CFI Review 2025

Trust

CFI Regulations

In our reviews, we examine the licenses and regulations of each entity operated by a broker, allowing us to compare their different levels of protection. We rank licenses by various regulatory bodies on a three-tier system, where Tier-1 licensing indicates the highest level of regulation.

This is what I discovered about the several entities operating under the CFI trade name:

• CFI International Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius under license number C161178. We rate the FSC as a Tier-3 regulator.
• Credit Financier Invest Limited is licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under license number 828955. We rate the FCA as a Tier-1 regulator.
• Credit Financier Invest (CFI) Limited is licensed and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under license number 179/12. We rate CySEC as a Tier-1 regulator.
• Credit Financier Invest Financial (Pty) Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa under license number 53711. We rate the FSCA as a Tier-2 regulator.
• CFI Financial Markets LLC is licensed and regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates under license number 20200000154. We rate the SCA as a Tier-2 regulator.
• Credit Financier Invest SAL is licensed by the Bank Du Liban (BDL) and regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of Lebanon under license number 40. We rate CMA as a Tier-3 regulator.
• Credit Financial Invest for Financial Brokerage Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Jordan Securities Commission (JSC) under license number 49631. We rate the JSC as a Tier-3 regulator.
• Credit Financier Invest Limited is licensed and regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of the Sultanate of Oman under license number CMI054. We rate CMA as a Tier-3 regulator.
• CFI Financial Investment Company is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan (CBRA) under license number ISNL/L-7/2016. We rate the CBRA as a Tier-3 regulator.
• Credit Financier Invest Limited is licensed and regulated by the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) of Egypt under license number 101. We rate the FRA as a Tier-3 regulator.
• Credit Financier Invest International Limited is licensed and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles under license number SD107. We rate the FSA as a Tier-3 regulator.
• Credit Financier Invest (International) Limited is licensed and regulated by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) under license number 700479. We rate the VFSC as a Tier-3 regulator.

Understanding the Regulatory Protections of Your Account

Brokers operate multiple entities globally, but regulatory protections vary. Some regulators enforce stricter financial standards than others, so traders should understand the safety measures of the entity they choose to open an account with.

Here is what you need to be looking for in a broker in terms of safety mechanisms:

• Segregation of client funds. Keeping client funds in segregated bank accounts from the ones used for the broker’s corporate capital negates the risk of accounting errors. All CFI entities guarantee that client funds are kept in segregated accounts from the accounts used by the broker for its own corporate capital.
• Negative balance protection. This safety mechanism removes the risk of trading losses exceeding the account balance. In other words, the losses you incur from trading are capped at the amount you have put in your trading account. All CFI entities ensure negative balance protection.
• Compensation scheme. A compensation scheme protects traders against the broker’s liabilities if the company becomes insolvent. Clients of Credit Financier Invest Limited are protected by up to GBP 85,000 under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Clients of Credit Financier Invest (CFI) Limited are protected by up to EUR 20,000 under the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF).
• Maximum leverage. Capping the maximum leverage restricts the extent of market exposure to retail traders. The higher the leverage, the higher the potential profits and potential losses. The maximum retail leverage with CFI is 1:500.

Stability and Transparency

In our Trust category assessments, we evaluate factors tied to stability and transparency, including the broker’s longevity, company size, and information transparency.

According to my research, CFI has been operational for more than 25 years, which indicates its longevity and corporate stability. From CFI’s LinkedIn page, I learned that the company employs more than 500 professionals.

While setting up my account, I noticed that CFI has a highly thorough client categorization process. New users are asked to provide detailed information about their financial background, trading experience, goals, and available capital. This allows the broker to assess whether its services are a good fit for each individual, ensuring responsible and tailored access to the markets.

I also discovered that CFI caps its maximum retail leverage at 1:500, even though it could have been much higher with its offshore entities. This clearly indicates that CFI remains committed to limiting dangerous market exposure to its clients.

Additionally, the broker’s legal documents are easy to find and written clearly and user-friendly, which is a definite plus. My only transparency concern is that CFI doesn’t clearly display the commission rate for its Dynamic Trader account.

Is CFI Safe to Trade With?

I determined that CFI is very safe to trade with due to the following factors:

• Holds multiple trading licenses
• Has a robust client categorization policy
• Keeps client funds in segregated accounts
• Participates in two compensation schemes

Fees

CFI Trading Fees

CFI Spreads

I tested CFI’s spreads on 21 March 2025 during the London and New York opens. The results are shown in the table below:

I learned that CFI charges low spreads across share CFDs and gold, average spreads on oil and indices, average-to-high spreads on currency pairs, and high spreads on Bitcoin.

CFI Swaps

A swap fee is a trader’s cost for holding an open position overnight because of changing interest rates. Swap long refers to the charge deductible or credit receivable for holding a buy position open overnight. In turn, swap short relates to the charges/credits deductible or receivable for holding a selling position open overnight.

The values listed below are for one full base currency contract (100,000 units).

My live testing revealed that CFI’s swaps are average to high compared to the industry benchmark. However, overnight charges fluctuate over time.

