10 Best Forex Brokers for UK Traders After Leverage Restrictions In 2026

Changes to the UK forex market have been pronounced since the Best Forex Brokers for UK Traders After Leverage Restrictions, fundamentally altering how retail traders manage & seize risk.

Selecting the appropriate broker has never been more important as firms grapple with meeting regulatory requirements while offering favorable trading conditions.

Forex UK traders can now find innovative brokers like Pepperstone, CMC Markets, and IG Group who have adopted these new UK forex regulations while providing transparency, regulation, and tools to improve competitive trading.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Forex Brokers for UK Traders After Leverage Restrictions

Regulation & Safety

Only use Forex Brokers regulated by the FCA or other tier 1 authorities to ensure client protection and transparency post leverage restrictions.

Trading Platforms

Which of the Forex Brokers uses MT4, MT5, cTrader, or have their own platform? Do they have advanced charts and mobile trading for UK traders?

Product Range

Which of the Brokers uses Forex, Commodities, Shares, ETFs, Crypto, and Indices? Choose ones that have a wider variety for trading and portfolio diversification.

Costs & Spread

What Forex Brokers have the lowest commission and most cost efficient fee systems? Choose ones with low commission, tightly constructed spread, and low cost systems.

Execution Speed

Traders need to have their positions executed quickly. Forex Brokers with a low latency will be the most effective for UK traders.

Educational Resources

Which Forex Brokers have the best Webinars and tutorials? With market analysis, UK traders will have better strategies to mitigate the leverage restrictions.

Customer Support

What Forex Brokers have the best 24/5 Customer support? Do they have support in multiple languages? They have to support UK traders with the new leverage.

Reputation & Trust

What Forex Brokers have the most positive reviews? UK traders use Forex Brokers with the most awards and accolades for the most trust and reliability.

Account Types

Traders in the UK have the option of flexible accounts that are standard, ECN, or professional, and these provide the ability to customize leverage, spreads, and other terms based on their trading preferences.

Technology & Innovation

UK traders can use artificial intelligence, risk management, and other advanced analytics to enhance their performance and overcome the challenges of restricted leverage.

Key Point

Broker	Key Platforms / Features
Pepperstone	MT4, MT5, cTrader; ultra-fast execution (~30ms); 90+ instruments
IG Group	Proprietary IG platform, apps; wide range of CFDs, spread betting, investments
CMC Markets	Next-gen proprietary platform; 12,000+ instruments; spread betting & CFDs
XTB	xStation 5 proprietary platform; stocks, ETFs, CFDs
Plus500	Proprietary Plus500 platform; CFDs only; 2800+ instruments
eToro	Social trading (CopyTrader™), Smart Portfolios; stocks, ETFs, crypto, CFDs
Interactive Brokers (IBKR)	Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile; access to 160+ markets
FxPro	MT4, MT5, cTrader; CFDs on 6 asset classes
Capital.com	Proprietary AI-driven platform; 3,700+ instruments; strong education tools
Vantage	MT4, MT5; 1,000+ CFD products; strong transparency focus

1. Pepperstone

One of the most notable brokers in the industry is Pepperstone, who was founded in Australia in 2010. Pepperstone is also trusted by clients and is heavily regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC, BaFin, and DFSA.

Customers most enjoy the ultra-fast execution speeds of around 30ms, which is ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders. Engaging with over 400,000 traders and $9.2 billion in daily trading volume, Pepperstone remains transparent with their ultra-fast execution.

As of now, UK traders post-leverage restrictions, Pepperstone offers the most competitive trading conditions, and is trusted by UK traders.

Pepperstone Features

• Established: 2010, Melbourne, Australia
• Structure: ASIC, FCA, CYSEC, BaFin, DFSA, SCB, CMA
• Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader
• Additional Information: Ultra Fast Execution (About 30ms), tight spreads, and transparency.
• Customer Statistics: More than 400,000 ($9.2bn daily traded)

Pepperstone

Pros:

• Execution speeds are ultra fast and are timed around 30ms. This is ideal for scalpers and algo traders.
• They provide tight pricing with transparent spread values.
• They are regulated by high level authorities which would include the ASIC, FCA, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA, SCB, and CMA.
• They provide MT4, MT5, and cTrader.

