZAR is an exotic currency pair that reflects the value of the GBP against the ZAR. The pair contains the official currency of Great Britain, considered one of the world’s top reserve currencies, and the South African rand, a middle-income emerging market. This review breaks down the benefits of trading the GBP/ZAR as well as the risks, along with investing tips, the pair’s history and how to forecast GBP to ZAR in 2024.

GBP/ZAR Trading Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    FOREX.com
    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
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    2.9 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 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
    USD
    Go To NinjaTrader
  3. 3
    IG
    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
    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
  4. 4
    OANDA US
    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
  5. 5
    Interactive Brokers
    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.5 / 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
    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
  6. 6
    Videforex
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    TradingView
    Skrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB
    Go To Videforex
  7. 7
    RedMars
    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
    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
  8. 8
    InstaTrade
    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    $1
    0.01
    1:1000
    BVI FSC
    FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures
    InstaTrade Gear, MT4
    Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, RUB
    Go To InstaTrade
  9. 9
    Plexytrade
    120% Cash Welcome Bonus
    Ratings
    1.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    0.5 / 5
    0.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    $50
    0.01
    1:2000
    CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto
    MT4, MT5
    Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR
    Go To Plexytrade
  10. 10
    IQCent
    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

Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:

  1. FOREX.com - FOREX.com continues to uphold its stature as a premier FX broker, offering over 80 currency pairs and boasting some of the most competitive fees in the industry. With EUR/USD spreads dipping as low as 0.0 and $5 commission per $100k, it stands out. Moreover, its SMART Signals help to identify price behaviors across numerous major currency markets.
  2. NinjaTrader - NinjaTraders supports the trading of popular currencies including the EUR/USD. The software also offers advanced features to streamline the trading experience, including complex order types like market if touched (MIT) and one cancels other (OCO).
  3. IG - IG offers an above-average suite of 80+ currency pairs on its proprietary web platform, mobile app or MetaTrader 4, with more advanced charts and forex analysis tools available on the ProRealTime software. Forex spreads are competitive based on tests, starting from 0.1 pips on majors like the EUR/USD.
  4. OANDA US - OANDA offers a diverse selection of 68 currency pairs, more than many alternatives. The broker’s in-house platform offers superb day trading capabilities via powerful TradingView charts, including 65+ technical indicators and 11 customizable chart types.
  5. Interactive Brokers - IBKR presents an extensive range of over 100 major, minor, and exotic forex pairs, surpassing the offerings of nearly all leading alternatives, though not CMC Markets. Forex trading occurs over multiple platforms and boasts institutional-grade spreads starting from 0.1 pips and 20 complex order types, including brackets, scale, and one-cancels-all (OCA) orders.
  6. Videforex - Videforex offers trading on 35 currency pairs through leveraged CFDs with spreads from 0.1 pips. Alternatively, traders can use binaries to speculate on upward/downward price movements with payouts up to 98%. Integrated technical analysis, economic calendars, and market news, all available within the platform, help support FX trading decisions.
  7. RedMars - RedMars strongest investment category is forex with more than 50 currency pairs, from majors to minors and exotics. Spreads start from 0.0 pips, catering to active currency traders, and leverage can reach 1:500. However, there are no forex heatmaps or research tools to support aspiring forex traders.
  8. InstaTrade - InstaTrade offers a huge selection of around 100 currency pairs. It provides spreads starting at 0.0 on majors, plus integrated forex analysis in the web platform, featuring signals, plus technical and fundamental summaries. Additionally, InstaTrade offers educational modules covering forex basics for beginners, including margin trading and risk management.
  9. Plexytrade - Plexytrade presents major, minor, and exotic forex pairs for trading, with leverage reaching 1:2000 and raw spreads starting from 0.0 - an enticing proposition for advanced traders seeking gains from minor price shifts. However, the downside lies in the limited selection, with only 41 currency pairs available, significantly fewer than the 100+ forex assets at IG.
  10. IQCent - IQCent traders can access CFDs or binary options on 45+ forex pairs. CFD spreads start from 0.3 pips and binary options payouts are decent up to 95%. This is competitive compared to Pocket Option, for example, offering forex payouts up to only 81%.