CFI Non-Trading Fees

CFI charges a monthly inactivity fee of $10 on accounts where paid commissions fall below $10 within a given month. For example, with a pip value of $10 and an average spread of 1.4 pips, a full-sized EUR/USD trade would cost $14—enough to bypass the fee. This means traders would need to trade less than one full EUR/USD lot per month to trigger the inactivity charge.

CFI does not impose a handling fee for deposits or withdrawals, though third-party processing fees may apply.

Are CFI’s Fees Competitive?

I found that CFI’s trading fees vary depending on the instrument. During my testing, spreads on share CFDs and gold were low, while forex and Bitcoin spreads were noticeably higher. Other instruments were in line with industry averages.

I also discovered that traders can easily avoid the $10 inactivity fee by staying moderately active each month. Moreover, CFI doesn’t charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals.

Platforms and Tools

MetaTrader 5 Desktop

I tested the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) desktop platform and found it relatively easy to navigate. The main dashboard is intuitive, with charts, order types, and trading instruments located in familiar places. Even first-time users can grasp the basics with minimal effort.

However, the platform design feels a bit outdated. Compared to more modern trading platforms, MT5’s chart visuals are rugged and lack the sleek, polished look that many traders today prefer.

Availability & Features

The MT5 platform by CFI is available for Windows and Mac users and supports 39 languages, including English, Spanish, German, Arabic, and Chinese — making it accessible to traders around the globe.

MT5 features include: 

• Price Alerts: Set alerts when an instrument hits a specific price — ideal for spotting trade entry opportunities.
• Customizable Watchlists: Keep tabs on your favorite instruments with ease.
• One-Click Trading: Enter trades instantly at market price — perfect for scalpers or fast-paced traders.
• Chart Trading: Place and manage orders directly from the chart, including entry points, volume, stop-loss, and take-profit levels.

In my view, MT5 really shines when it comes to automated trading. It supports Expert Advisors (EAs) and comes with an easy-to-use strategy tester, allowing algo traders to fine-tune their systems for different market conditions.

Charting & Analysis Tools

MT5 is loaded with analytical tools, including:

• 38 built-in technical indicators: From trend-following to oscillators and volume-based tools.
• 24 drawing tools: Including Fibonacci retracements, Elliott Waves, and more for technical pattern spotting.
• 21 timeframes: Great for multi-timeframe analysis — one of the largest offerings in the industry.
• 3 chart types: Line, bar, and candlestick options let traders view price action in their preferred format.

That said, the charts can get visually cluttered quite fast — even when only two indicators are active. This can make it harder to interpret price action clearly and may not be ideal for traders who rely heavily on clean, minimalistic chart setups.

Order Types

MT5 offers three execution modes and covers all the core order types needed by most traders:

• Market Orders: Instant execution at the best available price — ideal for quick entries
• Limit Orders: Target a specific price level for entry, though execution isn’t guaranteed.
• Stop Orders: Protect open positions with predefined risk levels. Stop-loss orders automatically convert into market orders once triggered.

MT5 Desktop: My Key Takeaways

MetaTrader 5 is a solid platform for fast and straightforward trading, particularly if you’re into algorithmic strategies or use EAs. It’s reliable, packed with tools, and supports detailed trade execution.

However, its interface feels dated compared to more modern alternatives like TradingView or cTrader. If you’re a trader who values sleek design and customizable charting, MT5 might feel a bit too rigid and visually overwhelming.

CFI Trading App

CFI’s proprietary app is a powerful, all-in-one tool designed to keep traders connected and in control while on the go. It supports account management, order execution, price analysis, and access to market research.

The app also features trading ideas and technical analysis powered by Trading Central, making it a reliable companion for spotting opportunities and making informed decisions anytime, anywhere.

Another unique feature is an AI trade assistant called Kaiana, which helps traders navigate turbulent markets and spot viable trading opportunities. You can read more about it here.

The CFI Trading App features:

• 105 technical indicators;
• 84 drawing tools;
• 14 timeframes;
• 8 chart types.

CFI Trading App: My Key Takeaways

CFI’s proprietary app is a feature-rich mobile platform that allows traders to manage accounts, execute orders, analyze price action, and access market research on the go.

CFI Execution Model

From my review of CFI’s legal documents and client agreement, I assessed that CFI operates as a market maker (principal) broker. It serves as a counterparty to client orders, creating liquidity by trading against the trader. In other words, CFI would fill a client’s buying order by selling against it or buying against a selling order.

Tradable Instruments

Compared to the industry average, CFI offers better-than-average performance across all available asset classes: currency pairs, commodities, share CFDs, indices, and cryptocurrencies.

What Are CFDs?

Contracts for difference (CFDs) are derivatives that speculate on the underlying asset’s price without physical ownership.

For example, a long position on gold would generate profit as the price rises or incur a loss as it falls, all without the need to purchase actual gold bars.

One of the biggest advantages of trading CFDs is that traders can get in and out of the market almost instantaneously, thereby catching even minute changes in the price of the derivative.

What CFDs Can You Trade With CFI?

CFI Instruments: My Key Takeaways

CFI deserves major credit for its deep and diverse range of tradable instruments, but a few standout features are worth highlighting.

