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10 Best Forex Brokers in South Africa for 2025
Looking for the top broker in South Africa? After testing 80 brokers this year, our experts have identified the 10 best options tailored to diverse trading needs, complete with practical tips.
By:
Reviewed By:
Updated: May 29, 2025
List of Top Forex Brokers in South Africa
FSCA-regulated. VPS hosting, social trading. Advanced tools on MetaTrader. Professional accounts.
FSCA-regulated. Competitive trading fees. Swap-free trading. TradingView-powered charting.
FSCA-regulated. A wide range of accounts for different levels of experience. Plenty of tools in MT4.
FSCA-regulated. Solid account offering. Low minimum deposit of $1. Attractive spreads in major forex pairs.
FSCA-regulated. Rock-bottom spreads from 0.0 pips. Low deposit requirement of only $50. Free VPS hosting. MT4, MT5, and ProTrader.
FSCA-regulated. Strong educational support. Competitive fees. VPS hosting for MT4, MT5, and cTrader.
Authorized by the FSCA. Reliable customer support. Comprehensive educational content. Copy and social trading.
Tightly regulated. Average order execution speeds of 12 milliseconds. VPS hosting. FxPro web platform and mobile app. MT4, MT5, cTrader. 2100+ tradable instruments.
Regulated by top-tier regulators, including FSCA. A wide range of platforms. Plenty of copy trading options.
Regulated by top-tier regulators, including FSCA. A wide range of platforms. Plenty of copy trading options.
Forex Trading in South Africa
To operate legally in South Africa, brokers must obtain authorization from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), the national regulatory body. Being authorized by the FSCA is considered a positive attribute for brokers and provides forex traders with a sense of legitimacy. However, some brokers are regulated outside of South Africa but still offer forex trading services to locals.
How Did FXEmpire Select the Best Forex Brokers in South Africa?
- We focused on brokers that accept South African residents and are regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).
- We checked if the brokers have offices in South Africa.
- We made sure that the brokers provide local customer support for South African residents.
- We checked if the brokers offer bonuses and other perks for South Africans.
- We preferred brokers that provide South African Rand (ZAR) for deposit and withdrawal and as a base currency.
- We focused on trustworthy brokers that provide a high level of protection for their clients.
- We listed brokers that have user-friendly and feature-rich platforms.
- We focused on brokers with low fees.
Our team of experts has identified brokers’ strengths and weaknesses using FX Empire’s comprehensive methodology. Here’s how we test.
Without further ado, let’s move to the selected brokers.
Best Overall
4.6
General Risk Warning: CFDs are leveraged products. Trading in CFDs carries a high level of risk thus may not be appropriate for all investors. The investment value can both increase and decrease and the investors may lose all their invested capital. Under no circumstances shall the Company have any liability to any person or entity for any loss or damage in whole or part caused by, resulting from, or relating to any transactions related to CFDs.
- $0Min Deposit
- 240Tradable Instruments
- MediumFees
Why We Picked It
Founded in 2008, Exness offers trading in forex, crypto, stocks, indices, metals, and commodities. Exness is regulated by multiple regulators, including FSCA, CySEC, and FSA. The broker provides access to its proprietary Trading Terminal platform, as well as to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Regional Features
- FSCA regulation No 51024
- Office in South Africa: 307&308 North Wing, Third Floor, Granger Bay Court V & A Waterfront, Capetown
- ZAR available as account base currency
- ZAR available in forex pairs.
- Leverage 1:unlimited
Professional traders can access the advanced tools that are available on the MetaTrader platform and take advantage of the high leverage provided by Exness. The MetaTrader platform provides advanced charting, trading signals, and access to Expert Advisors – software programs designed to automate trading strategies on the MetaTrader platform.
The broker offers a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including cryptocurrency. Advanced traders also can benefit from Virtual Private Server (VPS) and a wide range of research materials, including Trading Central Web TV. Exness boasts of its competitive spreads and minimal swap fees. Based on our tests, the spreads for EUR/USD fluctuated between 0.8 and 1, whereas the spreads for WTI oil were 0.062.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Instant withdrawals 24/7.
