ASIC (Australia) Regulated Forex Brokers

Written by Eugene Lee, CFA

Eugene Lee, CFA

Eugene Lee, CFA, is an investment strategist and quantitative researcher with over two decades of experience navigating global markets. Having worked on trading and portfolio management teams covering multi-billion dollar portfolios across equities, fixed income, and derivatives.

, | Updated: April 14, 2026

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is the regulatory body overseeing brokers serving Australian traders. It is one of the most well-established regulators in the industry, and authorization from ASIC indicates compliance with stringent regulatory standards.

The following brokers operate under a license issued by ASIC. They offer different combinations of tradable instruments, supported trading platforms, deposit and withdrawal options, pricing, and client protection features.

1Plus500 US

Rating: 4.2 ⭐

This content applies only to Plus500 US and clients from the United States. Trading futures involves the risk of loss.

Top Rated

2eToro

Rating: 4.2 ⭐

50% of retail investor accounts lose money

3Fusion Markets

Rating: 4.8 ⭐

74-89% of retail's CFD accounts lose money

4FP Markets

Rating: 4.9 ⭐

73.33% of retail investor accounts lose money

5Eightcap

Rating: 4 ⭐

59.57% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

6Pepperstone

Rating: 4.4 ⭐

72.9% of retail investor accounts lose money

7XM Group

Rating: 2.7 ⭐

72.82% of retail investor accounts lose money

8IG

Rating: 3.9 ⭐

67% of retail client accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this investment provider.

9AvaTrade

Rating: 4.7 ⭐

57% of retail investor accounts lose money

10FXCM

Rating: 4.5 ⭐

70% of retail investor accounts lose money

ASIC Regulated Forex Brokers Ranked by Trustpilot Score

Comprehensive Comparison of the Top 8 ASIC Regulated Forex Brokers

Top 12 Brokers Licensed by ASIC

1. TRADE NOW READ REVIEWTrustpilot Rating

   Chart loading
   1. Fusion Markets

   Fusion Markets is an established low-cost Australian broker offering competitive trading conditions. It is the trading name of FMGP Trading Group Pty Ltd (ABN 74 146 086 017). The entity is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under AFSL No. 385620.

   Fusion Markets offers average spreads of 0.0 pips on major forex pairs. Its Zero Account applies a commission of $2.25 per side ($4.50 per round turn), which is lower than the industry average. The broker requires no minimum deposit and charges no deposit fees, allowing clients to fund their accounts via multiple methods without additional costs.

   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. TRADE NOW READ REVIEWTrustpilot Rating

   Chart loading
   2. FP Markets

   Based in New South Wales, FP Markets entered the forex market in 2005 and serves thousands of traders. The broker offers multiple account options, with tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips and commissions of $3 per side on Raw accounts. Australian traders can access the markets covered by FP Markets, as the brand is authorized to operate by ASIC.

   In addition to negative balance protection, Australian traders can access risk management tools that can help limit losses and hedge exposure. Under license No. 286354, FP Markets follows ASIC regulatory guidelines. To verify FP Markets’ regulatory details, check their information in ASIC’s official licensee register.

   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.
3. TRADE NOW READ REVIEWTrustpilot Rating

   Chart loading
   3. Pepperstone

   Launched in 2010, Pepperstone serves investors in more than 160 countries and operates in Australia under an ASIC license. Clients can trade 93 currency pairs using platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, along with their own proprietary trading solution.

   Pepperstone has registered offices in Docklands, Melbourne and is authorized to offer financial services to Australians under ASIC license no. 414530. To verify the license, check the brand’s profile on the Australian regulator’s official website.

   CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72.9% 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.
4. TRADE NOW READ REVIEWTrustpilot Rating

   Chart loading
   4. AvaTrade

   Australian traders can access AvaTrade’s service for forex trading, with a selection of 53 currency pairs available through multiple trading platforms. AvaTrade reports low spreads and low commission fees. The Sydney-based broker operates in compliance with ASIC regulatory requirements.

