4 Best FTSE 250 Forex Brokers

The FTSE 250 is not a common instrument with every traditional broker due to low liquidity or a lack of demand, high volatility or overall risk management.

However, a few brokers offer this instrument, and we reveal them in our guide.

South Africans can gain more exposure by trading the FTSE 250 but should be mindful of the influence GBP/ZAR fluctuations have, alongside other economic factors. In our guide, we cover the following topics:

• What is the FTSE 250?
• Best FTSE 250 Forex Brokers Revealed (2025)
• Comparative Analysis of The Best FTSE 250 Brokers
• Revealing the Top Strategies for Trading FTSE 250
• Mistakes to Avoid When Trading the FTSE 250
• Our Final Thoughts and Insights
• FTSE 250 – FAQ and Answers

10 Best Forex Brokers in South Africa for 2025

Rank

Broker

Review

Regulators

Min Deposit

Official Site

#1

Read Review

ASIC, FSA, CBI, BVI, FSCA, FRSA, CySEC, ISA, JFSA

$100

Visit Broker

#2

Read Review

FSCA, FCA, DFSA, FSA, CMA

$0

Visit Broker

#3

Read Review

CySEC, MWALI, FSCA

$25

Visit Broker

#4

Read Review

ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB

$200

Visit Broker

#5

Read Review

CBCS, CySEC, FCA, FSA, FSC, FSCA, CMA

$10

Visit Broker

#6

Read Review

FSA, FSC, FSCA

$20

Visit Broker

#7

Read Review

CySEC, FCA, FSA, FSCA

$100

Visit Broker

#8

Read Review

ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, FSA, FSC, CMA

$100

Visit Broker

#9

Read Review

FCA, SCB

$100

Visit Broker

#10

Read Review

FSCA, FSC, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA

$5

Visit Broker

#1

4.8/5

User Score

Sign Up

#2

4.7/5

User Score

Sign Up

#3

4.7/5

User Score

Sign Up

#4

4.7/5

User Score

Sign Up

#5

4.7/5

User Score

Sign Up

#6

4.5/5

User Score

Sign Up

#7

4.4/5

User Score

Sign Up

#8

4.8/5

User Score

Sign Up

#9

4.5/5

User Score

Sign Up

#10

4.9/5

User Score

Sign Up

The Best FTSE 250 Brokers

What is the FTSE 250?

The FTSE 250 is a popular UK stock market index comprising 250 mid-sized companies listed on the London Stock Exchange or LSE.

South Africans often trade this index as a Contracts for Difference (CFD) instrument to gain exposure to European markets beyond the JSE and other local instruments.

The FTSE 250 includes several South African firms that are dual-listed meaning that they’re listed locally on the JSE and the LSE.

One such company is Old Mutual Limited. Old Mutual is primarily listed on the JSE as a South African company but is also listed on the LSE.

The trade between South Africa and the UK is significant. In October 2024 alone, South Africa exported ZAR5.67 billion worth of goods to the United Kingdom and imported ZAR2.99 billion, resulting in a positive trade balance of ZAR2.68 billion.

South Africa and the UK’s strong trade relationship means that economic events in the UK can positively and negatively impact local markets.

Apart from stock investment, fluctuations in GBP/ZAR can also affect investment return in the FTSE.

Thus, many South Africans monitor currency movements to predict influences on investment value and trading costs.

Best FTSE 250 Forex Brokers – Revealed (2025)

1. ☑️XTB – Best buy and sell shares.
2. ☑️CMC Markets – A leading stock market index.
3. ☑️IG – A leading online trading platform.
4. ☑️Fidelity International – A range of financial products and services.

1. XTB

XTB is a large, popular, and multi-regulated broker that offers the FTSE 250 as CFDs and ETFs, allowing South Africans to engage with UK mid-cap stocks.

XTB lets South Africans start trading with flexible amounts, as no set minimum deposit is required.

XTB is regulated by the FSCA and compliant with South African financial regulations.

If traders use leverage to access FTSE 250 and increase their purchasing power, they benefit from negative balance protection, which safeguards them from losses exceeding their account balance.