- Offers Virtual Private Server (VPS).
- No swap fees for most instruments.
- No withdrawal fees.
Cons
- The range of instruments does not come close to the range of tradable assets offered by industry leaders.
Best Trading Platform
4.3
Forex margin trading involves substantial risks.
- $25Min Deposit
- 254Tradable Instruments
- LowFees
Why We Picked It
OCTA is a multi-regulated derivatives broker founded in 2011 and headquartered in the Comoros. It offers a choice of more than 220 tradable instruments across currency pairs, commodities, indices, share CFDs, and cryptocurrencies. The broker stands out with its platform offering, which is complemented by a wide variety of supporting tools.
Regional Features
- FSCA regulation No.51913
- Office in South Africa: Spaces Umhlanga, Office 154, 1st Floor, 2 Ncondo Place Ridgeside, Durban
- ZAR in trading pairs
- Local customer support
- Leverage: Up to 1:1000
The broker incorporates MetaTrader 4 and 5 and has also developed its proprietary OctaTrader platform, which is impressive in its functionality and user-friendly design. The charts are powered by TradingView, offering a sophisticated outlook on price action behavior. I found OctaTrader particularly suitable for carrying out comprehensive technical analysis. It also offers an array of supporting tools and chart configurations.
OCTA has very competitive trading fees. The OctaTrader account type, in particular, features commission-free trading and floating spreads from 0.6 pips which is better than the industry average and is suitable for executing most trading strategy types. Moreover, OCTA does not charge swaps on positions held overnight.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Multi-regulated
- Choice of platforms
- Competitive trading costs
- No swaps
Cons
- No phone support
Best MT4
4.4
Our products are traded on margin and carry a high level of risk and it is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved.
- $50Min Deposit
- 311Tradable Instruments
- HighFees
Why We Picked It
Founded in 2010, IronFX offers trading in forex, commodities, stocks, indices, and cryptocurrencies. The broker is regulated by CySEC, FCA, and FSCA.
Regional Features
- FSCA regulation No 45276
- South Africa office: 5-38 Katherine & West, 114 West Street, Sandton
- Leverage: up to 1:500
- ZAR available in forex pairs
- Non-withdrawable bonuses of up to 100% on the first deposit
IronFX provides traders with access to the MetaTrader 4 platform which offers a wide range of technical analysis indicators and timeframes. Additionally, IronFX’s MT4 includes MultiTerminal allowing traders to manage multiple accounts from a single terminal. To aid in making informed trading decisions, IronFX integrates Trading Central where traders can benefit from numerous analysis tools and resources for conducting thorough research.
The broker provides 7 types of accounts, including floating and fixed-spread accounts, as well as a commissions-based Live Zero Fixed Spread account. Traders will also benefit from multiple deposit and withdrawal options.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Seven accounts to choose from.
- Multiple deposit and withdrawal options.
- Islamic Account option for four accounts.
Cons
- Weak research support.
Best for Account Offering
4.3
Before you start trading, you should completely understand the risks involved with the currency market and trading on margin, and you should be aware of your level of experience.
- $5Min Deposit
- 164Tradable Instruments
- MediumFees
Why We Picked It
Founded in 2009, FBS offers trading in forex pairs, commodities, stocks, indices, and cryptocurrencies. The broker is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, and IFSC Belize.
Regional features:
- FSCA regulation No. 50885.
- Office in South Africa: 61 Katherine Road, Sandton, Johannesburg.
- Leverage: up to 1:3000.
- ZAR available in forex pairs.
- Local customer support available.
- 100% deposit bonus.
FBS offers several account types, including Standard Account, Cent Account, and Pro Account. The minimum deposit for Standard and Cent Accounts is just 1$, while traders can get access to Pro Account with $200. While the Pro Account provides tighter spreads, its maximum leverage (up to 1:2000) is lower than the leverage level offered by the Standard Account (up to 1:3000). All accounts are compatible with MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms. Additionally, the Standard Account grants access to the proprietary FBS Trader app, available on both iOS and Android.
