Leverage is a crucial element in forex trading, determining the risk level related to your trades and potential returns. With high leverage indicating a significantly higher potential for massive losses, many financial regulators around the world have introduced leverage limits. Under trading regulations imposed by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), brokers authorized to operate in the US are allowed to offer a maximum leverage of 1:50 on major currency pairs and 1:20 on exotic and non-major pairs.
Some jurisdictions allow much higher leverage ratios on currency trading, with ratios like 1:100, 1:500, or even higher. While these can increase potential returns, they also amplify losses. That said, many brokers will allow traders to adjust the risk of their trade and make use of lower leverage, which can still be around the 1:50 ratio.
Below are some of the regulated forex brokers that offer retail traders leverage of 1:50 on major pairs. Each broker listed below is properly regulated and offers leverage ratios around 1:50.
Fusion Markets launched its trading services on May 31, 2019, with regulators like the FSA, ASIC, and VFSC authorizing the operations of the brand. Catering to forex and CFD traders from over 160 countries, Fusion Markets provides cost-effective conditions and a fair trading environment for its customers. Offering smooth operations for various trader types, Fusion Markets supports a variety of platforms and tools like MT4, MT5, cTrader, DupliTrader, and TradingView.
Forex traders can trade over 90 major and exotic currency pairs, with low commission rates and competitive spreads. While the leverage traders can make use of while trading on forex may depend on their account types as well as regulatory conditions, Fusion Markets clients can access a leverage ratio of 1:50 and above (up to 1:500) at the VFSC-licensed entity.
Gleneagle Asset Management Limited (ABN 29 103 162 278) trading as Fusion Markets, is the issuer of the Fusion Markets Products described in this communication. Trading in Fusion Markets Products involves the potential for profit as well as the risk of loss which may vastly exceed the amount of your initial deposit and is not suitable for all investors. You should read all of these Financial Product Service Terms, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Financial Services Guide (available on our website) carefully, consider your own financial situation, needs and objectives for investing in these Fusion Markets Products and obtain independent financial advice.- 2. FP Markets
FP Markets is an Australian-based broker that has been operating since 2005, providing competitive forex trading conditions to its clients. Today, the brand serves numerous forex markets across Australia and Europe and is regulated by authorities such as ASIC and CySEC. Forex traders with FP Markets can access a wide range of 60+ major, minor, and exotic currency pairs, all offered with competitive spreads and often no commissions with Standard Accounts. Apart from forex, customers can speculate on the price movements of hard and soft commodities, indices, stocks, cryptocurrencies, and exchange-traded funds.
Regarding leverage, the available maximum varies by currency pair, depending on the regulatory requirements in one’s respective jurisdiction. EU traders seeking higher leverage ratios like 1:50, 1:100, or even greater have the option to upgrade to professional trading accounts. Leverage ratios for professional traders range from 1:2 to 1:500 based on asset class and market. Leverage of 1:500 is also available to retail traders registered under the Seychelles-regulated division.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 73.33% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Licensed in the Seychelles and New Zealand, BlackBull Markets is an option for traders looking for high leverage as it offers maximum ratios of 1:500 for select markets like forex. Leverage caps are symbol-specific, with 1:50 ratios being available for XRP/USD and ADA/USD, among other cryptocurrency markets. Indices like the Nasdaq 100 and commodities like Brent oil offer maximum leverage of 1:100, while copper CFDs can be leveraged at up to 1:400. Leverage for stock CFDs is considerably lower at 1:5. All in all, clients have access to over 26,000 other markets.
Customers benefit from negative balance protection and have their funds stored securely in segregated accounts at New Zealand’s ANZ Bank. Minimum positions for forex generally start at 0.01 lots, allowing customers to gain market exposure with limited capital. There are no minimum deposit requirements for ECN Standard and ECN Prime accounts but ECN Institutional accounts require an initial deposit of at least $20,000. MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader are all available at BlackBull Markets.
Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to trade foreign exchange, you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and, therefore, you should not invest money you cannot afford to lose. You should make yourself aware of all the risks associated with foreign exchange trading and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have any questions or concerns as to how a loss would affect your lifestyle.- 4. Plus500
Plus500 has been a major presence in the online trading industry since its inception in 2008. Currently, the brand is a widely recognized broker serving global traders, covering over 2,800 markets, including forex, indices, stocks, and more. Plus500 has been authorized to operate in multiple jurisdictions, with regulators like the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, Seychelles FSA, and more overseeing the operations of the broker.
