Best Forex Broker in the UK

Q: Can UK traders access high leverage?

Retail traders are capped at 1:30 under FCA rules. Professional accounts can access up to 1:500 with eligibility.

Q: Do UK brokers offer spread betting?

Yes. Brokers like Intertrader and IG offer spread betting, which is currently tax-free for UK residents.

Finding the best forex broker in the UK means selecting a platform that offers excellent trading conditions, powerful platforms, and full compliance with FCA regulation. UK-based traders benefit from one of the world’s most secure trading environments, with protections like FSCS insurance, negative balance protection, and segregated client funds. The right broker will also offer tax-efficient options, fast execution, and access to global markets.

This guide ranks the top FCA-regulated forex brokers in the UK for 2025 and explains what makes each one a top choice.

Why Trade With an FCA-Regulated UK Forex Broker?

Key Benefits

FCA Protection: Enforces best execution and fair marketing
FSCS Coverage: Up to £85,000 per trader
Negative Balance Protection: Can’t lose more than your deposit
Segregated Accounts: Funds held in UK Tier-1 banks
Spread Betting: Tax-free trading for UK residents

Retail Leverage Limits (FCA Rules)

1:30 on major forex pairs
1:20 on minors and gold
1:10 on commodities
1:2 on cryptocurrencies

Top FCA-Regulated Forex Brokers in the UK (2025)

1. Intertrader – Best for UK Spread Betting and FCA Compliance

FCA Licence: FRN 597312
Platform: MT4, WebTrader
Spread: From 0.6 pips (fixed)
Leverage: Up to 1:30 (retail), higher for pro
Features: Tax-free spread betting, GBP accounts
Best For: UK-based traders looking for a regulated and tax-efficient broker

2. Pepperstone UK – Best for Platform Variety and Scalping

FCA Licence: FRN 684312
Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Spread: From 0.0 pips (Razor account)
Leverage: 1:30 (retail), 1:500 (pro)
Features: ECN execution, fast latency, Smart Trader Tools
Best For: Active traders, EAs, and advanced platform users

3. Markets.com UK – Best for Multi-Asset and Mobile Trading

FCA Licence: FRN 509562
Platforms: Marketsx, MT4, MT5
Spread: From 0.6 pips (no commission)
Leverage: 1:30 (retail), up to 1:300 (pro)
Features: Strong mobile UX, FX + equities + crypto
Best For: Traders wanting to trade multiple markets under FCA regulation

4. IG Markets – Best for Institutional Research and Execution

FCA Licence: FRN 195355
Platforms: IG platform, MT4
Spread: From 0.6 pips
Leverage: 1:30 retail, 1:222 pro
Features: FTSE-listed, advanced analytics, economic research tools
Best For: Experienced UK traders seeking institutional-grade tools

5. XTB UK – Best for Education and Ease of Use

FCA Licence: FRN 522157
Platform: xStation 5
Spread: From 0.1 pips
Leverage: Up to 1:30
Features: Award-winning education hub, fast onboarding
Best For: Beginners and self-directed UK traders

UK Broker Comparison Table

Broker	FCA Regulated	Spread (EUR/USD)	Platform Options	Best For
Intertrader	✅	From 0.6 pips	MT4, WebTrader	Tax-free UK spread betting
Pepperstone	✅	From 0.0 pips	MT4, MT5, cTrader, TV	Scalping and platform variety
Markets.com	✅	From 0.6 pips	Marketsx, MT4, MT5	Mobile and multi-asset trading
IG Markets	✅	From 0.6 pips	IG platform, MT4	Research and professional tools
XTB UK	✅	From 0.1 pips	xStation 5	Education and beginner support

How to Choose the Best UK Forex Broker

1. Verify FCA Authorisation

Use the FCA Register to confirm that a broker is authorised to operate in the UK.

2. Consider Trading Costs

Raw spread accounts (e.g., Pepperstone Razor) have low spreads + commission
Spread-only accounts (e.g., Intertrader, Markets.com) offer simplicity

3. Platform Features

Choose based on strategy:

MT4/MT5 for EAs and indicators
cTrader/TradingView for depth and speed
xStation or proprietary for intuitive mobile UX

4. Tax Considerations

UK traders benefit from spread betting, which is currently exempt from capital gains and income tax under HMRC rules.

5. Funding and Withdrawals

GBP support via bank transfer, debit cards, PayPal, Skrill
Same-day processing available with top UK brokers

Key Takeaways

The best forex broker in the UK is FCA-regulated, offers tight spreads, and provides access to robust platforms.
Intertrader is the leading choice for UK traders seeking spread betting and fixed spreads.
Pepperstone and Markets.com offer advanced tools, raw pricing, and platform diversity for retail and pro users.
Always confirm FCA status, use demo accounts, and compare spread + execution speed before trading live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which forex broker is best for UK traders in 2025?

Intertrader is best for tax-free spread betting. Pepperstone and Markets.com are top choices for platform variety and low-cost trading.

Are UK forex brokers safe?

Yes. FCA-regulated brokers must segregate client funds, offer negative balance protection, and follow strict compliance rules.

Can UK traders access high leverage?

Retail traders are capped at 1:30 under FCA rules. Professional accounts can access up to 1:500 with eligibility.

Do UK brokers offer spread betting?

Yes. Brokers like Intertrader and IG offer spread betting, which is currently tax-free for UK residents.

How can I verify if a broker is FCA regulated?

Use the official FCA Register and enter the broker’s FRN to confirm authorisation.

Best Forex Broker in the UK