Profile
Trade Nation is a multi-asset broker offering CFD and spread betting services with a focus on fixed spreads, user-friendly platforms, and transparent pricing. Regulated in multiple jurisdictions including the UK, Australia, South Africa, and the Bahamas, Trade Nation caters to both retail and professional traders. This Trade Nation review covers its regulatory framework, trading conditions, execution model, platform options, and asset coverage.
Regulation and Security
Trade Nation is authorised and regulated by several tier-1 and tier-2 financial authorities:
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – UK, FRN 525164
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) – AFSL 402170
- Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) – South Africa, FSP 49846
- Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) – SIA-F216
Client protections include:
- Segregated client funds in top-tier banks
- Negative balance protection
- FSCS coverage up to £85,000 for UK clients
- Adherence to fair marketing and best execution standards
Execution Model
Trade Nation uses a market maker model with internal risk management rather than ECN or STP routing. All client orders are executed via the broker’s dealing infrastructure, allowing them to offer fixed spreads across all market conditions. There is no third-party liquidity provider aggregation, but execution speeds remain competitive, and requotes are rare.
Trading Platforms
Trade Nation offers two platform options:
- Trade Nation Web Platform – Clean, browser-based interface with fixed spreads, risk management tools, and position tracking. Suitable for beginners.
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4) – Full-featured desktop and mobile platform with support for EAs, custom indicators, and advanced charting.
MT4 is available for clients who require more analytical depth and automation capabilities. No MT5 or proprietary downloadable software is offered.
Supported Markets
Trade Nation offers over 1,000 global instruments via CFDs or spread betting (UK only):
- Forex – Major, minor, and exotic pairs with fixed spreads
- Indices – Global cash indices including US500, UK100, GER40, AUS200
- Commodities – Gold, silver, oil, natural gas, and softs
- Shares – US, UK, European, and Australian equities
- Bonds – Government debt instruments including US 10Y, UK Gilts
Cryptocurrency trading is not currently supported.
Account Types and Trading Conditions
Trade Nation offers a single account type per region, with consistent conditions across platforms:
- Minimum deposit: $0 (recommended: $100)
- Spread: Fixed, e.g., 0.6 pips on EUR/USD
- Leverage:
- Up to 1:30 for retail clients (UK, EU, Australia)
- Up to 1:200 for clients under SCB regulation
- Commission: Zero; all costs included in spread
- Swap charges: Apply on overnight positions (non-Islamic)
Trade Nation does not offer multiple account tiers or ECN options. All clients receive the same pricing model regardless of balance or volume.
Retail and Institutional Features
Trade Nation is focused on retail clients. There is no institutional desk, prime brokerage, or FIX API access. However, the broker offers:
- Smart News and Analysis Hub
- Dedicated account managers
- Trade calculator and risk management tools
- Webinars and beginner-focused education
Automated trading is supported via MT4, but there are no advanced VPS or latency optimisation services for high-frequency or professional traders.
Client Protection and Transparency
Regulated entities of Trade Nation comply with strict client protection requirements:
- Daily fund segregation checks
- Regular regulatory audits
- Transparent fixed spreads, no hidden commissions
The broker also publishes legal documentation, financial disclosure statements, and full cost summaries pre- and post-trade. There is no slippage in pricing due to the fixed spread model.
Base Currencies, Order Types, and API Access
Available base currencies include USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, and ZAR. Supported order types include:
- Market, limit, stop, and trailing stop orders
- One-click execution (web and MT4)
Trade Nation does not offer API access or third-party platform integration beyond MT4. All automation must be done through MQL4 scripting.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Multi-jurisdiction regulation including FCA and ASIC
- Fixed spreads on all instruments
- No commissions or hidden fees
- Web platform and MT4 both supported
- Negative balance protection and FSCS cover for UK clients
- Cons:
- No support for cryptocurrencies
- No ECN or DMA execution model
- Limited platform tools for institutional traders
- Market maker model may not suit scalpers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trade Nation regulated?
Yes. Trade Nation is regulated by the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), FSCA (South Africa), and SCB (Bahamas).
What trading platforms does Trade Nation offer?
Trade Nation provides a proprietary web platform and MetaTrader 4. Both support full access to the broker’s instrument range.
Are the spreads fixed or variable?
Trade Nation offers fixed spreads on all markets, with no commission fees. Spreads remain stable even during volatility.
What leverage is available?
Leverage is capped at 1:30 for UK, EU, and Australian clients. Clients outside these regions (e.g., under SCB) can access up to 1:200.
Does Trade Nation offer API or institutional trading?
No. Trade Nation is focused on retail traders and does not provide FIX API access or institutional-grade execution tools.
