Best Brokers For Expats 2025
After digging into the offerings for expat traders at countless brokers, these providers excelled as the best, meeting the complex needs of expatriate traders.
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1Plus500 is a reputable broker that began operating in the US in 2021. It is accredited by the CFTC and NFA to provide futures trading on forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and interest rates. The creation of an account on Plus500 takes only 10 minutes, and you need a minimum of $100 to start trading. Its user-friendly web platform makes it a strong choice for US traders.
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2NinjaTrader is a US-based brokerage regulated for trading futures. It offers three different pricing plans for varied needs and budgets, along with extremely low margins on popular contracts. The company's renowned charting software and trading platform provides extensive customization options and excellent technical analysis features.
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3Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a top brokerage firm offering access to 150 markets in 33 countries and a range of investment services. With 40 years in the field, this company listed on Nasdaq strictly follows the rules set by authorities such as the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC. It's recognized as one of the most reliable brokers for global trading.
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4eToro is a platform for social investing that provides options for both short and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto. The platform is recognized for its easy-to-use, community-oriented interface and reasonable fees. With oversight from FINRA and SIPC, and used by millions globally, eToro is a reputed name in the industry. Trading on eToro is facilitated by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
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5Established in 1999, FOREX.com is part of StoneX, a global financial services company that serves over a million customers. It's regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia, and other countries. The broker offers a wide range of markets beyond forex and provides competitive pricing on advanced platforms.
Top Expat-Friendly Brokers Compared
| Broker |  |
USD Account |
Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Leverage |
Copy Trading |
Regulator |
Instruments |
Platforms |
Account Currencies |
Automated Trading |
AI |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | ✓ | $100 | 0.0 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | CFTC, NFA | Futures on Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Agriculture, Forex, Interest rates, Energy, Equity Index future contracts | WebTrader, App | USD | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | |
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✓ | ✓ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | 1:50 | ✗ | NFA, CFTC | Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal | USD | NinjaScript or via Automated Trading Interface | ✗ | ✗ | |
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✓ | ✓ | $0 | $100 | 1:50 | ✗ | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF | Capitalise.ai & TWS API | ✓ | ✗ | |
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✓ | ✓ | $100 | $10 | ✗ | ✓ | SEC, FINRA | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader | USD | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | |
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✓ | ✓ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | 1:50 | ✗ | NFA, CFTC | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures OptionsForex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✓ | ✗ | |
| Broker | |
USD Account |
Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Leverage |
Copy Trading |
Regulator |
Instruments |
Platforms |
Account Currencies |
Automated Trading |
AI |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
How Safe Are International Brokers For Expats?
Security is key when trading from abroad. Explore how the top expat-friendly brokers keep your funds protected across borders:
| Broker | Trust Rating |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
Negative Balance Protection |
Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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✗ | ✗ | ✓ | |
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✗ | ✗ | ✗ | |
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✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
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✗ | ✗ | ✓ | |
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✗ | ✓ | ✗ | |
| Broker | Trust Rating |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
Negative Balance Protection |
Segregated Accounts |
Best Mobile Apps For Expat Traders
We tested global trading apps for performance. Here’s how the top expat brokers handled mobile access and speed:
| Broker | Mobile Apps |
iOS Rating |
Android Rating |
Smart Watch App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
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iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
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iOS & Android | ✓ | ||
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iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
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iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
| Broker | Mobile Apps |
iOS Rating |
Android Rating |
Smart Watch App |
Are Expat Brokers Suitable For New Traders?
New to trading while living abroad? These brokers make it easy for expats to get started, manage risk, and trade confidently:
| Broker | Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Education Rating |
Support Rating |
Fractional Shares |
Demo Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | $100 | 0.0 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $0 | $100 | ✓ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $100 | $10 | ✓ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | ||
| Broker | Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Education Rating |
Support Rating |
Fractional Shares |
Demo Competitions |
Are International Brokers Right For Experienced Expats?