First, CFI offers 118 crypto assets denominated in multiple currencies, which means traders can avoid conversion fees when trading in their account currency—a rare and valuable perk.

Second, the broker provides thousands of real MENA and US stocks and ETFs, along with vanilla options. This gives experienced traders and investors the tools to build diversified portfolios and manage exposure more effectively.

Customer Support

Customer Support Channels

Customer Support Test

When we test a broker’s customer support, we evaluate the agent’s knowledge of their own website, how long it takes them to respond to questions, and how detailed their answers are.

I conducted my test on 24 March at around 14:36 CET via live chat, which is available from the client area. Before being connected to an agent, I provided my name, email address, and telephone number.

After I submitted my details, an agent connected within a minute. First, I asked about the commission on CFI’s Dynamic Trader account, but the agent did not answer my question and instead suggested transferring me to an expert.

My next question was related to the CFI platform, and the agent did not struggle as much but was still somewhat slow to respond.

Deposit and Withdrawal

CFI Deposits

CFI Withdrawals

Account Types and Terms

CFI Account Opening Process

To create an account with CFI, follow these easy steps:

1. Click ‘Get Started’ at the top-right corner of the main page.
2. Fill in your name, email address, and country of residence.
3. Provide your phone number and choose a password.
4. Confirm your email by submitting an OTP.
5. Fill in the rest of your personal details.
6. Provide your employment and financial details.
7. Expound upon your trading experience.
8. Choose an account type.
9. Agree to CFI’s Terms and Conditions.
10. Upload proof of ID and proof of address to verify your account.

CFI Account Types

Both accounts do not have a minimum deposit requirement and feature a combination of 100% margin call and 50% stop-out, protecting traders (to a certain extent) against adverse market volatility.

However, in my opinion, CFI’s Zero Commission account is the better option. It has a more straightforward pricing mechanism and a greater range of trading platforms.

Demo Accounts

CFI offers a demo account that introduces traders to the broker’s services and allows them to tweak their strategies in a risk-free environment. The market is continually evolving and never static, so it is important to hone your skills in a safe environment. You can set up a demo account for yourself before or alongside your live CFD account.

Islamic Accounts

CFI offers Islamic accounts for swap-free trading that are compatible with Sharia law. For additional information, please contact CFI’s customer support.

What is CFD Leverage?

Leverage determines a trader’s overall market exposure. When trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), positions can be opened for a fraction of their value because of leverage. Essentially, the broker lends the trader money so that they can open bigger positions. Leverage multiplies the profits a trader generates from winning positions but also the losses incurred from failed trades.

Maximum Leverage By Asset Class

In the table below, I have listed the maximum retail leverage available with CFI for instruments from different asset classes:

CFI Restricted Countries

CFI does not accept as clients residents of the US, Syria, Sudan, North Korea, or any other jurisdiction where trading is prohibited by law.

Research

Research Tools

The most rudimentary of the bunch, CFI’s economic calendar informs traders of upcoming financial news and economic releases. Such events are highly anticipated as they create viable trading opportunities.

CFI publishes comprehensive weekly market reports that track major economic trends and present a broad picture of what, how, and why is driving the market.

Trading Central’s Market Buzz tool is a unique market sentiment gauge that tracks social media mentions of specific assets. Monitoring how frequently an asset is being discussed helps traders identify potential spikes in market interest and volatility, offering early clues about possible price moves.

The most valuable of the bunch, Trading Central’s featured trading signals highlight active trading setups as they unfold. Each signal includes a suggested entry point, take-profit and stop-loss levels, and the anticipated market direction.

CFI Research: My Key Takeaways

I rate CFI’s market research offering as wide and diverse. Traders can access a variety of market breakdowns, detailed reports, and actionable trading signals for day trading. I appreciated most that the content is layered and caters to the specific needs of different types of traders.

Education

I found that CFI has published a series of educational articles and several recorded webinars covering a variety of trading topics. While the content is high quality, it lacks depth, and I expected to see more webinar episodes, especially given their value to beginners.

I also counted 19 educational videos on CFI’s YouTube channel, available in multiple languages.

The broker also holds regular monthly seminars in cities within its operational regions. These events allow participants to learn about the intricacies of the general trading experience hands-on.

The Bottom Line

The UAE-headquartered CFI, established in 1998, is an excellent derivatives broker that distinguishes itself with its massive instrument offering and wide selection of trading platforms.

A forex and CFDs leader in MENA countries, CFI leads the way with its 15,000 tradable and investment products and versatile Multi-Asset platform. The broker also supports the industry-renowned MT5 and TradingView.

As a treat for those interested in algo trading, CFI offers Capitalise.ai for code-free trade automation. For day traders always looking for the next trading opportunity, the broker provides content from Trading Central, one of the biggest and most trusted providers of market insights.

But CFI is not without its drawbacks. The broker’s educational content is not sufficient for new traders, and its customer support can be inconsistent.

All in all, I rate CFI as one of those rare brokers that offer something for everybody: from the inexperienced newbies to seasoned algo traders.

FAQ