Plus500 offers its clients the chance to trade CFDs on more than 60 different currency pairs, with different account options offering various features. Forex futures contracts offering exposure to various currencies relative to the US dollar are also available. Maximum leverage may differ depending on the forex policies within your country of residence. That said, non-EU and non-Australian traders may access 1:50 leverage on various currency pairs. Customers from Europe and Australia can use leverage as high as 1:300 but only on the condition they qualify for professional accounts.
This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, which is authorised by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe, such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions, to the Plus500 promotion.
79% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. - 5. eToro
eToro offers its clients a selection of over 7,600 financial markets, competitive spreads, fast executions, and 56 currency pairs to trade. Founded in 2007 in Israel, eToro caters to over 40 million customers worldwide as of October 2025. The broker is licensed to operate by multiple regulators, including the FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSAS, and FSRA.
Due to regulations in specific jurisdictions, the maximum leverage that eToro may offer to retail forex traders may not exceed 1:30. That said, non-EU and non-Australian traders may choose to take advantage of the 1:50 leverage on multiple currency pairs, with some options even offering higher leverage ratios. Despite the range of leverage options, traders should exercise caution due to the high risk linked to higher leverage ratios such as 1:400.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 50% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. - 6. XM Group
Since its inception in 2009, XM has grown to serve over 10 million clients across more than 190 countries, operating under authorization from CySEC, ASIC, and IFSC.
The broker offers over 50 currency pairs, with MT4 and MT5 available as trading platforms. Retail traders under CySEC and ASIC regulation are subject to a leverage cap of 1:30 on major currency pairs. Those in jurisdictions outside CySEC and ASIC oversight can access leverage of up to 1:50 on multiple currency pairs, with leverage reaching up to 1:1000 on select markets.
Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72.82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. - 7. IG
Founded in 1974, IG has built a global presence, serving over 400,000 clients under the oversight of regulators including the FCA, CFTC, ASIC, and FMA.
IG covers a broad range of markets, with over 90 currency pairs among the 17,000 available options. The maximum leverage offered varies by the regulatory entity governing the trader’s account. Many IG clients can access leverage of 1:50 or higher on major currency pairs. Professional European traders can access leverage up to 1:222 on major pairs, indices, and gold, while clients of the Bermuda-regulated entity can access ratios up to 1:200.
CFDs are complex instruments. 67% of retail client accounts lose money when trading CFDs, with this investment provider. You can lose your money rapidly due to leverage. Please ensure you understand how this product works and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing money. - 8. FBS
Founded in 2009, FBS has attracted over 27 million traders across more than 150 countries. The broker offers educational materials and events for beginner and professional traders. With over 550 tradable instruments, FBS provides access to more than 70 currency pairs.
FBS clients can trade through the MT4 and MT5 platforms, both available on desktop and mobile. Since the broker is regulated by the FSC, CySEC, and ASIC, maximum leverage on major currency pairs varies by jurisdiction. Under CySEC and ASIC, retail leverage is capped at 1:30. That said, clients under certain entities can access a 1:50 leverage ratio on multiple currency pairs. The maximum leverage available under the FSC license reaches 1:3000 for accounts with up to $199 in equity.
Risk warning: ᏟᖴᎠs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72.12% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading ᏟᖴᎠs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how ᏟᖴᎠs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. - 9. ActivTrades
ActivTrades offers over 1,000 leveraged products across several platforms. The broker provides access to 54 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. These can be traded through MT4, MT5, and ActivTrader. Traders can also connect their ActivTrades account to TradingView for charting and social trading.
To access a 1:50 leverage ratio on forex positions, traders must either qualify as professional clients (CMVM entity) or register with the offshore entities regulated in the Bahamas and Mauritius. Eligible traders under these entities can access leverage ratios as high as 1:1000. However, higher leverage equally magnifies potential losses, and traders should size positions accordingly.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. - 10. Axi
Axi offers forex and CFD trading with leverage options including a 1:50 ratio, depending on the trader’s jurisdiction and classification.
