Regulators

Broker regulators, and what a licence means

24 regulators appear in our register across 777 brokers. For each: who they are, what protection a client gets, how to check the register, and every broker in our data that lists them.

Major onshore regulator

Full conduct-of-business rules, client-money segregation and an enforcement record. A licence here carries the most weight for retail clients.

National or regional regulator

A recognised national or financial-centre regulator. Protections depend on the jurisdiction and the licence category, so read the terms.

Offshore licensing

Licensing regimes often aimed at clients outside the jurisdiction. Usually no investor compensation scheme, lighter rules and a harder route to redress.

Registration, not a trading licence

An anti-money-laundering registration. It shows the firm is on a list, not that it is licensed to deal in leveraged products.

Major onshore regulator

National or regional regulator

Offshore licensing

Registration, not a trading licence

Regulator questions

What is the difference between an onshore and an offshore licence?
An onshore regulator such as the FCA, CySEC or ASIC supervises firms under full conduct rules and usually gives clients a complaints route and, in some regimes, a compensation scheme. Offshore licensing centres often serve clients outside their own borders, with lighter rules and rarely a compensation scheme.
Does a licence mean a broker is safe?
No. A licence shows a regulator authorised a specific legal entity for specific activities. It does not guarantee the firm will not fail or treat clients fairly. Check the entity you actually contract with, and that its status is current.
How do I check a broker's licence?
Go to the regulator's own register, not a link from the broker. Search the firm's name or licence number, confirm the licensed legal entity matches the company in your account terms, and check the status and permissions.
Why do some brokers list several regulators?
A broker group often runs separate legal entities in different countries, each with its own licence. The protections you receive depend on which entity holds your account, so read the account terms.

verify.trading provides records and analysis, not investment advice; trading involves significant risk of loss. Absence of a regulatory action is not an endorsement, and absence from a regulator's list is not proof of authorisation.