10 Best FTSE 100 Forex Brokers

 

The Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 is a popular index that contains the best FTSE 100 Forex brokers.

Companies are listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) according to their market capitalization.

 

 

 

Best FTSE 100 Forex Brokers

 

What is the FTSE 100?

The FTSE 100 (Financial Times Stock Exchange 100) represents the top stock market index in the UK, which follows performance changes of London Stock Exchange’s 100 biggest companies measured by capital market value.

Major multinational corporations that include finance, energy, healthcare, and consumer goods segments compose this index which contains international entities such as HSBC, BP, and AstraZeneca.

All investors globally rely on the FTSE 100 index as a vital metric for tracking UK economic performance while buying and selling futures contracts and CFDs, and ETFs of the index.

 

10 Best FTSE 100 Forex Brokers (2026):

1. ☑️Plus500 – Strong Regulatory Structure.
2. ☑️CMC Markets – Offering competitive spreads.
3. ☑️IG – Wide Range of Trading Instruments.
4. ☑️XM – Known for their Fair and Ethical trading.
5. ☑️Saxo Bank – They have an Advanced Platform.
6. ☑️City Index – Offers various tools to analyze the FTSE 100.
7. ☑️HFM – Platform is Beginner Friendly.
8. ☑️AvaTrade – The broker has the option of fixed spreads.
9. ☑️Capital.com – Commission-Free Trading.
10. ☑️easyMarkets – Excellent Risk Management Tools.

 

1. Plus500

 

Plus500 has been in operation since 2008, and it is a multi-regulated and trusted CFD provider that has offices in Singapore, Australia, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom, with respective regulations and authorization in each region.

The broker is well-known as a leading CFD provider that offers traders a wide range of tradable instruments, competitive trading conditions, no commissions and tight spreads, and a powerful proprietary trading platform through which trades can be executed seamlessly on mobile and desktop.

 

Features

 

 

User Reviews

• Sarah Jones, Australia: “Plus500 offers an easy-to-use platform & wide range of assets (Indices, Stocks, Crypto). Spreads can be high, but customer support is helpful.”
• Marie Dubois, France: “Plus500 is well-regulated (FCA, ASIC). Leverage can be risky, so be cautious. Overall, good platform, but research before trading.”
• David Müller, Germany: “Platform is user-friendly with a good mobile app. Customer service is responsive, but fees can add up.”
• Kim Lee, South Korea: “Plus500 offers CFD trading with tight spreads on major Forex pairs. Limited educational resources compared to some brokers.”

 

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
No commissions and tight spreads	Inactivity fee charged on dormant accounts
Multi-regulated	Fixed spread accounts are not offered
No deposit or withdrawal fees
Excellent 24/7 customer support

 

Our Findings

As a CFD trader who values the ease and convenience of trading, Plus500 would be a good option for you. Their mobile and desktop platforms are so easy to use; they are my favorite.

 

Is Plus500 regulated and safe to trade with?

Yes, Plus500 is fully regulated by top-tier authorities like the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC. It’s considered a safe broker with strong compliance, negative balance protection, and transparent trading terms.

 

What types of instruments can I trade on Plus500?

Plus500 offers access to CFDs on forex, stocks, indices, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and commodities—allowing traders to diversify their portfolio within one user-friendly platform with tight spreads and no commission.

 

 

2. CMC Markets

 

Established in 1989, CMC Markets is one of the most popular brokers in the United Kingdom that has an award-winning history with strict regulation, and authorisation in several jurisdictions.

CMC Markets is also one of the few CFD and forex brokers listed on the London Stock Exchange. CMC Markets has established itself as a leading and trusted broker that offers traders some of the best trading conditions in the industry.

 

Features

 

 

User Reviews

• Sarah Jones, Canada: “CMC Markets offers a robust platform with advanced charting tools. Great for experienced traders, but might be overwhelming for beginners.”
• Li Chen, China: “High trust score and long track record inspire confidence. Wide variety of asset classes, including shares and commodities.”
• Antonio Rossi, Italy: “User-friendly platform with a clean interface. Competitive spreads on forex, but fees on CFDs could be more transparent.”
• Omar Khan, UAE: “Platform feels secure with FCA regulation. Educational resources cater to all experience levels. Minimum deposit a bit high for beginners.”

 

Pros and Cons

 

Our Findings

Traders can expect a variety of tradable instruments, powerful trading software, and advanced and useful trading tools that suit the trading needs of both beginners and professional traders.

 

Is CMC Markets good for beginners?

