Best Regulated Forex Brokers 2026

Trade with confidence. Compare the most trusted and heavily regulated forex brokers in the world.

Emily Watson

Written by

Emily Watson

David Okonjo

Fact Checked by

David Okonjo

Last reviewed:
By:Emily Watson
Fact-checked by:David Okonjo

Why Regulation Matters

In the forex market, regulation is your primary safety net. Heavily regulated brokers are overseen by top-tier financial authorities like the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and CFTC (USA). These bodies enforce strict capital requirements, segregation of client funds, and fair trading practices, ensuring that your capital is protected against fraud and insolvency.

What is a Tier-1 regulator?

A Tier-1 regulator is a top-level financial authority in a developed jurisdiction that enforces strict rules. Examples include the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and CFTC (USA). They mandate segregated funds and negative balance protection.

Safety & Regulation

Verify the regulatory status and trust score of each broker.

Broker
IGFCA, ASIC, CFTC, NFA, BaFin, FINMA99/99
Saxo BankFCA, ASIC, FSA, MAS, FINMA99/99
CMC MarketsFCA, ASIC, MAS, FMA98/99
Interactive BrokersCFTC, FCA, ASIC, IIROC99/99
SwissquoteFINMA, FCA, DFSA98/99
PepperstoneFCA, ASIC, CySEC, SCB, DFSA, BaFin, CMA97/99
OANDAFCA, NFA, ASIC, IIROC, MAS, JFSA96/99
Plus500FCA, ASIC, CySEC, MAS, FMA95/99
XTBFCA, CySEC, KNF, IFSC, CNMV94/99
DukascopyFINMA, JFSA, FCMC93/99

Detailed Broker Analysis

Recommended
The Gold Standard of Regulation
9.7App Score

IG is a publicly traded powerhouse regulated by top-tier authorities globally. It offers safety, vast market access, and industry-leading education, making it the safest choice for serious traders.

Forex spread classStandard
Minimum deposit$250
Inactivity fee$12/mo
Currency pairs80+
Deposit methodsWire, Card, PayPal
Withdrawal feeNone
Saxo Bank logo
Saxo Bank
Read Review
Recommended
Premium Banking License Protection
9.6App Score

Saxo Bank operates with a full banking license, offering a higher level of security than standard brokers. Ideal for high-net-worth individuals, it provides access to global markets through a superior proprietary platform.

Forex spread classTight
Minimum deposit$2,000
Inactivity fee$150/6mo
Currency pairs180+
Deposit methodsWire, Card
Withdrawal feeNone
CMC Markets logo
CMC Markets
Read Review
Recommended
Trusted Publicly Traded Broker
9.5App Score

CMC Markets combines a strong regulatory background with its advanced NextGeneration platform. As a publicly traded company on the LSE, it offers transparency and stability for traders of all levels.

Forex spread classStandard
Minimum deposit$0
Inactivity fee$10/mo
Currency pairs300+
Deposit methodsWire, Card, PayPal
Withdrawal feeNone
Interactive Brokers logo
Interactive Brokers
Read Review
Recommended
Institutional Grade Security
9.3App Score

Interactive Brokers is the go-to for professionals demanding institutional-grade security and execution. With regulation from the CFTC and FCA, it is one of the most capitalized brokers in the world.

Forex spread classRaw
Minimum deposit$0
Inactivity feeNone
Currency pairs100+
Deposit methodsWire, Check
Withdrawal feeNone
Swissquote logo
Swissquote
Read Review
Recommended
Swiss Banking Excellence
9.2App Score

Swissquote is a Swiss-regulated bank offering the highest level of security and multi-asset access. Ideal for substantial accounts seeking Swiss discretion and safety.

Forex spread classStandard
Minimum deposit$1,000
Inactivity feeQuarterly
Currency pairs80+
Deposit methodsWire, Card
Withdrawal feeNone
Pepperstone logo
Pepperstone
Read Review
Recommended
Global Regulatory Coverage
9.5App Score

Pepperstone is regulated in over 7 jurisdictions including key hubs like the UK, Australia, and Dubai. This global coverage allows them to offer tailored protections to clients everywhere.

Forex spread classRaw
Minimum deposit$0
Inactivity feeNone
Currency pairs90+
Deposit methodsCard, Wire, PayPal
Withdrawal feeNone
Recommended
Regulatory Pioneer
9.3App Score

OANDA has been a regulatory pioneer since 1996. They pride themselves on transparency and were one of the first brokers to introduce immediate execution and transparent pricing models.

Forex spread classStandard
Minimum deposit$0
Inactivity fee$10/mo
Currency pairs70+
Deposit methodsWire, Card
Withdrawal feeNone
Recommended
Global CFD Giant
9.0App Score

Plus500 is a FTSE 250 listed company with licenses in top jurisdictions like the UK, Australia, and Singapore. Its massive scale and public listing provide an extra layer of reassurance.

Forex spread classStandard
Minimum deposit$100
Inactivity fee$10/mo
Currency pairs60+
Deposit methodsCard, PayPal
Withdrawal feeNone
Recommended
Listed Polish Broker
9.4App Score

XTB is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and regulated by the world's biggest supervision authorities including the FCA, KNF, and CySEC. Financial reports are public and transparent.

Forex spread classLow
Minimum deposit$0
Inactivity fee$10/mo
Currency pairs50+
Deposit methodsCard, Wire
Withdrawal feeNone
Dukascopy logo
Dukascopy
Read Review
Recommended
Swiss ECN Marketplace
9.1App Score

Dukascopy Bank offers a unique Swiss ECN marketplace. Regulated as a bank in Switzerland, it provides deposit protection up to CHF 100,000, offering peace of mind for large depositors.

Forex spread classRaw
Minimum deposit$1,000
Inactivity feeCHF 100/yr
Currency pairs60+
Deposit methodsWire, Card
Withdrawal feeNone

Frequently Asked Questions

A Tier-1 regulator is a top-level financial authority in a developed jurisdiction that enforces strict rules. Examples include the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and CFTC (USA). They mandate segregated funds and negative balance protection.

While regulation significantly reduces risk by enforcing strict standards and capital requirements, it does not guarantee safety against market loss or extreme systemic failure. However, it usually ensures access to compensation schemes.

You can check a broker's regulation by verifying their license number at the bottom of their website against the official register of the regulator (e.g., the FCA Register or ASIC Connect).

Unregulated brokers operate without oversight, meaning there is no authority to protect you if they refuse withdrawals, manipulate prices, or go bankrupt. Your funds are at significant risk.

Onshore regulators (FCA, ASIC) prioritize trader protection with leverage limits and tough audits. Offshore regulators (VFSC, SCB) often have looser rules and allow higher leverage but offer less protection.

Why Trust BrokerAnalysis?

Our reviews are built using verified broker data, regulatory records, and hands-on testing. Rankings are updated regularly and are not influenced by paid placements.

Not Financial Advice:

Information on this website is for educational and comparison purposes only. This does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. How we rank brokers →

Affiliate Disclosure:

BrokerAnalysis may earn commissions from partners listed. This does not influence our rankings or analysis, which are based on our independent methodology.

Regional Availability Notice

Broker availability depends on your country of residence. Some brokers may not accept clients from certain jurisdictions including the USA, Canada, Japan, and others. The comparison table on this page shows country acceptance status. Please verify availability with the broker directly before proceeding.

Independent Analysis

Rankings based on verified data and hands-on testing. See our methodology →

Data Verified

January 2026