FP Markets vs TradeStation (2026): regulation, platforms and costs compared

Advertiser disclosure: some links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning BrokerCatalogue may earn a commission if you open an account. This never affects the data shown here, which is drawn from our catalogue and compared mechanically. How we make money.

Data refreshed 25 Aug 2026 · Compiled by David Ispiryan

FP Markets

Trust rank #23 · Editorial rating 9 / 10 · Founded 2005

FP Markets is a well-regarded forex broker providing access to currencies and CFDs on popular platforms, supported by research tools and education. It offers broad market coverage, platform choice, and multilingual customer…

Read the FP Markets review

TradeStation

Trust rank #24 · Editorial rating 9 / 10 · Founded 1982

TradeStation forex broker offers forex trading on a well-regarded platform with advanced charting, customizable order tools, and API-driven automation. Users can analyze currency pairs, execute trades, and streamline workflows within a technology-focused…

Read the TradeStation review

FP Markets (Australia, founded 2005) holds 4 regulatory licences (ASIC, CMA, CySEC, FSCA), 1 of them tier-1, offers cTrader, MT4, MT5 and sits in our low-fee bracket. TradeStation (United States, founded 1982) holds 3 regulatory licences (CFTC, FCA, NFA), 3 of them tier-1, offers Proprietary and sits in our low-fee bracket. The two overlap in 223 countries; FP Markets is available in 2 countries where TradeStation is not, and TradeStation in 10 where FP Markets is not.

Verdict at a glance

  • FP Markets leads on trust rank, regulatory coverage, platform choice and instrument range.
  • TradeStation leads on track record, country coverage and tier-1 licences.
  • Level on editorial rating and fee level.

Scored on 9 measurable dimensions where both brokers have verified data. Dimensions missing for either side are excluded rather than guessed. This is a data summary, not a recommendation.

FP Markets vs TradeStation: side-by-side data

CriteriaFP MarketsTradeStation
Editorial rating9 / 109 / 10
Trust rank#23#24
Founded20051982
HeadquartersAustraliaUnited States
RegulatorsASIC, CMA, CySEC, FSCACFTC, FCA, NFA
Broker typeDMA, ECN, STPMarket Maker
PlatformscTrader, MT4, MT5Proprietary
InstrumentsCommodities, Cryptocurrencies, Forex, Indices, MetalsForex
Countries accepted225 countries233 countries
Fee levelLowLow
Trading typesCFD Trading, Spot TradingSpot Trading
Best-for use casesCopy Trading, Professional Trading, Retail TradingProfessional Trading, Retail Trading

Highlighted cells mark the stronger value where a direction is objectively better (e.g. more licences, lower fees). "Not verified" means the field is not yet in our catalogue for that broker — we never fill gaps with estimates.

Pros

FP Markets

  • ASIC & CySEC regulated
  • Raw ECN spreads from 0.0 pips
  • Fast execution and deep liquidity
  • MT4/MT5 platforms with EAs, hedging & scalping
  • Low commissions on RAW account

TradeStation

  • Advanced desktop charting and analytics
  • EasyLanguage strategy automation and backtesting for FX
  • Real-time scanning (RadarScreen) and custom alerts
  • Advanced order types (OCO, bracket, trailing)
  • APIs and SDKs for algorithmic FX trading

Cons

FP Markets

  • No negative balance protection across all entities
  • No investor compensation scheme (ASIC clients)
  • IRESS platform and market data fees
  • Withdrawal fees on international bank wires/selected methods
  • Not available to US residents

TradeStation

  • No native MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) support
  • Market-maker execution (no true ECN/STP)
  • Indirect forex offering via OANDA (separate third-party account)
  • No negative balance protection or guaranteed stop-loss orders
  • US FIFO and no-hedging restrictions apply

Key features

FP Markets

  • Multi asset Forex and CFD trading on MT4 MT5 cTrader and Iress
  • ECN raw spreads deep liquidity and low latency execution
  • ASIC and CySEC regulated with segregated client funds
  • Advanced trading tools Autochartist VPS and copy trading
  • MAM PAMM accounts for portfolio management
  • Direct market access share CFDs via Iress

TradeStation

  • CFTC and NFA regulated forex via OANDA
  • Advanced charting and strategy automation with EasyLanguage
  • OCO and bracket orders with comprehensive risk controls
  • Real time scanning backtesting and optimization tools
  • Desktop web and mobile platforms with around the clock weekday forex data
  • Micro lot trading and fractional pip pricing

Country availability: FP Markets vs TradeStation

Available at both (223): Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bonaire, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island and 183 more.

Only FP Markets (2): Canada, Japan.

Only TradeStation (10): Afghanistan, Antarctica, Bouvet Island, British Indian Ocean Territory, French Southern Territories, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Liberia, Somalia, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Yemen.

Availability reflects the countries each broker declares it serves. Local rules change; confirm on the broker's own site before signing up.

FP Markets vs TradeStation: common questions

Which broker is more regulated, FP Markets or TradeStation?

FP Markets holds more regulatory licences: FP Markets (ASIC, CMA, CySEC, FSCA) versus TradeStation (CFTC, FCA, NFA). Tier-1 licences: FP Markets 1, TradeStation 3.

Which trading platforms do FP Markets and TradeStation offer?

FP Markets offers cTrader, MT4, MT5; TradeStation offers Proprietary.

Which has lower fees, FP Markets or TradeStation?

Both sit in the same fee bracket (low) in our catalogue; compare the spreads and commission rows above for detail.

Which is older, FP Markets or TradeStation?

TradeStation is the older of the two, founded in 1982; FP Markets was founded in 2005.

Are FP Markets and TradeStation available in the same countries?

They overlap in 223 countries. FP Markets is additionally available in 2 countries (Canada, Japan) and TradeStation in 10 countries (Afghanistan, Antarctica, Bouvet Island, British Indian Ocean Territory, French Southern Territories, Heard Island and McDonald Islands and 4 more).

Keep comparing

FP Markets

TradeStation

Risk warning: CFDs and forex are complex, leveraged instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly. A majority of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Nothing on this page is financial advice; verify licence status on the regulator's register before depositing. Full risk disclosure.