FCA
United KingdomFinancial Conduct Authority
Regulates financial firms in the UK, including retail forex and CFD brokers.
Regulators every forex trader should know.
Before you open an account, check that the firm is authorised by a recognised regulator. Search for its name and licence number on the regulator’s own register — not on the firm’s website.
Watch out for clone firms. Scammers copy the name and licence number of real authorised firms. Check that the website, email and phone number listed on the register match the ones you were given. Many brands also run an offshore entity alongside their regulated one — the regulator’s protection only covers clients of the authorised entity.
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ASIC
AustraliaAustralian Securities and Investments Commission
Australia’s corporate and financial services regulator. Forex and CFD providers need an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence.
CySEC
Cyprus (EU)Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission
Authorises Cyprus investment firms, which can offer their services across the EEA under MiFID II.
NFA
United StatesNational Futures Association
The self-regulatory organisation for the US derivatives industry. Firms offering retail forex in the US must register with the CFTC and be NFA members.
CFTC
United StatesCommodity Futures Trading Commission
The US federal agency that regulates derivatives markets, including retail forex.
FINMA
SwitzerlandSwiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority
Switzerland’s independent supervisor of banks, securities firms and other financial institutions. Swiss forex dealers generally need a FINMA banking licence.
BaFin
GermanyFederal Financial Supervisory Authority
Germany’s federal financial supervisor, overseeing banks, investment firms and insurers.
FSCA
South AfricaFinancial Sector Conduct Authority
South Africa’s market-conduct regulator. Forex and CFD providers must be licensed financial services providers (FSPs).