Cons:

• They do not provide a proprietary trading platform.
• Compared to multi-asset brokers, their product range is low.
• Broader investment opportunities are not provided as their focus is mainly with forex and CFDs.

2. IG Group

With over 50 years of experience in the industry, IG Group is among the most trusted brokers to this day. Founded in London in 1974, IG Group offers access to betting, trading, and investing on their proprietary platform and mobile applications.

As a FCA, ASIC, BaFin, and CFTC regulated broker, the firm is trusted by customers everywhere, and operates in 19 countries.

Best forex brokers for UK traders after leverage restrictions include IG Group, due to its solid UK presence, high-quality trading tools, and extensive range of financial products.

IG’s industry experience and size makes it a standard for trustworthiness among forex and CFD brokers.

IG Group Features

• Establishment: 1974
• Location: London, UK
• Regulatory Bodies: FCA, ASIC, CFTC, BaFin
• Trading Platforms: Proprietary IG platform, mobile apps
• Global Reach: Yes
• Offers: CFDs, spread betting, investments
• Clients: Millions across 19 countries, FTSE 250 listed

IG Group

Pros:

• They have a proprietary platform with mobile apps and additional advanced trading tools.
• They are highly trusted with an FCA regulation since they are established in 1974.
• There is a wide product range. This includes CFDs, spread betting, and some additional investments.
• They are FTSE 250 listed with a strong financial stability.

Cons:

• There are some platforms which have been rated as being more beginner friendly.
• The fees and spreads can be considered to be high for some.
• There is a lack of social trading features.

3. CMC Markets

CMC Markets is another best forex broker for UK traders after leverage restrictions. Established in London in 1989, it was among the first companies to offer online trading. It is regulated by the FCA and trades on the London Stock Exchange.

CMC Markets is known to have over 10,000 trading instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and stocks.

Its proprietary platform is among the most advanced in the industry, including an up-to-date platform for fast order executions, and integrated tools for charting and risk management.

CMC Markets’s over 30 years of experience in the retail and institutional markets is invaluable. This is why CMC Markets is a reputable broker for UK traders after restrictions.

CMC Markets Features

• Establishment: 1989
• Location: London, UK
• Regulatory Bodies: FCA
• Trading Platforms: Next-gen proprietary platform
• Instrument Count: 12,000+
• Clients: FTSE 250 listed, over 35 years of experience

CMC Markets

Pros:

• Established 1989, FCA regulated, listed on the FTSE 250
• Advanced charting on their proprietary next-gen platform
• Extremely large product selection (12,000+ instruments)
• Highly regarded in the UK

Cons:

• Starting traders may find the platform overwhelming
• Higher margin requirements after post-leverage restrictions
• Few options for social copy trading.

4. XTB

In 2002, XTB began its operations in Warsaw, Poland. It is regulated by the FCA, KNF, and CySEC, and is publicly listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange for further reliability.

The xStation 5 platform by XTB has received a lot of accolades for its speed and charting capabilities. Along with CFDs and Stocks, traders can access ETFs and Forex with narrow market spreads.

XTB has a commendable reputation for its customer support and educational services, winning over more than 2 million clients.

XTB is a best forex broker for UK traders after leverage restrictions because of its education/support reputation, advanced tech, and access to various market instruments. XTB puts a lot of consideration into retail traders, particularly by prioritizing consumer friendly/vetted platforms.

XTB Features

• Establishment: 2002
• Location: Warsaw, Poland
• Regulatory Bodies: FCA, CySEC, KNF
• Trading Platforms: xStation 5 proprietary platform
• Clients: 2M+ clients, listed on Warsaw Stock Exchange

XTB

Pros:

• They are listed on the Warsaw stock exchange which means their operations are transparent
• They are regulated by FCA, CySEC, KNF
• They have their own xStation 5 proprietary platform which is easy to use
• They have great customer service and educational resources

Cons:

• They have less products than IG and CMC
• They do not support the use of MetaTrader
• They have higher spreads on less liquid instruments

5. Plus500

Plus500 targets beginning traders by offering proprietary original platforms that emphasize entry simplicity. With over 2,800 CFDs across commodities, stocks, indices and forex, it is a big broker.

It is regulated by CySEC, FCA, ASIC, DFSA and more, while also being publicly listed, ensuring its payment safety. Plus500 is one of the best forex brokers for UK traders after leverage restrictions.