The broker holds licenses from ASIC and the FCA and is registered with the Financial Services Authority of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Under ASIC and FCA regulations, retail leverage on major currency pairs is capped at 1:30. Leverage of 1:50 is available depending on the financial instrument and whether the client holds retail or professional status. Professional forex traders in Europe can access maximum leverage of 1:500 or 1:400, depending on account type. The offshore entity offers leverage of up to 1:1000 to retail clients.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. The vast majority of retail client accounts lose money when trading in CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Forex Brokers with 1:50 Leverage Ranked by Trustpilot Score
| Forex Broker | Trustpilot Reviews | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. FP Markets | 9,422 | 4.9 ⭐ |
| 2. Fusion Markets | 4,873 | 4.8 ⭐ |
| 3. Global Prime | 341 | 4.7 ⭐ |
| 4. FBS | 7,267 | 4.3 ⭐ |
| 5. eToro | 29,171 | 4.2 ⭐ |
| 6. IG | 8,324 | 3.9 ⭐ |
| 7. Markets.com | 1,236 | 3.8 ⭐ |
| 8. XM Group | 2,787 | 2.7 ⭐ |
Comprehensive Comparison of the Top 8 Forex Brokers with 1:50 Leverage
| Forex Broker | Min Account Requirements | Tradable Markets | Negative Balance Protection | Stop-Out Level | Trading Platforms | Trust Pilot Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. FP Markets | $100 | 10,000+ | Yes (Retail traders) | 50% | MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, WebTrader, IRESS, cTrader, TradingView | 4.9 ⭐ |
| 2. Fusion Markets | $0 | 250+ | Yes (ASIC entity only) | 20%; 50% (ASIC) | MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, cTrader, DupliTrade, Fusion+ Copy Trade, TradingView | 4.8 ⭐ |
| 3. Global Prime | $0 | 150+ | Yes (ASIC entity only) | 50% (ASIC); 20% (VFSC) | MT4, MT4 Webtrader, MT4 Android, MT4 iOS; for VFSC clients MT4, MT5 (Desktop, Webtrader, Mobile), and GP Copy | 4.7 ⭐ |
| 4. FBS | $100 ($10 for cent accounts) | 550+ | Yes | 20% | MT5 Desktop, MT5 WebTrader, MT4 | 4.3 ⭐ |
| 5. eToro | $50 to $100 (varies in different jurisdictions) | 6,000+ | Yes (retail traders) | 50% | eToro Investing, eToro App, TradingView, eToro CopyTrader, Proprietary | 4.2 ⭐ |
| 6. IG | $0 | 17,000+ | Yes (for limited risk accounts) | 50% | MetaTrader4, L2 Dealer, ProRealTime, IG proprietary software, TradingView, | 3.9 ⭐ |
| 7. Markets.com | $100 | 3,700+ | Yes | 50% | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader, Mobile App, TradingView | 3.8 ⭐ |
| 8. XM Group | $5 | 1,400+ | Yes, for retail clients | 50% | MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, MT4 WebTrader, MT5 WebTrader, MT4 Multiterminal, XM App | 2.7 ⭐ |
What Does Leverage Mean in Forex Trading?
If you are new to forex trading, leverage is one of the key terms to understand. Traders use leverage to amplify their exposure to currency markets. The forex trading sector offers some of the highest leverage ratios, which means forex traders can take on larger positions relative to their capital.
Leverage can be described as a type of loan traders take from the broker to increase their exposure when trading currency pairs. The broker needs collateral for the money it lends to traders, with the funds deposited into their margin accounts being used as insurance. By taking advantage of leverage, forex traders can place orders that significantly exceed the actual amount available in their accounts.
While using leverage can increase the potential return for forex trades, it also increases your chances of losing large amounts of money. That is the reason why some brokers have introduced limits on maximum allowed leverage, with many major regulators requiring trading websites to impose mandatory leverage limits on retail trading accounts.
While traders may be allowed to manage the size of their trades based on the leverage they wish to make use of, brokers tend to request a percentage of the traded amount to be held in traders’ accounts as cash. This type of amount requested to be available in one’s balance is also known as an initial margin.
What is Margin in Trading?
As explained above, the margin is used as collateral for the leverage (loan) released by the broker to traders. Simply put, margin is considered the money you have available in your account. As soon as you deposit funds into your trading balance, you can use leverage whenever trading forex or any other derivatives offered to members of a brokerage.
Whenever the trade you have used the leverage for is closed, the funds in your margin account are available to be used again. However, in the case of the entire margin being lost or at risk, traders will not be able to make use of leverage as they will not have access to their margin account, which will serve as collateral for the loan.
The correlation between the margin and the leverage ratio reveals that the lower the margin requirement, the greater the leverage traders can get. That said, brokers may often require higher margins that may be determined by the type of currencies you are trading. A highly volatile currency pair may lead to significant fluctuations, which in turn, may result in steep rate changes. In such cases, the broker may require a bigger margin as collateral for the loan.
