Markets.com Review 2026
Markets.com is a 2008-origin CFD brand operated by Safecap Investments Limited (CySEC 092/08) and Markets (South Africa) Pty Limited (FSCA 46860). UK retail under the Markets.com brand was discontinued by the former FCA entity.
- 66 / 100
- Compliant
- Cyprus
- CySEC
- FSCA
- Min. Deposit
- $100
- Max. leverage
- 1:30 retail (EU)
- Spread From
- 0.6 pip
- Commission
- $0
- Trading platforms
- Markets.com web/mobile apps and MT4/MT5 where the live entity still offers them.
Key features
- Safecap Investments Limited CySEC 092/08
- Markets (South Africa) Pty Limited FSCA 46860
- UK retail under Markets.com is not listed as a current route
- Proprietary CFD platform plus MT where still offered
Regional coverage
Active CySEC and FSCA retail routes. The brand exited UK retail in July 2025 and has also left Australian and BVI retail. International clients may be placed with Markets International Limited, which is incorporated in St Vincent and the Grenadines (a company registration, not a forex licence).
Investor protection
Safecap CySEC clients may access ICF compensation up to EUR 20,000. FSCA clients have South African conduct oversight without an ICF-equivalent fund. Former UK retail under Markets.com should not be assumed.
Licenses and Legal Entities
Match the legal entity and license number below against the account agreement before you deposit.
Trading conditions
- Min. Deposit
- $100
- Spread From
- 0.6 pip Standard
- Commission
- $0
- Max. leverage
- 1:30 retail (EU)
- Islamic
- Yes
- Trading platforms
- Markets.com web/mobile apps and MT4/MT5 where the live entity still offers them.
Spreads shown are minimum values from the lowest-spread account type. Actual spreads vary by account, instrument, and market conditions. Islamic (swap-free) account availability may depend on your region and entity. Always verify directly with the broker.
8-pillar score
Weighted /100
Pros
- Holds at least one tier-1 licence (FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CFTC/NFA or FMA).
- Islamic / swap-free accounts are published as available in supported regions.
- Both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are listed.
Cons
- Swap-free status is region-dependent, not a global default.
- Retail leverage is capped near 1:30 on the UK/EU/AU-style entities listed here.
Usually not for
- Traders who will only execute from TradingView.
- US residents who need a CFTC/NFA retail forex broker.
How do I choose a licensed forex broker?
Choose the entity licensed where you live — FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), ASIC (Australia) or DFSA (Dubai/Gulf) — and match its license number to the client agreement before you deposit.
Detailed explanation
A brand is not a license. Compensation, leverage caps and complaints follow the company that opens the account. CySEC covers the EEA (Cyprus ICF). FCA sits under UK rules and the FSCS. ASIC serves Australian retail clients. DFSA serves the DIFC. Offshore entities such as FSA Seychelles or FSC Belize sit outside those schemes.
Example
A UK account under an FCA-authorised company can use the Financial Ombudsman and, if the firm fails, the FSCS (up to £85,000). The same brand’s Seychelles entity would not.
Common mistake
Treating a CySEC, FCA or ASIC logo on a landing page as proof that your account is covered. Many groups onboard international clients through an offshore company. If the agreement names that company, the EU, UK or Australian compensation scheme does not apply.
Professional tip
Search the official register by license number, not only by brand. Confirm the status is authorised or active, that forex or CFDs are listed, and that the legal name matches the agreement before the first deposit.