FCA regulated brokers are the only firms that may offer CFDs or spread bets to UK residents, and the firm needs the CFD permission on its licence. Check the firm on the FCA Firm Checker and the warning list. On 25 September 2026 the FCA said that 24 CFD firms are closing after its crackdown on the misuse of UK licences. So check the licence again, even for a name you know.
The FCA caps retail leverage at 30:1 on major pairs, 20:1 on minor pairs, gold and major indices, 10:1 on other commodities and 5:1 on shares, with a 50% close-out and negative balance protection. The rules are in policy statement PS19/18, in force since 1 August 2019. Crypto derivatives have been banned for retail clients since 6 January 2021. Bonuses are banned, and a promotion must be approved by a licensed firm.
If an FCA firm fails, the FSCS covers up to £85,000 per person. Trading with an offshore firm is not an offence for you, but you lose the FCA, the ombudsman and the FSCS. Spread bet profits count as gambling winnings, with no capital gains tax. CFD gains fall under capital gains tax at 18% or 24% above the £3,000 yearly allowance, per HMRC manual CG56100. UK traders fund accounts by debit card, bank transfer, PayPal or Apple Pay.
Sources: FCA press release of 25 September 2026 on 24 CFD firms closing. FCA PS19/18 and PS20/10. FSCS coverage page. HMRC Capital Gains Manual CG56100. Checked 25 September 2026.
Expert-tested, regulated platforms you can trust
Updated · Ranking rebuilt from the latest broker ratings
Choosing a forex broker in the United Kingdom can feel complex. This guide for UK residents helps you compare regulated options. You can weigh platform ease of use, order types and execution, pricing, markets, education, and support. You can also check UK points like FCA oversight and funding methods. Use the shortlist and the comparison tool below to find a fit based on how you trade, the tools you want, and costs you accept. Trading CFDs involves risk. Make sure you understand how these products work and if you can afford the risks. All information on BrokerCatalogue is for general informational purposes and should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. At BrokerCatalogue, we’re about making your choices clear.
| # | Broker | Rating | Regulation | Founded | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FOREX.com | 10/10 | ASIC, CFTC, FCA | 2001 | MT4, MT5, Proprietary |
| 2 | Interactive Brokers | 10/10 | ASIC, CBI, CFTC | 1977 | Proprietary |
| 3 | Plus500 | 10/10 | ASIC, CFTC, CySEC | 2008 | Proprietary |
| 4 | Saxo Bank | 10/10 | ASIC, DFSA, FCA | 1992 | Proprietary, TradingView |
| 5 | Swissquote | 10/10 | CSSF, DFSA, FCA | 1996 | MT4, MT5, Proprietary |
| 6 | tastytrade | 9.1/10 | CFTC, NFA | 2017 | Proprietary |
| 7 | FP Markets | 9/10 | ASIC, CMA, CySEC | 2005 | cTrader, MT4, MT5 |
| 8 | TradeStation | 9/10 | CFTC, FCA, NFA | 1982 | Proprietary |
| 9 | Capital.com | 8.8/10 | ASIC, CySEC, FCA | 2016 | MT4, Proprietary, TradingView |
| 10 | HYCM | 8.7/10 | CIMA, CySEC, DFSA | 1977 | MT4, MT5 |
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