This London Capital Group review examines the broker’s regulatory strength, platform offering, and trading services. London Capital Group (LCG), established in 1996, was formerly listed on the London Stock Exchange and has been a recognised provider of multi-asset CFD and spread betting services in the UK and Europe. The broker primarily operates through its FCA-regulated entity and offers a secure trading environment with a robust proprietary platform alongside MetaTrader 4.

Regulation and Safety

London Capital Group Limited is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA):

• FCA Licence Number: 182110

As an FCA-regulated broker, LCG is required to:

• Segregate client funds in Tier-1 banks
• Offer negative balance protection to retail clients
• Participate in the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme), covering up to £85,000 per client

The company is subject to regular audits and compliance reviews, ensuring operational transparency and legal protection for UK and EU traders.

Execution Model and Trading Platforms

LCG provides both STP (Straight Through Processing) execution and market maker models, depending on the asset class and client segment. Its platforms include:

• LCG Trader: Proprietary web and mobile platform with advanced charting and risk tools
• MetaTrader 4 (MT4): Full desktop, web, and mobile support with automated trading capabilities

FIX API access and VPS services are available for premium and institutional clients. Execution speeds are optimised through Tier-1 liquidity providers.

Markets and Instruments

London Capital Group offers access to over 7,000 CFD instruments across multiple asset classes:

• Forex – 60+ major, minor, and exotic pairs
• Indices – Global markets including FTSE 100, DAX, S&P 500, Nikkei
• Commodities – Gold, silver, oil, natural gas
• Shares – UK, US, EU-listed equities
• Cryptocurrencies – BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP (via CFDs)
• Bonds and Interest Rates – Gilts, Treasuries, Euribor

Accounts, Spreads and Leverage

LCG provides a single account structure for all clients, with optional upgrades for professional traders. Key features include:

• Spreads from 0.6 pips on major FX pairs
• No deposit or withdrawal fees
• Leverage up to 1:30 for retail clients (per ESMA rules)
• Leverage up to 1:200 for professional clients
• Minimum deposit: £0 (but £100+ recommended for effective margin)

Funding and Base Currencies

LCG supports several funding options:

• Bank wire transfers (UK and international)
• Debit/credit cards
• Skrill and Neteller (for non-UK clients)

Base currencies supported include GBP, EUR, USD. Most deposits are processed within 1 business day; withdrawals may take 1–3 business days depending on method.

Client Protections and Features

• FCA oversight and FSCS protection up to £85,000
• Negative balance protection for all retail clients
• Client funds fully segregated from company assets
• Secure client portal with SSL encryption and 2FA
• Regular external audits and compliance disclosures

Institutional and Retail Offering

LCG supports both private and professional trading segments:

• Retail: LCG Trader, MT4, mobile apps, education resources
• Institutional: FIX API, white-label solutions, volume-based pricing, VPS

High-volume and introducing broker programs are also available under custom agreements.

Pros

• FCA-regulated with strong legal protections
• Over 7,000 tradable instruments across asset classes
• Choice of proprietary platform and MT4
• No deposit or withdrawal fees
• Institutional tools like FIX API and VPS supported

Cons

• Cryptocurrency access limited to CFDs only
• No MetaTrader 5 or advanced automation tools
• Limited support for high leverage unless professional status is approved

Frequently Asked Questions

Is London Capital Group regulated?

Yes, LCG is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), licence number 182110.

What platforms does LCG offer?

LCG offers its proprietary LCG Trader platform and MetaTrader 4 for all account holders.

What is the minimum deposit at LCG?

There is no formal minimum deposit, but a starting balance of £100 or more is recommended.

Does LCG offer spread betting?

Yes, spread betting is available for UK residents under the FCA-regulated entity.

Is LCG suitable for professional traders?

Yes, LCG offers professional accounts with higher leverage, FIX API access, and volume-based pricing.