Our tests showed that FBS offers competitive spreads for major forex pairs in the Standard Account. For example, the spreads for EUR/USD ranged between 0.8 and 1.1, while the spreads for GBP/JPY fluctuated between 3.9 and 4.5. However, the commodities and indices spreads were found to be less competitive, with the spread for WTI oil averaging 0.5, and the spread for the Dow Jones index varying between 3.3 and 6.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Solid account offering.
- Competitive spreads in major forex pairs.
- Strong research and education resources.
- Reliable customer service.
Cons
- Limited number of stocks to trade.
Best Low Spreads
4.6
Trading derivatives carries significant risks. It is not suitable for all investors and if you are a professional client, you could lose substantially more than your initial investment. When acquiring our derivative products, you have no entitlement, right or obligation to the underlying financial assets. Past performance is no indication of future performance and tax laws are subject to change. The information on this website is general in nature and doesn't take into account your personal objectives, financial circumstances, or needs. Accordingly, before acting on the advice, you should consider whether the advice is suitable for you having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. We encourage you to seek independent advice if necessary. Please read our legal documents and ensure that you fully understand the risks before you make any trading decisions.
- $50Min Deposit
- 1039Tradable Instruments
- LowFees
Why We Picked It
Vantage is an Australian-based forex and CFD broker founded in 2009. It offers more than 940 tradable instruments across currency pairs, commodities, share CFDs, indices, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and futures contracts. This diversity is complemented by favorable trading fees and a choice of trading platforms.
Regional features:
- FSCA regulation No. 51268.
- Office in South Africa: 164 Blaauwberg Road Tableview, Cape Town.
- Leverage: up to 1:500.
- ZAR available in forex pairs.
- Local customer support available.
I assessed Vantage’s spreads on a Raw ECN account, which features spreads from 0.0 pips and a $6 round-turn commission per traded lot. This account type has an extremely low minimum deposit requirement of $50, making it quite accessible.
Broken down by asset class and compared to the industry average, Vantage charges low spreads on currency pairs, share CFDs, indices, and cryptocurrencies, and low-to-average spreads on commodities.
I also appreciated the fact that Vantage offers free Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting to funded accounts with at least $1000 and a monthly traded volume of at least $0.5 million. This service allows traders to achieve average execution speeds below 5 milliseconds for high-precision trading and minimum risk of negative slippage.
Vantage incorporates MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ProTrader, and the TradingView. The latter has advanced charting capabilities, affording technical traders a comprehensive overview of price action behavior. The platform has more than 100 analytical tools and other chart configurations. Furthermore, it has two trading regimes: hedging and one-click trading.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rock-bottom spreads
- Low minimum deposit requirement
- Choice of trading platforms
- Free VPS hosting
Cons
- Execution speeds above 100 milliseconds
Best for Automated Trading
4.6
Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are leveraged over-the-counter derivative products and carry a high level of risk to your capital. You should only risk capital that you can afford to lose. In certain circumstances, due to fluctuations in market value you may not get back your initial investment amount. You may not only lose your initial investment but you may incur a liability to pay a further amount to cover losses. This means you can lose more money than you have invested.
- $100Min Deposit
- 10180Tradable Instruments
- LowFees
Why We Picked It
Founded in 2005, FP Markets offers trading in forex, commodities, stocks, ETFs, indices, and cryptocurrencies. FP Markets is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and FSCA, and also has an unregulated entity registered in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The broker offers the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, cTrader, and iRESS (for the ASIC-regulated entity).
Regional Features
- FSCA regulation No 50926.
- ZAR in trading pairs.
- Leverage up to 1:500.
From our research, beginner traders will benefit from strong customer support and a wide range of educational materials. The broker offers a rich collection of highly informative webinars and podcasts on its YouTube channel, as well as a very detailed glossary, which explains various financial terms.
Our tests showed that FP Markets offers low-to-medium spreads compared to the industry average. For example, we measured EUR/USD spreads in the 1.0–1.2 range during our tests.