Trading GBP/ZAR Comparison

Trading GBP/ZAR Comparison
Broker Forex Assets EUR/USD Spread Forex App Rating Minimum Deposit Regulator
FOREX.com logo
80+ 1.2 4.9 / 5 $100 NFA, CFTC
NinjaTrader logo
50+ 1.3 3.5 / 5 $0 NFA, CFTC
IG logo
80+ 0.8 4.9 / 5 $0 FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
OANDA US logo
65+ 1.6 4 / 5 $0 NFA, CFTC
Interactive Brokers logo
100+ 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value 4.3 / 5 $0 FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
Videforex logo
35+ 0.1 2.5 / 5 $250 -
RedMars logo
50+ 0.7 - €250 CySEC
InstaTrade logo
65 0.0 - $1 BVI FSC
Plexytrade logo
40+ 0.7 4.8 / 5 $50 -
IQCent logo
49 0.3 3 / 5 $250 IFMRRC

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
GBPUSD Spread1.3
EURUSD Spread1.2
EURGBP Spread1.4
Total Assets80+
Leverage1:50
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
  • There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
  • FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.

Cons

  • Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
  • 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.
  • 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

GBPUSD Spread1.6
EURUSD Spread1.3
EURGBP Spread1.6
Total Assets50+
Leverage1:50
PlatformsNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
  • 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

Cons

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

GBPUSD Spread0.9
EURUSD Spread0.8
EURGBP Spread0.9
Total Assets80+
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, providing ample diversification opportunities
  • As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust
  • The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our Best Trading App award

Cons

  • While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients
  • 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

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

GBPUSD Spread3.4
EURUSD Spread1.6
EURGBP Spread1.7
Total Assets65+
Leverage1:50
PlatformsOANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • There's a strong selection of 68 currency pairs for dedicated short-term forex traders
  • 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

  • It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
  • 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
Visit OANDA US
OANDA US 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

GBPUSD Spread0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
EURUSD Spread0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
EURGBP Spread0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
Total Assets100+
Leverage1:50
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

  • With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
  • IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries.
  • 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.

Cons

  • 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.
  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
Visit Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers Review

Videforex

"Videforex will serve traders looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use platform to speculate on the direction of popular financial markets through binaries. With a sign-up process that takes a matter of minutes and a web-accessible platform, getting started is a breeze. "

William Berg, Reviewer

Videforex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
GBPUSD Spread0.1
EURUSD Spread0.1
EURGBP Spread0.1
Total Assets35+
Leverage1:500
PlatformsTradingView
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB

Pros

  • Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, bringing it in line with competitors like IQCent.
  • Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders, with position sizes from just ¢0.01.
  • Videforex is one of the few brokers with 24/7 multilingual video support, providing comprehensive assistance for active traders.

Cons

  • The absence of any educational tools is a serious drawback for newer traders who can find blogs, videos and live trading sessions at category leaders.
  • Videforex lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, meaning traders may receive little to zero safeguards like segregated client accounts.
  • The client terminal needs improvements based on our latest tests, sporting sometimes slow and unresponsive widgets which could dampen the experience for day traders.
Visit Videforex
Videforex 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

GBPUSD Spread0.7
EURUSD Spread0.7
EURGBP Spread1.1
Total Assets50+
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
PlatformsMT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • The broker is one of a limited number of firms to offer an account specially designed for VIPs with premium support and invites to exclusive events
  • The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
  • RedMars offers one of the best platforms for day trading, MT5, hosting 21 timeframes, dozens of analytical tools, flexible templates and algo trading

Cons

  • With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
  • 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
  • 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
Visit RedMars
RedMars Review

InstaTrade

"Although InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, it stands out with its fairly unique Fixed Income Structured Product (FISP), providing passive investment opportunities with up to 50% returns in 6 months if conditions are met. "

Christian Harris, Reviewer

InstaTrade Quick Facts

GBPUSD Spread0.2
EURUSD Spread0.0
EURGBP Spread2.8
Total Assets65
Leverage1:1000
PlatformsInstaTrade Gear, MT4
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, RUB

Pros

  • VPS hosting caters to algo trading strategies with a dedicated physical server providing rapid execution speeds as low as 9 milliseconds.
  • InstaTrade claims to "guarantee" returns through the structured element of its passive trading solution (FISP), with applications approved within 24 hours.
  • Despite an average investment offering of around 300 assets, InstaTrade offers a particularly strong suite of currency pairs, catering to advanced traders seeking opportunities in volatile exotics.

