Comparing brokers by regulator: what's your ranking?

Some traders rank brokers purely by their regulators: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, and so on down the tier list. The ranking is a shortcut with real trade-offs.

Comparing brokers by regulator: what's your ranking? — central bank rate path diagram
A central bank's policy rate path across recent meetings

What's your hierarchy?

  • the regulators you'd accept
  • the ones you'd avoid
  • where you'd compromise and why
Comparing brokers by regulator: what's your ranking? — risk-reward diagram
A risk-reward ratio of 1 to 2

The offshore vs top-tier guide sets out the tiers.

Background: Offshore brokers vs top-tier regulation: what changes for you

Many well-known brands open accounts for clients in some countries through offshore companies. What you gain in leverage and what you give up in protection.

Is an offshore broker illegal?

Not in itself. But an offshore company offers fewer protections than one regulated by a top-tier authority, and some firms solicit clients in countries where they aren't authorised to operate.

Why do offshore brokers offer 500:1 leverage?

Offshore regulators don't impose the retail leverage limits used in the EU, UK, Australia and the US. Higher leverage increases both potential gains and losses.

Read the full guide

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