With a global focus, it is a particularly well-suited broker for CFDs. Mobile platforms, simple and uncomplicated entry make the broker flexible for new traders who want to execute trades easily without additional complex tasks.

Plus500 Features

• Established: 2008, Israel / London, UK
• Authorized: FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS, FSA Japan, DFSA
• Software: Plus500 proprietary platform
• Characteristics: More than 2,800 CFD instruments, mobile friendly, targeting beginners
• Consumer Base: 32M+ clients; listed on FTSE 250

Plus500

Pros:

• They are part of the FTSE 250 and are regulated by FCA, CySEC, and ASIC
• They have a proprietary platform that is easy to use
• They have great mobile trading
• They have a wide selection of CFDs with over 2800 instruments

Cons:

• You can only trade CFDs with no ownership of real stock
• The educational resources and research are bare
• There are no MetaTrader or advanced charting tools

6. eToro

In 2007, eToro was established in Tel Aviv, Israel and has since been regulated by CySEC, FCA, ASIC, and FSRA. eToro is primarily known for its social trading. eToro has social trading features like CopyTrader™ and Smart Portfolios that allow users to replicate other traders’ successful strategies.

eToro is also highly versatile, as it has a variety of trading options, including stocks, ETFs, crypto, and CFDs. With 30 million users, eToro is also the largest retail trading platform and has a presence in more than 75 countries.

eToro is also the best UK forex brokers for traders because of the social trading experience combined with strong regulations. eToro is more suitable for traders that want a seamless experience with additional community features for social trading.

eToro

Pros:

• They are regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FCA
• They have social trading features like CopyTrader and Smart Portfolios
• They have a greater selection with real stocks, ETFs, and crypto, along with CFDs
• They have a strong community of over 30m users

Cons:

• They have less advanced charting options and higher fees than ECN brokers
• They charge for withdrawals and have inactivity fees

eToro Features

• Established: 2007, Tel Aviv, Israel
• Authorized: CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FSRA
• Software: eToro proprietary platform
• Characteristics: Social trading (CopyTrader™), Smart Portfolios, cryptocurrency, stocks, ETFs, CFDs
• Consumer Base: 30M–40M clients globally; over 75 countries

7. Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers is also one of the largest brokers in the world. With a presence in over 160 countries, Interactive Brokers also has a presence in the retail trading space for nearly 50 years.

Interactive Brokers provides highly affordable trading that is complemented with solid risk management and highly sophisticated trade analytics.

Interactive Brokers is one of the most secure brokers with over $20 billion in equity capital, and provides trading with international markets and retail trading.

Alongside the SEC, Interactive Brokers is also regulated by the CFTC, FCA, and IIROC. Interactive Brokers has also built a proprietary platform and mobile application known as Trader Workstation (TWS).

Best forex brokers for UK traders after leverage restrictions include Interactive Brokers, as it offers unmatched access to markets and professional-grade platforms. Being so credible and scalable makes it a great choice for serious investors and institutions.

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) Features

• Established: 1977, Greenwich, Connecticut, USA
• Authorized: SEC, CFTC, FCA, IIROC
• Software: IBKR Mobile, Trader Workstation (TWS)
• Characteristics: Access 160+ global markets, tools at institutional level, accessible trading
• Consumer Base: Nearly 50 years old with $19.5B in equity capital

Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

Pros:

• Regulated by SEC, CFTC, FCA and Integrated Incorporated in 1977
• 160+ global market access
• TWS has an institutional-level quality
• Great financial strength ($19.5B in equity capital) and low cost trading

Cons:

• Sophisticated platform, steep learning curve
• Minimum deposit requirements may turn away novice traders
• Less retail trader focused support

8. FxPro

Founded in 1999 in London, FxPro is regulated by the FCA and SCB, offerign strong compliance and a global reach. It offers the platforms MT4, MT5 and CTrader, as well as supporting CFDs for six classes for assets, such as forex, indices, commodities, and shares.

FxPro has more than 11 million accounts open over 170 countries and has more than 125 industry awards. Their platforms are well known for reliability, execution speed, and tools.

Best forex brokers for UK traders after leverage restrictions would include FxPro, as it combines good regulation with a strong product offering. After so many years in the industry, FxPro is a trusted broker for professional and retail traders.

