Licensed Forex Brokers 2025 – How to Check Forex Broker License Worldwide
The global forex industry operates under strict oversight in major financial hubs, and selecting licensed forex brokers remains one of the most crucial decisions for participants in the market. A broker that holds a forex trading broker license provides transparency, fair pricing, and security of funds through regulatory supervision.
Working with an unlicensed entity carries risks such as mismanagement of client funds, lack of dispute resolution, price manipulation, and unreliable trade execution. This is why a proper forex broker license check is considered a necessary step before opening a trading account.
Whether verifying a forex broker license UK, a Dubai forex broker license, a forex broker license in USA, or a licensed forex broker in Malaysia, regulation ensures compliance with financial standards and investor protection rules.
United States – Licensed Forex Brokers in USA
The United States enforces one of the most robust regulatory frameworks for leveraged forex trading. Brokers must be registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and be members of the National Futures Association (NFA). These bodies enforce strict rules on capital requirements, record-keeping, reporting, and the fair treatment of clients.
US-Regulated Brokers
- OANDA – NFA Registration Number 0325821; regulated by CFTC.
- Interactive Brokers LLC – NFA ID 0258600; registered with CFTC as a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM).
- FOREX.com (Gain Capital) – Registered as both FCM and RFED with CFTC; active NFA member.
IG US LLC – NFA ID 0509630; regulated by CFTC and NFA.
Confirming a US Forex Broker License
The NFA provides a public online database for verification:
- Visit NFA BASIC (BasicNet).
- Enter the broker name or NFA ID number.
- Confirm the registration category (RFED or FCM).
- Review compliance and disciplinary history.
Using a broker with a verified forex broker license in USA ensures adherence to federal rules and maximum investor protection.
United Kingdom – Licensed Forex Brokers in UK
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) supervises forex trading in the UK and enforces strong investor protection rules. Working with Licensed Forex Brokers under the FCA ensures that traders benefit from segregated client accounts, negative balance protection, and regular compliance reporting, making trading safer and more transparent.
FCA-Regulated Brokers
- Pepperstone – FCA Registration Number 684312
- eToro – FCA License Number 583263
- XTB – FCA License Number 522157
- CMC Markets – FCA License Number 173730
Verifying a UK License
To confirm a forex broker license UK, the FCA provides an online register:
- Visit the FCA Register.
- Search by broker name or FRN (Firm Reference Number).
- Check that the firm is authorized for CFDs and forex services.
- Review restrictions or disciplinary warnings.
Selecting a licensed forex broker UK ensures compliance with strict EU/UK rules, including limits on leverage and guaranteed negative balance protection.
Dubai / UAE – Brokers with Dubai Forex Broker License
Dubai is a leading financial hub where forex trading is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) or the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA UAE). Brokers must meet strict requirements for capital adequacy, governance, and investor protection.
DFSA-Regulated Brokers
- IG International (IG Limited) – DFSA License F001780
- XTB MENA Limited – DFSA License F006316
- XM (Trading Point MENA Limited) – DFSA License F003484
Verifying UAE Regulation
Verification is performed via the DFSA Public Register:
- Search the broker’s name or license number.
- Confirm the authorization category (3A or 3B for leveraged FX).
- Review license status and any enforcement actions.
A broker holding a Dubai forex broker license provides traders with added confidence through local oversight and dispute resolution mechanisms. If you want to explore the top-performing brokers in the region, check out our detailed comparison of the best forex broker in Dubai 2025.
Philippines – Status of Licensed Forex Broker in Philippines
Currently, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Philippines does not issue a local forex trading license for leveraged forex brokers. Most brokers serving Filipino traders operate under international regulators such as FCA, ASIC, or CySEC.
Checking Broker Legitimacy in the Philippines
- Visit the SEC Philippines website.
- Check for advisories or blacklists.
- Verify the broker’s license with its home regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.).
Since there is no licensed forex broker in Philippines offering domestic regulation for retail forex trading, traders typically rely on top-tier offshore brokers for security.
Malaysia – Licensed Forex Brokers and Regulatory Oversight
Forex trading in Malaysia is regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SCM) and the Labuan Financial Services Authority (LFSA). A broker must hold a derivatives dealer license or a Labuan forex trading license to legally operate.
Brokers Accepting Malaysian Clients
Broker | Regulator(s) | Key Information |
XM | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA | Popular global broker serving Malaysian traders; license verification recommended via SCM register. |
FCA (730729), FSA Seychelles (SD025) | Known for strong global presence; offers local deposit methods. | |
Pepperstone | FCA, ASIC, DFSA | Provides low spreads and local funding options; confirm SCM or LFSA registration. |
FP Markets | ASIC (286354) | Trusted ECN broker, widely chosen in Malaysia. |
ASIC, CySEC | Offers competitive trading conditions for Malaysian clients. |
Verifying Malaysian Licenses
- Use the SCM Licensed Persons Register to confirm derivatives dealer status.
- Search the Labuan FSA register for brokers claiming Labuan licenses.
- Cross-check license numbers with the broker’s official website.
Trading with a licensed forex broker in Malaysia ensures compliance with local anti-money laundering rules and capital adequacy requirements.
🌍 Internationally Regulated Brokers
Many traders choose brokers regulated by other top-tier authorities such as ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSC Mauritius when local licensing is not available.
- Pepperstone – ASIC, FCA, DFSA, CySEC regulated
- XM – ASIC, DFSA, CySEC licensed
- FP Markets – ASIC (License 286354)
Such brokers are required to keep client funds segregated, maintain audited financial statements, and follow strict risk management rules.
Key Factors When Evaluating Licensed Forex Brokers
1. Regulatory Status and License Number
A broker’s license number is the primary verification tool. Examples include Pepperstone UK (FCA 684312), IG US LLC (NFA 0509630), and XM MENA (DFSA F003484). These numbers should always be confirmed on the regulator’s official register.
2. Strength of Oversight
Top-tier regulators like FCA, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, and ASIC enforce high standards, including regular audits, client fund segregation, and leverage restrictions.
3. Trading Conditions
Licensed forex brokers must publish clear information on spreads, commissions, and execution. If extreme leverage is offered by a supposedly regulated broker, verifying its forex licence helps confirm its authenticity.
4. Client Fund Protection
Segregated client accounts, compensation schemes, and dispute resolution mechanisms are standard for a forex broker with license. This greatly reduces risks of fund mismanagement.
5. Regional Support and Transparency
Holding a Dubai forex broker license or similar local authorization allows brokers to offer local language support, region-specific deposit methods, and fast resolution of disputes.