Overall Rating

• 4.6/5

Read Review

OPEN AN ACCOUNT

Min Deposit

USD 0

Regulators

FCA, CySEC, IFSC, KNF

Trading Platform

MT4, xStation

Crypto

Yes

Total Pairs

0

Islamic Account

Yes

Trading Fees

Low

Account Activation

24 Hours

XTB offers the xStation 5 platform instead of traditional MetaTrader 4, 5, or cTrader platforms.

This proprietary platform is known for its flexible trading solutions, superior 85-millisecond execution, market sentiment tools, and advanced charting features.

XTB charges spreads from 0.9 pips and offers commission-free ETF trading, making it a cost-effective option for local traders who want exposure to international markets.

Features

Benefits of Trading FTSE 250 with XTB

• Commission-free ETFs allow cost-effective access to the FTSE 250.
• xStation 5 provides real-time market data and professional trading tools.
• Negative balance protection prevents traders from exceeding their account balance when they incur losses while using leverage.
• FSCA regulation provides a secure trading environment for South Africans.
• Fast execution speeds improve trade efficiency and reduce the risk of slippage.
• ZAR deposit options minimize conversion fees.

XTB – FTSE 250 Drawbacks

• XTB only offers CFDs, and direct share or index trading is not possible.
• MetaTrader 4 and 5 are not supported.
• Leverage is capped for South African retail traders.
• There are limited account types compared to other brokers.
• There’s no guaranteed stop-loss feature offered.

Pros and Cons

2. CMC Markets

CMC Markets is a Forex and CFD broker, meaning South Africans can interact with the FTSE 250 without owning the underlying asset.

CMC Markets stands out because of its low spreads, fast execution, and feature-rich trading platform.

CMC Markets is not regulated locally by the FSCA but holds regulation with reputable entities like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, making it a safe option for South Africans.

Overall Rating

• 4.1/5

Read Review

OPEN AN ACCOUNT

Min Deposit

USD 0

Regulators

FCA, IIROC, ASIC, FMA, MAS

Trading Platform

MT4

Crypto

Yes

Total Pairs

158

Islamic Account

No

Trading Fees

Low

Account Activation

24 Hours

CMC Markets provides its proprietary Next Generation platform for those who want to trade the FTSE 250.

South Africans can use 80+ technical indicators, price alerts, and risk management tools like guaranteed stop-loss orders, which brokers don’t often offer.

While South Africans are limited to CFDs when they want to trade the FTSE 250, traders can choose between cash and forward indices depending on their unique strategies and financial goals.

The platform also integrates Reuters news feeds to keep traders updated on all FTSE 250-related events and news that could affect the market.

Features

Benefits of Trading FTSE 250 with CMC Markets

• No commission on FTSE 250 indices.
• Cash and forward index CFDs provide South Africans flexibility in trade execution.
• Reuters news integration keeps traders updated on FTSE 250 market movements.
• FCA regulation provides a secure trading environment for South Africans.
• Charges competitive spreads from 1.0 pip.
• Next Generation platform offers advanced risk management tools.

CMC Markets – FTSE 250 Drawbacks

• Not locally regulated by the FSCA, posing challenges if there are disputes.
• Stock CFD fees are higher than those charged by some competitors.
• Currency conversion fees are 0.5%, higher than competitors.
• A £10 inactivity fee applies after 12 months
• Withdrawal fees for international bank wires are £15.

Pros and Cons

3. IG

IG is a massive broker regulated globally, including in South Africa.

This is not where IG’s benefits end for South Africans.

South Africans can trade FTSE 250 using ZAR-denominated accounts and deposit/withdraw in local currency, cutting out expensive currency conversion fees.

Like most other brokers, IG offers FTSE 250 CFDs, allowing South Africans to speculate (and benefit) from price fluctuations without owning the underlying asset.

IG is renowned for its competitive trading conditions, low minimum deposit, and range of trading and investment accounts.

South Africans can participate in fractional trading (with a 0.10 contract minimum), which lowers the entry barrier to international markets.

Fractional trading lets you buy UK mid-cap stocks without massive capital investment, making it ideal for beginners.