Cons

  • InstaTrade is registered in the offshore jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, resulting in limited regulatory safeguards for retail investors.
  • Profits are only guaranteed in the FISP if investors do not reach the 50% profit level and attract other users with a total sum of $4 for each dollar in compensation.
  • InstaTrade sports one of the most cluttered websites and client cabinets in the industry, potentially overwhelming new traders, especially compared to XTB’s intuitive trading journey and resources.
Visit InstaTrade
InstaTrade Review

Plexytrade

"Plexytrade is a newcomer in the brokerage scene with attention-grabbing features like 1:2000 leverage, zero spreads on select instruments and fast execution speeds of less than 46 milliseconds. However, the absence of regulation is a significant concern, while the non-existent research and educational tools place it far behind industry frontrunners."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Plexytrade Quick Facts

Bonus Offer120% Cash Welcome Bonus
GBPUSD Spread0.8
EURUSD Spread0.7
EURGBP Spread1.1
Total Assets40+
Leverage1:2000
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • Despite lacking regulation, Plexytrade provides negative balance protection and reinforces safety protocols by holding client funds in segregated accounts.
  • There are various VPS packages starting from $50 per month, but they become complimentary once specific deposit thresholds are reached.
  • US residents are accepted as clients, distinguishing Plexytrade as one of the rare offshore brokers that cater to US-based traders.

Cons

  • With around 100 instruments, Plexytrade restricts the flexibility of investors who prefer to trade across various assets, especially compared to Blackbull with its 26,000 securities.
  • Plexytrade lacks regulation in major jurisdictions, significantly increasing the risks of opening an account and depositing funds.
  • Deposits and withdrawals are exclusively facilitated through cryptocurrencies, as Plexytrade does not support bank cards, bank wire transfers, or e-wallets.
Visit Plexytrade
Plexytrade 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
GBPUSD Spread0.8
EURUSD Spread0.3
EURGBP Spread0.8
Total Assets49
Leverage1:500
PlatformsOnline Platform, TradingView
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes
  • 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

  • IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month
  • IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no stocks
  • There's no automated trading support for algo traders
Visit IQCent
IQCent Review

Chart

GBPZAR Chart by TradingView

Pros Of Trading GBP/ZAR

Risks Of Trading GBP/ZAR

Influences On GBP/ZAR Movement

Correlations

Most currency pairs are linked, with movement in one pair often reflected in another, either positively or negatively:

Application

A GBP/ZAR trader can use this information to validate trends or to build a strategy around majors, for example, which they may understand better. Keeping an eye on the GBP/USD and USD/ZAR is particularly useful when trading the GBP/ZAR.

Of course, it’s worth highlighting that external factors can lead to discrepancies in the standard movement seen in correlated pairs.

GBP/ZAR Day Trading Strategy

Below are some important considerations when forming your GBP/ZAR trading strategy.

Timing

A successful GBP/ZAR strategy will depend on timing. Ideally, you want to trade when the market offers the greatest volume and volatility so you can generate profits while incurring minimal costs. A live chart or graph will show you that volume and volatility in the GBP/ZAR pair increase between 16:00 GMT to 06:00 GMT the next day.

Brokers

Because GBP/ZAR is an exotic pair, it’s not as widely available as majors, for example. With that in mind, it’s worth checking your forex trading platform offers the pair. It’s also worth keeping in mind some providers offer lower leverage limits and higher fees on exotics. Look for a broker with the best buying and selling rates alongside generous leverage and competitive pip values.

Oanda is one good option that offers the GBP/ZAR and trusted forex platforms like MT4 and MT5. Other useful resources include Yahoo Finance and Xe. These sources offer live exchange rate forecasts, GBP to ZAR conversions, FX news, historical 5, 10 or 20 years of chart data, plus information on futures.

