Profile
This FOREX.com review covers the broker’s multi-jurisdictional regulation, execution infrastructure, trading platforms, and offerings for both retail and institutional clients. Owned by StoneX Group Inc., FOREX.com is one of the most reputable global forex brokers with strong transparency, regulatory credentials, and a wide range of assets.
Regulation and Safety
FOREX.com operates under multiple regulatory authorities worldwide:
- UK: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), license number 113942
- US: National Futures Association (NFA) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), NFA ID 0339826
- Canada: Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC)
- Australia: Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC), AFSL number 345646
- Japan: Financial Services Agency (JFSA)
- Cayman Islands: Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), license number 25033
All client funds are segregated from company funds, and clients in applicable jurisdictions are covered under compensation schemes such as FSCS (UK) or CIPF (Canada). The broker also undergoes annual audits and employs bank-grade security protocols including 2FA and encryption.
Execution Model and Trading Platforms
FOREX.com operates a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model with STP/ECN-style pricing. Advanced order routing and low-latency execution are core to its infrastructure. The broker supports:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- FOREX.com proprietary platform (web, desktop, mobile)
- NinjaTrader (for US clients)
Professional and API traders have access to FIX API and VPS hosting for latency-sensitive strategies.
Markets and Instruments
FOREX.com offers over 4,500 instruments globally, including:
- Forex (80+ currency pairs)
- Indices (S&P 500, DAX, FTSE, NASDAQ, Nikkei)
- Commodities (gold, silver, oil, copper)
- Stocks (CFDs on US, UK, EU shares)
- Cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH – subject to region)
- ETFs and bonds (in select jurisdictions)
Accounts, Spreads and Leverage
FOREX.com provides several account types based on platform, trading volume, and region:
- Standard Account: No commission, spreads from 1.0 pip
- Commission Account: Raw spreads from 0.2 pips + $5/lot commission
- DMA Account: Direct access to liquidity, spreads from 0.0 pips
- Professional Account: Higher leverage (up to 1:400), subject to eligibility
Leverage varies by jurisdiction: up to 1:30 (UK/EU), 1:50 (US), and up to 1:400 offshore. Stop-out levels typically range from 50% to 100% depending on account type.
Funding and Base Currencies
Accepted funding methods include:
- Bank wire transfers
- Visa/Mastercard
- Skrill and Neteller (non-US)
- PayPal (in supported regions)
Base currencies vary by region and may include USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, JPY, and CAD. Deposits are processed instantly in most cases, while withdrawals typically complete within 1–2 business days.
Client Protections and Features
Clients benefit from robust protections and operational transparency:
- Negative balance protection (EU/UK)
- Segregated accounts and audit trails
- Eligibility for FSCS (UK) and CIPF (Canada)
- Biometric login, 2FA, and SSL security
- Global financial reporting as a publicly listed company (StoneX Group)
Institutional and Retail Offering
FOREX.com offers solutions for both retail and institutional clients:
- Retail: MT4/MT5, proprietary platforms, educational tools, analytics
- Institutional: FIX API, white-label solutions, multi-asset liquidity, DMA access
Pro traders can access tiered pricing, dedicated account management, and premium research from StoneX’s institutional desk.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Multi-jurisdictional regulation (FCA, NFA, ASIC, etc.)
- Supports MT4, MT5, NinjaTrader, and proprietary platforms
- Wide asset selection (4,500+ instruments)
- DMA, ECN, and commission-based account options
- FIX API and VPS available for advanced traders
Cons
- High minimum deposit for DMA accounts
- Crypto CFDs not available in all jurisdictions
- Retail leverage capped by regulation (EU/US)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FOREX.com regulated?
Yes, FOREX.com is regulated in multiple regions including the UK (FCA), US (CFTC/NFA), Australia (ASIC), and Canada (IIROC), among others.
What platforms can I use with FOREX.com?
FOREX.com supports MT4, MT5, its proprietary platform suite, and NinjaTrader for US clients. FIX API is also available for institutional access.
What is the minimum deposit at FOREX.com?
The minimum deposit starts at $100 for standard accounts. DMA accounts typically require higher capital starting from $25,000.
Does FOREX.com offer cryptocurrency trading?
Yes, FOREX.com offers crypto CFDs in select jurisdictions, but availability depends on local regulations.
Is negative balance protection available?
Yes, negative balance protection is offered to retail clients under EU and UK entities. It may not apply to professional or US clients.