Overall Rating

• 4.5/5

Read Review

OPEN AN ACCOUNT

Min Deposit

USD 0

Regulators

FCA, BaFin, FINMA, DFSA, MAS, ASIC, FSCA

Trading Platform

MT4

Crypto

Yes

Total Pairs

80

Islamic Account

No

Trading Fees

Low

Account Activation

24 Hours

IG has a suite of platforms that can be used to trade from South Africa.

The ProRealTime platform provides advanced charting features, while MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and IG’s proprietary platform offer diverse trading environments.

South Africans can benefit from IG’s real-time technical analysis, free trading signals, and access to Reuters news feeds to keep updated on market movements.

South Africans can adjust their risk exposure with IG’s tiered margin requirements.

Features

Benefits of Trading FTSE 250 with IG

• IG’s signals provide automated market insights and help traders identify favorable entry and exit points.
• Multi-device platform compatibility lets South Africans trade 24/7 across mobile, web, and desktop platforms.
• The margin requirements are flexible, allowing traders to adjust their risk exposure.
• IG’s GSLO helps traders limit their risk when they trade FTSE 250 stocks.
• South Africans can trade fractional shares, which is ideal for smaller positions and lower capital.

IG – FTSE 250 Drawbacks

• Limited direct market access to FTSE 250 stocks; IG only allows CFD trading.
• Some advanced charting features are locked behind paid subscriptions.
• Higher spreads on FTSE 250 trades compared to some competitors, starting from 4 points.
• Margin requirements increase significantly for larger contract sizes.
• Tiered leverage structures might confuse new traders.

Pros and Cons

4. Fidelity International

Fidelity International is exposed to the FTSE 250 through ETFs and mutual funds, allowing local traders to engage in UK mid-cap companies.

Fidelity is mainly known for its investment products but also allows fractional share trading.

Fidelity offers iShares FTSE 250 UCITS ETF, which tracks the index, providing lower-risk investment options instead of single-stock speculation.

Fidelity International is unlike other brokers because South Africans can buy, own, and sell the underlying asset instead of CFD trading.

Fidelity’s approach is more suitable for long-term FTSE 250 exposure, allowing South Africans to grow their investment portfolios and value over time instead of relying on fast-paced strategies.

Fidelity offers automated investment tools, real-time market analysis, and customizable charting features, making it a go-to option for beginners and seasoned traders.

However, Fidelity doesn’t support ZAR accounts, deposits, or withdrawals, exposing local traders to expensive currency conversion and international transfer fees.

Features

Benefits of Trading FTSE 250 with Fidelity International

• A few FTSE 250 ETFs can be traded to create a diversified portfolio of mid-cap UK companies.
• Customizable charting tools help traders analyze FTSE 250 stock movements directly within the platform.
• Regular market insights and sector-specific reports provide traders with updated information on the FTSE 250.
• The integrated screening tools allow traders to filter FTSE 250 stocks based on historical performance.
• Fidelity has a mobile-friendly platform where traders can tack and execute FTSE 250 trades from anywhere, anytime.

Fidelity International – FTSE 250 Drawbacks

• ETF spreads vary and make exact fees unpredictable.
• ETFs incur a £10 commission per trade, making trading fees more expensive in addition to paying currency conversion and deposit/withdrawal fees.
• Leveraged trading is not offered on ETFs that track FTSE 250.
• There’s no local customer support for South Africans.

Pros and Cons

Revealing the Top Strategies for Trading FTSE 250

Trading the FTSE 250 can be rewarding, but you need a clear, tested strategy.

Let’s explore some practical approaches for South African traders:

Swing Trading Based on Index Cycles

The main concept of swing trading is to make short- to medium-term profits over a few days to weeks.

The FTSE 250 is ideal for such strategies because it experiences cyclical patterns influenced by economic indicators and market sentiment.

Traders can analyze historical data to identify such patterns, learn when to expect upswings or downswings, and adjust their entry and exit points accordingly.

Leveraging GBP/ZAR Fluctuations

Traders must monitor the exchange rate between the British pound and the Rand. A strengthening rand makes investing in FTSE 250 more affordable but leads to lower profits.