The broker provides multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, including cryptocurrencies. FP Markets does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong research and educational support.
- Reliable customer service.
- No withdrawal fees.
Cons
- Wide spreads in some instruments.
- A limited number of stocks to trade.
Best for Beginners
4.2
: Trading Foreign Exchange (Forex) and Contracts for Differences (CFDs) is highly speculative, carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You may sustain a loss of some or all of your invested capital, therefore, you should not speculate with capital that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with trading on margin.
- $50Min Deposit
- 356Tradable Instruments
- HighFees
Why We Picked It
Established in 2017 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, ATFX is a financial derivatives broker that offers over 350 tradable instruments across currency pairs, commodities, share CFDs, indices, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and futures.
Regional Features:
- FSCA regulation No 44816.
- ZAR in trading pairs.
- Leverage up to 1:500.
Novice traders can benefit from ATFX’s reliable customer support and extensive collection of educational materials. The broker absolutely shines in the education category with a dozen published e-books and hundreds of written articles. Beginners can learn about trading essentials, such as technical analysis, fundamental analysis, trading psychology, and risk management.
I conducted my testing on the ATFX Standard account, which has no commissions and floating spreads from 1.8 pips. The account features a minimum deposit of only $50 and a maximum retail leverage of up to 1:500.
ATFX incorporates the standard suites of MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. They accommodate basic technical analysis and offer easy order execution. Beginners can also use ATFX CopyTrade, allowing them to mirror the performance of successful signal providers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rich collection of educational content
- Low minimum deposit
- Copy trading
- Research from Autochartist and Trading Central
Cons
- High spreads on some instruments
Best Order Execution
4.6
73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing money. (EU, UK)
- $100Min Deposit
- 1995Tradable Instruments
- HighFees
Why We Picked It
FxPro is a broker that excels in many areas, but its order execution performance is especially impressive. The company was established in 1999 and has its headquarters in London. FxPro clients can choose from more than 2100 tradable instruments across currency pairs, commodities, share CFDs, indices, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs.
Regional Features:
- FSCA regulation No 45052.
- ZAR in trading pairs.
- Leverage up to 1:400.
I discovered that FxPro achieves lightning-fast execution speeds, averaging 12 milliseconds, beating the industry average of 60 milliseconds. It also reports that 84% of client orders are filled at the requested price or even better. To cap it all off, FxPro provides Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting for stable internet connectivity. The service is available for free to Premium accounts.
High-precision traders can use FxPro’s lightning execution speeds on its flagship web platform, which features a wide selection of analytical tools and chart configurations. The platform boasts fluid and high-definition charting capabilities that are sure to satisfy even the most demanding traders.
Alternatively, FxPro offers the renowned MT4, MT5, and cTrader, which can be used for trade automation via Expert Advisors (EAs). The three platforms also have built-in strategy testers so that algo traders can perfect the parameters of their strategies.
For enhanced performance, I recommend FxPro’s Raw account type, which features a $7 round-turn commission per traded lot and raw spreads from 0.0 pips. The account type is available against a low initial deposit of only $100. Live testing revealed that FxPro’s fees sit in the upper range across the board.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ultra-fast order execution
- Versatile trading platform
- Automated trading
- Great selection of tradable instruments
Cons
- Average-to-high spreads on Standard account
Best for Professional Traders
4.6
Trading CFDs and FX Options entail risk and could result in the loss of your capital.
- $100Min Deposit
- 853Tradable Instruments
- LowFees
Why We Picked It
Founded in 2006, AvaTrade provides access to more than 1250 instruments in forex, stocks, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and FX options. The broker is regulated by top-tier regulators like ASIC, CySEC, and the FSA of Japan, as well as by the local South African regulator FSCA.
