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AuthorAuthor: Jeffrey CammackPublished: Oct 14, 2019
EditorEditor: Alison HeyerdahlUpdated: Jul 11, 2023

Last Updated On Jul 11, 2023

Jeffrey Cammack

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority, formerly the FSB, is the government agency responsible for regulating South African brokers. Although the FSCA isn’t the strictest regulator in the world, it has put in place several rules to protect Forex traders better. One of these measures is that Forex brokers operating in South Africa have to segregate their client funds from their operational funds and are inspected regularly to ensure they are safe. 

We understand that traders have different needs. Beginner traders may want a broker with excellent educational materials, while more experienced traders may look for a broker with fast execution and advanced trading tools. Others want high levels of leverage or low deposit accounts. The FSCA-regulated brokers below cater to these differing needs but are also listed because of their excellent reputations in the Forex trading industry.

These are the best FSCA-regulated Forex brokers for 2024.

  • AvaTrade - Best FSCA Regulated Forex Broker
  • FXTM - Best FSCA-Regulated Broker for Beginners
  • HFM - Best FSCA-Regulated Broker with KES Accounts
  • FBS - Best FSCA-regulated Cent Account For Beginner Traders
  • Khwezi Trade - Best Local FSCA Regulated Broker
  • markets.com - Best Trading Platform with FSCA Regulation
  • FxPro - Best FSCA Regulated No Dealing Desk (NDD) Broker
  • FXCM - Best Specialty Trading Platforms
  • IG - Best FSCA Regulated MT4 Broker
  • ThinkMarkets - Best Market Execution
  • FxPrimus - Most Secure FSCA Regulated Broker
English

Best FSCA Regulated Forex brokers 2024

Last updated on July 11, 2023
Updated July 11, 2023
by Editorial Director Jeffrey Cammackby Jeffrey Cammack
Jeffrey Cammack
All Brokers Regulated
All Brokers Regulated
by Trusted Authoritiesby Trusted Authorities
Trusted
1
AvaTrade
Min. Deposit
USD 100
4.594.59
FSCA Licence
45984
Fx Pairs
55
Platforms
Broker Score
11110.54.59/ 5
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.90 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 400:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. AvaTrade Group regulated by ASIC, FSCA, B.V.I FSC & FSA.
2
FXTM
Min. Deposit
USD 10
4.374.37
FSCA Licence
46614
Fx Pairs
62
Platforms
Broker Score
11110.54.37/ 5
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.50 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 2000:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. Leverage offered can vary depending on country of residence, and your trading knowledge and experience. FXTM is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA, and the FSC.
3
HFM
Min. Deposit
USD 0
4.534.53
FSCA Licence
46632
Fx Pairs
53
Platforms
Broker Score
11110.54.53/ 5
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.00 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 400:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. HF Markets Group regulated by the FSCA, FCA, FSC, CySEC and the DFSA.
4
FBS
Min. Deposit
USD 5
4.334.33
FSCA Licence
50885
Fx Pairs
37
Platforms
Broker Score
11110.54.33/ 5
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.70 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 3000:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. FBS is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, the FSCA, and the IFSC.
5
Khwezi Trade
Min. Deposit
ZAR 500
3.723.72
FSCA Licence
44816
Fx Pairs
39
Platforms
Broker Score
1110.503.72/ 5
AlertDoes not accept Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.00 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 200:1. Only MT4 platform supported. Khewzi Trade is regulated by the FSCA - FSP:44816
6
markets.com
Min. Deposit
USD 100
4.684.68
FSCA Licence
46860
Fx Pairs
56
Platforms
Broker Score
11110.54.68/ 5
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.70 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 300:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. MarketsX is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and the FSCA.
7
FxPro
Min. Deposit
USD 100
4.394.39
FSCA Licence
45052
Fx Pairs
70
Platforms
Broker Score
11110.54.39/ 5
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.40 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 200:1. Islamic account available. MT4, MT5, cTrader and FxPro proprietary trading platform supported. FxPro Group is regulated by FCA, CySEC, FSCA, and the DFSA
8
FXCM
Min. Deposit
USD 50
4.284.28
FSCA Licence
46534
Fx Pairs
45
Platforms
Broker Score
11110.54.28/ 5
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.30 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 400:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & Trade Station platforms supported. Forex Capital Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, and the FSCA.
9
IG
Min. Deposit
USD 0
4.694.69
FSCA Licence
41393
Fx Pairs
80
Platforms
Broker Score
11110.54.69/ 5
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.85 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 200:1. Islamic account available. MT4, ProRealTime and L2 Dealer platforms supported. IG Markets Group is regulated by FCA, ASIC, and the FSCA.
10
ThinkMarkets
Min. Deposit
USD 0
4.434.43
FSCA Licence
49835
Fx Pairs
46
Platforms
Broker Score
11110.54.43/ 5
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.10 pips with 0.0 USD commission round turn on the trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. ThinkMarkets is regulated by the FSCA, FCA, and ASIC.
11
FxPrimus
Min. Deposit
USD 15
4.214.21
FSCA Licence
46675
Fx Pairs
43
Platforms
Broker Score
11110.54.21/ 5
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.50 pips with 0.0 USD commission round turn on the trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 1000:1. Islamic account available. MT4 platform support. FxPrimus is regulated by the CySEC, FSCA, and the VFSC.