Advanced expat traders need flexibility and tools that work globally. See which brokers meet professional needs, no matter the location:
| Broker | Automated Trading |
VPS |
API |
AI |
Pro Account |
Leverage |
Low Latency |
Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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NinjaScript or via Automated Trading Interface | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:50 | ✓ | ✗ |
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Capitalise.ai & TWS API | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | 1:50 | ✓ | ✓ |
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✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
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Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | 1:50 | ✓ | ✗ |
| Broker | Automated Trading |
VPS |
API |
AI |
Pro Account |
Leverage |
Low Latency |
Extended Hours |
Accounts Comparison
Compare the trading accounts offered by Best Brokers For Expats 2025.
| Broker | Demo Account |
Interest on Cash |
Islamic Account |
Joint Account |
Managed Account |
PAMM |
MAM |
LAMM |
Pro Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | USD: 4.8%, GBP: 4.7% | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | USD: 4.9% | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Broker | Demo Account |
Interest on Cash |
Islamic Account |
Joint Account |
Managed Account |
PAMM |
MAM |
LAMM |
Pro Account |
Top Brokers For Expats – Full Ratings Comparison
See how the best-rated international brokers for expats scored in our expert ratings across vital areas:
| Broker | Trust |
Platforms |
Assets |
Mobile |
Fees |
Accounts |
Research |
Education |
Support |
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| Broker | Trust |
Platforms |
Assets |
Mobile |
Fees |
Accounts |
Research |
Education |
Support |
Compare Fees At Top Brokers For Expats
Living abroad? Fee structures matter even more. Here’s how top expat trading platforms stack up on costs:
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD Stocks Spread |
EUR/USD Spread |
Crypto Spread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✗ | $0 | ✗ | 0.75 | ✗ | |
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✗ | $25 | ✗ | 1.3 | Floating | |
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✗ | $0 | 0.003 | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value | 0.12%-0.18% | |
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✓ | $10 | $0 | ✗ | BTC 0.75% | |
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✗ | $15 | 0.14 | 1.2 | BTC 1.4%, ETH 2% | |
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD Stocks Spread |
EUR/USD Spread |
Crypto Spread |
Which Brokers Are Most Popular With Expat Traders?
Expat traders often choose global brokers known for reach. Here’s which platforms are most used by international clients:
| Broker | Popularity |
|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers |
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| eToro USA |
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| NinjaTrader |
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| FOREX.com |
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Why Trade With Plus500 US?
Plus500 US is an excellent choice for beginners, offering a user-friendly platform, low trading margins, and access to the Futures Academy to improve trading skills. Its strong tools and reliable service earned it second place in DayTrading.com's 'Best US Broker' award.
Pros
- The account setup, pricing structure, and web platform make futures trading simpler than competitors like NinjaTrader.
- The trading app offers an excellent user interface with an updated design, straightforward layout, and charts optimized for mobile use.
- Plus500 is a respected publicly traded company. It boasts an impressive base of over 24 million traders and sponsors the Chicago Bulls, adding to its credibility.
Cons
- Plus500 US presently offers about 50 futures for trading, but currently does not provide stocks.
- Plus500 US doesn't include social trading features, unlike platforms such as eToro US. Including this feature may benefit potential traders.
- The private trading platform is easy to use, but doesn't have the advanced analysis tools that platforms like MetaTrader 4 do.
Why Trade With NinjaTrader?
NinjaTrader consistently satisfies active futures traders with its low-cost service and high-quality analysis tools. It offers superior charting features, including hundreds of indicators and over 10 chart types.
Pros
- NinjaTrader is a well-regarded and acclaimed futures broker, approved by the NFA and CFTC.
- Traders can access a free platform and trade simulation capabilities with the unlimited demo.
- Low costs, with $50 trading margins and commissions starting at $.09 per micro contract.
Cons
- Some payment methods require a withdrawal fee.
- You need to register with partner brokers to trade in securities other than forex and futures.
- The advanced trading tools require an additional fee.
Why Trade With Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers is ideal for seasoned traders due to its robust charting platforms, updated data, and adaptability, especially with the IBKR Desktop application. Its exceptional pricing and advanced order features appeal to traders, and its variety of stocks remains unmatched in the market.
Pros
- The new IBKR Desktop platform combines the advantages of TWS and adds unique tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to make trading accessible and impressive for traders of all levels.
- IBKR provides a cost-effective platform for traders by offering low fees, narrow spreads, and clear pricing.
- The TWS platform is designed for intermediate to advanced traders. It includes over 100 order types and a dependable real-time market data feed that rarely experiences downtime.
Cons
- Only one active session per account is allowed, which means you can't run the desktop version and mobile app at the same time. This can sometimes lead to a frustrating trading experience.
- IBKR offers many research tools. However, the tools are not uniformly distributed across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page, causing confusion for the users.
- TWS's platform may be difficult for beginners to grasp because of its complexity. Plus500's web platform, on the other hand, is more appropriate for those new to trading.
