This DIF Broker review provides an expert evaluation of the Portugal-based broker’s regulatory status, asset coverage, trading infrastructure, and client protections. DIF Broker targets European and Latin American investors with multi-asset access through a professional platform suite, including both discretionary and self-directed trading services.

Regulation and Safety

DIF Broker is regulated by the Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários (CMVM) in Portugal under license number 276. It is also passported throughout the EU under MiFID II rules. Key safeguards include:

• Client fund segregation in Tier-1 EU banks
• Eligibility for the Portuguese Investor Compensation Scheme
• Periodic regulatory audits and transparency disclosures
• Secure client portal with SSL encryption and 2FA

The broker operates as part of the Banco BiG Group, enhancing institutional oversight and banking-grade infrastructure.

Execution Model and Trading Platforms

DIF Broker operates a hybrid agency and market-maker execution model depending on the asset type. Available platforms include:

• DIF Freedom: A proprietary web-based platform for multi-asset execution
• MetaTrader 4 (MT4): For forex and CFDs with support for EAs
• Mobile App: iOS and Android versions of DIF Freedom

FIX API and VPS hosting are not publicly advertised. Advanced order types, watchlists, and real-time data are available on the Freedom platform.

Markets and Instruments

DIF Broker offers access to global exchanges and derivative products. Asset classes include:

• Forex – major, minor, and some exotic pairs
• Stocks – direct market access to US, EU, and LatAm equities
• ETFs – over 3,000 global exchange-traded funds
• Futures – CME, EUREX, ICE contracts
• Options – equity and index options
• CFDs – indices, commodities, and select equities
• Bonds – Portuguese and international debt instruments

Cryptocurrency CFDs are not supported at this time.

Accounts, Spreads and Leverage

DIF Broker offers a single live account structure for most clients, with professional classification available upon request. Key trading conditions include:

• Minimum deposit: €2,000
• Spreads: EUR/USD from 1.5 pips (MT4), equities from €5/trade
• Leverage: Up to 1:30 for retail, 1:100 for professional clients
• Stop-out level: 50%
• No commissions on most CFDs; equity and futures trades incur standard exchange fees

Islamic swap-free accounts are not available. Margin requirements vary by asset and regulatory classification.

Funding and Base Currencies

Clients can fund accounts via:

• Bank transfer (SEPA and SWIFT)
• Credit/debit card (limited availability)

Accepted base currencies include EUR and USD. Deposits are processed within 1–2 business days; withdrawals typically take 2–3 business days. There are no deposit fees, but withdrawal charges may apply for SWIFT transfers.

Client Protections and Features

DIF Broker offers strong client safeguards under EU regulation:

• Investor Compensation Scheme protection up to €25,000
• MiFID II compliance with transparent execution reporting
• Negative balance protection for retail clients
• Encrypted client area with optional biometric login

Educational webinars, tutorials, and strategy insights are available through the platform, supporting both beginner and advanced users.

Institutional and Retail Offering

DIF Broker supports both retail and professional traders:

• Retail: DIF Freedom and MT4 platforms with moderate leverage
• Professional: Higher leverage, expanded margin, and reduced protections
• Institutional: No white-label or FIX API offerings currently disclosed

Managed account services and model portfolio access are available through Banco BiG’s investment advisory network.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• EU-regulated broker with CMVM oversight
• Broad range of asset classes including stocks, futures, and bonds
• Multi-platform access with proprietary tools
• Negative balance protection for retail traders
• Strong research and educational content

Cons

• High minimum deposit of €2,000
• No crypto trading or FIX API access
• Limited card funding support
• Spreads are wider than pure ECN brokers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIF Broker regulated?

Yes, DIF Broker is regulated by the CMVM in Portugal under license number 276 and complies with MiFID II across the EU.

What platforms does DIF Broker offer?

DIF Broker provides its proprietary DIF Freedom platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4) for forex and CFDs.

What is the minimum deposit at DIF Broker?

The minimum deposit required to open a live account is €2,000.

Does DIF Broker offer cryptocurrency trading?

No, DIF Broker does not currently support crypto trading or crypto-based CFDs.

Is negative balance protection available?

Yes, DIF Broker provides negative balance protection to all retail clients as per EU regulatory requirements.