Finding a high-leverage forex broker in the UK is increasingly complex due to post-Brexit regulations and strict Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) caps. Retail traders under FCA rules are limited to 1:30 leverage. However, professional accounts and offshore entities of reputable brokers may offer higher leverage, provided the trader meets certain criteria. This article compares the best high-leverage forex brokers for UK residents in 2025.
FCA leverage restrictions for UK retail traders
- Major FX pairs: Max 1:30
- Minor and exotic pairs: Max 1:20
- Gold and indices: Max 1:20
- Crypto CFDs: Not permitted for retail traders
- Professional account: Leverage up to 1:500 if eligible
How to access high leverage in the UK
- Qualify as a professional client
- Use offshore entities of FCA-compliant brokers
- Register with non-FCA brokers accepting UK traders (at own risk)
Best forex brokers offering high leverage to UK clients
| Broker | Entity (UK/Offshore) | Max Leverage | Regulation | Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TibiGlobe | EU-offshore | Up to 1:1000 | EU-compliant | MT5 | Offers high leverage via global arm |
| Vantage | Offshore (BVI), FCA UK | Up to 1:500 | FCA + VFSC | MT4, MT5 | FCA limits 1:30 unless pro account |
| IC Markets | Seychelles, Australia | Up to 1:500 | ASIC, FSA | MT4, MT5 | UK clients onboarded offshore |
| Pepperstone | FCA, BaFin, ASIC | Up to 1:500 | FCA (UK: 1:30 cap) | MT4, MT5 | High leverage via pro or offshore route |
| Exness | Seychelles, FSCA | Up to 1:2000 | FSCA, FSA | MT4, MT5 | Dynamic leverage model offshore |
| FXOpen | UK, AU, SVG | Up to 1:500 | FCA (UK), FSA | MT4, MT5 | UK pro accounts or offshore access |
| Tickmill | FCA, FSA, FSCA | Up to 1:500 | FCA (UK: 1:30 retail) | MT4, MT5 | Retail via FCA, higher via Seychelles |
| JustMarkets | Seychelles, CySEC | Up to 1:3000 | FSA, CySEC | MT4, MT5 | Global access to ultra-high leverage |
| FBS | Belize, EU | Up to 1:3000 | IFSC, CySEC | MT4, MT5 | Cent and ECN accounts with high leverage |
| Octa | SVG, CySEC | Up to 1:500 | Unregulated + CySEC | MT4, MT5 | Retail access via offshore |
| HotForex | FSA, DFSA | Up to 1:1000 | Multi-jurisdictional | MT4, MT5 | Offshore access for UK clients |
| AvaTrade | BVI, DFSA, FCA | Up to 1:400 | FCA (UK: 1:30) | MT4, AvaTradeGO | Higher via offshore entity |
| FXTM | FSCA, CySEC | Up to 1:2000 | EU-regulated | MT4, MT5 | UK clients routed via Mauritius or FSCA |
| Fusion Markets | ASIC | Up to 1:500 | ASIC only | MT4, MT5 | Accepts UK traders with higher leverage |
| Intertrader | UK-based | Up to 1:200 (pro) | FCA | MT4 | UK pro accounts only |
How to qualify for a professional account (UK FCA rules)
You must meet at least 2 of the following:
- Significant trading activity in past year (40+ trades/quarter)
- Portfolio value over €500,000 (excluding property)
- Worked in financial sector ≥1 year in a professional position
Professional accounts lose access to:
- Negative balance protection
- FSCS compensation
- Risk warnings and product restrictions
Key takeaways
- TibiGlobe, Exness, JustMarkets, and Vantage offer some of the highest leverage options available to UK clients via offshore setups
- UK FCA-regulated brokers limit leverage to 1:30, unless you qualify as a professional trader
- Always confirm entity, regulation, and risk disclosure before opening an account
- High leverage increases both profit potential and risk—use it responsibly
- Brokers offering high leverage often provide cent, raw spread, and ECN accounts with low minimum deposits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest leverage available to UK traders?
Up to 1:3000 is available through brokers like JustMarkets and FBS via offshore registration.
Can I legally use high leverage in the UK?
Yes, if you register as a professional trader or use a broker’s offshore entity that accepts UK clients.
Are high-leverage brokers safe for UK clients?
Only if regulated and transparent. Always check their offshore licence, client protection terms, and risk disclosures.
What happens if I use high leverage with a small deposit?
Your margin is thin. Minor market moves can cause stop-outs or account wipeout without proper risk management.
Which broker offers high leverage with FCA regulation?
None for retail clients. Only professional accounts under FCA rules can access leverage up to 1:500.
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