FxPro Features

• Established: 1999, London, UK
• Authorized: FCA, SCB
• Software: cTrader, MT5, MT4
• Characteristics: CFDs across 6 asset classes, streamlined execution, sophisticated tools
• Consumer Base: More than 11M accounts; presence in 170+ countries; recipient of 125+ awards

FxPro

Pros:

• Strong global reputation, FCA supervision
• Available platforms: cTrader, MT4, MT5
• Provides CFDs on 6 asset classes
• 11 million accounts, 170+ countries, 125+ awards

Cons:

• No in-house trading platform
• Higher spreads than ECN brokers
• Limited educational offerings compared to contemporary brokers

9. Capital.com

Launched in 2016 in London, Capital.com has regulation with the FCA, CySEC, ASIC, and NBRB. It has a proprietary platform that is AI driven, and over 3,700 instruments, including forex, indices, commodities and shares. Capital.com focuses on education and risk management, offering services for both beginners and experienced traders, so it is suitable for everyone.

Trading volume exceeding $1 trillion and more than 787,000 traders has positioned it as an industry leader. Best forex brokers for UK traders after leverage restrictions include Capital.com as it merges cutting-edge technology and regulation. UK traders looking for smarter trading solutions appreciate its user education and AI-powered tools.

Capital.com Features

• Established: 2016, London, UK
• Authorized: FCA, CySEC, ASIC, NBRB
• Software: Proprietary platform with AI
• Characteristics: More than 3,700 financial instruments, excellent educational resources, AI for risk management
• Consumer Base: Over 787,000 traders with over $1 trillion in trading volume

Capital.com

Pros:

• Regulated by FCA, CySEC, and ASIC
• Risk management tools powered by proprietary AI
• Over 3,700 financial instruments and strong focus on education
• Over $1tn in trading volume and 787,000+ customers

Cons:

• Established in 2016, less than well-known competitors like IG or CMC
• No MetaTrader access
• Less pro platforms than competitors in terms of advanced order types

10. Vantage

Vantage was established in 2009, and its Sydney headquarters is regulated by ASIC, FCA, and CIMA. With more than 1,000 CFD products across forex, indices, commodities, ETFs, and bonds, it offers the MT4 and MT5 platforms.

Vantage has built a strong reputation for transparency, competitive spreads, and extensive customer support. With more than 15 years in the industry and global offices, it is no surprise Vantage is recognized for its innovation.

Best forex brokers for UK traders after leverage restrictions include Vantage for its supportive trading atmosphere, and an extensive selection of trading instruments. UK traders looking for a balanced approach in flexibility and trust will appreciate its global regulation and substantial technology.

Vantage Features

• Established: 2009, Sydney, Australia
• Regulated By: ASIC, FCA, CIMA
• Supported Platforms: MT4, MT5
• Attributes: more than 1,000 CFD products, transparency, global offices, and competitively priced spreads
• Clientele: Strong global presence and over 15 years of industry experience

Vantage

Pros:

• FCA and ASIC regulation, strong focus on transparency
• Over 1,000 CFDs on MT4 and MT5
• Global presence and 15+ years of experience

Cons:

• No proprietary platform
• Less education and research compared to competitors
• No proprietary platform
• Smaller than IG or eToro

How Leverage Restrictions Affect Trading Strategies?

Day Trading

Because of reduced leverage, position sizes will shrink. Therefore, day traders need to analyze risk and set better trading goals.

Swing Trading

Reduced leverage is a positive for swing traders as it allows them to evaluate large price moves, higher stop losses and better tightening confirmation.

Scalping

With reduced leverage, scalping is less of a los s. In order to achieve a positive bottom line, traders set their goals to earn on the spread.

Hedging

Reduced leverage means better use of hedging. In a correlated position, reduced gaps, partial fills and less margin is gained without increasing risk.

Conclusion

Changes in leverage restrictions have impacted forex trading in the UK making the choice of broker even more vital. Forex brokers best suited for UK traders in 2026 will be those that are FCA-regulated, have competitive trading spreads, fast order execution, robust risk management, and flexible account options within the new leverage restrictions.

Although less reliance on high leverage will no longer be an advantage, UK traders can continue to accomplish consistent trading results through the choice of brokers that have dependable trading platforms, low trading costs, and robust educational trading support.

In the new era of trading restrictions, UK traders are challenged to be disciplined in their trading strategies, manage their trading capital, and to choose brokers that are transparent and protective of their trading.

FAQ