   AvaTrade provides financial services to Australian traders under license No. 406684. The Australian entity is operated by Ava Capital Markets Australia PTY Ltd. Under ASIC regulatory guidelines, AvaTrade has adopted security measures, including negative balance protection for all retail trading accounts, and retail leverage is capped at 1:30.

   CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 57% 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.
5. TRADE NOW READ REVIEWTrustpilot Rating

   Chart loading
   5. IG

   IG is a well-known broker in the global trading sector and is regulated by ASIC. IG clients can access more than 18,000 markets, including stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices, crypto, and forex. Through the broker’s proprietary platform, forex traders can select from 101 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic options.

   IG is authorized to operate in Australia by ASIC under license No. 515106. To verify the company’s ASIC regulation, check its profile on the regulator’s official website. IG holds client funds in segregated bank accounts, and retail account holders are limited to leverage of 1:30 on major currency pairs and 1:20 on non-major tickers.

   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.
6. TRADE NOW READ REVIEWTrustpilot Rating

   Chart loading
   6. XM Group

   Launched in 2009, XM is an established forex broker operating in Australia. The broker offers more than 50 currency pairs to trade.

   XM offers low commissions and tight spreads, and client funds are held under ASIC regulatory oversight. The brand operates under license no. 443670 issued by ASIC. The validity of the license and the regulatory status of the brand can be verified on the regulator’s official website.

   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. TRADE NOW READ REVIEWTrustpilot Rating

   Chart loading
   7. Plus500

   Plus500 has been operating since 2008 and offers Aussie traders access to CFDs on 67 currency pairs and 8 forex futures contracts. The broker provides tight spreads with no commission on trades.

   Plus500 is licensed in Australia and publishes details including license numbers and regulators. The broker is authorized to operate by ASIC under license no. 417727. To confirm the validity of the license, check the company’s ASIC profile.

   *This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are to be serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, authorised by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions.

   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.
8. TRADE NOW READ REVIEWTrustpilot Rating

   Chart loading
   8. Eightcap

   Eightcap offers over 800 trading instruments through platforms including MT4, MT5, and TradingView. Australian forex traders can access CFDs on 56 currency pairs, with competitive spreads and commission rates available across multiple instruments.

   Eightcap follows ASIC regulatory requirements, with Australian operations authorized under AFSL no. 391441. Detailed information about the company can also be found in ASIC’s official registries.

   CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76.09% 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.
9. TRADE NOW READ REVIEWTrustpilot Rating

   Chart loading
   9. FXCM

   FXCM was founded in 1999, making it one of the longer-established forex brokers. The broker holds licenses from multiple regulators, including a financial services license from ASIC (no. 309763), issued to its parent company Stratos Trading Pty Limited. Under ASIC regulation, FXCM provides Australian clients with leverage limits, negative balance protection, and other risk management tools intended to help manage exposure across different assets.

   FXCM publishes information about its regulators and the licenses it holds across jurisdictions. Australian traders can also check FXCM’s company details on the ASIC website.

   CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% 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. TRADE NOW READ REVIEW
    10. Admirals

    Admiral Markets, rebranded to Admirals, is a broker serving Australian traders. Founded in 2001, Admirals offers more than 8,000 trading instruments to clients globally. Australian traders can access the markets supported by Admirals under AFSL no. 410681.

    Forex traders can choose from 82 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic tickers. Admirals offers low spreads and competitive commissions. The broker charges commissions of up to $3 per side for forex and metals and $1 per side for energies on trades through Zero MT4 and MT5 accounts. Under ASIC regulation, retail leverage is capped at 1:30. To confirm the regulatory status of the broker, check its profile on ASIC’s official website.

    CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 73% 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.
11. TRADE NOW READ REVIEWTrustpilot Rating

    Chart loading
    11. Global Prime

    Global Prime is a low-cost broker serving Australian forex traders, offering 56 currency pairs and spreads from 0.9 pips (Standard) and 0 pips (Raw). Beyond forex, Global Prime’s instrument selection includes CFDs on cryptocurrencies, bonds, commodities, indices, and US stocks. The company operates under ASIC license number 385620.

