Best CFD Broker Australia in 2026
A practical comparison of ASIC‑regulated and global CFD brokers in Australia, covering costs, leverage limits, platforms and safety features so traders can match each broker to their strategy and risk profile
CFDs and other leveraged derivatives are complex instruments that carry a high risk of rapid capital loss, and a significant proportion of retail investors lose money when trading them. The contents of this article are for general educational purposes only and do not represent any form of legal, financial, investment or tax advice and should not be viewed as a recommendation to use any specific brokerage firm, strategy or methodology. All trading decisions should take into consideration the trader's personal investment goals, their financial situation and their individual risk tolerance, and where appropriate, independent professional advice should be sought before entering into any trading activities. The regulatory environment, leverage restrictions, fees and all protections (including negative balance protection) offered by each brokerage firm can be very different from one another and can also change on a continual basis. Therefore, traders are advised to always confirm with the individual brokerage directly prior to opening a trading account.
Finding the best CFD broker in Australia comes down to regulation, pricing, platforms, and risk protection. ASIC‑licensed brokers such as ThinkMarkets, IC Markets, Eightcap, FP Markets, TMGM, Axi, GO Markets and Admirals combine strong oversight with competitive spreads and multi‑asset platforms, but each serves a slightly different trader profile.
- Emphasise on ASIC regulations, limitations on leverage and automated regulated safeguards (e.g. negative account balance protection) for retail traders.
- Total trading charges should be compared (spreads, commissions, swap fees, market data fees and account charges) not only headline spreads alone.
- Different trading styles require different platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView); choose a platform based on the trader’s trading strategy or preference, from discretionary swing to full automation.
- Use brokers that can provide clear risk warnings, set out clear rules regarding margin calls/stop-out levels and who take strong measures to protect clients' funds.
The overview below focuses on each broker’s background, key highlights, main pros and cons, and which type of trader it is generally best for.
Quick Comparison Table
Best CFD Broker Australia in 2026
Multi‑Asset, Multi‑Regulated Global CFD and Forex Broker
Highlights
Regulation
Multi‑regulated broker.
ASIC, FCA, CySEC, FSCA, DFSA, CIMA, FSC, FMA
Instruments
,000+ CFDs across FX, indices, equities and commodities.
Pricing
Tight FX and CFD spreads with product‑specific fee schedules.
Execution
Equinix‑based infrastructure with strong data security.
Protection
Negative balance protection and extensive free education.
BYDFis Takes
- Strong multi‑jurisdiction regulation including ASIC in Australia
- Negative balance protection helps ensure losses do not exceed account equity
- Broad instrument list and multiple asset classes for diversification
- Share dealing and some services have separate fee schedules that require careful review
- Platform and product range may feel complex for complete beginners
Background
ThinkMarkets is a multi‑regulated broker founded in 2010, with offices across Australia, Asia, Europe, the UK, the UAE and South Africa, and clients in more than 165 countries. It holds licences from regulators including ASIC, FCA, CySEC, FSCA, DFSA, CIMA, FSC and the New Zealand FMA, reflecting its global footprint.
Best For
ThinkMarkets is best for globally focused traders who want a wide choice of CFDs and FX pairs under multiple regulators, plus built‑in negative balance protection and strong education.
Low‑Spread ECN‑Style Forex and CFD Trading Provider
Highlights
Regulation
lobal entities including FSA Seychelles.
separate from ASIC retail rules
Instruments
2,250+ products spanning FX, indices, commodities, shares and bonds.
Pricing
Raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs with commission accounts.
Infrastructure
Low‑latency execution via Equinix NY4 and other hubs.
Service
24/7 dedicated support and “Excellent” Trustpilot rating.
BYDFis Takes
- Very tight spreads and transparent raw‑spread account model
- Infrastructure and liquidity optimised for algorithmic and high‑frequency trading
- Broad multi‑asset offering and multiple account types
- Global entity highlighted is regulated by FSA Seychelles, so protections differ from ASIC retail rules
- Negative balance protection is not guaranteed in all jurisdictions, and high leverage significantly amplifies risk
Background
IC Markets Global is a high‑volume forex and CFD provider aimed at active day traders and scalpers, as well as newer traders seeking institutional‑style pricing. It reports millions of trades per day and trillions of dollars in volume up to October 2025, with a large global client base.
Best For
IC Markets is best for experienced traders and scalpers who prioritise ultra‑low spreads, high execution speed and advanced platform support, and who understand the trade‑off between higher leverage and regulatory protections.
CFD Broker with Extensive Crypto and Multi‑Asset Derivatives Offering
Highlights
Regulation
Australian‑founded broker regulated by ASIC and other jurisdictions.
AUDUSD spec
0.01 minimum lot, 100,000 contract size, up to 40 lots per trade.
