LHFX
Visit brokerBest STP brokers in 2026
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Explore our list of brokers with STP accounts.
The FXStreet Team highlights LHFX as a notable STP broker in 2026. It offers STP/ECN execution with no dealing desk, raw spreads and transparent commissions. VT Markets offers STP execution, and Moneta Markets pairs it with a well-established operating history. STP, which stands for straight through processing, is an execution model in which a broker routes client orders directly to liquidity providers such as banks and institutional pools, without a dealing desk intervening manually. Because no dealer sits between the trader and the market, STP is a no dealing desk, or NDD, model. An STP broker does not take the opposite side of a client's trade, unlike a market maker. Instead, it passes each order straight through to its liquidity providers and earns revenue by adding a small markup to the spread, or by charging a commission on each trade. This means the broker profits from trading volume rather than from client losses. STP execution reduces the conflict of interest between a broker and its clients, and it tends to offer faster execution with market-reflective prices. The trade-off is that spreads are variable and can widen during major news or quiet markets, and the liquidity providers behind the feed are not always disclosed. STP accounts suit beginners, swing traders and lower-volume traders who want a straightforward all-in-one spread without tracking a separate commission. Higher-volume scalpers and automated traders often look instead to ECN accounts, where raw spreads plus a small commission can work out cheaper overall.
What account types do these top brokers offer?
Account types define the tiers of trading accounts a broker offers, each with its own conditions. The account tier a trader opens determines the execution model and pricing that apply, since STP and other execution models are offered through different account types. The tier a trader selects also sets the minimum deposit and the conditions for funding the account. In Forex there are three main execution models. A market maker runs a dealing desk and takes the opposite side of client trades, typically offering fixed spreads. An STP broker passes orders straight to liquidity providers with a markup added to the spread, while an ECN broker connects directly to an interbank matching engine with raw spreads and a separate commission. STP sits between the two, offering no-dealing-desk execution without the deeper order book of an ECN. Use the table below to compare account types across the three brokers.
Broker name
Account types
LHFX
LHFX STP, LHFX ECN
VT Markets
Islamic, ECN, STP
Moneta Markets
Direct STP, Prime ECN, Ultra ECN
The table shows that all these brokers offer multiple account types that include STP and ECN-labelled options. LHFX lists two accounts, LHFX STP and LHFX ECN. VT Markets offers ECN and STP accounts. Finally, Moneta Markets provides Direct STP, Prime ECN and Ultra ECN accounts.
How competitive are the spreads at the best STP brokers?
Spreads state the difference between the buy and sell price a broker quotes on an instrument. The spread is a cost built into every trade, and it applies to Forex just as it does to other instruments. For a trader who trades often, the spread is one of the main costs that shapes net returns. An STP broker typically quotes variable spreads that reflect the live prices from its liquidity providers, which means they can widen around news releases or when liquidity is thin. This differs from the fixed spreads a market maker might offer, and from the raw spreads plus commission of an ECN account. Use the table below to compare spreads across these brokers.
Broker name
Spreads
Raw Spreads
LHFX
-
RAW spread + 6 USD per lot Spreads from 0.0 pips$6.00 per lot per round turn - flat rate for every instrument for all traders
VT Markets
-
-
Moneta Markets
spreads from 1.2 pips
RAW spread + 2 USD per lot Spreads from 0.0 on Ultra ECN Accounts / Commissions $2.00 per lot per round turn
LHFX lists raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a flat commission of 6.00 USD per lot per round turn applied to every instrument for all traders. Moneta Markets offers standard spreads from 1.2 pips, alongside raw spreads from 0.0 pips on Ultra ECN Accounts with a commission of 2.00 USD per lot per round turn. VT Markets does not provide specific spread or raw spread data in this comparison.
What trading platforms do the top brokers with STP accounts support?
Trading platforms determine the software environment through which traders place orders and manage positions. The platform a trader uses is separate from the execution model, and it should suit the trader's preferred way of working. A desktop, web or mobile setup each supports a different routine, so the platform matters as much as how the orders are routed. Because STP orders are routed automatically to liquidity providers, execution tends to be fast and free of re-quotes. This automated routing suits active traders who want their orders filled promptly without manual intervention from a dealing desk. Use the table below to compare trading platforms.
Broker name
Trading platforms
LHFX
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
VT Markets
MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), MT4 WebTerminal, MT4 MultiTerminal, MT5 WebTrader, Mobile App, Web Platform, MAM/PAMM
Moneta Markets
MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), MT5 WebTrader, Mobile App, Web Platform, ProTrader
The data shows that the three brokers support the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform. VT Markets and Moneta Markets both also offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4), while LHFX does not list MT4. VT Markets provides the widest range of platforms, including MT4 WebTerminal, MT4 MultiTerminal, MT5 WebTrader, a mobile app and a web platform. Moneta Markets offers MT5 WebTrader, a mobile app, a web platform and its own ProTrader platform, while LHFX focuses solely on MT5.