A weakening rand makes trading expensive but could lead to larger profits when traders convert back to ZAR.

South Africans must monitor interest rate decisions and political developments in both countries to use this strategy to gain insight into potential currency fluctuations.

Trading FTSE 250 Stocks with High Volatility

Traders are often told that volatility is bad. However, it can offer opportunities to traders who want to capitalize on price fluctuations.

Certain stocks on the FTSE 250 have higher volatility because of earnings reports, sector-specific news, or broader economic changes.

Traders can identify these stocks and find the underlying causes of volatility to execute strategies that can benefit from rapid, drastic price changes.

Using Economic Indicators for FTSE 250 Price Movement Predictions

Traders can direct their trades by using GDP growth rates, employment figures, and consumer confidence indices.

For example, positive UK economic data may boost investor confidence, leading to index gains.

However, traders must monitor both UK and global economic releases because they influence market trends and can offer clues to direct trading decisions.

Hedging Strategies for South African Traders

The forex market has high currency risk and hedging becomes a vital tool.

South Africans can explore options or futures to protect their positions against unfavorable GBP/ZAR fluctuations.

Traders also explore other options, like trading different asset classes or focusing on other geographic regions to mitigate any losses they might face.

Mistakes to Avoid When Trading the FTSE 250

There are plenty of opportunities to profit when South Africans trade FTSE 250. However, there are common pitfalls as well. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overleveraging Positions Due to FTSE 250 Volatility – Overusing leverage is a mistake regardless of the asset class. The FTSE 250 is prone to significant price swings and high leverage can wipe out your funds quickly if the market moves against your position.
• Not Considering FTSE 250-Specific Trading Hours vs. South African Time Zones – When you trade is important. The LSE is open from 8 am to 4h30 pm GMT, translating to 10 am and 6h30 pm South African Standard Time (SAST). Outside these hours, liquidity tends to drop and widens spreads.
• Ignoring Economic Events Impacting UK-Listed Companies – Several factors impact the FTSE 250’s performance. If traders don’t monitor economic data, they could enter or exit their trades at the wrong time.
• Over-Reliance on Technical Analysis Without Fundamental Market Knowledge – Technical analysis can be useful, but often, traders rely on it excessively to direct trading decisions. Neglecting fundamental analysis can be detrimental, and traders must understand a company’s financial health, industry trends, and macroeconomic factors as much as price patterns.
• Mismanaging Currency Risk When Trading in GBP from South Africa – South Africans deal directly with British pounds when they trade FTSE 250, impacting their returns. Traders should consider hedging strategies or adding other financial instruments to manage risks.

Conclusion

While the FTSE 250 exposes South Africans to UK mid-cap stocks, only a few brokers offer access to this index.

Those that offer it allow traders to interact with the index using CFDs, ETFs, and direct investments.

Each type of investment has pros and cons and won’t suit all traders.

How you approach trading the FTSE 250 will depend on your experience level, trading strategy, capital available, risk tolerance, and financial goals.

Traders should consider the spreads, leverage, and order types of brokers and ensure they understand how UK economic events impact market movements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I trade the FTSE 250?

You can trade the FTSE 250 using Contracts for Difference (CFDs) or Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) from brokers who offer exposure to UK mid-cap stocks.

What are the main risks of trading the FTSE 250 from South Africa?

Currency swings between the British pound and the South African Rand affect earnings and losses.

Market volatility and leverage can increase the risk of loss.

If you use leverage, verify that your broker offers negative balance protection and use your risk management measures (stop-loss, etc.)

Can I use leverage while trading the FTSE 250 from South Africa?

Yes, you can if your broker offers leverage. However, the ratio is capped due to the risks and regulatory restrictions.

Due to the risk, most brokers only allow professional traders to access higher leverage.

What order types can I use when I trade the FTSE 250?

Depending on your broker, you can use market, limit, stop, and trailing stop orders. Some brokers also offer guaranteed stop-loss orders.

How does GBP/ZAR volatility impact FTSE 250 trading for South Africans?

A stronger rand makes UK instruments more affordable, while a weaker rand increases the costs. However, a weaker rand means you profit more when you convert GBP to ZAR.