AvaTrade – Best FSCA Regulated Forex Broker

Broker Score
4.594.59 / 5
🏦  Min. DepositUSD 100
🛡️  Regulated By
💵  Trading Cost 
USD 9
⚖️  Max. Leverage400:1
💹  Copy Trading
🖥️  Platforms
💱  Instruments 

Winner of the Award for Best Broker of 2020, AvaTrade offers the best overall trading environment of all FSCA regulated brokers with:

  • Low spreads on a single account
  • Award-winning customer service
  • An excellent mobile trading platform, AvaTradeGo
  • Great trading tools like AvaProtect

Tight Spreads, Seven Markets, One Simple Account

AvaTrade has low spreads across Forex, commodities, stocks, indices, crypto, bonds and ETFs. Leverage is set at 1:400 and spreads are some of the tightest we have seen for an account with only 100 USD minimum deposit and no commission – as low as 0.9 pips on the EUR/USD.


Pros
  • Top-tier regulation and security with licenses from ASIC and CBI among others
  • Accessible trading with a low minimum deposit of 100 USD
  • Award-winning mobile trading with the AvaTradeGO app with social trading features
  • Wide range of assets including unique instruments like vanilla options
  • Educational material to support trader development and strategy enhancement
Cons
  • Market analysis could be more extensive
  • Poor regulatory oversight outside of the UK and EU
  • Avatrade is a Market Maker and operate a dealing desk which might not align with all trading preferences
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.90 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 400:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. AvaTrade Group regulated by ASIC, FSCA, B.V.I FSC & FSA.

FXTM – Best FSCA-Regulated Broker for Beginners

Broker Score
4.374.37 / 5
🏦  Min. DepositUSD 10
🛡️  Regulated By
💵  Trading Cost 
USD 15
⚖️  Max. Leverage2000:1
💹  Copy Trading
🖥️  Platforms
💱  Instruments 

FXTM is the best FSCA-regulated broker for beginner traders. Great value and a strong focus on assisting new traders is just the start here; highlights are:

  • Great value Cent Account
  • Tight Spreads and Low Minimum Deposits
  • Weekend customer support
  • Copytrading via FXTM Invest
  • Huge education section

Tight Spreads and Low Minimum Deposits

While FXTM’s Standard Account is good with a minimum deposit of 100 USD and spreads starting at 1.3 pips, FXTM also offers a Cent Account with a minimum deposit of only 10 USD but only slightly wider spreads, starting at 1.5 pips. 


Pros
  • Good for beginners
  • Excellent education
  • Well regulated
  • Low minimum deposit
  • Copy trading accounts
Cons
  • Expensive withdrawals
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.50 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 2000:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. Leverage offered can vary depending on country of residence, and your trading knowledge and experience. FXTM is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA, and the FSC.

