Profile
Varianse is a UK-based forex and CFD broker regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Known for its institutional-grade infrastructure, Varianse offers ECN and DMA execution through MetaTrader 4 and cTrader platforms. This Varianse review covers its regulatory standing, execution quality, trading conditions, supported markets, and suitability for professional and retail traders alike.
Regulation and Security
Varianse is operated by VDX Ltd and is fully authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 802012. As an FCA-regulated broker, Varianse adheres to MiFID II requirements, maintains segregated client funds, and participates in the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme), offering protection up to £85,000 for eligible clients.
Client funds are held in segregated accounts with Tier-1 UK banks. In addition, the broker enforces strong AML/KYC standards, data encryption, and risk disclosure procedures across its onboarding and operations.
Execution Model
Varianse employs a true ECN and DMA execution model. Orders are routed directly to liquidity providers and exchanges, with no dealing desk intervention. Features include:
- Spreads from 0.0 pips on ECN accounts
- Level 2 market depth on cTrader
- Low latency execution with Tier-1 liquidity
This setup is ideal for scalpers, high-frequency traders, and institutional strategies that require fast, transparent order routing.
Trading Platforms and Tools
Clients at Varianse can choose between two main trading platforms:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4) – Supports EAs, custom indicators, and multi-timeframe analysis
- cTrader – Offers superior charting, Level 2 order book, and advanced order types
Advanced users benefit from:
- FIX API access for algorithmic trading
- VPS hosting to reduce latency
- Custom liquidity pools and white-label solutions for institutional clients
There is no proprietary platform or mobile-native app outside the standard MT4/cTrader mobile packages.
Supported Instruments
Varianse offers trading on 100+ instruments via CFDs:
- Forex – Major, minor, and exotic pairs
- Commodities – Precious metals and energy products
- Indices – Major global equity indices
- Cryptocurrencies – BTC/USD, ETH/USD, and other leading tokens
The broker does not support physical stock or ETF trading. All instruments are offered with leverage and margin trading conditions.
Account Types and Trading Conditions
Varianse offers three account tiers tailored to different trader profiles:
- Classic Account – No commission, spreads from 1.0 pips
- ECNpro Account – Spreads from 0.0 pips, $3.5 commission per side
- Vantage Account – Institutional-level trading with bespoke conditions
Account features include:
- Minimum deposit: £500 (Classic), £5,000 (ECNpro)
- Leverage: Up to 1:30 for UK retail clients (per FCA rules), up to 1:200 for professionals
- Base currencies: USD, GBP, EUR
- Order types: Market, limit, stop, trailing stop, OCO
Islamic swap-free accounts are available upon request, along with demo accounts for platform testing.
Retail and Institutional Features
Varianse positions itself as a broker for serious traders. Institutional-grade features include:
- FIX API connectivity for high-frequency and algorithmic trading
- Bespoke liquidity access and tailored margining
- MAM/PAMM account structures for money managers
- Professional client categorisation for higher leverage and fewer restrictions
These features are aimed at hedge funds, family offices, prop firms, and experienced traders seeking advanced execution environments.
Client Protection and Transparency
Under FCA regulation, Varianse offers robust client protection mechanisms:
- FSCS protection up to £85,000 for retail clients
- Segregated client funds with Tier-1 UK banks
- Strict capital adequacy, audit, and conduct rules
- Negative balance protection for retail clients
Varianse is transparent in its pricing and execution policy disclosures, with all trading conditions clearly published in its legal documents.
Base Currencies, Order Types, and API Access
Clients can open accounts in GBP, USD, or EUR. The broker supports advanced order types via MT4 and cTrader, including:
- Market, limit, stop orders
- Trailing stops, OCO, and server-side stop-losses
API trading is enabled via FIX protocol, with dedicated server infrastructure for latency-sensitive applications. VPS hosting is available to qualifying clients.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- FCA regulation with FSCS protection
- True ECN and DMA execution
- Advanced platforms: MT4 and cTrader
- Institutional services including FIX API and MAM
- Transparent pricing and execution policies
- Cons:
- High minimum deposit for ECN accounts
- Limited range of tradable assets
- No proprietary platform or in-house research
- No MT5 support
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Varianse a regulated broker?
Yes. Varianse is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), FRN 802012, and offers FSCS protection up to £85,000.
Which platforms does Varianse support?
Varianse offers MetaTrader 4 and cTrader platforms, both available for desktop, web, and mobile use.
What account types does Varianse offer?
Three account types: Classic (no commission), ECNpro (tight spreads, low commission), and Vantage (custom institutional terms).
Can I access FIX API at Varianse?
Yes. FIX API is available for institutional and high-frequency clients, along with VPS hosting and custom liquidity.
What is the minimum deposit to open an account?
Minimum deposit is £500 for Classic accounts and £5,000 for ECNpro accounts. Institutional accounts require custom onboarding.