Why Trade With eToro USA?
eToro is a top choice for traders due to its top-notch social investing and copy trading services. The broker caters well to new traders with its low deposit requirement, commission-free trading, and user-friendly platform.
Pros
- The low minimum deposit and simple account setup allow beginners to start trading quickly.
- The online broker provides a user-friendly social investment network for easy crypto trading replication.
- The broker's Academy provides extensive educational resources for traders, ranging from beginners to advanced levels.
Cons
- There are fewer trading options available, including only stocks, ETFs, and cryptos, compared to competitors.
- The exclusive terminal does not accommodate trading bots and lacks extra equity market analysis tools.
- Traders used to third-party charting tools won't find MetaTrader 4 platform integration.
Why Trade With FOREX.com?
FOREX.com is a top-tier brokerage suitable for forex traders of all skill levels. It offers more than 80 currency pairs, has small spreads starting from 0.0 pips, and features low fees. The platform provides powerful charting tools that include over 100 technical indicators and multiple research aids.
Pros
- Numerous educational materials such as tutorials, webinars, and a comprehensive YouTube channel are available to assist you in learning about the financial markets.
- The Web Trader remains one of the top platforms for budding traders, boasting a sleek design and more than 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
- FOREX.com provides top-tier forex pricing beginning at 0.0 pips. They also offer competitive cashback rebates up to 15% for dedicated traders.
Cons
- FOREX.com has expanded their trading offerings, but these remain limited to forex and CFDs. Unfortunately, they don't provide options to invest in actual stocks, ETFs, or cryptocurrencies.
- Demo accounts have a limited time duration of 90 days, which may not be sufficient for thoroughly testing trading strategies.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform provides around 600 instruments for trading, which is considerably less than the 5,500+ options accessible on its other platforms.
Filters
How We Ranked The Top Brokers For Expats
To find the best brokers for expat traders, we used our proprietary overall rating system, which blends insights from 200+ individual data points across 8 core categories, including trusted regulation, international accessibility, platform usability, and fees.
Our team also conducted hands-on tests with each broker, considering factors like multi-currency support and ease of account opening, as well as the overall trading experience.
What To Look For In A Broker As An Expat Trader
Expatriates, or expats, are individuals living and working outside their countries of citizenship for extended periods. The number of expats has been increasing rapidly with globalization and technology.
Expats require specific features from a trading broker due to their need to manage finances globally, handle complex tax situations, and seek customer support tailored for international traders.
Here are the key factors to consider:
Global Accessibility
If you’re an expat, you already know that life across borders comes with its fair share of logistical headaches. From switching time zones to navigating new currencies and tax rules, the last thing you want is a broker that adds more friction. That’s why global accessibility matters.
Top Pick: IG isn’t just another well-known broker. It’s a truly international platform, serving clients in over 100 countries. Whether you’re setting up shop in Spain, relocating to Singapore, or bouncing between continents, IG makes sure you can still trade without missing a beat. The best part? IG gives you access to more than 17,000 markets. So, even if you’re living somewhere with limited local trading opportunities, you can still tap into global stocks, forex pairs, indices, commodities, and more; it’s all from one account.
IG offers a user-friendly platform that will meet the needs of expat traders worldwide with 17,000+ global instruments
Regulatory Compliance
One of the biggest concerns expats have when choosing a broker? Trust.
When you’re living overseas, navigating unfamiliar legal systems, and wiring money internationally, you want to know your trading platform is rock solid and fully regulated. Because let’s face it: nobody wants to get caught up with a sketchy offshore broker while living halfway across the world.
That’s why regulatory compliance should be a non-negotiable when picking a broker as an expat. The best platforms are overseen by multiple top-tier authorities, which means more protection for your funds, better transparency, and a higher standard of customer care. It’s the difference between sleeping well at night or not.
Top Pick: When it comes to ticking all the regulatory boxes, AvaTrade shines. AvaTrade is licensed across a wide range of jurisdictions, including the Central Bank of Ireland (for EU traders), ASIC in Australia, FSCA in South Africa, and even ADGM in the UAE. That kind of global oversight is precisely what you want when trading from abroad—it helps ensure your money is handled securely and that the broker operates with accountability no matter where you log in.
Localized Support
When you’re living abroad, even simple things like opening a bank account or reading utility bills can turn into a full-blown puzzle.
So, when it comes to trading, having access to customer support in your own language and with familiar payment options can make a huge difference.
