France is a mature and well-regulated market for forex trading, governed by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) and aligned with broader European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) rules. French traders have access to a wide range of reputable brokers offering MetaTrader platforms, negative balance protection, and multi-asset trading. This article highlights the top forex brokers in France, comparing spreads, platform features, regulatory compliance, and French-language support.
Forex Regulation in France
Forex brokers serving French clients must be:
- Registered with the AMF or listed on its authorised providers directory
- Compliant with ESMA leverage caps (1:30 max for retail traders)
- Prohibited from offering bonuses or high-risk incentives to retail clients
- Required to provide negative balance protection and client fund segregation
Traders can verify brokers through: www.amf-france.org
Top 5 Forex Brokers for French Traders
1. IG France
- Regulated By: AMF, FCA
- Headquarters: London
- Platform: IG proprietary platform, MT4
- Spreads: From 0.6 pips
- Why It Leads:
- Fully AMF-compliant
- Offers French language support
- Spread betting for UK residents, CFD trading for EU
- Over 17,000 global markets
Best For: All-level French traders looking for market diversity and a localised experience.
2. XTB
- Regulated By: AMF (via passporting), KNF (Poland)
- Platform: xStation 5 (award-winning), MT4
- Spreads: From 0.5 pips
- Key Strengths:
- French-language platform and educational tools
- Strong EU regulatory footprint
- Transparent pricing, no hidden commissions
- 24/5 local support
Best For: Traders seeking an intuitive platform with tight spreads and zero commissions.
3. Pepperstone EU (France Support)
- Regulated By: BaFin (Germany), AMF passported
- Platform: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
- Spreads: From 0.0 pips (Razor Account)
- Highlights:
- Ultra-fast execution, ideal for scalpers
- Raw pricing with low commissions
- Supports EAs, hedging, and multiple platform integrations
- Offers French-speaking support
Best For: Experienced traders needing high-speed trading infrastructure.
4. Admirals (Admiral Markets)
- Regulated By: AMF via passport, CySEC, FCA
- Platform: MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition
- Spreads: From 0.5 pips
- Unique Features:
- Custom analytics tools
- Free access to Trading Central
- Zero-to-low commission accounts
Best For: MetaTrader enthusiasts seeking add-ons and premium analysis.
5. eToro
- Regulated By: CySEC, FCA, AMF-registered via passport
- Platform: eToro Web + Mobile App
- Spreads: From 1.0 pip
- Why It’s Included:
- Strong social trading network
- CopyTrader feature for beginners
- Multilingual support including French
- Regulated and listed on NASDAQ
Best For: Beginners and social traders who prefer simplicity and community.
Comparison Table: Best Forex Brokers in France
| Broker | AMF Compliance | Platform(s) | Spreads From | French Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG France | ✅ Yes | IG Web, MT4 | 0.6 pips | ✅ Yes | All-level traders |
| XTB | ✅ Yes (passport) | xStation 5, MT4 | 0.5 pips | ✅ Yes | Commission-free trading |
| Pepperstone EU | ✅ Yes (passport) | MT4, MT5, cTrader | 0.0 pips | ✅ Yes | Scalpers, algo traders |
| Admirals | ✅ Yes (passport) | MT4, MT5 | 0.5 pips | ✅ Yes | MetaTrader-focused traders |
| eToro | ✅ Yes (passport) | eToro Web/App | 1.0 pips | ✅ Yes | Beginners & social traders |
What to Consider When Choosing a Broker in France
✅ AMF or EU Regulation
Ensure the broker is listed with AMF or authorised via the MiFID II passporting mechanism.
✅ ESMA Compliance
French traders are protected under ESMA rules:
- Max leverage 1:30
- Negative balance protection
- No deposit bonuses for retail clients
✅ Platform Experience
MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) and proprietary platforms like xStation or IG Web Trader are standard for French traders.
✅ Localised Support
Choose brokers offering French-language interfaces, education, and customer service.
Key Takeaways
- IG France is the top broker for French traders, offering AMF regulation, tight spreads, and robust platform tools
- XTB and Pepperstone provide raw spreads and fast execution for cost-conscious or professional traders
- Admirals enhances MetaTrader with powerful tools like Trading Central
- eToro is the best option for beginners seeking social trading in French
- Always check a broker’s AMF compliance and ESMA safeguards before opening an account
Frequently Asked Questions
Is forex trading legal in France?
Yes. Forex trading is legal and regulated in France through the AMF and ESMA framework.
Which forex broker is regulated in France?
IG France is directly authorised by the AMF. Others like XTB, Pepperstone, and Admirals operate under EU passporting rules and are AMF-compliant.
Can French traders use MetaTrader 4 or 5?
Yes. Most top brokers in France support MetaTrader 4 and 5, along with custom platform options.
Is leverage limited in France?
Yes. Under ESMA rules, retail traders in France are limited to 1:30 leverage for major pairs and 1:20 for minors.
Can I get French-language support with international brokers?
Yes. All the brokers listed offer French-language platforms, documentation, and customer service.
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