What does the regulatory profile of these brokers look like?
Regulation indicates the licences a broker holds and the authorities that oversee it. A trader who opens an STP account is trusting the broker with money, so the regulatory standing of the broker is a direct safety consideration. Holding a licence from a recognised authority is one way a trader can gauge whether a broker is subject to meaningful oversight. Before a trader can open an STP account, the broker is required to verify the trader's identity, a step that regulated firms must complete before accepting deposits. This check is part of the oversight that a regulated broker operates under, and it applies to every account the broker opens. Use the table below to compare regulation across each broker.
Broker name
Regulation
LHFX
FSCA, FSC-MU
VT Markets
ASIC, FSCA, FSC-MU
Moneta Markets
FCA, FSCA, FSC-MU, FSA-SC
The comparison shows that these brokers hold multiple licences, but with different regulatory profiles. LHFX is regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Mauritius. VT Markets combines oversight from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia with regulation from the FSCA in South Africa and the FSC in Mauritius. Moneta Markets has the broadest list, with authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, the FSCA in South Africa, the FSC in Mauritius and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles.
How much leverage is available at the best STP brokers?
Leverage sets the ratio of borrowed capital a broker makes available relative to a trader's own funds. Leverage controls how much exposure a trader can take relative to the funds in the account, and it works the same for STP accounts as for other execution models. Higher leverage increases both potential gains and potential losses, so it should be weighed against the risk a trader is prepared to accept. The table below breaks down leverage description, maximum leverage for retail traders, and maximum leverage for professional traders.
Broker name
Leverage
Max Professional Leverage
Max Retail Leverage
LHFX
-
1:500
1:500
VT Markets
-
1:500
1:500
Moneta Markets
Varies by instrument and region
1:1000
1:1000
The data shows that maximum leverage is broadly high across these brokers. LHFX and VT Markets both offer maximum leverage of 1:500 for retail and professional traders. Moneta Markets stands out with higher maximum leverage of 1:1000 for both retail and professional traders. Moneta Markets is also the only broker in this group that specifies that leverage varies by instrument and region.
How much do you need to start trading with these top brokers?
Minimum deposit states the smallest amount a trader can use to open and fund an account. The minimum deposit is the first figure a trader encounters when opening an account, and a low minimum means trading can begin without a large upfront commitment. This matters for anyone testing a broker with a first deposit. The table below breaks down minimum deposit for each broker.
Broker name
Min. deposit
LHFX
10
VT Markets
100
Moneta Markets
50
The table shows that minimum deposit requirements vary across the three brokers. LHFX has the lowest entry point, with a minimum deposit of 10. Moneta Markets sits in the middle of the range with a minimum deposit of 50. VT Markets has the highest requirement, with a minimum deposit of 100.
What markets do the best brokers for STP trading offer?
Asset classes are the broad categories a broker offers, such as Forex, indices, commodities and shares, while instruments are the individual markets within them (GBP/USD, Silver...). This breadth determines which markets a trader can reach from a single account. The comparison table below breaks down the asset classes each broker offers.
Broker name
Instruments
LHFX
Forex (Major & Minor Pairs), Exotic Pairs, Indices, Share CFDs, Energy & Oil, Precious Metals, Gold, Silver, Cryptocurrencies
VT Markets
Forex (Major & Minor Pairs), Indices, Stocks, Share CFDs, US Stocks, ETFs / ETNs, Commodities, Energy & Oil, Precious Metals, Gold, Silver, Cryptocurrencies, Bonds
Moneta Markets
Forex (Major & Minor Pairs), Exotic Pairs, Indices, Future Indices, Share CFDs, US Stocks, Regional Stocks, ETFs / ETNs, Commodities, Energy & Oil, Precious Metals, Gold, Silver, Cryptocurrencies, Bonds
The table shows that these three brokers provide access to Forex, indices, energies, precious metals, like Gold or Silver, and cryptocurrencies. LHFX and Moneta Markets both extend this with exotic pairs and share CFDs, while VT Markets lists stocks alongside share CFDs. VT Markets and Moneta Markets additionally offer ETFs, commodities and bonds, with Moneta Markets further distinguishing itself by including future indices and regional stocks.
How easy is it to deposit and withdraw at the top STP brokers?
Payment methods cover the ways traders can deposit funds into and withdraw funds from a trading account. A broker that offers STP accounts still needs to be funded, so the payment methods a broker supports matter for traders who want to deposit and withdraw. Traders should check which methods are available, since some brokers accept certain methods for deposits but not for withdrawals. The table below breaks down payment methods.