HFM (HotForex) – Best FSCA-Regulated Broker with KES Accounts

Broker Score
4.534.53 / 5
🏦  Min. DepositUSD 0
🛡️  Regulated By
💵  Trading Cost 
USD 10
⚖️  Max. Leverage400:1
💹  Copy Trading
🖥️  Platforms
💱  Instruments 

HFM (previously known as HotForex) is a well-known international broker with a strong presence in Kenya. HFM has a local customer support team, and unlike many other international brokers, it offers KES trading accounts. It also offers fast and free deposits and withdrawals in Kenyan Schillings from a range of local banks. Regulated by the FSCA (FSP: 46632), the CMA (through which Kenyans are onboarded), CySEC, and the FSA, HFM has built a reputation for tight spreads with STP execution, low-cost Micro Accounts, detailed market analysis, and 24/5 customer support. With accounts that suit both beginners and professionals and detailed market analysis, HFM is a good choice for new and experienced traders.

HFM devotes an entire section of its website to market analysis and trading tools; these include daily market news, trade analysis, and outlooks. Trading calculators and economic calendars are also available for reference outside a trading platform.

Pros
  • Low minimum deposit
  • Tight spreads
  • Well regulated
  • Good range of accounts
Cons
  • Limited base currencies
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.00 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 400:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. HF Markets Group regulated by the FSCA, FCA, FSC, CySEC and the DFSA.

FBS – Best FSCA-regulated Cent Account For Beginner Traders

Broker Score
4.334.33 / 5
🏦  Min. DepositUSD 5
🛡️  Regulated By
💵  Trading Cost 
USD 7
⚖️  Max. Leverage3000:1
💹  Copy Trading
🖥️  Platforms
💱  Instruments 

A well-regulated broker with an FSCA licence, FBS offers two low-risk accounts for beginners, including its Cent Account, with a minimum deposit of only 1 USD. The Cent Account features low-risk trading and allows trading in USD cents, micro-lots, or smaller trading sizes.  The Cent Account is also available as a demo account and will only expire after 90 days of inactivity.

FBS is also one of the better brokers in terms of education and market analysis. The education section is comprehensive and well-structured, and the market analysis is up-to-date and well-explained. Beginners will also appreciate that FBS’ customer service is available 24/7 – a welcome development, where the norm is 24/5.  This is especially helpful for beginner traders who want to set up trading accounts on weekends.  

Pros
  • Tight spreads
  • Low minimum deposit
  • Excellent education
  • Excellent market analysis
Cons
  • Limited range of assets
  • Extreme leverage
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.70 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 3000:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. FBS is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, the FSCA, and the IFSC.

KhweziTrade – Best Local FSCA Regulated Broker

Broker Score
3.723.72 / 5
🏦  Min. DepositZAR 500
🛡️  Regulated By
💵  Trading Cost 
USD 10
⚖️  Max. Leverage200:1
💹  Copy Trading
🖥️  Platforms
💱  Instruments 

Winner of the Award for Best Forex Broker in Africa, Khwezi Trade is a South African FSCA regulated broker headquartered in Cape Town. An STP broker, Khwezi Trade supports MetaTrader 4 and provides fast and reliable market execution. For South African traders looking for a genuinely local broker, Khwezi Trade provides:

  • FSCA Regulation and ZAR Accounts
  • Tight Spreads and STP Execution
  • Excellent Local Customer Support
  • Free Deposits and Withdrawals

Why Should Traders Use KhweziTrade?

KhweziTrade is honest, transparent, and genuinely interested in the welfare of its clients. Trading conditions are competitive with some of the best international brokers and the personalised customer support is the best amongst local brokers. FSCA regulated and locally focused, KhweziTrade is one of the brightest stars in the local Forex industry.