Regional Features
- FSCA regulation No.45984
- Office in South Africa: No. 70 Grayston Drive, 2nd Floor, Sandton, Johannesburg
- ZAR in trading pairs
- Local customer support
- Leverage: Up to 1:400
Our research indicated that AvaTrade provides a wide range of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, as well as in-house mobile trading apps AvaTradeGo and AvaSocial. AvaTradeGo is a simple-to-use mobile app, which offers some useful technical tools and features. AvaSocial is designed for those interested in social trading allowing broker’s clients to copy the trades of successful traders.
The broker also offers solid research and educational support, which is important for both beginner and advanced traders. Our tests indicated that AvaTrade’s trading fees for Forex and commodities were better than the industry average. For example, the spread for EUR/USD was 0.9 pips.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Multiple account types.
- 1,250+ instruments in forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
- Regulated by top-tier regulators, including FSCA.
Cons
- No alerts on the web platform.
- High inactivity fee.
Best Trading App
4.2
Crypto Futures and CFDs products are complex financial instruments which come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. These products are not suitable for all investors. You should consider whether you understand how leveraged products work and whether you can afford to take the inherently high risk of losing your money.
- $10Min Deposit
- 194Tradable Instruments
- MediumFees
Why We Picked It
PrimeXBT, headquartered in South Africa and established in 2018, is making moves in the trading industry with its outstanding app and comprehensive crypto offering. It provides 194 tradable instruments in different markets, reliable customer support, and extensive educational content.
Regional Features:
- FSCA regulation No 45697
- Office in Western Cape
- ZAR in trading pairs.
- Leverage: Up to 1:400
The PrimeXBT app is available for Android and IOS devices. Its interface is light and easy to navigate, coupled with easily scalable charts and a vast array of analytical tools. The app also facilitates easy order execution and account management. Users can process payments directly from the app and access PrimeXBT’s vast pool of educational materials, so that they can learn even on the go.
I assessed the pricing mechanism of PrimeXBT’s universal trading account, which features commission-free trading (except for cryptocurrencies) and floating spreads from 0.9 pips. Live testing revealed that the broker’s fees vary across instruments from different asset classes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Localized services for clients form South Africa
- Feature-rich trading app
- Copy trading
- Comprehensive educational content
Cons
- Mixed trading fees
How to Choose a Forex Broker in South Africa?
Use our guide to choose the best forex broker in South Africa.
How to choose a safe broker as a South Africa-based trader?
The process of choosing a broker begins with learning where your potential broker is regulated. South Africa-based traders may choose between FSCA-regulated brokers as well as brokers regulated by other regulators. Some traders would find the domestic regulation more comfortable to work with.
Traders should focus on important protection options like negative balance protection, segregated funds, and compensation funds, which will cover their backs if the broker has financial problems.
Read more about Best regulated forex brokers.
What fees should you focus on when choosing the broker?
Typically, brokers charge spreads, commissions, swap/rollover fees, and inactivity fees.
The spread is the difference between the bid and the ask price. The higher the spread, the more you pay for the trade. We consider spreads below 1 pip for EUR/USD and 3 pips for GBP/JPY to be low.
A commission is a fixed cost of entering the trade. Usually, accounts that charge commissions offer low spreads. Commissions below $3 are considered to be low for forex pairs and gold.
A swap/rollover fee is charged when you hold a leveraged position overnight. Traders should pay extra attention to these fees if they plan to use swing trading strategies, which involve holding positions for several days or even weeks. For forex pairs, a swap rate below 0.5 pips is viewed as a good result.
An inactivity fee is a fee that is charged by the broker if your account is dormant. In this case, a certain amount of money is charged on a monthly basis. An inactivity fee below $10 is considered to be low.
How to choose a trading platform?
Typically, most brokers provide access to MetaTrader4 and/or MetaTrader5. These sophisticated platforms have a variety of tools tailored mainly for experienced traders; hence, beginners may have to spend some time learning the ropes.
Some brokers have also developed in-house trading platforms. Such platforms are usually focused on the needs of different levels of traders and are easy to navigate and use.
The choice of trading platform depends on personal preferences and trading experience. Beginner traders will be better off starting with a simple platform or a mobile app, while advanced traders will likely choose MT4/MT5.
Read more about Best MetaTrader 4 brokers and Best MetaTrader 5 brokers.