Accounts
Standard (≈1.2‑pip min spread, no commission) and Raw (≈0.2‑pip + US$7/lot).
Platforms
MT4, MT5 and TradingView for discretionary and algo trading.
Leverage
Up to 1:30 on ASIC entity; up to 1:500 via offshore entities.
BYDFis Takes
- Competitive raw spreads on major FX pairs and transparent AUDUSD specifications
- Choice of standard and raw accounts to match different trading styles
- ASIC‑regulated entity with leverage up to 1:30, plus offshore entities up to 1:500
- Higher leverage options are only available through non‑ASIC entities, which may not suit traders who prioritise domestic regulation
- Fees for overnight positions and swaps require reviewing instrument‑by‑instrument details
Background
Eightcap is an Australian‑founded trading technology provider that operates an award‑winning derivatives brokerage alongside tailored solutions for businesses. It is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including ASIC in Australia, and focuses on infrastructure that supports modern, scalable trading experiences.
Best For
Eightcap is best for cost‑conscious FX and index traders who value raw spreads, platform flexibility and the option to choose between ASIC‑regulated conditions and higher‑leverage offshore entities.
Global CFD and Forex Broker with Wide Market Access
Highlights
Regulation
Australian broker with multi‑jurisdiction licences and segregated client funds.
Instruments
10,000+ CFDs across seven asset classes.
Pricing
Raw spreads from 0.0 pips with transparent MT4/5 and cTrader fee tables.
Support
24/7 multilingual customer service and rich education resources.
Protection
Negative balance protection available for many retail clients.
BYDFis Takes
- Very broad instrument list suitable for multi‑asset strategies
- Competitive spreads and commissions on raw accounts for active traders
- Strong educational resources and 24/7 multilingual client support
- Leverage and specific protections vary by regulatory entity, so conditions are not identical for all clients
- Multiple platforms and fee structures can be complex for first‑time CFD traders
Background
FP Markets is an Australian broker with more than 20 years of trading experience, offering over 10,000 CFDs across seven asset classes. It positions itself as a multi‑regulated brand with segregated client funds, multilingual support (11+ languages) and a strong partnership network.
Best For
FP Markets is best for traders who want institutional‑style spreads and access to thousands of share and index CFDs, as well as partners seeking an established Australian broker with strong support.
Multi‑Asset CFD and Forex Broker with Global Reach
Highlights
Regulation
Global CFD broker regulated by ASIC, VFSC, FSA Seychelles and FSC Mauritius.
Instruments
Hundreds of products across six major asset classes.
Pricing
Tight FX spreads from around 0.1 pips with deep aggregated liquidity.
Platforms
MT4 and MT5 backed by oneZero‑powered pricing engine.
Transparency
Clear swap formulas and margin details in the help centre.
BYDFis Takes
- Competitive pricing and strong liquidity aggregation for FX and indices
- Multiple robust regulators, including ASIC, VFSC, FSA Seychelles and FSC Mauritius
- Technology stack suited to algorithmic trading and EAs
- Detailed cost structures around swaps and margin can be technical for beginners
- Higher‑leverage options are generally offered via offshore entities, not the ASIC licence
Background
TMGM operates as a worldwide CFD broker, providing services in over 150 international markets, with a trading volume that has surpassed $820 billion. In addition to being regulated by four different countries, including ASC, TMGM takes pride in being able to provide clients with access to deep levels of liquidity and advanced order routing technology.
Best For
TMGM is best for intermediate and advanced traders who value ECN‑style conditions, multiple asset classes and technology designed for automated and high‑frequency trading.
Online Forex and CFD Broker with Global Regulatory Footprint
Highlights
Regulation
Group entities supervised by ASIC, FMA and additional regulators.
Access
Minimum deposit from about US$5 with 1,000+ instruments to trade.
Pricing
Average spreads from ~0.6 pips; leverage up to 1:1000 on some entities.
Tools
MT4 plus Autochartist and a comprehensive education hub.
Protection
Negative balance protection for ASIC‑regulated retail accounts.
BYDFis Takes
- Very low entry threshold for new traders due to small minimum deposit
- Strong education offering: courses, guides, videos, tutorials and eBooks
- ASIC retail accounts benefit from negative balance protection, limiting downside risk
- Wholesale and some offshore accounts do not have negative balance protection
- High leverage availability can encourage over‑sizing positions if risk management is weak
Background
Axi is an execution‑only CFD broker established in 2007 that offers trading across forex, commodities, indices and other markets. Its group includes entities regulated by ASIC in Australia, the FMA in New Zealand, and regulators in the UAE and the UK.
Best For
Axi is best for cost‑sensitive traders who want to start small while using professional‑grade tools and education, especially those who value negative balance protection under ASIC.