Pros
  • ZAR Accounts
  • Fast and free withdrawals
  • Great customer support
Cons
  • Local regulation only
  • No swap-free account option
AlertDoes not accept Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.00 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 200:1. Only MT4 platform supported. Khewzi Trade is regulated by the FSCA - FSP:44816

Marketsx – Best Trading Platform with FSCA Regulation

Broker Score
4.684.68 / 5
🏦  Min. DepositUSD 100
🛡️  Regulated By
💵  Trading Cost 
USD 7
⚖️  Max. Leverage300:1
💹  Copy Trading
🖥️  Platforms
💱  Instruments 

Marketsx is a premium trading platform operated by Markets.com. Not only is Markets.com regulated by CySEC and ASIC, but it has also been regulated by the FSCA since 2012. The new Marketsx platform offers traders fast, low-cost trading on over 2,200 financial instruments. Launched in 2019, some of the highlights of the platform are:

  • Over 2200 tradeable instruments
  • Tight spreads with no commission
  • 1:300 Leverage
  • Lightning execution
  • In-depth charting, asset comparison and sentiment tools
  • Live-streamed, expert analysis

Trade Every Market with Tight Spreads

Traders have a choice of over 2,200 instruments on the Marketsx platform. These include

Over 50 global FX pairs including GBP/USD and EUR/USD, with spreads starting at 0.9 pips and leverage of 1:300. Other CFDs include leading stocks such as Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Tesla, six of the world’s biggest cryptocurrencies, over 25 major market indices, commodities including precious metals and energies, dozens of regional and sectoral ETFs and US, UK and German government bonds.


Pros
  • Regulation by top-tier authorities
  • Hassle-free withdrawal process without any fees
  • Its proprietary trading platform is praised for its user-friendly interface catering to both beginners and experienced traders
  • Competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips
Cons
  • For some traders the initial deposit of ZAR 1500 might be considered steep
  • The maximum leverage of 300:1 could pose a risk for uninformed traders warranting cautious utilization
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.70 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 300:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. MarketsX is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and the FSCA.

FxPro – Best FSCA Regulated No Dealing Desk (NDD) Broker

Broker Score
4.394.39 / 5
🏦  Min. DepositUSD 100
🛡️  Regulated By
💵  Trading Cost 
USD 14
⚖️  Max. Leverage200:1
💹  Copy Trading
🖥️  Platforms
💱  Instruments 

FSCA-regulated since 2015, FxPro offers an NDD execution model on MT4, MT5, cTrader, and a browser-based platform. A reasonable 100 USD opening deposit and outstanding customer service are combined with competitive spreads – often as low as 0.6 pips. Features traders will like at FxPro are:

  • Ultrafast NDD Execution
  • Wide Platform Choice
  • Tight Spreads
  • Free Funding via the FxPro Wallet

Fast Execution and No Dealing Desk

FxPro’s NDD execution model has won awards over the years for its speed and reliability. Most trades are executed in less than 10 milliseconds and only 9% of orders receive negative slippage. These execution statistics are perfect for scalpers and traders who like to take advantage of volatile markets.

 


Pros
  • Well regulated
  • Great platform choice
  • Tight spreads
Cons
  • Limited education
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.40 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 200:1. Islamic account available. MT4, MT5, cTrader and FxPro proprietary trading platform supported. FxPro Group is regulated by FCA, CySEC, FSCA, and the DFSA

FXCM – Best Specialty Trading Platforms

Broker Score
4.284.28 / 5
🏦  Min. DepositUSD 50
🛡️  Regulated By
💵  Trading Cost 
USD 13
⚖️  Max. Leverage400:1
💹  Copy Trading
🖥️  Platforms
💱  Instruments 

FXCM South Africa is an FSCA-regulated market-maker with tight spreads and low minimum deposits. While FXCM caters for new traders, is also offers innovative trading tools and platforms for experienced traders. Traders can expect:

  • Wide Range of Specialty Platforms
  • MT4 Support
  • Innovative trading tools
  • Excellent trader education
  • No deposit or withdrawal fees

Platforms for Specialised Traders

FXCM supports a wide range of trading platforms including the industry-standard platform MetaTrader 4, its award-winning proprietary platform Trading Station, Ninja Trader, and other speciality platforms. Many of these platforms are suited to professional traders – highlights include:

  • QuantConnect – An algorithmic trading platform with API integration.
  • SeerTrading – An algorithmic trading platform with strong back-testing capabilities.
  • NeuroShell Trader – A technical trading platform for building custom strategies for manual and automated trading.
  • StrategyQuant – A machine learning automated trading platform.

