Profile
Fortrade review provides an analysis of this UK-headquartered forex and CFD broker known for its beginner-friendly platforms and strong regulatory profile. Offering services across Europe, Asia, and Australia, Fortrade delivers an accessible trading environment through its proprietary platform and MetaTrader 4, with a focus on education and simplified execution for retail clients.
Regulation and Safety
Fortrade Ltd is authorised and regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under license number 609970. Additional entities include Fortrade Canada (regulated by IIROC), Fortrade Australia Pty Ltd (regulated by ASIC, license 493520), and Fortrade Cyprus Ltd (regulated by CySEC, license 385/20). Clients benefit from strict fund segregation, negative balance protection, and eligibility for FSCS compensation up to £85,000 in the UK.
Execution Model and Trading Platforms
Fortrade operates a market maker model with straight-through processing (STP) for selected instruments. The broker supports both its proprietary Fortrader platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4), accessible via desktop, web, and mobile. FIX API and VPS services are not available, reflecting the broker’s retail focus rather than institutional offerings.
Markets and Instruments
Clients have access to over 300 instruments across major asset classes:
- Forex (60+ currency pairs)
- Indices (S&P 500, FTSE 100, DAX, etc.)
- Commodities (gold, oil, silver, etc.)
- Shares (US, UK, EU-listed stocks)
- Cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP)
- ETFs and government bonds
Accounts, Spreads and Leverage
Fortrade offers a single account type with variable spreads. EUR/USD spreads typically start from 2.0 pips. Leverage for retail clients is capped at 1:30 in the UK/EU and up to 1:200 in ASIC and offshore jurisdictions. The minimum deposit is $100. Stop-out levels are usually set at 50%. No commissions are charged, as spreads include the broker’s markup.
Funding and Base Currencies
Clients can fund accounts via credit/debit cards, bank wire, Neteller, Skrill, and local payment solutions. Supported base currencies include USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and CAD. Most deposits are processed instantly, while withdrawals may take 1–3 business days. One withdrawal per month is typically free; subsequent withdrawals may incur a fee.
Client Protections and Features
Fortrade provides negative balance protection and keeps client funds in segregated accounts. UK clients are covered by the FSCS up to £85,000, while CySEC-regulated clients are covered by ICF up to €20,000. The broker employs SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and biometric login on mobile platforms. Fortrade is also regularly audited and maintains capital adequacy in accordance with its regulatory licenses.
Institutional and Retail Offering
Fortrade is a retail-only broker with no institutional services like FIX API, MAM/PAMM, or prime brokerage. However, it offers robust support for retail traders including educational webinars, demo accounts, market analysis, and one-on-one onboarding sessions. The proprietary Fortrader platform is designed to simplify access for beginners.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- FCA, ASIC, IIROC, and CySEC regulation
- Proprietary and MT4 platforms available
- Diverse asset classes including bonds and ETFs
- Negative balance protection and FSCS/ICF coverage
- Strong focus on trader education
Cons
- Wider spreads compared to ECN brokers
- No FIX API or VPS support
- Limited tools for advanced or institutional traders
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortrade regulated?
Yes, Fortrade is regulated by multiple authorities including the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and IIROC (Canada).
What platforms can I use with Fortrade?
Clients can trade using Fortrader (proprietary platform) and MetaTrader 4 (MT4) across web, desktop, and mobile.
What is the minimum deposit at Fortrade?
The minimum deposit to open a Fortrade account is $100 or equivalent in supported base currencies.
Does Fortrade offer negative balance protection?
Yes, all clients are protected from negative balances across all regulated entities.
Can I trade crypto with Fortrade?
Yes, Fortrade offers CFDs on cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple.