Forex Broker in UK

Q: Can UK traders access high leverage?

Retail traders are limited to 1:30. You can apply for professional status to access up to 1:500 leverage.

A forex broker in UK must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to operate legally and offer trading services to UK residents. These brokers adhere to the highest standards of financial integrity, client fund protection, and transparent pricing — making the UK one of the safest jurisdictions for forex trading.

This guide presents the top FCA-authorised brokers in the UK, explains how to choose the right one, and highlights key features that matter most to both retail and professional traders.

Why Choose an FCA-Regulated Forex Broker?

Benefits of UK Forex Regulation

FSCS protection: Up to £85,000 coverage per client in case of broker insolvency
Segregated client funds: Held in Tier-1 UK banks
Negative balance protection: Retail clients cannot lose more than they deposit
Transparency and fairness: FCA rules require best execution and strict conduct standards

Retail Leverage Limits (UK)

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

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

1. Intertrader

FCA Licence: FRN 597312
Platforms: MT4, WebTrader
Spread: Fixed from 0.6 pips
Leverage: 1:30 retail, higher for pro
Features: Spread betting, CFD trading, GBP accounts
Best For: UK-based traders seeking tax-free spread betting

2. Pepperstone UK

FCA Licence: FRN 684312
Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Spread: From 0.0 pips (Razor account)
Leverage: 1:30 retail, 1:500 pro
Features: Smart Trader Tools, ultra-fast execution
Best For: Active traders and algo strategies

3. Markets.com UK

FCA Licence: FRN 509562
Platforms: Marketsx, MT4, MT5
Spread: From 0.6 pips
Leverage: 1:30 retail, 1:300 pro
Features: Multi-asset trading, advanced analytics
Best For: Cross-market traders and mobile users

4. IG Markets

FCA Licence: FRN 195355
Platforms: IG proprietary, MT4
Spread: From 0.6 pips
Leverage: 1:30 retail, 1:222 pro
Features: Deep liquidity, professional-grade tools
Best For: Institutional and volume traders

5. XTB UK

FCA Licence: FRN 522157
Platforms: xStation 5
Spread: From 0.1 pips
Leverage: 1:30 retail
Features: Award-winning education and UI
Best For: Beginner traders and self-education

How to Choose the Right Forex Broker in the UK

1. Verify FCA Authorisation

Use the FCA Register to confirm the broker’s status and permissions.

2. Compare Trading Costs

Look at:

Spread type (fixed or variable)
Commissions (ECN accounts vs standard)
Total trade cost (spread + fees)

3. Assess Platform and Tools

MetaTrader 4 and 5 for custom indicators and EAs
TradingView for charting
Proprietary platforms for speed and simplicity

4. Deposit and Withdrawal Options

Support for GBP deposits
Bank transfer, cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
Fast processing, no internal fees

5. Tax Efficiency

UK residents can open spread betting accounts, which are currently free from capital gains tax and income tax (as per HMRC guidance).

Key Takeaways

UK forex brokers must be authorised by the FCA to serve UK clients legally and securely.
Intertrader, Pepperstone, and Markets.com offer top-tier trading environments with FCA protection.
Retail leverage is capped at 1:30, but pro clients can apply for higher limits.
Spread betting is a unique tax-efficient option available through UK brokers.
Always test a broker via a demo account before committing live funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is forex trading legal in the UK?

Yes. Forex trading is fully legal and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Which forex broker is best for UK traders?

Intertrader is best for spread betting, while Pepperstone and Markets.com offer advanced platforms and raw pricing.

What is the FSCS protection limit?

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) covers up to £85,000 per eligible client if a broker fails.

Can UK traders access high leverage?

Retail traders are limited to 1:30. You can apply for professional status to access up to 1:500 leverage.

Is spread betting available in the UK?

Yes. FCA-regulated brokers like Intertrader and IG Markets offer spread betting accounts with tax benefits for UK residents.

Forex Broker in UK