Pros
  • Well regulated
  • Great platform choice
  • Excellent education
  • Innovative trading tools
Cons
  • Limited demo account
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.30 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 400:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & Trade Station platforms supported. Forex Capital Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, and the FSCA.

IG Markets – Best FSCA Regulated MT4 Broker

Broker Score
4.694.69 / 5
🏦  Min. DepositUSD 0
🛡️  Regulated By
💵  Trading Cost 
USD 6
⚖️  Max. Leverage200:1
💹  Copy Trading
🖥️  Platforms
💱  Instruments 

IG Markets, the world’s largest broker by revenue, has been regulated by the FSCA since 2010 and has 240,000 clients worldwide. As one of our highest-rated brokers, there is little that IG Markets does wrong. Traders frequently cite the following features:

  • Tight Spreads and Full MT4 Support
  • Excellent education and market analysis
  • Responsive and knowledgeable customer support

IG Market’s MT4

MT4 is the world’s most popular trading platform. Automated trading, micro lots, customisable charts, and reliability have kept the platform in the lead for over 14 years. IG Market’s version of MT4 takes MT4 to another level with its free add-ons and indicators package. Highlights include a Trade Terminal, Stealth Orders, a Correlation Matrix, and a dozen indicators. In addition, all IG clients get access to Autochartist for free. This powerful automated technical analysis tool scans the markets for opportunities that you may have missed. All these features are available with tight spreads, with the EUR/USD averaging 0.86 pips but sometimes as low as 0.6 pips, and commission-free trading.


Pros
  • Well regulated
  • Tight spreads
  • Great platform choice
  • Excellent education
  • Excellent market analysis
Cons
  • High minimum deposit
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.85 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 200:1. Islamic account available. MT4, ProRealTime and L2 Dealer platforms supported. IG Markets Group is regulated by FCA, ASIC, and the FSCA.

ThinkMarkets – Best Market Execution

Broker Score
4.434.43 / 5
🏦  Min. DepositUSD 0
🛡️  Regulated By
💵  Trading Cost 
USD 11
⚖️  Max. Leverage500:1
💹  Copy Trading
🖥️  Platforms
💱  Instruments 

Regulated by the FSCA since 2019, ThinkMarkets is an international broker with support for MT4, MT5 and its own ThinkTrader platform on two account types: One with a very low minimum deposit and the other a commission-based ECN account for more experienced traders. Traders can take advantage of:

  • Split-second Execution and 99.99% uptime
  • Wide choice of platform
  • Low Minimum Deposits
  • ThinkZero Account with Raw Spreads

UltraFast Execution and Full MT4/MT5 Support

ThinkMarkets operates twin Equinix trading servers located in Hong Kong and London, allowing for trade execution within milliseconds. This state-of-the-art technology allows ThinkMarkets to deliver an uptime of 99.99% and provides traders with the fastest execution speeds available. With supported MT4 and MT5 platforms, ThinkMarkets is the perfect venue for automated trading and scalping.


Pros
  • Low minimum deposit
  • Well regulated
  • Great platform choice
Cons
  • Limited market analysis
  • Non-transparent spreads
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.10 pips with 0.0 USD commission round turn on the trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. ThinkMarkets is regulated by the FSCA, FCA, and ASIC.

FXPRIMUS – Most Secure FSCA Regulated Broker

Broker Score
4.214.21 / 5
🏦  Min. DepositUSD 15
🛡️  Regulated By
💵  Trading Cost 
USD 15
⚖️  Max. Leverage1000:1
💹  Copy Trading
🖥️  Platforms
💱  Instruments 

FXPRIMUS is an STP market maker founded in 2009 and fully regulated by the FSCA since 2018. Globally acclaimed for offering one of the fastest and most secure online trading environments, the company strongly focuses on customer satisfaction with free deposits and withdrawals and negative balance protection for all Kenyan clients.

