FP Markets has established itself as a leading global forex and CFD broker since its inception in 2005. Recognized globally for its highly competitive ECN pricing model, superior execution speed, and comprehensive platform offerings, FP Markets is frequently rated among the best choices for professional and institutional traders.
This comprehensive FP Markets review for 2026 delves into the critical aspects of the broker’s operations—from regulatory security and fee structures to trading technology and overall user experience—to determine if it remains a top-tier choice for modern traders.
FP Markets Overview: A Professional-Grade Broker
FP Markets is an Australian-based broker that offers access to over 10,000 tradable instruments across Forex, Indices, Commodities, Metals, Shares, and Cryptocurrencies. The broker’s primary appeal lies in its commitment to transparency and ECN-like environment, providing traders with razor-thin spreads starting from 0.0 pips when accessing their Raw account.
The company operates under multiple regulatory licenses, ensuring compliance across various global regions, which is a major trust factor for serious investors. Their strong focus on MetaTrader platforms (MT4 and MT5) and the inclusion of cTrader, combined with robust infrastructure in key global server locations like Equinix NY4, underlines their commitment to low-latency trading.
Broker Judge FP Markets Score Breakdown
Our expert analysts have rated FP Markets highly across all core evaluation metrics. The 9.1 score reflects its strong regulatory framework, highly competitive fee structure, and excellent platform variety.
| Criteria | Score (1–10) | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | 9.5 | Tier-1 regulation (ASIC, CySEC) provides high security. |
| Fees & Spreads | 9.6 | Extremely low spreads on Raw account (0.0 pips), competitive commission. |
| Platforms & Tools | 9.0 | Full suite: MT4, MT5, cTrader, Iress. Excellent server infrastructure. |
| Assets Offered | 8.8 | Strong Forex and CFD offering, including 10,000+ shares. |
| Deposits & Withdrawals | 8.5 | Fast processing and wide variety of fee-free methods. |
| Customer Support | 9.1 | 24/7 multi-lingual support via multiple channels. |
| Overall Score | 9.1 | Top-tier broker, highly suitable for ECN traders, scalpers, and algorithmic systems. |
FP Markets Safety and Regulation: Is FP Markets Scam or Legit?
For any serious trader, the primary concern is safety and regulatory compliance. We can confirm that FP Markets is a legitimate broker with a robust regulatory profile. It is certainly not a scam. FP Markets operates entities under oversight from several world-renowned financial authorities:
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC): Tier-1 regulation, providing strict client money protection and operational transparency (for Australian clients).
- Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC): Essential for serving European Economic Area (EEA) clients, adhering to MiFID II directives.
- Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA): Regulation for clients in South Africa.
- Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) and Financial Services Authority (FSA) of St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Used for international clients outside strict regulatory zones, allowing higher leverage (up to 500:1) and more flexible trading conditions.
The separation of client funds and adherence to strict capital requirements under ASIC and CySEC provides a high degree of confidence in the broker’s financial stability. The dual structure—highly regulated entities for local compliance and offshore entities for global reach—is standard practice among large, well-established brokers.
Risk Disclosure
As with all CFD and Forex trading, the risk is significant. Data from the EU and Australia shows that approximately 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. This metric underscores the importance of risk management and adequate capitalization.
FP Markets Account Types
FP Markets offers two primary account types tailored to different trading styles, both requiring a minimum deposit of $100. Both accounts offer STP (Straight Through Processing) execution and access to the full range of instruments.
1. Standard Account (Zero Commission)
- Best For: Beginners and high-volume traders who prefer all-inclusive pricing.
- Minimum Spread: From 1.0 pips.
- Commission: $0.
- Execution: STP.
2. Raw Account (ECN Pricing)
- Best For: Professional traders, scalpers, algorithmic traders, and those prioritizing the lowest possible spreads.
- Minimum Spread: From 0.0 pips.
- Commission: $3.00 per side per standard lot ($6 round turn).
- Execution: ECN pricing aggregated from multiple liquidity providers.
3. Iress Accounts (for Share CFDs)
For traders focusing heavily on Australian and international share CFDs, FP Markets offers Iress accounts (Standard, Platinum, Premier) which use the sophisticated Iress trading platform. These accounts typically have higher minimum deposits and varying commission rates based on trading volume.
FP Markets Trading Fees, Spreads, and Commission
When conducting a forex broker review, the trading fees are perhaps the most critical factor. FP Markets excels in this area, offering highly competitive pricing, especially on its Raw ECN account.
