Top 8 Forex Brokers in UK

The UK is one of the most trusted and heavily regulated forex markets globally, governed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Traders in the UK benefit from strict client fund protection, negative balance safeguards, and access to premium platforms. Choosing a broker regulated by the FCA ensures you trade with a provider that meets the highest standards in financial conduct and transparency.

This article presents a curated list of the top 8 forex brokers in the UK, highlighting their regulatory status, trading conditions, platform support, and what makes each one ideal for different trader profiles.

What Makes a Forex Broker the Best in the UK?

FCA regulation and FSCS protection (up to £85,000)
Transparent pricing and execution speed
Multi-platform support (MT4, MT5, cTrader, proprietary)
Low trading costs and fast withdrawal processing
UK-based customer service and legal backing

Top 8 FCA-Regulated Forex Brokers in the UK

1. IG

Founded: 1974
FCA Licence: Yes (FCA No. 195355)
Minimum Deposit: £0 (bank transfer)
Platform: MT4, IG proprietary, L2 Dealer
Best For: Advanced traders and spread betting
Why It Ranks Top: LSE-listed, tight spreads, award-winning platforms

2. CMC Markets

Founded: 1989
FCA Licence: Yes (FCA No. 173730)
Minimum Deposit: £0
Platform: Next Gen, MT4
Best For: Traders wanting advanced charting and no minimum deposit
Why It Ranks Top: Deep liquidity, over 330 FX pairs, FTSE 250 company

3. Pepperstone UK

Founded: 2010 (UK office FCA-regulated since 2020)
FCA Licence: Yes (FCA No. 684312)
Minimum Deposit: £0 (recommended £200)
Platform: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Best For: Low-spread ECN trading
Why It Ranks Top: Ultra-fast execution, ideal for scalping and algo traders

4. City Index

Founded: 1983
FCA Licence: Yes (FCA No. 113942)
Minimum Deposit: £100
Platform: MT4, WebTrader, TradingView
Best For: Spread betting and forex CFD access
Why It Ranks Top: Backed by StoneX Group, wide asset selection

5. XTB UK

Founded: 2002 (UK office regulated since 2018)
FCA Licence: Yes (FCA No. 522157)
Minimum Deposit: £0
Platform: xStation 5, xStation Mobile
Best For: Commission-free trading with high-speed execution
Why It Ranks Top: Strong education, crypto + FX access, LSE-listed parent

6. Saxo UK

Founded: 1992 (UK arm fully regulated)
FCA Licence: Yes (FCA No. 551422)
Minimum Deposit: £500
Platform: SaxoTraderGO, MT4 (limited)
Best For: High-net-worth individuals and portfolio traders
Why It Ranks Top: Deep multi-asset access and institutional-grade tech

7. FXCM UK

Founded: 1999
FCA Licence: Yes (FCA No. 217689)
Minimum Deposit: £50
Platform: Trading Station, MT4
Best For: FX-only traders seeking legacy platforms
Why It Ranks Top: Longstanding UK presence, strong execution metrics

8. Admirals UK (formerly Admiral Markets)

Founded: 2001
FCA Licence: Yes (FCA No. 595450)
Minimum Deposit: £25
Platform: MT4, MT5
Best For: Classic MT4 traders and portfolio diversification
Why It Ranks Top: Low entry barrier, Invest.MT5 for long-term positions

Key Takeaways

The top UK brokers are all FCA-regulated and offer client fund security, fast execution, and multi-platform access
IG and CMC Markets lead for platform depth and institutional reputation
Pepperstone and XTB are top picks for traders seeking low spreads and speed
City Index and FXCM excel in spread betting and CFD access
Brokers like Saxo and Admirals provide broader asset classes for long-term traders

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best forex broker in the UK overall?

IG is the best all-around UK forex broker due to its regulation, platform variety, and institutional backing.

Is forex trading legal and safe in the UK?

Yes, forex trading is fully legal and regulated by the FCA. Brokers must comply with strict transparency and protection rules.

Do UK forex brokers offer spread betting?

Yes, brokers like IG, City Index, and CMC Markets offer tax-free spread betting for UK residents.

Can I trade forex with £0 deposit in the UK?

Yes, brokers like CMC Markets, Pepperstone, and XTB allow you to open accounts with no minimum deposit.

Are UK brokers better than offshore ones?

Yes, FCA-regulated brokers provide stronger legal protection, FSCS insurance, and superior regulatory oversight.

Top 8 Forex Brokers in UK

What Makes a Forex Broker the Best in the UK?