Highlights are:

  • Negative Balance Protection
  • Third-party monitoring of client withdrawals
  • Investor compensation
  • Low minimum deposits
  • Great customer support

Secure and Trusted

Security and trustworthiness is of the utmost importance at FXPRIMUS. FXPRIMUS is a regulated member of the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), meaning that client funds are protected up to €20.000. As an added safety measure, FXPRIMUS has introduced professional indemnity insurance of €2.5million. In addition, FXPRIMUS has partnered with the Boudica Client Trust to introduce third-party monitoring of client withdrawals. This ensures that withdrawal requests are executed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Pros
  • Tight spreads
  • Wide range of assets
  • Fast and free withdrawals
  • Great customer support
Cons
  • High commission
  • Limited education
  • Limited market analysis
AlertAccepts Kenyan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.50 pips with 0.0 USD commission round turn on the trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 1000:1. Islamic account available. MT4 platform support. FxPrimus is regulated by the CySEC, FSCA, and the VFSC.

What is the FSCA?

FSCA Building

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority or FSCA is the local regulator of all non-banking related activities and has oversight over all regulated brokers in South Africa.

The FSCA regulates all Forex brokers with an office in South Africa

Previously known as the Financial Services Board (FSB), the FSCA was founded in 1991 following the recommendations of Van der Horst committee. The committee recommended the creation of an independent body to supervise and regulate the non-banking financial services sector in South Africa.

In 2018, the FSB changed their name to the FSCA or the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. It is responsible for the market conduct regulation and supervision of financial service providers like Forex brokers, investment funds, and investment managers.

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority has the following four goals:

  • Protect customers of financial services.
  • Improve efficiency and integrity of financial markets.
  • Promote financial stability.
  • Increase financial inclusion.

To achieve these goals, it also creates regulations in the interest of the public and publishes warnings of illegal schemes.

Internationally, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority is a recognised member of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and takes a leading role in regulation in the SADC block.

Why should I trade with an FSCA-regulated Forex broker?

Boy thinking

All FSCA regulated brokers must keep client funds segregated from operational funds. This ensures that in the case of broker bankruptcy, all client funds can be returned.

FSCA-regulated brokers must also have a physical office in South Africa and submit regular audits to the FSCA. This ensures that any disputes are governed by South African laws and that client funds are not being misused.

FSCA regulated brokers must keep client funds in segregated accounts

Having a physical office in South Africa allows brokers to partner with local banks, which are governed by South African laws. 

If your FSCA regulated broker does go bankrupt, you will also be able to walk into any branch of your broker’s local bank and remove all your funds from your segregated account. Gaining access to your funds will not be so easy in the event of a foreign broker’s bankruptcy. 

Over-the-counter Derivative Provider (ODP) licence

Since 2019, the FSCA has required all Forex brokers in South Africa to apply for an Over-the-counter Derivative Provider (ODP) licence. This has created a new set of requirements for South African Forex brokers to follow:

Due Diligence: Brokers now need to conduct due diligence on new traders before they can be allowed to trade. Clients will need to prove their capital adequacy before starting to trade. New traders must also show that they understand the risks involved.

Reporting: Every broker that has been authorised must also report the details of every transaction to an authorised trade repository. These transaction details include the names of the parties, the valuation of the transaction, the underlying asset of the trade, details of the instrument traded, and the margin that has been maintained.

FSCA JP Markets Liquidation

Forex brokers who do not hold an ODP licence are in contravention of the regulations and can be liquidated at the request of the FSCA, as happened to JP Markets in September 2020 (see image above).

All FSCA regulated brokers must apply for an ODP licence

These new requirements have put the FSCA firmly in charge of the Forex industry in South Africa and will provide a much safer and more secure environment for traders.

