How we select, rank and rate providers
How this comparison works
This page sets out how providers are selected, ordered and rated on this site, how the site is financed, and what the figures shown in the comparison tables do and do not mean. It is published so that readers can judge the comparison for themselves.
How we are financed
We receive compensation from providers listed on this site. Compensation is normally paid when a reader opens an account with a provider after following a link from these pages. Links to providers are affiliate links and are marked as such.
Two consequences follow, and readers should be aware of both. Compensation influences which providers we cover, and it influences the order in which they appear. We do not cover every provider available in the market, and the absence of a provider from these pages is not a judgement about that provider.
How providers are selected
A provider is eligible for inclusion where the following can be established from public sources: the operating entity and its jurisdiction of registration, the supervisory status of that entity, the trading platforms offered, and the published account conditions. Providers whose operating entity cannot be identified are not listed.
How the order is determined
The order of providers within a comparison table is determined by the following parameters. Where compensation influences placement, that placement is marked.
| Parameter | Weighting | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Supervisory status | High | Which authority supervises the operating entity, and whether the licence can be verified in that authority's public register |
| Transparency of conditions | High | Whether account conditions, costs and withdrawal terms are published in full and in an accessible form |
| Trading infrastructure | Medium | Platforms offered, execution model, available instruments |
| Account conditions | Medium | Minimum funding, spreads, leverage available to the relevant client category |
| Operating history | Low | Length of documented operation under the current entity |
| Commercial agreement | Low | Whether a compensation arrangement exists; where it affects placement this is marked |
How ratings are calculated
The star rating summarises the parameters above on a scale of one to five. It is an editorial assessment, not a measurement, and it is not a recommendation to open an account with any provider. The rating reflects the position at the time of the last review; the date of the last review is shown on each provider page.
Ratings are not supplied or approved by the providers and cannot be purchased. Where a provider disputes an assessment, the dispute is recorded on the provider page.
Figures shown in the comparison
Leverage
The leverage figure shown is the maximum offered by the provider's own entity as published by that provider. It is not necessarily available to every client. Leverage available to a retail client depends on the entity holding the account and on the rules applying to that entity; the maximum available under a given licence may be considerably lower than the figure shown. Readers should establish which entity would hold their account before relying on the figure.
Incentives
Where an incentive is listed, the figure is the headline value published by the provider. Incentives are typically subject to conditions — turnover requirements, withdrawal restrictions and expiry periods — that determine whether the incentive can be realised. Availability depends on the entity holding the account and on the rules applying to that entity.
Supervisory status
Supervisory information is taken from the provider's own disclosures and, where possible, checked against the relevant public register. Where a licence is stated by the provider but could not be verified independently, this is marked with an asterisk in the comparison.
Accuracy and updates
Conditions in this market change frequently and without notice. The figures on this site reflect the position at the time of the last review and may be out of date. The provider's own terms are the authoritative source in every case, and readers should check them before acting.
Corrections are welcome. Where an error is reported and confirmed, the affected page is updated and the correction noted.
What this site is not
This site publishes information and comparison. It does not provide investment advice, does not make personal recommendations, and does not arrange transactions on behalf of readers. No content on this site takes account of any individual reader's circumstances, objectives or financial situation.
