Broker Regulation Verifier
Search by broker name or license number to instantly verify their regulatory status across FCA, ASIC, CySEC, CFTC, MAS, and more.
Verify a Broker's Regulatory Status
Enter a broker name, license number, or regulatory body to search our database.
Regulatory Bodies — Official Verification Links
Financial Conduct Authority
Australian Securities & Investments Commission
Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Monetary Authority of Singapore
Securities & Exchange Commission
Financial Sector Conduct Authority
Dubai Financial Services Authority
Federal Financial Supervisory Authority
Japan Financial Services Agency
Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization
Central Bank of Ireland
Complete Guide to Forex Broker Regulation
Why Broker Regulation is Your First Line of Defense
The forex market is decentralized and largely over-the-counter (OTC). This means that unlike the stock market, there is no central exchange clearing your trades. Your broker acts as the counterparty. If you trade with an unregulated broker, there is absolutely nothing stopping them from manipulating price feeds, refusing withdrawals, or simply disappearing with your deposit. Regulation is the only legal framework that protects your capital.
Tier 1 vs. Offshore Regulation
Not all regulations are equal. Tier 1 regulators (like the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, and the CFTC in the US) enforce strict rules: they require brokers to hold millions in operating capital, keep client funds in segregated tier-1 bank accounts, and undergo frequent independent audits. Offshore regulators (like Vanuatu VFSC or St. Vincent SVGFSA) have minimal requirements and offer virtually zero protection or recourse for traders if the broker goes bankrupt.
Deposit Insurance and Compensation Schemes
One of the massive benefits of Tier 1 European regulation is deposit insurance. The UK's FSCS protects trader deposits up to £85,000 if the broker becomes insolvent. Cyprus (CySEC) offers protection up to €20,000 via the ICF. Offshore brokers offer no such insurance; if they go bankrupt, your money becomes part of their liquidation assets and is likely lost forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do unregulated brokers scam traders?
Common tactics include 'hunting' stop losses by spiking their proprietary price feed, deliberately delaying execution during volatile news events to cause slippage, blocking profitable traders from withdrawing funds, or aggressively pushing clients into guaranteed-to-lose bonus schemes.
Are high-leverage offshore brokers worth the risk?
It depends entirely on your risk tolerance. Tier 1 regulators like the FCA cap leverage at 1:30 to protect retail traders. Offshore brokers offer 1:500 or 1:1000 leverage. While this allows you to trade larger positions with less capital, you forfeit all regulatory protections. Never deposit more money into an offshore broker than you are fully prepared to lose.
What does 'Segregated Client Funds' mean?
It means the broker must hold your deposit in a completely separate bank account from their own operational funds. They cannot use your money to pay their rent, employee salaries, or operational expenses. This is a strict requirement of all Tier 1 regulators.
Is my broker regulated if they have an LEI number?
No. An LEI (Legal Entity Identifier) simply identifies a company participating in financial transactions. It is not a regulatory license and provides absolutely no protection or oversight.
Goat Funded Trader
Trade up to $800k in capital with flexible evaluation rules, no time limits, and up to 95% profit splits.