FP Markets vs TradeStation (2026): regulation, platforms and costs compared
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Data refreshed 25 Aug 2026 · Compiled by David Ispiryan
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…
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…
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.
Copy Trading, Professional Trading, Retail Trading
Professional 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.
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).
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.