How to check if your Forex broker is regulated by the FSCA

All Forex brokers that are regulated by the FSCA are required to publish their Financial Service Provider (FSP) number on their website. KhweziTrade is a popular South African Forex broker, and we can see from the bottom of their website that their FSP number is 44816:

KhweziTrade FSP

Once you have the FSP number of a broker you can go use the FSCA’s search page to enter the FSP and verify that the broker is indeed licenced. You can see below that we have entered KhweziTrade’s FSP as listed on their website.

Once we submit the FSP number via the FSCA’s search page, we can see that there is a company called Khwezi Financial Services (Pty) Ltd with that FSP number.

A broker having a legal name different to their trading name is quite common, so it is sometimes difficult to search for a broker by trading name alone using this service. When you can, use the FSP number, or legal name if you know it.

If we click on the Details button, we then have a full overview of Khwezi Financial Services regulatory status:

Khwezi Financial Services Details

The important part of this section for our purposes is the Products Approved section. Let us have a look at it in closer detail:

Khwezi Financial Services Products

Here we can see that Khwezi Financial Services, as a large financial services company, holds a wide range of licences. We have highlighted the two product licences that matter for our purposes. We can see that they hold a Category I and a Category II licence for Derivative instruments.

All Forex trading is over-the-counter derivative trading

All Forex trading is derivative trading, as traders never actually hold any currency – they are just speculating on a price derived from a real-world asset (such as the USD). So Khwezi Financial Services’ two Derivative instruments licences allow them to provide derivatives (such as Forex derivatives) to traders.

If you are ever unsure whether a broker is FSCA regulated, the FSCA search page is the best place to find out. Be aware that some bad brokers will use names similar to licenced financial services companies so as to confuse people.

Other FSCA Protections for Forex Traders

The FSCA’s supervises activity in the Forex currency market to protect Forex traders from irregularities and rogue brokers. If you want local protection when trading Forex, you want your broker to be regulated locally.

The FSCA issues public warnings about fraudulent brokers in the regularly-updated Media Releases section of their website.  These warnings include guidance on individuals or companies misrepresenting themselves, or organisations falsely representing their services.

This register of FSPs will also show if an entity has submitted an application to the FSCA, or if it has been stripped of regulation in the past.

Financial regulation is a crucial metric in our review process, as regulation is the primary way we establish the trust of the brokerage. We believe that there is value in being locally regulated as it gives clients more straightforward access to solve any disputes that could arise.

Regulation is the primary way to establish trust in a Forex broker

FSCA Strategy 2018-2022

Central to the mission of the FSCA are four core statements, which together, form the reason why residents want to trade with an FSCA regulated Forex broker.

The FSCA improves the efficiency and integrity of the South African financial markets. By monitoring the whole financial market and not just any particular entity, it ensures the safety of the entire market, and in doing so, can protect all market participants including retail Forex traders.

In addition, the FSCA ensures that regulated brokers treat all clients fairly. A client of a regulated brokerage who feels they have been cheated has a legally defined process to resolve their issue.  All regulated brokers must have this process available to potential clients.

FSCA-regulated brokers must present written material in a way that does not confuse or mislead the reader. They are required to provide financial education and promote the financial literacy of potential clients. As financial products can be complicated, it is the obligation of all regulated members to explain all products and their associated risks.

Finally, the FSCA assist in maintaining financial stability in South Africa by supervising the registered entities.

A client trading with an FSCA regulated broker should expect to be treated fairly, expect to be educated on financial products whenever needed, and can rest assured that the government is monitoring their broker’s activities to ensure they are safe and secure.

History of the FSCA

Previously known as the Financial Services Board (FSB), the FSCA opened in 1991 following the recommendations of Van der Horst led committee. The committee had recommended the creation of an independent body to oversee or supervise and regulate the non-banking financial services sector in South Africa.

After the Van der Horst committee, various acts have increased and expanded the mandate of the Financial Services Board. In 2001, the Financial Intelligence Centre Act and the subsequent amendments that followed later increased the FSB mandate to include issues of combating money laundering.

Later in 2004, the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services, also known as FAIS, expanded the role of FSB to include, among other things, the conduct of market in the banking sector.

As of April 1st, 2018, the FSB changed their name to the FSCA or the Financial Sector Conduct Authority which is responsible for market conduct regulation and supervision.