Australia‑Founded CFD Broker Focused on Forex and Index Trading
Highlights
Regulation
Long‑standing Australian MetaTrader broker regulated by ASIC, CySEC, Mauritius.
Instruments
2,000+ trading products including FX and share CFDs.
Infrastructure
Strong focus on fast execution and reliable MT4/MT5 environment.
Pricing
Transparent FX and share‑CFD fees, including market‑data charges where applicable
BYDFis Takes
- Long track record in the Australian CFD market and strong local presence
- Competitive FX and CFD pricing with clear disclosure of data fees and commissions
- Combination of local insight and global market access
- Market‑data fees apply for certain share CFD markets, adding to overall cost
- Platform suite is oriented toward serious traders rather than app‑only beginners
Background
GO Markets is one of Australia’s longest‑running MetaTrader brokers, founded in 2006 to provide a fast and fair trading environment. It has grown into a globally connected broker with clients in more than 150 countries and entities regulated in Australia, Cyprus and Mauritius.
Best For
GO Markets is best for traders who prefer MetaTrader‑based FX and CFD trading with an Australian‑rooted broker that combines domestic regulation with global reach.
Global Multi‑Asset CFD Broker with Thousands of Tradable Instruments
Highlights
Regulation
Global broker operating under CySEC, FSA Seychelles and ASIC
AFSL 410681
Accounts
Flexible Trade (spread‑only) and Zero (tight spreads + commission) accounts.
Features
Multi‑currency accounts with internal transfers between base currencies.
Education
Extensive webinars, seminars, books and online learning materials.
Protection
Negative balance protection policy for some professional clients, subject to caps.
BYDFis Takes
- Low forex CFD trading costs and clear commission structures on specialised accounts
- Deep education and analytics offering for research‑driven traders
- Global regulatory setup, including ASIC oversight for Australian clients
- Negative balance protection terms differ by client category and entity, with caps for some pro clients
- Multiple account types (Trade vs Zero) and commission tiers require careful review of contract specifications
Background
Admirals is a global trading provider offering investment services in forex and CFDs on indices, metals, energies and stocks, along with some exchange‑traded products. It operates under several regulators, including CySEC, FSA Seychelles and ASIC in Australia (AFSL 410681).
Best For
Admirals is best for traders who want a mix of low FX costs, advanced research tools and flexible multi‑currency accounts under a broad regulatory umbrella, including ASIC.
On this topic
How do I choose the best CFD broker in Australia?
Selecting the best CFD broker in Australia starts with regulation, because ASIC‑licensed entities must follow leverage caps, conduct rules and disclosure standards that aim to protect retail traders. After confirming that a broker is authorised by ASIC (or that you understand the implications of using an offshore entity), compare total trading costs, including spreads, commissions, swaps, market‑data fees and any account charges. Platform choice is another key factor: MetaTrader 4 and 5, cTrader and TradingView all cater to different trading styles, from discretionary swing trading to fully automated strategies. Features of risk, which include things such as negative-balance protection, the clear articulation of margin-call policy, and stop-out levels being documented, provide an extra level of protection in fast-moving markets. Also, softer factors, such as educational content and the quality of research, along with access to customer service, can significantly impact the overall experience of a trader, especially for those who are developing their trading skills.
What role does ASIC regulation play for CFD traders?
ASIC regulation shapes how CFDs are offered to Australian retail clients by limiting leverage, restricting sales incentives and requiring clear risk warnings. For example, leverage is capped at about 30:1 for major FX pairs, 20:1 for minor FX and gold, 10:1 for most commodity and minor index CFDs, and 2:1 for crypto‑asset CFDs, which materially reduces the chance of very large losses from small market moves. ASIC also mandates margin‑close‑out protections and negative balance protections for many retail CFD accounts, aiming to prevent traders from owing money beyond their deposits. To comply with applicable capital adequacy, reporting, and conduct standards, brokers must also comply with other standards as stated above; brokers face regulatory oversight and possible enforcement action if these are not met. Many traders may opt to use an offshore entity in order to gain increased leverage; however, such means often provide lower levels of protection and will usually involve different procedures for filing complaints than their domestic counterparts; therefore, careful consideration should be given when choosing this approach.
How do spreads, commissions and swaps differ between these brokers?
Spreads, commissions and swaps vary by broker, account type and instrument, and together determine the real cost of trading. Many Australian brokers, including IC Markets, Eightcap, Axi and FP Markets, offer raw‑spread accounts where major FX pairs can show spreads near 0.0 pips, but with a fixed commission per standard lot, often around US$7 round turn. Standard accounts, by contrast, typically widen the spread slightly and remove explicit commissions, which can be simpler for some traders but less cost‑efficient for high‑volume scalpers. Swaps (overnight financing charges or credits) apply when positions are held past rollover time, and each broker publishes instrument‑specific swap rates and contract specifications that traders should review for frequently traded pairs like AUDUSD. Some brokers also charge market‑data fees for share CFDs or platform extras, as seen with GO Markets’ share‑data charges and ThinkMarkets’ separate rate card for share‑trading services, so it is important to factor these into overall cost comparisons.
