Top Regulated Forex Brokers in UK

Q: What leverage can I use as a UK forex trader?

Retail clients are limited to 1:30, but eligible professionals can apply for higher leverage (up to 1:500).

Q: Is my money safe with an FCA-regulated broker?

Yes. FCA-regulated brokers must segregate client funds and are covered by the FSCS up to £85,000.

For traders in the United Kingdom, regulation is not just a legal requirement—it’s a critical safety measure. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ensures that brokers operate transparently, maintain client fund security, and uphold ethical standards. This article ranks the top FCA-regulated forex brokers in the UK, based on spreads, platform options, customer support, and overall trading experience.

Why Choose FCA-Regulated Forex Brokers?

Client Funds Segregation: Your funds are kept separate from the broker’s operational capital
FSCS Protection: Up to £85,000 coverage under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Negative Balance Protection: You cannot lose more than your deposited funds
Leverage Restrictions: Retail traders limited to 1:30 to reduce risk exposure
Strict Advertising Rules: No misleading promotions or excessive bonuses

Top FCA-Regulated Forex Brokers (2025–2026)

1. Pepperstone UK – Best Overall FCA Broker

FCA Licence: 684312
Min Deposit: £0
Spreads: From 0.0 pips (Razor Account)
Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Strengths:
- Excellent execution speed
- Tight spreads across 70+ forex pairs
- Smart Trader Tools plugin for MT4
- Fast UK bank transfers

Ideal For: Day traders, scalpers, and algo users seeking ECN conditions with FCA safety.

2. IG Group – Best for Multi-Asset Trading

FCA Licence: 195355
Min Deposit: £0
Platform: IG proprietary, MT4
Markets: 17,000+ (forex, stocks, indices, crypto CFDs)
Highlights:
- FTSE 250 listed company
- Leading forex education portal
- Supports spread betting for UK residents

Best For: Traders seeking broad exposure beyond currency markets.

3. City Index (StoneX Group) – Best for Platform Simplicity

FCA Licence: 446717
Min Deposit: £100
Platform: MT4 + Web Trader
Features:
- Tight forex spreads
- Real-time news and sentiment tools
- FCA and US regulation under parent company StoneX

Great For: Beginners and traders wanting direct market access with a UK base.

4. XTB UK – Best for Education and Interface

FCA Licence: 522157
Min Deposit: £0
Platform: xStation 5
Assets: Forex, indices, crypto, shares, ETFs
Notable Tools:
- Award-winning education hub
- Trading calculator and performance analytics

Best For: New traders who value learning resources and an intuitive platform.

5. CMC Markets – Best for Advanced Charting

FCA Licence: 173730
Min Deposit: £0
Platform: CMC Next Generation + MT4
Forex Pairs: 300+
Advantages:
- Advanced charting with over 100 indicators
- LSE-listed, transparent business model
- Tight spreads, fast UK execution

Recommended For: Experienced traders and analysts needing powerful technical tools.

Comparison Table: Top FCA Forex Brokers UK

Broker	FCA Licence	Min Deposit	Platforms	Spread From	Best For
Pepperstone UK	✅ 684312	£0	MT4, MT5, cTrader	0.0 pips	ECN traders, scalping
IG Group	✅ 195355	£0	IG Web, MT4	0.6 pips	Multi-asset traders
City Index	✅ 446717	£100	MT4, Web Trader	0.5 pips	Simplicity and speed
XTB UK	✅ 522157	£0	xStation 5	0.5 pips	Beginners and educators
CMC Markets	✅ 173730	£0	CMC Platform, MT4	0.7 pips	Technical charting and strategy

What to Look for in a Regulated UK Forex Broker

✅ FCA Authorisation

Check the broker’s registration on the FCA Register before opening an account.

✅ Local Funding & Withdrawal

Look for brokers that offer UK bank transfers, GBP accounts, and fast domestic withdrawal processing.

✅ Leverage Tiers

Retail clients are capped at 1:30, but professional traders may apply for higher leverage if they qualify.

✅ Education & Tools

Choose brokers offering free webinars, daily analysis, and plugin-based strategy tools for MT4/MT5.

✅ Spread + Commission Structure

Pepperstone, IG, and City Index offer low-cost pricing models, with spread-only or raw spreads + commission.

Key Takeaways

Pepperstone UK is the best overall forex broker in the UK, with tight ECN spreads and full platform flexibility
IG and CMC Markets provide a broader range of tradable instruments and advanced charting tools
XTB UK and City Index excel in user experience and learning support for newer traders
All listed brokers are FCA-licensed, ensuring fund segregation, leverage control, and FSCS protection
Always verify the broker’s FCA number and avoid unregulated offshore firms targeting UK clients

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best FCA-regulated forex broker in the UK?

Pepperstone UK is considered the best overall FCA-regulated broker for its raw spreads, fast execution, and multiple platforms.

Can I trade forex legally in the UK?

Yes. Forex trading is legal and regulated under the FCA. Traders must use FCA-licensed brokers for compliance and protection.

What leverage can I use as a UK forex trader?

Retail clients are limited to 1:30, but eligible professionals can apply for higher leverage (up to 1:500).

Is my money safe with an FCA-regulated broker?

Yes. FCA-regulated brokers must segregate client funds and are covered by the FSCS up to £85,000.

How do I check if a broker is FCA-licensed?

Use the FCA Register and search by broker name or Firm Reference Number (FRN).