This FP Markets review explores the broker’s regulation, ECN execution, multi-platform offering, and competitive pricing structure. Founded in 2005, FP Markets is an award-winning global CFD and forex broker serving both retail and institutional clients with access to tight spreads, high leverage, and advanced tools.

Regulation and Safety

FP Markets operates under multiple regulatory frameworks:

• ASIC (Australia): AFS License No. 286354
• CySEC (EU): License No. 371/18
• FSCA (South Africa): License No. 50926
• FSA (St. Vincent & the Grenadines): Unregulated offshore entity

Client funds are held in segregated accounts with Tier 1 banks. The ASIC and CySEC entities offer negative balance protection and fall under strong audit and capital requirements. EU clients also benefit from the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) up to €20,000.

Execution Model and Trading Platforms

FP Markets uses a true ECN model for its Raw account, offering low-latency execution through NY4 Equinix data centres. The Standard account uses STP routing with no dealing desk. Supported platforms include:

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
• MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
• IRESS (for share CFD trading on the AU entity)

All platforms are available on desktop, mobile, and web. FIX API access is available to institutional traders. Free VPS hosting is offered to high-volume traders or with a minimum balance.

Markets and Instruments

FP Markets provides access to over 10,000 instruments depending on entity and platform:

• Forex (70+ pairs including majors, minors, exotics)
• Indices (Dow, DAX, FTSE, NASDAQ, ASX 200)
• Commodities (gold, oil, silver, copper, natural gas)
• Shares (CFDs on US, UK, EU, and AU stocks)
• Cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, etc.)
• ETFs and futures (on IRESS platform)

Accounts, Spreads and Leverage

FP Markets offers multiple account types:

• Standard Account: STP model, spreads from 1.0 pip, zero commission
• Raw Account: ECN model, spreads from 0.0 pips + $3/side per lot
• Islamic Account: Swap-free versions available on request

Minimum deposit is $100. Leverage up to 1:30 (EU), 1:500 (ASIC/Offshore). Stop-out level is typically 50% depending on platform and jurisdiction.

Funding and Base Currencies

FP Markets supports a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods:

• Bank transfers and credit/debit cards
• Skrill, Neteller, PayPal
• Crypto funding (BTC, ETH, USDT – offshore only)
• Local payment gateways (based on region)

Supported base currencies include USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, SGD, CHF, HKD. Most deposits are instant, and withdrawals are processed within 1 business day.

Client Protections and Features

Client safety is ensured through the following features:

• Negative balance protection (ASIC, CySEC, FSCA)
• Segregated accounts at National Australia Bank & HSBC
• Investor Compensation Fund (EU only)
• Biometric login and 2FA support
• Regular audits and regulatory oversight

Institutional and Retail Offering

FP Markets offers solutions for both ends of the spectrum:

• Retail: MT4/MT5 platforms, education hub, economic calendar, demo accounts
• Institutional: FIX API, white-label solutions, liquidity aggregation, dedicated account manager

The IRESS platform, available to Australian clients, supports advanced share CFD trading and multi-product portfolio management.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• ECN execution with tight spreads
• ASIC and CySEC regulation with client protections
• Access to over 10,000 instruments
• MT4, MT5, and IRESS support
• Free VPS and FIX API for advanced users

Cons

• IRESS platform only available under Australian entity
• Crypto trading not available on EU accounts
• $100 minimum deposit may be high for some beginners

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FP Markets regulated?

Yes, FP Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FSCA (South Africa), and operates an offshore entity under FSA St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

What platforms does FP Markets offer?

FP Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and IRESS (for AU share CFD trading). All platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile.

What is the minimum deposit for FP Markets?

The minimum deposit for both Standard and Raw accounts is $100.

Is cryptocurrency trading available?

Yes, crypto CFDs are available under non-EU accounts. EU clients may have restrictions due to ESMA regulations.

Does FP Markets support institutional trading?

Yes, FP Markets provides FIX API, white-label, and liquidity solutions for institutional clients and high-frequency traders.