    Under ASIC regulation, leverage for retail clients is capped at 1:30. Australian traders can access MT4 and MT5, and a VPS service is also available. Global Prime’s customer support team is available around the clock, seven days a week.

    Global Prime is a trading name of FMGP Trading Group Pty Ltd (ABN 74 146 086 017) and is regulated by ASIC and licensed to carry on a financial services business in Australia under Australian Financial Services License No. 385620. Gleneagle Securities Pty Limited trading as Global Prime FX, is a registered Vanuatu company (Company Number 40256) and is regulated by the VFSC. The website is owned and operated by FMGP Trading Group Pty Ltd, ABN 74 146 086 017.
12. TRADE NOW READ REVIEWTrustpilot Rating

    Chart loading
    12. Axi

    Axi operates in multiple markets under licenses from several regulators. Australian traders can access Axi’s library of over 260 tradable instruments, with the broker authorized to operate by ASIC (license no. 318232). The ASIC entity offers retail customers two account options: a Standard account and a Pro account. The Standard account allows trading with spreads starting at 0.9 pips and zero commission on trades.

    The Pro account offers tighter spreads from 0.0 pips and a round-trip commission of $7 per lot. Retail accounts can be set up in one of ten base currencies, including AUD, EUR, GBP, NZD, and USD. The maximum retail leverage on forex instruments is 1:30, but Australian traders who meet eligibility criteria can open a Wholesale Elite account, which allows leverage of up to 1:400, spreads from 0.0 pips, and a round-trip commission of $3.50 per lot.

    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.

About the Regulator

ASIC was established as a regulatory body in Australia in 1998 while its role and functions were stipulated in the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act of 2001. To be eligible to operate in Australia, brokers must obtain a license issued by ASIC. To do that, they are required to meet a list of requirements designed to promote safe and fair trading conditions for Australian traders.

In addition to issuing licenses, ASIC is also responsible for taking regulatory action whenever a company fails to ensure proper trading conditions for its clients or it has breached any of the trading rules and guidelines imposed by ASIC. In the case of misconduct, the regulator can impose financial penalties or revoke the operational license of an entity. The regulatory body also participates in developing new financial market regulations in Australia.

Transparency is an important factor in trading services carried out in Australia. That is why traders can find license information about any company regulated by ASIC on the official website of the authority. News about recent regulatory actions is also available on ASIC’s webpage, keeping Australian traders informed about regulatory developments.

Beyond licensing brokers serving Australian clients, ASIC protects traders by publishing an investor alert list. This resource allows for quick background checks on companies that may raise concerns among Australian traders. The list includes both unregulated brokers targeting Australian traders and fraudulent entities impersonating popular trading brands. If your search for a particular company on the list returns no results, that is a good sign, meaning it has not been flagged as ‘Unlicensed’ or ‘Imposter’ by the Australian authorities.

ASIC continuously monitors licensed entities and imposes penalties when regulatory requirements are breached. Traders may also report any case of misconduct to the Australian regulator. You can read more about the way ASIC handles reports of misconduct here.

Whenever traders have complaints about an ASIC-regulated broker, they must first try to resolve the problem by contacting the broker’s team. Every entity operating under the regulation of ASIC is required to implement internal dispute resolution (IDR) measures, which offers traders a way to address common issues. If the broker is unable to resolve traders’ complaints, they can be referred to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), who offers assistance in resolving disputes between consumers and financial institutions, including ASIC-regulated brokers.

Requirements to Get a License Approval

ASIC operates a detailed licensing process for Australian brokers. To be authorized to offer financial services, including forex trading, to Australian investors, brokers must meet several conditions demonstrating their eligibility to conduct such businesses and keep their customers’ funds safe.

The license application process is straightforward, but companies must provide a set of documents demonstrating their eligibility for ASIC’s approval. This section covers the basic license and compliance requirements forex brokers must meet to be licensed by ASIC.

