Profile
TradeStation Global is a professional-grade multi-asset trading platform built on a partnership between TradeStation Group and Interactive Brokers (IBKR). Designed for international clients outside the United States, it delivers direct market access (DMA), competitive commissions, and institutional-grade analytics. This TradeStation Global review covers its regulatory backing, execution infrastructure, supported platforms, and account conditions for retail and professional clients.
Regulation and Security
TradeStation Global operates under the regulatory framework of Interactive Brokers (UK) Limited, which is:
- Authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ref no. 208159
- A participant in the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
- Subject to MiFID II compliance for European clients
Client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks, and eligible UK/EU clients are covered by compensation schemes up to £85,000 or €20,000 respectively, depending on location.
Execution Model
TradeStation Global uses a DMA (Direct Market Access) execution model provided via IBKR’s infrastructure. This includes:
- Access to 150+ markets globally
- Smart order routing across ECNs and exchanges
- No dealing desk intervention or internalisation
Execution is highly transparent, with time-and-sales data, order routing options, and real-time liquidity visibility available for many instruments.
Trading Platforms
TradeStation Global clients receive dual-platform access:
- TradeStation Desktop: For advanced charting, automated strategies, and scanning tools
- IBKR Trader Workstation (TWS): For direct execution, Level 2 order books, and institutional-grade routing
Mobile and web access is available via IBKR Mobile and Client Portal. No MetaTrader support is offered. APIs include TWS API, FIX, and REST for custom integrations.
Supported Markets
TradeStation Global supports a wide range of instruments across over 30 countries:
- Stocks: Over 20,000 global equities
- ETFs: US, EU, Asia-Pacific funds
- Options: Listed equity and index options
- Futures: CME, ICE, EUREX, and more
- Forex: 100+ pairs with interbank pricing
- CFDs: On indices, metals, energy (IBKR CFD model)
All instruments are routed directly to their respective exchanges or prime liquidity pools.
Account Types and Trading Conditions
TradeStation Global offers a single integrated account for all instruments, with the following conditions:
- Minimum deposit: $1,000 (or equivalent)
- Commission structure: Starting from $1.50 per trade or tiered per instrument
- Spreads: Raw spreads on forex and CFD instruments (plus commission)
- Leverage: Up to 1:30 for retail; 1:100+ for professionals under ESMA exemption
- Base currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CHF, SGD, and others
Retail and Institutional Features
TradeStation Global targets serious traders and institutions, offering:
- API access: FIX, TWS, and REST APIs for automation
- Multi-account management (MAM/Advisor solutions)
- Short selling on thousands of equities
- Professional options chains and volatility analytics
- Trade automation and backtesting
It does not provide copy trading, crypto wallets, or gamified UX elements.
Client Protection and Transparency
Clients benefit from one of the most secure custody and trading environments globally:
- FCA oversight with full MiFID II compliance
- FSCS protection up to £85,000
- Transparent fee schedules and execution reports
- Extensive trade data and audit trails
Account statements, trade confirmations, and margin reports are available via the secure client portal.
Base Currencies, Order Types, and API Access
Clients can open accounts in multiple base currencies. Supported order types include:
- Market, limit, stop, stop-limit, trailing stop
- OCO, bracket, iceberg, fill-or-kill
Advanced traders and institutions can integrate trading via TWS API, REST, or FIX with low-latency connectivity.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- DMA execution on global markets via IBKR
- FCA-regulated structure with fund protection
- Dual-platform access: TradeStation + TWS
- Powerful APIs and institutional tools
- Low commissions and raw spreads
- Cons:
- No MetaTrader or beginner-friendly UX
- High learning curve for TWS users
- Not suitable for passive or copy trading
- Requires minimum deposit of $1,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TradeStation Global regulated?
Yes. TradeStation Global operates through Interactive Brokers UK, which is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
What platforms are available with TradeStation Global?
Clients can access TradeStation Desktop for analysis and IBKR Trader Workstation (TWS) for execution. Web and mobile access are also available.
Can I trade forex with TradeStation Global?
Yes. TradeStation Global offers DMA forex trading with raw interbank pricing and ultra-low spreads via IBKR liquidity.
What is the minimum deposit for TradeStation Global?
The minimum deposit is $1,000 or equivalent in other base currencies.
Does TradeStation Global offer leverage?
Yes. Retail clients can trade with leverage up to 1:30, while professional clients can access 1:100 or higher depending on approval and jurisdiction.