Spread Comparison (EUR/USD)
| Account Type | Minimum Spread (pips) | Average Spread (pips) | Commission (Round Turn) | Effective Cost (Average) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1.0 | 1.2 | $0 | 1.2 pips |
| Raw | 0.0 | 0.1 – 0.2 | $6.00 / lot | ~0.7 – 0.8 pips |
The effective cost on the Raw account (spread + commission) places FP Markets among the industry leaders for low-cost trading. For high-frequency traders and scalpers, this model is highly advantageous.
Other Non-Trading Fees
- Inactivity Fee: FP Markets does not charge an inactivity fee, which is a significant plus, especially for traders who take long breaks.
- Deposit Fees: Generally zero, except for some non-major currency conversions or certain international bank wires.
- Withdrawal Fees: Most electronic methods (Skrill, Neteller, Cards) are processed free of charge. International Bank Wire Transfers may incur a fee, primarily related to intermediary banks.
- Swap Fees: Standard overnight interest charges apply to positions held past the market close, based on the interbank interest rate differential. Islamic (swap-free) accounts are available upon request for eligible Muslim clients.
Trading Platforms and Technology
FP Markets provides a broad selection of industry-standard and proprietary trading platforms, catering to manual, automated, and professional share CFD traders.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
FP Markets is renowned for its optimized MT4 and MT5 offering. These platforms provide:
- Expert Advisors (EAs): Full support for algorithmic trading and custom indicators.
- Low Latency: Infrastructure optimized for speed, achieved through dedicated servers in Equinix NY4, ensuring rapid order execution, essential for scalping and news trading.
- Features: Advanced charting tools, one-click trading, customizable layouts, and comprehensive order types. MT5 also offers deeper market depth, more technical indicators, and a wider range of instruments.
cTrader Platform
For traders seeking an alternative to MetaTrader, FP Markets provides the cTrader platform. cTrader is famous for its clean interface, superior execution transparency, and advanced automation capabilities (cAlgo). It is particularly favored by ECN trading enthusiasts due to its depth of market (DOM) visualization.
Iress Platform
The Iress platform is offered for trading Australian and international equity CFDs. This is a robust, institutional-grade platform providing direct market access (DMA) pricing, detailed market analysis, and advanced portfolio management tools, though it requires a higher initial commitment.
Deposits and Withdrawals Review
FP Markets ensures a smooth and secure funding process with diverse options, accommodating forex trading clients globally, including those focused on forex trading in India and Southeast Asia.
Deposit Methods
Funding options are plentiful and generally processed instantly or within minutes for electronic methods:
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard)
- Bank Transfer (Local and International)
- E-Wallets: Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, SticPay, FasaPay, PayTrust
- Other Local Payment Solutions
The minimum deposit is accessible at just $100 across both major account types.
Withdrawal Methods and Speed
Withdrawals are processed quickly, usually within one business day by FP Markets, though the time it takes for funds to reach the client depends on the chosen method:
- E-Wallets: Typically 1 business day or less after processing.
- Cards: 3–5 business days.
- Bank Wire: 3–7 business days (can be longer internationally).
FP Markets is reliable regarding withdrawal security, processing all requests through the same regulatory entity and method used for the deposit, compliant with anti-money laundering (AML) protocols.
Trading Instruments Offered
FP Markets provides excellent market depth across asset classes, making it a strong multi-asset broker.
- Forex: Over 60 currency pairs, including majors, minors, and exotics.
- Indices: CFDs on major global indices (S&P 500, FTSE 100, DAX 40, ASX 200, etc.).
- Commodities and Metals: Gold, Silver, Oil (WTI and Brent), Natural Gas, and soft commodities.
- Shares/Equities: CFDs on over 10,000 global stocks from major exchanges (NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE, ASX).
- Cryptocurrencies: CFDs on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and other popular altcoins.
Client Support, Education, and Research
A hallmark of a quality broker is its commitment to client support and educational resources.
Customer Service
FP Markets offers dedicated, 24/7 customer support via multiple languages. Traders can access assistance through:
- Live Chat (Instant response, highly rated)
- Email support
- Global telephone lines
Education and Research
The broker provides valuable resources, including:
- Market Analysis: Daily commentary, technical analysis reports, and economic calendars.
- Educational Materials: Free webinars, video tutorials covering platforms and strategies, and comprehensive eBooks for beginners.
- Trading Tools: They integrate tools like Myfxbook AutoTrade, a social copy trading solution, and MAM/PAMM services for money managers.
FP Markets for Specialized Trading Strategies
FP Markets is architecturally built to support complex and high-frequency trading strategies.
Scalping and High-Frequency Trading
FP Markets is highly recommended for scalping due to its Raw account spreads (0.0 pips), low commission, and execution speeds delivered through its Equinix server network. The broker’s regulations specifically permit scalping and hedging.