What leverage is available for traders in South Africa?
Leverage allows traders to use borrowed funds to increase their profits. The higher the leverage, the higher your potential profits are. However, leverage is a double-edged sword, and using high leverage also boosts your potential losses.
South Africa-based traders have access to aggressive leverage. In fact, one of the brokers in our list offers leverage of 1:unlimited.
What to avoid when choosing a forex broker in South Africa?
Here are the five things to avoid when choosing a forex broker in South Africa:
- Forgetting about checking regulations.
- Paying no attention to broker’s fees, including spreads, commissions, and swap rates.
- Choosing the account type that does not suit your needs.
- Skipping the list of instruments offered by the broker.
- Not interacting with the support team before you open an account with the broker.
How to avoid forex scams?
To avoid forex scams, traders should first check the broker’s regulations. If the broker is regulated by a Tier-1 regulator, you are mostly protected. An unregulated broker is the most suspicious one by definition. In addition to regulations, check the following red flags:
- The broker offers a big cash bonus for opening the account.
- The broker heavily promotes automatic trades and/or trading signals from unknown sources.
- A broker promises profits and cites unrealistic success rates.
- You cannot find broker’s employees on specialized websites.
- The broker’s stated address is not suitable for a serious company (too small, strange location).
- The support team does not respond or responds rarely.
- Clients report problems with funds’ withdrawal on specialized sites that publish broker reviews.
Our Methodology
FX Empire has been reviewing brokers since 2010 and has developed an in-depth review program of CFD brokers. We have more than a decade of experience testing brokers and abide by strict guidelines for editorial integrity. Our review process follows a thorough protocol that results in a score that is based on objective criteria and measurable data. As a result of our work, we publish a comprehensive and unbiased review, which is meant to help traders choose the broker that suits their needs.
To choose the best broker for you, we rate brokers across nine categories and calculate a score that reflects their performance. The categories include
- Trust and Stability
- Fees
- Platform and Tools
- Tradable Instruments
- Account Types
- Deposit and Withdrawal
- Research
- Customer Support
- Education.
We open accounts, test platforms, measure spreads, and chat with support teams to collect as much data as we can for each broker. In total, we examine brokers according to over 250 data points.
Each category receives a rating from one star (weak) to five stars (excellent). The broker’s total score depends on its performance in each of these nine categories.
We highlight each broker’s strengths and weaknesses, explain regulatory details, and share the results of our live tests of brokers’ fees, customer support, and trading platforms. To learn more about our review process, click here.
Meet our Writers
The team of forex and CFD writers and editors at FX Empire is composed of trading industry professionals and seasoned financial journalists. Our writers have been published on leading financial websites such as Investopedia and Forbes. In addition, they all have extensive trading experience.
Get to Know Our Authors
Dan BlystoneBroker Analyst
Dan Blystone began his career in the trading industry in 1998 on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Later Dan gained insight into the forex industry during his time as a Series 3 licenced futures and forex broker. He also traded at a couple of different prop trading firms in Chicago. Dan is well-equipped to recommend the best forex brokers due to his extensive experience and understanding of the brokerage industry.
Jitan SolankiBroker Analyst
Jitan Solanki is a professional trader, market analyst, and educator. He day trades major currency and index markets and focuses on swing trading US equities and commodities. A qualified Market Technician, Jitan also works with trader education and brokerage companies on various projects. These include market analysis, live trading events, and broker reviews. As an experienced trader and educator, Jitan brings all his qualities in action when reviewing and recommending brokers.
Plamen StoyanovBroker Analyst
Having been a retail trader since 2013, Plamen has gained an in-depth understanding of the challenges that novice traders face today. His expertise is swing trading and day trading with a heavy emphasis on psychological and fundamental analysis. Plamen’s favourite trading instruments include FX majors and gold. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Relations. Plamen's broad experience has equipped him with the expertise to recommend the best forex brokers.