Leverage Ratios and What They Mean
To help traders determine the potential risk/return linked to a certain leverage, brokers often use leverage ratios. These ratios demonstrate the amplification applied to your position compared to the margin that is held as collateral. With many regulatory bodies in the forex trading market imposing a specific maximum of leverage applied to currency pairs, allowed maximums would be expressed in the form of leverage ratios. These can be 1:20, 1:50, 1:5000, and so on.
Understanding leverage ratios will helps assess both the potential return and the risk attached to your trades. Since this article focuses on brokers offering maximum leverage of 1:50, we use this ratio to further explain this trading term. The 1:50 ratio ($50,000 / $1,000) indicates that for a $1,000 deposit (margin), investors can trade $50,000 оn the currency pair. The required margin for a 1:50 leverage ratio is 2%, which means that investors are required to have at least 2% of the total trade amount in their margin account.
Below, you can see the margin requirements for most leverage ratios allowed in different jurisdictions. Retail traders based in Australia, the United Kingdom, and EU/EEA member states like Germany are restricted to leverage ratios ranging from 1:2 to 1:30, depending on the asset class, as per local regulatory requirements.
| Margin Requirement | Leverage | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| 50% | 1:2 | Cryptocurrencies in Europe, the UK, and Australia |
| 20% | 1:5 | Stocks and ETFs in Europe, the UK, and Australia |
| 10% | 1:10 | Commodities other than gold in Europe, the UK, and Australia |
| 5% | 1:20 | Singapore |
| 3.33% | 1:30 | European Union, Australia, United Kingdom |
| 2% | 1:50 | United States |
| 1% | 1:100 | “Experienced” retail clients in Poland who meet specific regulatory requirements |
| 0.5% | 1:200 | The Bahamas, Bermuda |
| 0.2% | 1:500 | Vanuatu, Seychelles, Mauritius |
| 0.1% | 1:1000 | Vanuatu, Seychelles, Mauritius |
| 0.05% | 1:2000 | Vanuatu, Seychelles, Mauritius |
| 0.03% | 1:3000 | Vanuatu, Seychelles, Mauritius |
| 0.02% | 1:5000 | Vanuatu, Seychelles, Mauritius |
Depending on the volume of the trades, brokers might request different margin rates. Higher leverage and lower margin are typically applied to smaller trades, while standard trading on 100,000 currency units might have a higher margin and lower leverage ratio. You may often see a broker offering a 1:50 leverage ratio on a $50,000 trade, which means the margin of 2% would require a collateral of at least $1,000 in your margin account.
Risks Associated with High Leverage
Leverage is an instrument that should be approached with caution, as it comes with a significant level of risk. Beginners often underestimate the possibility of accumulating significant losses quickly if they are using high leverage.
High leverage enables traders to open larger positions repeatedly, which can quickly compound losses across multiple trades, especially if risk management techniques like stop-loss orders are inadequately used or not implemented at all. That is one of the reasons why newly opened broker accounts are often allowed significantly lower leverage ratios while trading currency pairs.
Leverage is a double-edged sword: it can significantly boost your potential return but it can also lead to tremendous losses within seconds. Even small market fluctuations can cost you your entire balance and even accumulate a debt you will owe the broker due to the high leverage applied to your trade.
With high leverage, the margin threshold for keeping a position open is much smaller. This increases the likelihood of receiving margin calls or having positions liquidated automatically by the broker, which can lead to realized losses that may exceed the initial margin, especially at brokers where negative balance protection is unavailable.
Excessive leverage often intensifies emotional stress and can lead to impulsive decision-making or failure to stick to a sound trading strategy. Traders using high leverage may experience greater anxiety, which can increase the likelihood of making irrational trades in an attempt to recover losses quickly.
The risk related to high leverage is why regulators like CFTC, FCA, ASIC, and many more have introduced mandatory leverage maximums. As already mentioned, brokers licensed to operate in the US are required to limit the allowed leverage on major currency pairs to 1:50. Meanwhile, non-major and exotic pairs have an even lower maximum of 1:20, as such currencies are typically unstable and can lead to rapid and significant fluctuations.
You might also be interested in exploring the following forex brokers:
- Forex Brokers with 1:100 Leverage
- Forex Brokers with 1:200 Leverage
- Forex Brokers with 1:300 Leverage
- Forex Brokers with 1:500 Leverage