Yes, CMC Markets is beginner-friendly with its intuitive Next Generation platform, extensive educational tools, and risk management features like guaranteed stop-loss orders to help new traders learn and grow confidently.

 

What markets are available with CMC Markets?

CMC Markets offers over 12,000 instruments, including forex, shares, indices, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and treasuries, giving traders wide-ranging exposure to global financial markets on a single platform.

 

 

3. IG

 

IG has been in operation since 1974, and it is a multi-regulated and reputable DMA, STP, and ECN broker that has a global presence.

IG offers more than 17,000 different tradable financial instruments from several different financial markets.

IG also offers a suite of advanced, sophisticated, and powerful trading platforms that can be used.

 

Features

 

 

User Reviews

• Emily Jones, UK: “Wide range of asset classes, including options trading. Spreads can be a bit high on some stock CFDs. Excellent customer support.”
• Jean Pierre, France: “Excellent mobile app for on-the-go trading. Extensive educational resources and webinars. High minimum deposit might deter some beginners.”
• Anna Lopez, Mexico: “ASIC and FCA regulation provides peace of mind. IG Markets offers negative balance protection, a valuable safety feature. Limited educational resources in Spanish.”
• Peter Schmidt, Germany: “Responsive and helpful customer support. The platform offers various order types, good for active traders. Limited social trading features.”

 

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Well-regulated by several market regulators	There is an inactivity fee charged
Powerful and user-friendly trading platforms
Competitive trading conditions
Variety of trading tools

 

Our Findings

IG is well-known for its transparent fee schedules, reliable trade execution, and deep liquidity. IG is another large and reputable broker that is listed on the LSE.

 

Is IG a reputable broker?

IG is one of the oldest and most respected brokers, regulated by the FCA, ASIC, and other bodies. It offers top-tier safety, high liquidity, and excellent market access for retail and institutional traders.

 

What trading platforms does IG offer?

IG provides its proprietary web platform, MetaTrader 4, and advanced tools like ProRealTime and L2 Dealer, ensuring traders of all levels have access to powerful, professional-grade trading technology.

 

 

4. XM

 

Established in 2009, XM has grown to become a world-renowned CFD and forex broker that offers comprehensive trading solutions and some of the best trading conditions.

They cater to both beginner and professional traders, offering a large and impressive selection of financial instruments that are spread across several financial markets, including forex, commodities, and indices such as the FTSE 100, and several more.

 

Features

 

 

User Reviews

• David Jones – United Kingdom: “XM offers a wide range of forex pairs and educational resources. Average spreads, good customer support.”
• Sarah Lee – Australia: “XM is well-regulated, but platform options are limited (MetaTrader only). Tight spreads on major forex pairs.”
• Isabelle Dubois – France: “XM has excellent 24/5 customer support, helpful for navigating the platform. Fees can be high on micro accounts.”
• Antonio Rossi – Italy: “Trustworthy broker with strong regulation. Average asset variety compared to some competitors.”

 

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Negative balance protection	US clients not accepted
Strict regulation	Fixed spreads not offered
Range of trading platforms	Inactivity fees charged

 

Our Findings

XM is one of the largest brokers in the world with a client base of more than 2.5 million registered forex traders.

 

What account types does XM offer?

XM provides Standard, Micro, Ultra-Low, and Shares accounts to cater to all trader types. Each account has different spread structures and is available with flexible leverage and no re-quotes.

 

Is XM suitable for South African traders?

Yes, XM accepts South African traders and offers ZAR-based accounts, local deposit options, and multilingual support, making it highly convenient for users in the region.

 

 

5. Saxo Bank

 

Saxo Bank is a multi-regulated Market Maker, ECN, STP, and NDD broker that offers traders access to more than 42,000 different tradable instruments.

Saxo Bank also offers powerful trading platforms, transparent and trusted solutions, and flexible funding options.

 

Features

 

 

User Reviews

• David Miller, Australia: “Saxo offers a vast range of assets, but the platform can be overwhelming for beginners. Spreads are competitive, customer support helpful.”
• Maria Garcia, Spain: “Great platform for experienced traders, extensive research tools. The high minimum deposit for some accounts.”
• Li Wang, China: “Saxo Bank is well-regulated, but educational resources are limited in Chinese. Wide range of asset classes with decent spreads.”
• Michael Martinez, Brazil: “Saxo Bank provides a powerful platform for active traders. The platform can be a learning curve for new investors.”

 

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Multiple regulations in several jurisdictions	US clients not accepted
More than 42,000 tradable financial instruments offered	Cryptocurrency trading not offered
Multilingual customer support provided	Modern online payment methods not accepted
Market analysis from SaxoStrats provided

 

Our Findings

Saxo Bank is a platform for online trading. This platform is meant for both novices who have just started to discover the world of online trading and for professional traders.