Algorithmic and Automated Trading
Full support for EAs and trading robots on MT4/MT5 is a key feature. The use of Equinix data centers minimizes latency, which is crucial for successful high-speed algorithmic execution.
Copy Trading and Social Trading
The broker offers proprietary copy trading functionality, allowing clients to mirror the trades of successful FP Markets traders. Integration with Myfxbook AutoTrade also provides external social trading options.
FP Markets vs. Competitors: How Does it Stack Up?
To provide a balanced forex broker review, it’s essential to compare FP Markets against other market leaders, such as IC Markets and Pepperstone, who also focus on low-spread ECN environments.
| Feature | FP Markets | IC Markets | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Spread (EUR/USD min.) | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Commission (Round Turn) | $6.00 | $7.00 | $7.00 |
| Primary Regulators | ASIC, CySEC | ASIC, CySEC | ASIC, CySEC, FCA |
| Platform Variety | MT4, MT5, cTrader, Iress | MT4, MT5, cTrader | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $200 | $200 |
| Max Leverage (Offshore) | 500:1 | 1000:1 | 500:1 |
FP Markets stands out for having a marginally lower commission structure than its immediate Australian rivals ($6.00 vs. $7.00 round turn) and offering the Iress platform for superior share CFD access, positioning it as a highly competitive ECN broker.
Expert Verdict: Why Choose FP Markets in 2026?
FP Markets has consistently proven its commitment to professional traders since 2005. It provides an exceptional combination of tight ECN spreads, fast execution speeds, and reliable regulation. The availability of multiple top-tier platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader) ensures flexibility for any trading strategy.
If you are a scalper, an algorithmic trader, or a high-volume discretionary trader seeking true ECN conditions and minimal trading costs, FP Markets’ Raw account is one of the best choices available in the market today. The broker’s strong regulatory backing from ASIC and CySEC confirms its trustworthiness and long-term viability as a premier global brokerage.
The only minor drawbacks are the slightly higher minimum spread on the standard account compared to some competitors and the fact that its top leverage (500:1) is reserved for non-ASIC/CySEC clients.
FP Markets Pros and Cons
Pros
- Highly regulated by Tier-1 bodies (ASIC, CySEC).
- Exceptional Raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips.
- Low competitive commission ($6 round turn) on Raw account.
- Excellent execution speed due to Equinix NY4 server infrastructure.
- Wide range of platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, and Iress.
- No inactivity fee and fast, fee-free electronic withdrawals.
- Strong offering of 10,000+ share CFDs.
Cons
- Highest leverage (500:1) is only available through international entities.
- The Standard Account spreads (starting 1.0 pips) are less competitive than the Raw account.
- Educational content, while good, is not as extensive as some larger global brokers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is FP Markets safe and regulated?
Yes, FP Markets is considered very safe. It holds key regulatory licenses from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring strict oversight and client fund segregation.
What is the minimum deposit required by FP Markets?
The minimum deposit for both the Standard and Raw accounts is $100.
Does FP Markets offer a Raw spread account?
Yes, FP Markets offers the Raw Account, which features spreads starting from 0.0 pips in exchange for a low, fixed commission of $6 per round-turn lot.
Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) or Robots on FP Markets?
Absolutely. FP Markets fully supports algorithmic trading, EAs, and trading robots on both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms. Their low-latency servers are ideal for automated strategies.
What platforms does FP Markets offer?
FP Markets offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, and the Iress platform, making it one of the most versatile brokers in terms of platform variety.
Does FP Markets allow scalping and hedging?
Yes, FP Markets permits and encourages both scalping and hedging strategies, thanks to its ECN execution model and competitive pricing.
Are there any withdrawal fees at FP Markets?
FP Markets generally charges zero withdrawal fees for popular electronic methods (cards, Skrill, Neteller). However, international bank wire transfers may incur charges from intermediary banks, not the broker itself.
Is FP Markets suitable for forex trading in India?
While the broker is globally accessible through its international entities (offering high leverage), Indian traders should be aware of local RBI guidelines regarding foreign exchange trading. FP Markets provides regional deposit options to facilitate local traders.
What percentage of traders lose money with FP Markets?
Consistent with regulated brokers in Europe and Australia, approximately 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with FP Markets. This figure highlights the high-risk nature of leveraged trading.
What is the maximum leverage available?
Maximum leverage is up to 500:1 for clients trading under international entities (SCB/FSA). For clients under ASIC or CySEC, leverage is capped at 30:1 for major Forex pairs.
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