Vladimir ZernovBroker Analyst
In more than 15 years of trading in the financial markets, Vladimir dealt with a wide range of brokers and financial instruments. His career as a day-trader at a proprietary trading firm goes back to 2007. Later, Vladimir turned to longer time frames and became an independent trader and analyst managing his own portfolio. Using his experience, he helps traders find the best broker in his reviews.
Is forex trading allowed in South Africa?
Yes, forex trading is allowed in South Africa, and it is a popular investment opportunity for many South Africans. In fact, forex trading is legal and regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa.
Which broker does suit the best for beginners in South Africa?
Our tests indicated that FP Markets is the most suitable broker for beginners in South Africa thanks to its strong educational support, reliable customer service, and no deposit and withdrawal fees.
Which broker does suit the best for professional traders in South Africa?
Our research showed that AvaTrade is a good choice for professional traders in South Africa as it provides wealth of platforms and accounts as well as a good range of third-party analytical tools from Trading Central.
How to verify if a forex broker is regulated in South Africa?
Usually, the broker mentions all its regulations at the very bottom of the website. To verify if a forex broker is regulated in South Africa, go to the FSCA website and click on "Regulated Entities" and then "Search for a Financial Service Provider." Enter the broker's name or FSP number in the search bar. If the broker is regulated, its name and license number will appear on the search results page, and you can click on its name to see its regulatory details.
What is the best forex trading platform in South Africa?
We assessed that OCTA provides the best platform offering as it gives access to its proprietary user-friendly OctaTrader platform, as well as to MetaTrader 4 and 5.
What are the benefits of trading with FSCA-regulated forex brokers?
Trading with a financial services provider regulated by FSCA provides protection, credibility, complaints handling, access to compensation, and market confidence. FSCA-regulated providers comply with strict rules and regulations that protect investors' funds and interests, and the FSCA investigates complaints and takes action against providers who violate the regulations.
Is forex trading taxable in South Africa?
Yes, any profits from forex trading are subject to capital gains tax. Note that forex trading can be a complex and risky investment. It is important to understand the tax implications of forex trading and to consult with a tax advisor.
Can I trade with non-FSCA-regulated brokers in South Africa?
Yes, you can trade with non-FSCA-regulated brokers in South Africa. However, it is important to note that trading with non-regulated or offshore brokers comes with additional risks. These brokers may not be subject to the same level of regulatory oversight as FSCA-regulated brokers, and may not offer the same level of protection to traders.
What are the differences in protections between brokers regulated by FSCA and brokers regulated offshore?
Brokers regulated by FSCA are subject to strict regulatory requirements that are designed to protect traders' interests. FSCA-regulated brokers are required to comply with rules and regulations that govern how they operate and how they handle client funds. These rules are designed to ensure that brokers are acting in the best interests of their clients and that traders' funds are protected in the event of the broker's insolvency. In contrast, brokers that are regulated offshore may not be subject to the same level of regulatory oversight as FSCA-regulated brokers.
Is cryptocurrency trading available for South African-based traders?
Yes, cryptocurrency trading is available at some South African-based brokers. South Africa has a growing cryptocurrency market, and many brokers now offer cryptocurrency trading as a part of their services.
About the Author
Vladimir ZernovBroker Analyst
In more than 15 years of trading in the financial markets, Vladimir dealt with a wide range of brokers and financial instruments. His career as a day-trader at a proprietary trading firm goes back to 2007. Later, Vladimir turned to longer time frames and became an independent trader and analyst managing his own portfolio. Using his experience, he helps traders find the best broker in his reviews.
Why you can trust FX Empire
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough and accurate broker reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.
Why you can trust FX Empire
Table of Contents
- List of Top Forex Brokers in South Africa
- How Did FXEmpire Select the Best Forex Brokers in South Africa?
- Best Overall
- Best Trading Platform
- Best MT4
- Best for Account Offering
- Best Low Spreads
- Best for Automated Trading
- Best for Beginners
- Best Order Execution
- Best for Professional Traders
- Best Trading App
- How to Choose a Forex Broker in South Africa?
- Our Methodology
- Meet our Writers
- FAQ