 

Is Saxo Bank only for high-net-worth traders?

While Saxo caters to professionals, retail traders can also open accounts. However, higher minimum deposits and advanced features may be more suited to experienced or high-volume traders.

 

What makes Saxo Bank’s platform unique?

SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO are highly regarded for their intuitive design, research tools, and charting capabilities, making them ideal for advanced traders who need professional performance.

 

 

6. City Index

 

City Index is a popular name in the trading industry as a reputable forex and CFD provider.

City Index has offices in the UAE, Australia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, with the necessary regulation and authorization in each region.

When trading with the City Index, both beginners and professional traders can trade more than 12,000 different financial instruments, including forex majors, minors, exotics, indices such as the FTSE 100, commodities, and much more.

 

Features

 

 

User Reviews

• Sarah Lee (Australia): “Great platform for experienced traders. Educational resources are valuable. Spreads are competitive, but customer support wait times can be long.”
• Olivia Dubois (France): “City Index’s research tools are top-notch, especially for forex trading. However, the platform can feel cluttered for beginners. Overall, a solid broker with good spreads.”
• Kai Tanaka (Japan): “City Index is a well-regulated broker with competitive spreads. The platform offers advanced charting tools. Limited educational resources for beginners in some languages.”
• Peter Petrov (Russia): “City Index offers excellent customer support, but the platform can be slow at times during high market volatility. Spreads are fair, educational resources are helpful.”

 

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Well-regulated	US Clients not accepted
Competitive trading conditions	Limited funding options
Negative balance protection offered
Trading Central research tools provided

 

Our Findings

City Index has more than 150,000 users and is well-known as a reputable broker that has an award-winning proprietary trading platform, innovative trading technology, and helpful customer service and support.

 

Is City Index reliable and regulated?

Yes, City Index is regulated by the FCA and other authorities. It’s part of the StoneX Group, a publicly listed firm, providing traders with strong financial backing and security.

 

What platforms does City Index offer?

Traders can choose between MetaTrader 4, the proprietary City Index Web Trader, and mobile apps. These offer advanced charting tools, performance analytics, and seamless execution.

 

 

7. HFM

 

HFM has been in operation for more than a decade, making it a reputable and trusted entity that offers comprehensive CFD and forex trading.

HFM caters to both novice and experienced traders despite their trading styles.

HFM emphasizes client fund protection and uses the best security protocols to ensure that there is a secure connection between the website and trading platforms.

 

Unique Features

 

 

User Reviews

• Aisha Hassan, Kenya: “Multiple account types for all experience levels. Excellent regulation makes me feel secure.”
• Sarah Williams, UK: “Customer support could be improved. Response times can be slow at times.”
• Omar Rodriguez, Spain: “Great copy trading platform for beginners. Minimum deposit is a bit high for HFcopy.”
• Benjamin Schmidt, Germany: “Fast and secure withdrawals. Competitive spreads on major currency pairs.”

 

Pros and Cons

 

Our Findings

HFM is a platform for financial online trading. It allows trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) against various assets such as forex, commodities, stocks, etc.

 

Does HFM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts?

Yes, HFM offers swap-free Islamic accounts compliant with Sharia law, allowing Muslim traders to trade without overnight interest on a wide range of instruments.

 

What bonuses and promotions does HFM provide?

HFM often offers deposit bonuses, loyalty programs, and contests. Promotions vary by region, and traders should always review the terms and conditions to ensure eligibility.

 

 

8. AvaTrade

 

AvaTrade was established in 2006, and for the past decade and a half, the broker has accumulated a variety of industry awards and customers from around the world.

AvaTrade is one of the most popular market makers and STP brokers that has regulation through several entities, offering its trading solutions to traders from around the world.

Traders can trade a wide range of instruments that are spread across several different markets, including the FTSE 100, among other indices.

AvaTrade also offers flexible trading platforms with rich functionality, tailored to cater to both novice and professional traders.

 

Features

 

 

User Reviews

• Sarah Lee, Australia: “AvaTrade is well-regulated (ASIC) with excellent customer service. Spreads can be tight, but inactivity fees apply.”
• David Hernandez, Spain: “AvaTrade offers easy account opening and various deposit/withdrawal options (all free). Platform variety is a plus. Fees are average.”
• Thomas Müller, Germany: “AvaTrade’s social trading is a great feature for beginners. Spreads can be lower for some forex pairs. Good customer support.”
• Marie Dubois, France: “AvaTrade has extensive educational resources, making it easy to learn forex trading. Limited product selection compared to some brokers.”