1. Minimum Capital Requirement: According to the latest amendments introduced in the financial service sector in Australia, to be eligible to offer forex services to Australian traders, companies must have at least 10% of their revenue or a minimum of AU$1 million in the form of net tangible assets (NTA). A minimum of 50% of a company’s NTA must be held in cash or cash equivalent.
2. Regular NTA Updates: After obtaining an ASIC license, entities are required to provide detailed updates about the company’s NTA at the end of the year. These documents are submitted along with other financial statements proving the broker’s income and capability to continue its operations. Quarterly reports of cash flows for the upcoming 12 months are also required to be submitted regularly.
3. Australian Registration Requirements: To be eligible to obtain a forex license from ASIC, brokers, even foreign ones, must have an office located in Australia. The AFSL requirement applies to brokers offering financial services to clients located in Australia, regardless of the broker’s country of origin.
4. Non-Australian License Requirements: Brokers licensed by ASIC and accepting clients from countries outside Australia are required to have licenses issued by the regulatory bodies based in clients’ respective jurisdictions.
5. Clients Funds Segregation: Forex brokers must keep their customers’ funds in a trust, separate from the company’s capital. Since the regulator does not allow brokers to use their clients’ money as working capital, licensed companies must use their own capital to hedge the risk related to providing financial services.
6. Conducting Safe and Fair Trading: Brokers licensed in Australia must become members of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). Licensees must also appoint Responsible Managers and implement internal dispute resolution schemes. Brokers are also required to implement cybersecurity policies, technology, and other tools that protect their customers’ sensitive information and funds.

Typically, if a broker meets all license requirements, the process of reviewing the application and issuing the ASIC license takes between 120 and 140 days. The fees related to the licensing process tend to range between AU$35,000 and AU$50,000.

Is Your Money Protected?

Australian traders benefit from regulatory protections covering their funds, provided the broker they have chosen is licensed by ASIC. Several of ASIC’s licensing conditions specifically address client fund safety.

Brokers must meet a minimum capital requirement to be eligible to apply for an ASIC license. Up until 2013, the minimum capital that could have qualified brokers for an operational license was AU$50,000. Between 2013 and February 2014, the minimum capital condition changed, requiring license applicants to hold 5% of their revenues or a minimum of AU$500,000 as net tangible assets (NTA). At least 50% of that amount had to be in the form of cash or cash equivalent.

As of February 2014, following the Basel Ⅲ norms for revenue and capital, the minimum capital requirement has been significantly increased. The condition to own 50% of the NTA amount in cash or cash equivalent was introduced as a measure to handle any unexpected losses. Since clients’ funds are held in segregated bank accounts, such losses are met only via the company’s own operational capital.

Since March 2021, forex brokers licensed by ASIC have been required to impose mandatory margin (leverage) limits on retail trading accounts. This measure provides additional protection for less experienced traders who may have a lower tolerance for high-risk trading. Below is a list of ASIC’s retail leverage caps in Australia:

• Major currency pairs Contracts for Difference (CFDs): 1:30
• Minor currency pairs CFDs, gold CFDs, major stock market index CFDs: 1:20
• Commodity CFDs (other than gold), minor stock market index CFDs: 1:10
• Individual equities and other asset CFDs: 1:5
• Cryptocurrencies CFDs: 1:2

ASIC also requires licensed brokers to implement tools and measures like margin closeout and negative balance protection. The former requires brokers to close out any positions if the margin is reduced to 50% of the required margin level. The latter is designed to prevent losses from exceeding the amounts traders have deposited into their accounts.

You might also be interested in exploring forex brokers regulated by other institutions

• CySEC (Cyprus) Regulated Forex Brokers
  
• FCA (United Kingdom) Regulated Forex Brokers
• IFSC (Belize) Regulated Forex Brokers
• FSA (Seychelles) Regulated Forex Brokers
• VFSC (Vanuatu) Regulated Forex Brokers

Written by E. Lee, CFA