Why is negative balance protection important when trading CFDs?
Negative balance protection (NBP) limits the risk that a client’s account will fall below zero, ensuring they do not owe the broker money after extreme market moves. In leveraged products like CFDs, sharp price gaps or fast markets can cause losses that exceed the collateral in an account before stop‑outs or margin calls can close positions. Brokers such as ThinkMarkets, FP Markets and Axi explicitly highlight negative balance protection for many retail clients, particularly under ASIC regulation, so that realised losses cannot exceed deposited funds. Without NBP, which is the case for some professional accounts or offshore entities, traders may face liability for a negative account balance following a flash crash or illiquid gap. While NBP is not a substitute for prudent position sizing and stop‑loss use, it acts as a backstop in rare but severe scenarios, and therefore should be part of the checklist when choosing a CFD broker.
What trading platforms do Australian CFD brokers usually offer?
Most leading Australian CFD brokers focus on a core set of multi‑asset platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader and, increasingly, TradingView. MT4 remains widely used for forex and CFD trading thanks to its large ecosystem of indicators and Expert Advisors, making it popular with algorithmic traders and signal‑copying services. MT5 extends MT4 with more timeframes, extra order types and a broader multi‑asset focus, although some traders find it slightly less intuitive. cTrader offers a more modern interface, native depth‑of‑market tools and improved order‑entry workflows, which appeals to scalpers and traders who rely on detailed Level II views. TradingView is favoured for advanced charting, scripting and social features, and some brokers now support direct trade execution from TradingView charts. Australian‑regulated brokers such as Pepperstone, Eightcap, FP Markets and others typically offer at least MT4/MT5 plus one additional platform, so traders can match platform choice to their style, whether discretionary swing trading, intraday scalping or automated strategies.
How risky is CFD trading, and what do official warnings say?
Regulators and consumer‑education sites consistently classify CFDs as complex and high‑risk products that can lead to rapid and substantial losses. ASIC and MoneySmart highlight that leverage allows traders to control a large notional exposure with a relatively small margin deposit, so even small adverse price moves can wipe out an account quickly. Official materials also emphasise that many retail clients lose money trading CFDs, and that margin calls, slippage and market gaps can cause losses that exceed expectations and, without protection, could exceed deposits. ASIC’s regulatory guides require brokers to provide prominent risk warnings in product disclosure statements, on websites and in trading platforms, stating clearly that CFDs may not be suitable for most retail investors. These warnings encourage traders to consider whether they understand how CFDs work, whether they can afford to lose their money and whether they have sufficient experience and time to manage positions actively in highly volatile markets.
What exactly is negative balance protection and how does it work?
Negative balance protection (NBP) is a safeguard that prevents a client’s CFD trading account from ending up below zero, even if markets move sharply against open positions. In fast or illiquid conditions, stop‑loss orders can be filled at worse prices than expected, and margin‑close‑out systems may not prevent the account from slipping into a negative balance, especially when high leverage is involved. With NBP, if theoretical losses would push the account to a negative figure, the broker typically resets the balance to zero and absorbs the shortfall, so the client does not owe additional money beyond deposited funds and realised profits. Certain jurisdictions (e.g., Australia and parts of Europe) have a regulatory requirement for NBP on most retail CFD accounts; however, treatments for professional clients and offshore entities may differ. Traders must always confirm their account type and the regulatory regime under which they are operating to determine if their account has NBP protection; therefore, NBP is a last resort only and should not be considered a replacement for responsible risk management practices and managing reasonable position sizes.
How do ASIC’s latest rules affect margin calls and stop‑outs?
ASIC’s product‑intervention rules introduce standardised protections around margin close‑out and negative balances for many Australian retail CFD accounts. Under these rules, if a client’s funds fall below a defined percentage of the total initial margin required (commonly 50%), one or more CFD positions must be closed as soon as market conditions allow, helping to cap further losses. This mechanism is designed to trigger earlier than many legacy broker‑specific policies, reducing the chance that large unrealised losses continue to accumulate unchecked. Alongside this, ASIC framework means total losses on retail CFD positions should not exceed the funds in the trading account, effectively embedding negative balance protection at a regulatory level. However, these protections apply to ASIC‑regulated retail clients and may not extend to wholesale or offshore accounts serviced by the same broker group. Traders should check their product disclosure statements and account terms to understand precise margin‑call thresholds, stop‑out levels and any exceptions that may apply.