 

Pros and Cons

 

Our Findings

AvaTrade is said to have a user-friendly platform that provides demo accounts for beginners as well as a variety of tradable assets, such as stocks or commodities, including currencies.

 

Is AvaTrade regulated globally?

Yes, AvaTrade is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including Europe, Australia, Japan, and South Africa. This global presence enhances its trust score and safety for traders worldwide.

 

What trading platforms are available with AvaTrade?

AvaTrade offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, AvaTradeGO, and AvaOptions, giving users access to automated trading, mobile functionality, and options trading—all from a single broker.

 

 

9. Capital.com

 

Capital.com is a reputable and well-regulated broker based in the United Kingdom, with regulation and authorization from CySEC, NBRN, and FCA to offer its trading solutions to traders from around the world.

There are more than 360,000 registered trading accounts with Capital.com, with traders that can trade more than 2,000 different tradable instruments that are spread across several different asset classes.

 

Features

 

 

User Reviews

• Olivia Dubois, France: “User-friendly app & strong customer support (24/7). Leverage can be risky, but the platform offers good risk management tools. FCA regulation reassures me.”
• Mia Garcia, South Africa: “Competitive spreads & commission-free trades. Leverage can be tempting, but the platform offers responsible trading education. Feels secure with FCA regulation.”
• David Miller, Australia: “Great platform for beginners. A demo account is helpful & educational resources are extensive. Spreads seem competitive, but no stock ownership.”
• Peter Schmidt, Germany: “MetaTrader desktop platform is a plus, but I would prefer a more modern design. Great variety of assets & tight spreads on major currencies.”

 

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Well-regulated by reputable entities	US clients not accepted
Access to Investmate	Limited leverage for non-professional traders
Wide range of educational material	MetaTrader not offered
Proprietary trading platform

 

Our Findings

Capital.com is also known for offering transparent fee schedules, and it is a reputable member of the FSCS and the ICF, offering eligible clients compensation if the broker is unable to meet its financial obligations.

 

What makes Capital.com’s platform user-friendly?

Capital.com offers an AI-powered trading platform with real-time insights, a clean UI, and educational features. It’s perfect for beginners wanting a modern, simplified trading experience.

 

Does Capital.com charge commissions?

No, Capital.com operates with zero commission. It earns via tight spreads, and there are no hidden fees for deposits, withdrawals, or inactivity, making it cost-effective.

 

 

10. easyMarkets

 

easyMarkets is a well-established and regulated forex and CFD broker that offers more than 200 tradable instruments.

easyMarkets has a rich history of offering some of the best trading conditions, and it is known as one of the few true ECN brokers in the industry.

 

Unique Features

 

 

User Reviews

• Lisa Jones (Australia): “Great platform for beginners, easy to use & fixed spreads are clear. Wish they offered more educational resources.”
• Kim Tanaka (Japan): “EasyMarkets feels secure with ASIC regulation. Spreads are a bit high on commodities, but the platform is user-friendly.”
• Aisha Hassan (UAE): “Love the dealCancellation feature & tight fixed spreads on currencies. Limited asset selection compared to other brokers.”
• William García (Colombia): “Freeze Rate is a unique tool for managing risk. Would prefer more advanced account types for experienced traders.”

 

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Fixed spread accounts offered	Forex spreads start from 1 pip
Commission-free trading	Variable spread accounts are not offered
easyMarkets app provided
Negative balance protection provided on retail accounts

 

Our Findings

easyMarkets traders can expect competitive trading conditions, user-friendly trading services and trading software, and innovative technologies that help traders achieve their trading goals.

 

What unique features does easyMarkets offer?

easyMarkets offers features like dealCancellation (undo losing trades), Freeze Rate (lock-in prices), and guaranteed stop-loss orders—giving extra control and reducing risk for traders.

 

Can you trade with fixed spreads on easyMarkets?

Yes, easyMarkets offers fixed spreads, especially on its web and mobile platforms. This helps traders predict costs during volatile market conditions and avoid sudden spread widening.

 

 

The Top FTSE 100 ETFs

In the world of investing, if you’re looking for a taste of the biggest British businesses in one bite, FTSE 100 ETFs are your best bet.

These are like investment baskets holding shares in all the major UK companies, from familiar names like Shell and HSBC to titans of industry you might not know.

There are a few to choose from, all offering a similar spread, but with some tinkering under the hood.

Some pay out dividends like regular income, while others reinvest them for long-term growth.