News

Some investors prefer to trade the GBP/ZAR using news announcements. Major events can help you answer questions like ‘is the ZAR getting stronger or will it weaken?’ A couple of top providers for forex news are Bloomberg and broker IG.

Note, we’d recommend validating outlooks based on news events using technical analysis too.

History Of GBP

The pound sterling is one of the oldest currencies, dating back to 775 AD when silver pennies dominated the Anglo-Saxon period. Shortly after the establishment of the Bank of England, pound notes started to circulate in 1694. Before the decimal system was introduced in 1971, the pound existed with a pennies and shillings system.

In the same year, the British pound floated freely, which allowed market factors to dictate the value of the currency rather than artificial pegs to other currencies.

Once a stable currency, the British pound has declined since the financial crisis in 2008. The UK’s referendum vote to leave the EU in 2016 also caused the pound to fall 10% overnight and the impact of the vote is still being felt today.

History Of ZAR

The South African rand was introduced in 1961 when the country became a republic. At that time, the ZAR was valued at 2 rand to 1 pound. Prior to that, the national currency was the South African pound owing to the country being a British colony.

Until 1968, the South African rand exchanged at 2 rand to 1 pound and fluctuated steadily around 1.4 to 1.7 until 1982. Political pressure against the South Africa apartheid then weakened the value of the currency. During that period, the FX rate reached more than 2.5 rand to 1 pound which led to forex activities being suspended to prevent further devaluation.

When the continuation of the apartheid was announced in 1985, the rand continued to weaken. In fact, by the end of the year, it reached over 4 rand to 1 pound and depreciated to over 8 by 1998. And whilst the ZAR has steadily risen since 2006, high rates of poverty, crime, political unrest and unemployment still plague the value of the currency.

Role Of GBP

The British Pound sterling is the official currency of the United Kingdom and also the Isle of Man, the South Sandwich Islands, Gibraltar, South Georgia, and the British Antarctic Territory. It is the fourth most traded currency on the forex market.

The UK’s diverse economy consists of technology and service-oriented companies, manufacturing and agricultural sectors. The country’s financial services industry is one of the largest contributors to GDP.

The British pound is a leading reserve currency and one of the few currencies worth more than the US dollar. With that said, major political events such as Brexit, have negatively impacted the value of the currency in recent years. Of course, political instability can also lead to opportunities for GBP/ZAR day traders.

Role Of ZAR

The ZAR is the national currency of the Republic of South Africa and is also recognised as legal tender in the Common Monetary Area of Lesotho, Namibia and Eswatini.

The ZAR is considered a commodity currency due to the country being a major exporter of platinum, gold, diamonds and iron ore. With that said, the country has pivoted to a more services-based economy which in recent years has accounted for 67.5% of the country’s GDP. Following data across South Africa’s precious metals exports and services industries will help inform GBP/ZAR trading decisions.

Final Word On Trading GBP/ZAR

As GBP/ZAR is an exotic pair, it offers forex traders a means of diversifying their investment portfolio. The pair’s volatility and high-interest rates provide opportunities to earn healthy profits. The right strategy will vary between traders but will likely call on GBP/ZAR technical analysis, news events and historical data.

FAQ

How much is 1 ZAR against GBP?

The value of 1 ZAR per GBP is constantly shifting. See a live chart or visit an exchange rate website for the latest buying and selling rates.

Will the ZAR strengthen?

Historically, the value of the ZAR has declined. Nonetheless, it’s worth keeping up with the latest market news for future predictions.

How can I start trading GBP/ZAR?

Firstly, you need a broker that offers the GBP/ZAR. As an exotic, it’s not as widely available as major pairs. Make sure to also compare spreads, leverage rates and trading tools. You can then test GBP/ZAR strategies in a free demo account before you start live trading.

Is it a good time to buy and sell GBP versus ZAR?

The GBP has increased in value relative to the ZAR. There is still ample volatility to trade the currency pair as the rand depreciates while the pound stabilises. Of course, we recommend conducting your own research before taking a position.

Where can I buy ZAR? 

There are many services that let you buy the South African currency if you’re looking for tourist rates. For example, you can buy it from any Post Office branch. However, make sure to check exchange rates on the service provider’s website to get the best value for money.