EUR/USD 1.13907 ▲ +0.09%
GBP/USD 1.32451 ▲ +0.19%
USD/JPY 157.303 ▼ 0.98%
XAU/USD 4284.54 ▲ +0.23%
USD/CHF 0.82852 ▲ +0.08%
AUD/USD 0.70234 ▲ +0.16%
USD/CAD 1.41426 ▲ +0.03%
EUR/GBP 0.86006 ▼ 0.09%
EUR/USD 1.13907 ▲ +0.09%
GBP/USD 1.32451 ▲ +0.19%
USD/JPY 157.303 ▼ 0.98%
XAU/USD 4284.54 ▲ +0.23%
USD/CHF 0.82852 ▲ +0.08%
AUD/USD 0.70234 ▲ +0.16%
USD/CAD 1.41426 ▲ +0.03%
EUR/GBP 0.86006 ▼ 0.09%
ESC
Min. Deposit
$5
Max. leverage
1:1000
Spread From
0.6 pip
Commission
$0
Trading platforms
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and XM mobile trading apps.

Key features

  • $5 minimum deposit for small account starts
  • MT4/MT5 access with micro and standard lot options
  • Islamic account availability in supported regions
  • Broad regulator footprint across multiple regions

Regional coverage

Coverage includes the UK (FCA), Australia (ASIC), EU/EEA (CySEC), DIFC/MENA (DFSA), South Africa, Kenya and international entities. Always match the XM company in your client agreement with the regulator listed here.

Investor protection

FCA UK clients may access FSCS compensation up to £85,000 on the authorised UK entity. CySEC clients may access ICF compensation up to EUR 20,000. ASIC, DFSA, FSCA, FSC, FSA and CMA entities provide regional oversight with different protection levels.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the official regulator website and search by broker name or license number: CySEC → cysec.gov.cy, ASIC → asic.gov.au, FCA → register.fca.org.uk, DFSA → dfsa.ae. The result should show an "Authorised" status and list forex or CFD services.

Licensing greatly reduces risk but is not an absolute guarantee. Always confirm which specific legal entity you are trading with, as most brokers operate multiple subsidiaries under different licenses with different levels of protection.

All four are tier-1 regulators. FCA (UK) is generally considered the strictest with the highest capital requirements. CySEC (Cyprus/EU) provides an EU passport to serve the entire European Economic Area. ASIC (Australia) has strong consumer protection rules. DFSA regulates the Dubai International Financial Centre and is the key MENA authority.

Availability depends on the broker's legal entity. US residents are generally not accepted by CySEC, FCA or ASIC entities. Most brokers detect your country during registration and route you to the appropriate entity automatically. Always check the entity name on your client agreement before funding your account.