The good news is that the costs are pretty low across the board, so you can focus on picking the one that fits your investment style.

 

➡️ETF Name	🛡️Ticker Symbol	📈Expense Ratio
iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF	ISF	0.07%
SPDR FTSE 100 UCITS ETF	CSPX	0.09%
LShares UK Equity UCITS ETF 1C	LUKX	0.07%
Xtrackers FTSE 100 UCITS ETF 1C	XD100	0.09%
Vanguard FTSE 100 UCITS ETF	VUKE	0.07%

 

Top 5 FTSE 100 Dividend Paying Stocks

 

While the composition of the FTSE 100 can change, here’s a table showing some of the top dividend-paying FTSE 100 stocks based on their latest dividend yields:

📜Stock Name	➡️Ticker Symbol	🛡️Latest Dividend Yield
BHP Group Plc	BHP	8.2%
Imperial Brands Plc	IMB	6.9%
National Grid Plc	NG	5.8%
Vodafone Group Plc	VOD	5.4%
GlaxoSmithKline Plc	GSK	4.8%

 

Regulated FTSE 100 Brokers South Africa

South African traders can perform the UK’s leading stock index trades through regulated FTSE 100 brokers that guarantee both security and transparent trading practices.

Brokers operating in South Africa obtain their licenses from the respected FSCA, thus fulfilling all requirements of financial regulations. Brokers that are regulated provide South African traders with customized risk management tools in addition to advanced platforms and competitive spreads to trade the FTSE 100.

South African traders can access FTSE 100 CFDs securely through brokers with ZAR accounts and local customer support as well as quick deposit solutions.

Investors should choose regulated brokers because this guarantees fair conditions during trading in addition to fund protection in markets with evolving dynamics.

 

Trade FTSE 100 in South Africa

South African investors can trade UK blue-chip companies from the FTSE 100 market through regulated forex brokers.

The availability of FTSE 100 CFD trading allows South African traders to use competitive spreads together with leverage options and advanced trading platforms, which include MetaTrader 4 and 5.

South African traders benefit from convenient options, which include FSCA regulation, local payment methods, as well as ZAR account support that numerous brokers provide.

South African traders benefit from market volatility because FTSE 100 price movements respond to economic events, while they execute fundamental and technical investigations to benefit from such volatility.

 

Factors Influencing the FTSE 100’s Performance

Factor	Description
💰Earnings Reports	Performance of companies within the FTSE 100, particularly large ones, can significantly impact the index. Strong earnings can drive the index up, while weak earnings can pull it down.
📈Interest Rates	Higher interest rates can make stocks less attractive compared to bonds, potentially leading to a decline in the FTSE 100.
🌎Economic Conditions	The overall health of the UK and global economy can influence the FTSE 100. A strong economy can boost the index, while a weak economy can cause it to decline.
📊Currency Fluctuations	The value of the British pound can affect the FTSE 100. A weaker pound can make FTSE 100 companies more attractive to foreign investors, potentially boosting the index.
🔎Geopolitical Events	Major global events, such as wars or political unrest, can create uncertainty and impact investor sentiment, potentially affecting the FTSE 100.
🏛️Industry Performance	The performance of specific sectors within the FTSE 100 can influence the overall index. For example, if the energy sector performs poorly, it can drag the entire index down.

 

 

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Which trading strategies are the best for trading the FTSE 100?

There are several, including position trading, swing trading, day trading, and scalping.

 

What spreads can I expect when I trade the FTSE 100?

This will depend on the broker that you use to trade FTSE 100, with some forex and CFD brokers offering spreads from 0.0 pips.

 

Which forex broker is the best when trading the FTSE 100?

Any of the 10 brokers on the list above is the best when trading FTSE 100.

 

Why should I only use regulated brokers when trading the FTSE 100?

Brokers who have strict regulations are obligated to keep client funds secure by using segregated accounts with top-tier banks.

 

Can beginner traders trade the FTSE 100?

Yes, the FTSE 100 can be traded by beginner and professional traders alike.

 

Which forex brokers are the best for professional traders who want to trade FTSE 100?

Any of the 15 brokers on this list. These brokers offer the best solutions for beginners as well as professional forex traders.

 

Why should I, a South African, care about the FTSE 100?

Diversification is key in any investment strategy, and the FTSE 100 offers a chance to spread your wings beyond the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). You’ll be exposed to established international companies that might not be available on the JSE, like Unilever or HSBC.

 

What are Low Spread FTSE 100 Brokers?

Low-spread FTSE 100 brokers offer cost-effective trading by providing tight bid-ask spreads, reducing overall trading expenses for investors.