Match the firm and domain
Use the FCA register to match the exact authorised firm, firm reference number, contact details and website. A copied reference number alone is not proof that a website is genuine.
Research first
Forex broker research for the United Kingdom
Verify the FCA-authorised legal entity before comparing platforms or pricing.
Regulator
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) maintains the UK Financial Services Register. ESTVELO checks the exact legal entity and firm reference number rather than relying only on a brand name.
Verified examples
| Brand / entity | Reference | What ESTVELO verified |
|---|---|---|
| OANDA Europe Limited | FCA 542574 | OANDA's UK pages identify the entity and FCA number. |
| StoneX Financial Ltd / FOREX.com | FCA 446717 | FCA material identifies StoneX Financial Ltd and its reference number. |
| CMC Markets UK plc | FCA 173730 | CMC's UK legal page identifies the entity and FCA number. |
Before opening or funding a UK account
Check permissions and account entity
Confirm that the entity named in your agreement has permissions relevant to the service or product you intend to use. Do not assume a global group company is the one serving you.
Understand protection limits
Client-money rules and compensation arrangements depend on the legal relationship and circumstances. They do not protect against normal trading losses, and coverage should be checked against current FCA/FSCS information.
Compare execution and costs
Review spreads, commissions, overnight financing, order execution, platform availability and withdrawal terms using the provider’s current UK documentation.
Clone firms can copy genuine names and reference numbers. Match the website and contact details against the regulator record before funding an account.
ESTVELO provides research and tools, not personalized investment advice. Leveraged forex and CFD trading can result in substantial losses. Verify current provider and regulator information before acting.
Research essentials
A broker page is only useful if the legal entity, jurisdiction, account costs and execution conditions are checked together.
Entity before brandMatch the company in the client agreement to the regulator or official legal disclosure. A global brand can use different entities by country.
Total cost, not headline spreadCheck spread, commission, overnight financing, currency conversion and withdrawal costs for the account and instruments you would actually use.
Execution & fundingReview order execution, margin close-out rules, supported funding methods and withdrawal procedures before depositing money.
Re-check before fundingLicence status, product availability and account terms can change. Use current primary sources close to the time of your decision.