forex brokers

Forex Brokers: How to pick the right one using FXStreet’s Broker Listing

Forex brokers are central in facilitating access to the global foreign exchange market, the world's largest and most liquid financial market. With over $7.5 trillion traded daily, the foreign exchange (Forex, or FX) market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week. It enables a wide range of participants, from central banks and investment funds to individual retail traders, to trade currency pairs and speculate on exchange rate movements.

At the heart of this vast ecosystem are forex brokers. These firms provide traders access to platforms, real-time data, pricing, execution, and the leverage needed to amplify market positions. Many brokers also offer tools such as advanced charting software, news feeds, and educational content to help traders refine their strategies and make informed decisions. Whether a trader scalps the EUR/USD in milliseconds or holds a long-term position in GBP/JPY, a good broker can mean the difference between a smooth trading experience and costly mishaps.

But with hundreds of brokers on the market, some regulated, others not, the quality and reliability of services vary greatly. That’s where an editorially reviewed broker listing becomes invaluable. At FXStreet, we aim to help traders navigate this landscape confidently by highlighting only rigorously vetted, well-regulated brokers. This ensures traders get access to competitive tools and pricing and the peace of mind that comes from working with trustworthy brokers.

How to choose a forex broker?

Choosing the right forex broker requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure a safe and efficient trading experience. Regulation is paramount; traders should prioritize brokers regulated by reputable authorities in Tier-1 or Tier-2 jurisdictions. These regulators enforce strict standards to protect traders' interests.

Other essential criteria include trading costs, such as spreads, commissions, and hidden fees. The reliability and features of the trading platforms (e.g., MetaTrader 4 or 5), availability of mobile trading, and order execution speed can also significantly impact your experience. Traders should consider the range of tradable assets offered and account features, such as minimum deposits and leverage options. Additionally, traders should assess whether the broker provides educational resources and tools for market analysis and the broker’s customer support quality.

At FXStreet, we simplify this process by providing detailed broker reviews to help you make an informed choice. Visit our Broker Reviews page for comprehensive insights into top forex brokers.

How FXStreet lists forex brokers

FXStreet’s broker listing is designed to encourage traders to have access to trustworthy and regulated brokers. We include brokers regulated in Tier-1 and Tier-2 jurisdictions with the strictest oversight standards globally, ensuring that traders are well-protected under robust regulatory frameworks.

Tier-1 Regulators:

• Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC), Australia
• Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), Canada
• Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), United States
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), United Kingdom
• Financial Markets Authority (FMA), New Zealand
• Japanese Financial Services Authority (JFSA), Japan
• Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Singapore
• European Union regulators via MiFID passporting system
• Securities Futures Commission (SFC), Hong Kong
• Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), Switzerland

Tier-2 Regulators:

• Capital Markets Board, Turkey
• Central Markets Authority (CMA), Kenya
• China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC), China
• Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores (CNBV), Mexico
• Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), UAE
• Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), South Africa
• Financial Services Authority of Indonesia, Indonesia
• Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), UAE
• Israel Securities Authority (ISA), Israel
• Jordan Securities Commission, Jordan
• Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA), Saudi Arabia
• Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), UAE
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), India
• Securities and Exchange Commission of Brazil, Brazil
• Securities and Exchange Commission Philippines, Philippines
• Securities and Exchange Commission Thailand, Thailand
• Securities Commission of Malaysia (SCM), Malaysia

FXStreet’s Brokers Listing is a paid service. We only accept brokers regulated in Tier-1 and Tier-2 jurisdictions to ensure a high standard of trader protection, inclusion in the listing also depends on commercial agreements. This means the list may not feature all brokers that meet our regulatory criteria, nor are all brokers listed.