Top Pick: That’s where AvaTrade comes through again. Not only does AvaTrade offer multi-language customer support (we’re talking English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, and more), but their service is responsive and helpful based on our tests: no long waits, no awkward chatbot loops. Whether you’re trying to sort out a withdrawal or just have a quick question about leverage, it’s a relief to get answers that make sense in your native language.
Diverse Investment Options
When living abroad, your financial goals don’t stop at the border. In fact, for many expats, trading is about more than just forex; it’s about building a truly global portfolio.
That’s why choosing a broker with a wide range of investment products is essential. You want options that suit your strategy, risk appetite, and long-term plans, no matter where you are.
Top Pick: This is precisely where CMC Markets takes the lead. CMC isn’t just a forex broker. It’s a full-blown multi-asset platform offering everything from shares and indices to ETFs, treasuries, commodities, and even cryptocurrencies. With access to over 12,000+ instruments, CMC gives you serious freedom to diversify your trading, all from a single account. If you’re an expat, building a global lifestyle and a portfolio to match CMC Markets makes it easy to trade like a local, invest like a pro, and think like a global citizen.
Platform and Tech Experience
As an expat, you’re already living a flexible, mobile lifestyle, so your trading platform needs to keep up.
Whether on your laptop in Lisbon or checking charts on your phone in Bangkok, having a fast, reliable, and intuitive platform is non-negotiable.
Top Pick: This is where Pepperstone seriously excels. Pepperstone allows you to trade on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, which impresses us with their speed, customizability, and powerful tools. And if you’re the kind of trader who likes to automate strategies or use expert advisors, these platforms are also perfect. The mobile apps are slick, the execution speeds are lightning-fast, and the server stability is top-tier, so you won’t be stuck with lag during high-volatility sessions (something no expat wants when Wi-Fi isn’t always ideal).
Security of Funds
There’s already enough unpredictability when you’re living abroad, and your broker shouldn’t be part of that. As an expat, you want to be sure that your funds are held safely, with explicit protections in place if something goes sideways.
That’s where strong fund security measures come into play.
Top Pick: IG is regulated in multiple major jurisdictions, like the UK’s FCA, Australia’s ASIC, and several EU regulators. Your money is held in segregated accounts away from the broker’s operational funds. So even if IG were to hit a rough patch (not likely, given that they’ve been around since 1974), your money stays protected and accessible. IG also offers negative balance protection for retail clients in many regions. This means you can’t lose more than what you put in, which is really important when trading in volatile markets while juggling the unpredictability of expat life.
Mobile Trading Experience
Being an expat usually means juggling life in motion; maybe you’re working remotely, backpacking through Southeast Asia, or managing time zones between your job and your investments.
That’s why your trading platform needs to perform just as well on your phone as it does on your desktop.
Top Pick: Enter AvaTrade again, standing out with one of the best mobile trading apps in the game: AvaTradeGO. This isn’t just another watered-down app; it’s full-featured, responsive, and beginner-friendly without feeling overly simplified. With just a few taps, you can open and close trades, set alerts, analyze charts, and even access market sentiment tools. Whether you’re sitting in a café in Barcelona or catching a flight in Dubai, your trading setup goes with you.
FAQ
What Are The Pros Of Trading As An Expat?
Using the right broker as an expat opens up some solid advantages. First off, global brokers often offer wider market access, letting you trade US stocks from Tokyo or European indices from Mexico.
You may also get region-specific bonuses, multi-currency funding, and support in your local language; huge wins when you’re juggling life in a foreign country. Add in regulated safety nets, and you’ve got a flexible and secure setup.
What Are The Cons Of Trading As An Expat?
Some brokers limit access based on your country of residence, which can be frustrating.
Verification can take longer if you deal with foreign addresses or bank accounts. And while bonuses are great, terms can vary greatly depending on where you live, so it pays to read the fine print.
You also need to ensure you comply with any tax requirements, both in the country you’re currently residing and your home nation.
Can Expats Open Trading Accounts With International Brokers?
Yes, absolutely. Many top-tier brokers, such as IG, AvaTrade, and CMC Markets, accept clients from a wide range of countries. Before signing up, just make sure to check their list of supported regions.
Is My Money Safe With An Overseas Broker?
If you use a regulated broker, like those licensed under SEC, FCA, ASIC, or CySEC, your funds are held in segregated accounts, often with negative balance protection. This helps keep your funds secure.
Can I Keep The Same Trading Account If I Move Countries?
Yes, usually, but it’s best to notify your broker. Some may require re-verification if your new country has different regulatory rules.