The FSCA Structure

A board oversees the Financial Sector Conduct Authority which executes its mandate through divisions. The FSCA has the sole mandate to select its own Commissioner, making the organisation less of a target of the financial politics and pressures. Apart from overseeing the day-to-day running of the institution, the Commissioner acts as the Registrar of the Non-banking Financial Institutions in South Africa.

The authority of the Commission is distributed to Deputy Commissioners appointed by the Minister of Finance, and are supported by the Chief Risk Officer, General Counsel, Media Liaison Officer.

Key Financial Sector Conduct Authority Responsibilities

As part of its mission of ensuring that the investment environment in South Africa is sound and conducive, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority has built a strong reputation for its regulatory framework in the following sectors:

  • Capital Markets
  • Insurers
  • Financial Services Providers
  • Collective Financial Schemes
  • Nominee Companies
  • Friendly Societies
  • Retirement Funds

The FSCA ensures the cooperation of regulated entities and has the power to impose compensation orders, unlimited penalties and cost orders for those who do not comply.  These orders are adhered to as though they are a judgment from South Africa’s Supreme Court, and are a matter of public record.

A customer complaints service is effective in fielding complaints, plus a separate self-policing appeals board which any aggrieved entity can approach should they feel like they might have been aggrieved by either the regulator or any of its executive officers.

Summary

The FSCA is credited for bringing stability and transparency to South Africa’s investment industries.  Forex traders who want to have protection can find brokers that are locally regulated, and who comply with South African law.  In some cases, South African clients can keep their funds locally, further increasing trust with the brokerages.

FAQs

How do I know if a Forex broker is regulated by the FSCA?

Every broker regulated by the FSCA is required to post their FSP licence number on their website. If you know the broker’s FSP number or legal name, you can also use the FSCA’s search facility to check on their regulatory status.

Forex Risk Disclaimer

Trading Forex and CFDs is not suitable for all investors as it carries a high degree of risk to your capital: 75-90% of retail investors lose money trading these products. Forex and CFD transactions involve high risk due to the following factors: Leverage, market volatility, slippage arising from a lack of liquidity, inadequate trading knowledge or experience, and a lack of regulatory protection. Traders should not deposit any money that is not considered disposable income. Regardless of how much research you have done or how confident you are in your trade, there is always a substantial risk of loss. (Learn more about these risks from the UK’s regulator, the FCA, or the Australian regulator, ASIC).

Our Rating & Review Methodology

Our State of the Market Report and Directory of CFD Brokers to Avoid are the result of extensive research on over 180 Forex brokers. These resources help traders find the best Forex brokers – and steer them away from the worst ones. These resources have been compiled using over 200 data points on each broker and over 3000 hours of research. Our team conducts all research independently: Testing brokers, gathering information from broker representatives and sifting through legal documents. Learn more about how we rank brokers.

Editorial Team

 

Chris Cammack
Head of Content

Chris joined the company in 2019 after ten years experience in research, editorial and design for political and financial publications. His background has given him a deep knowledge of international financial markets and the geopolitics that affects them. Chris has a keen eye for editing and a voracious appetite for financial and political current affairs. He ensures that our content across all sites meets the standards of quality and transparency that our readers expect.

 

Alison Heyerdahl
Senior Financial Writer

Alison joined the team as a writer in 2021. She has a medical degree with a focus on physiotherapy and a bachelor’s in psychology. However, her interest in forex trading and her love for writing led her to switch careers, and she now has over eight years experience in research and content development. She has tested and reviewed 100+ brokers and has a great understanding of the Forex trading world.

 

Ida Hermansen
Financial Writer

Ida joined our team as a financial writer in 2023. She has a degree in Digital Marketing and a background in content writing and SEO. In addition to her marketing and writing skills, Ida also has an interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain networks. Her interest in crypto trading led to a wider fascination with Forex technical analysis and price movement. She continues to develop her skills and knowledge in Forex trading and keeps a close eye on which Forex brokers offer the best trading environments for new traders.

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