Broker name
Payment methods
LHFX
Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Bitcoin, USDT, Cryptocurrency
VT Markets
Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Debit/Credit Card, Bank Transfer, SWIFT, International Bank Transfer, Local Bank Transfer, FPX Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Alipay, Internet Banking
Moneta Markets
Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Debit/Credit Card, Wire Transfer, International Bank Transfer, Local Bank Transfer, Instant Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, Google Pay, Apple Pay, FasaPay, USDT, Cryptocurrency, Boleto, Pix, PagSmile, TCPay
The data shows that all three brokers support card payments, with Visa and Mastercard available at LHFX, VT Markets and Moneta Markets, and UnionPay additionally offered by VT Markets and Moneta Markets. E-wallet coverage is broad, as Skrill and Neteller are available at all three brokers, while LHFX and Moneta Markets add Google Pay and Apple Pay, and VT Markets includes PayPal and Alipay. VT Markets focuses on traditional banking rails with multiple bank transfer options, including SWIFT, international and local bank transfers and FPX bank transfer, whereas Moneta Markets offers wire, international, local and instant bank transfers alongside regional methods such as Boleto, Pix, PagSmile and TCPay. LHFX and Moneta Markets are the only brokers in this group to support USDT and wider cryptocurrency funding, with LHFX listing Bitcoin explicitly.
LHFX
LHFX
| Regulated by | FSCA, FSC-MU |
| Currencies accepted for deposits/withdrawals | BTC, EUR, GBP, USD |
| Trading platforms allowed | MetaTrader 5 (MT5) |
| Customer service languages available | arabic, english, spanish, french, portuguese |
VT Markets
VT Markets
| Regulated by | ASIC, FSCA, FSC-MU |
| Currencies accepted for deposits/withdrawals | AUD, CAD, CHF, EUR, GBP, JPY, NZD, USD |
| Trading platforms allowed | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), MT4 WebTerminal, MT4 MultiTerminal, MT5 WebTrader, Mobile App, Web Platform, MAM/PAMM |
| Customer service languages available | german, english, french, hindi, indonesian, khmer, malay, polish, portuguese, thai, tagalog, vietnamese, chinese |
Moneta Markets
Moneta Markets
| Regulated by | FCA, FSCA, FSC-MU, FSA-SC |
| Currencies accepted for deposits/withdrawals | BRL, CAD, CHF, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, SGD, USD |
| Trading platforms allowed | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), MT5 WebTrader, Mobile App, Web Platform, ProTrader |
| Customer service languages available | arabic, german, english, spanish, persian, indonesian, italian, japanese, korean, malay, thai, turkish, vietnamese, chinese |
Forex Brokers FAQs
What does STP mean in Forex trading and how is it different from a dealing desk broker?
STP (Straight Through Processing) means your orders are passed directly to external liquidity providers without manual intervention from a dealing desk. With a dealing desk or market maker model, the broker can internally match or take the other side of your trade, while an STP broker typically routes orders to the market and makes money mainly from spreads or commissions.
Are STP Forex brokers safer or more trustworthy than other types?
STP itself is just an execution model and does not guarantee safety; regulation and financial transparency are what matter most. A trustworthy STP broker should be licensed by a recognized regulator, segregate client funds from company money, and provide clear information on execution, slippage, and conflicts of interest.
How do spreads, commissions and other costs work with an STP broker?
Most STP brokers either mark up the spread they receive from liquidity providers or charge a small commission per trade, or a mix of both. You should also check for additional costs like overnight swaps, deposit/withdrawal fees, and inactivity charges, as these can affect your actual trading cost as much as the raw spread.
Can I start with a small account at an STP broker or do I need a big deposit?
Many STP brokers offer accounts with relatively low minimum deposits and support micro or mini lot sizes, so you can start small. The key is to check the minimum deposit, contract sizes, and margin requirements, then make sure your position sizing and risk per trade stay sensible for your account size.
Why do I sometimes see slippage on my orders with an STP broker?
With STP execution, your order is filled at the best available price from liquidity providers at the moment it reaches the market, which can change quickly during volatile conditions. This can lead to positive or negative slippage, especially around news releases or on thinly traded instruments, and is a normal part of true market execution.
Which trading platforms can I typically use with an STP broker?
Most STP brokers support mainstream platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and often their own proprietary web or mobile platforms. When choosing, make sure the platform allows the order types, charting tools, Expert Advisors, and asset classes (such as Forex, Indices, Gold, or Crypto CFDs) that you plan to trade.
Is an STP broker a good choice if I’m a beginner in Forex trading?
An STP broker can suit beginners because pricing is usually transparent and there is less potential conflict of interest on execution. However, the bigger factor is whether the broker offers solid education, clear risk warnings, a demo account, and sensible leverage options so you can learn without taking excessive risk.
VT Markets
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Our Editorial Process
Our editorial team personally tests each broker with real accounts. We evaluate spreads, execution speed, customer support, and withdrawal times over a 3-month period. Every broker on this list has been independently verified by at least two members of our research team to ensure accuracy and fairness in our recommendations.