Best Regulated Brokers (UK, 2026)
This page focuses on regulatory strength and client protection first, not pricing or features.
Top Picks
Best Fully FCA-Regulated Broker Overall
IG
Long operating history, FCA oversight, publicly listed.
Read Full ReviewBest FCA-Regulated Broker for Active Traders
Pepperstone
FCA entity with flexible pricing models.
Read Full ReviewBest FCA-Regulated Broker for Beginners
Capital.com
Simple platform under FCA regulation.
Read Full ReviewBest Broad Multi-Asset FCA Broker
Interactive Brokers (UK)
Global access with FCA oversight.
Read Full ReviewWho This Page Is For
Regulatory Security
- FCA oversight
- Segregated client funds
- FSCS protection eligibility
Risk Protection
- Negative balance protection
- Margin transparency
Institutional Trust Signals
- Public listing
- Long operating history
Compliance-Focused Investors
- Want UK-based regulatory protection rather than offshore entities
Evaluation Criteria
This page excludes brokers serving UK clients only through offshore regulation.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Broker | Why Picked | Best For | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| IG | FCA regulated, publicly listed | Broad trading + investing | Costs vary by product |
| CMC Markets | FCA regulated, publicly listed | Advanced trading | Complex platform |
| Pepperstone | FCA regulated | Active traders | CFD-only |
| Capital.com | FCA regulated | Beginners | No ISA/SIPP |
| Interactive Brokers (UK) | FCA regulated, publicly listed | Global investors | Steeper learning curve |
| Plus500 UK | FCA regulated, publicly listed | Simple CFD trading | Limited advanced tools |
Detailed Analysis
IG
Regulation
- •Authorised and regulated by the FCA
- •Segregated client funds
- •FSCS protection eligibility
Corporate Transparency
- •Publicly listed company
- •Long UK operating history
Suitability
- •Traders and investors seeking broad coverage
⚠️ When to avoid: If lowest-cost FX trading is your only priority
Full ReviewCMC Markets
Regulation
- •FCA regulated UK entity
- •Segregated funds
Corporate Structure
- •London-based broker
- •Public company
Suitability
- •Active UK CFD traders
⚠️ When to avoid: Absolute beginners
Full ReviewPepperstone
Regulation
- •FCA regulated UK entity
- •Negative balance protection
Structure
- •Private company
Suitability
- •Active and algorithmic traders
⚠️ When to avoid: Investors seeking ISA/SIPP
Full ReviewCapital.com
Regulation
- •FCA regulated UK entity
- •Segregated client funds
Suitability
- •Beginner traders wanting regulatory clarity
⚠️ When to avoid: Long-term investing focus
Full ReviewInteractive Brokers (UK)
Regulation
- •FCA regulated UK subsidiary
Corporate Transparency
- •Publicly listed US company
Suitability
- •Multi-asset professional traders
⚠️ When to avoid: Users wanting simple retail platforms
Full ReviewPlus500 UK
Regulation
- •FCA regulated UK entity
- •Publicly listed
Suitability
- •Simple CFD traders
⚠️ When to avoid: Advanced charting users
Full ReviewCost Comparison
Regulated brokers:
Leverage
May offer lower leverage than offshore brokers.
Compliance
Operate under stricter compliance.
Margin Policies
Require clearer margin policies.
Lower leverage ≠ lower risk. But regulatory enforcement provides structural protections.
Risks & Considerations
- Even with FCA regulation, CFDs remain high risk.
- Losses can exceed deposits (depending on structure).
- FSCS covers broker insolvency, not trading losses.
- Financing costs still apply.
- Regulation protects structure — not performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology & Disclosure
- This ranking prioritises FCA status, client money rules, transparency, and regulatory oversight.
- This is not financial advice.
- Affiliate partnerships do not influence ranking logic.
Next Steps
- Review FCA registration numbers directly.
- Confirm which entity governs your account.
- Compare broker features after verifying regulation.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation when you click on links to brokers and products featured on this site. This compensation does not influence our rankings, reviews, or recommendations. We maintain editorial independence and provide objective comparisons. Read our full disclosure policy.
Risk Warning: This website does not provide financial, investment, or trading advice. All information is for educational purposes only. Trading and investing involve substantial risk of loss. You should carefully consider your financial situation and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.
Last updated: 2026-01-15