The global financial markets offer a variety of investment opportunities, with stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies being among the most accessible for retail investors. Among these, the foreign exchange (forex) market stands out as the largest and most liquid financial market in the world—processing over $7.5 trillion daily on average. With such high volume and constant activity, it's no surprise that traders worldwide are drawn to forex trading.
However, choosing the right forex broker is crucial. Hundreds of forex brokers operate globally, each offering different features, trading conditions, and levels of service. So how do you find the one that best suits your needs?
When evaluating platforms, fundamental priorities include fund security, regulatory compliance, company reputation, user reviews, trading costs (spreads), ease of use, product variety, and multilingual support—especially important for traders in Taiwan and other Chinese-speaking regions.
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In practice, the majority of forex and CFD trading volume is concentrated among the top 20 largest brokers by scale and transaction volume. It’s generally advisable to avoid lesser-known or unregulated platforms due to higher risks.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about selecting a reliable forex broker in 2025. You’ll learn:
- The top global forex brokers based on size and trading volume
- Three essential criteria for choosing a safe broker: regulation, scale, and cost
- How different types of brokers compare—and which might suit your trading style best
We provide an objective ranking updated regularly to reflect current industry standards, helping new traders avoid scams and make informed decisions.
Global Top 20 Forex Brokers (Comprehensive Ranking)
Below is a curated list of the top 20 regulated forex brokers in 2025, popular among traders in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and across Asia. This ranking considers key factors such as regulatory oversight, leverage options, minimum deposits, deposit methods, average spreads, and overall platform reliability.
For traders in Taiwan and Hong Kong, we recommend starting with IG, OANDA, or Thinkmarkets—all highly reputable, well-regulated, and offering full Chinese-language support.
| Rank | Broker | Regulators | Max Leverage | Min Deposit | Deposit Methods | Avg Spread (EUR/USD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IG.com | FCA (UK), NFA (US), ASIC (AU) | 1:200 | $500 | Credit Card, Wire Transfer | 0.6 pips | Largest CFD provider globally; listed on London Stock Exchange |
| 2 | Thinkmarkets | FCA (UK), ASIC (AU) | 1:400 | $250 | Credit Card, Wire Transfer, USDT | 0.8 pips | Fast execution; low spreads; excellent Chinese customer service |
| 3 | OANDA | NFA (US), FCA (UK), ASIC (AU) | 1:888 | $0 | Credit Card, Wire Transfer | 1.0 pip | Trusted brand since 1996; rich analytical tools |
| 4 | Exness | FCA (UK), CySEC (EU) | 1:2000 | $100 | Credit Card, Wire Transfer, USDT | 0.8 pips | High leverage; crypto-friendly; fast withdrawals |
| 5 | XM | ASIC (AU), CySEC (EU), FSC (Mauritius) | 1:1000 | $5 | Credit Card, Wire Transfer, USDT | 1.3 pips | Generous bonuses; strong Asian presence |
| 6 | IC Markets | ASIC (AU) | 1:1000 | $200 | Credit Card, Wire Transfer | 1.0 pip | Low-latency ECN pricing; ideal for algorithmic traders |
| 7 | FOREX.com | ASIC, FCA, CIMA | 1:400 | $50 | Credit Card, Wire Transfer | 1.2 pips | Part of StoneX Group; robust research resources |
| 8 | Swissquote | FINMA (Switzerland), FCA (UK) | 1:400 | $1,000 | Wire Transfer only | 1.7 pips | Swiss banking-grade security; premium service |
| 9 | AvaTrade | FCA (UK), ASIC (AU) | 1:400 | $200 | Credit Card, Skrill, Wire Transfer | 1.3 pips | User-friendly apps; copy trading available |
| 10 | Pepperstone | FCA (UK), ASIC (AU) | 1:400 | $200 | Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card | 1.0 pip | Known for tight spreads and fast execution |
Note: All data is accurate as of early 2025 and subject to change based on jurisdiction.
While domestic options like Yuanta Futures and Capital Futures exist under Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), they typically offer lower leverage (up to 1:30) and wider spreads compared to international brokers.
Top Forex Brokers for Chinese-Speaking Traders
For traders in Taiwan and other Mandarin-speaking regions, access to Chinese-language support, localized platforms, and fast customer response times are essential. Below are rankings based on trading volume, user satisfaction, and service quality.
Highest Trading Volume Brokers
Transparency in trading volume indicates market trust and liquidity depth. Leading brokers like IG, OANDA, and Pepperstone publish monthly reports.
| Rank | Broker | Daily Forex Volume (USD Billion) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exness | $7.5B |
| 2 | IG.com | $2.0B |
| 3 | Pepperstone | $1.6B |
| 4 | IC Markets | $1.5B |
| 5 | OANDA | $1.2B |
High trading volume ensures better price stability during volatile events like NFP releases or central bank announcements.
Most Popular CFD Providers
Beyond forex pairs, many traders invest in CFDs—covering commodities (gold, oil), indices (S&P 500), stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
| Rank | Broker | # of CFDs Offered | Daily CFD Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IG.com | 17,500+ | $5.1B |
| 2 | CMC Markets | 9,800+ | $2.3B |
| 3 | Plus500 | 2,000+ | $1.9B |
| 4 | FOREX.com | 4,500+ | $1.5B |
IG leads significantly in product diversity and institutional-grade liquidity.
Best User Ratings & Chinese Support
Based on aggregated feedback from Trustpilot, App Store reviews, and PTT discussions:
| Rank | Broker | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IG.com | ★★★★★ (4.7) |
| 2 | OANDA | ★★★★☆ (4.6) |
| 3 | Thinkmarkets | ★★★★☆ (4.5) |
| 4 | FOREX.com | ★★★★☆ (4.3) |
| 5 | Pepperstone | ★★★★☆ (4.0) |
Brokers like OANDA and Thinkmarkets stand out for their responsive Mandarin-speaking teams and intuitive interface design.
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How to Choose a Safe Forex Broker: The 3 Must-Have Criteria
✅ Criterion #1: Regulatory Licenses
Regulation is the most critical factor in ensuring fund safety. Reputable regulators include:
- FCA (UK) – Strict capital requirements
- ASIC (Australia) – Strong investor protection
- NFA/CFTC (USA) – High compliance standards
- FINMA (Switzerland) – Banking-level oversight
- JFSA (Japan) – Tight leverage limits but high trust
Brokers holding multiple licenses—like IG or OANDA—are generally more transparent and financially sound.
Avoid platforms regulated only by offshore bodies like BVI or Belize unless they also have major-tier oversight.
✅ Criterion #2: Company Size & Trading Volume
Larger brokers tend to offer:
- Better liquidity
- More stable pricing during volatility
- Faster order execution
- Greater transparency
Established firms like IG (founded in 1974) or OANDA have decades of track records and operate across multiple continents.
Newer but rapidly growing brokers like Exness and Pepperstone also show strong performance metrics.
✅ Criterion #3: Trading Costs & Conditions
Compare:
- Spreads: Lower = better for frequent traders
- Overnight fees (swap rates): Can eat into long-term positions
- Deposit/withdrawal speed: Look for same-day processing
- Platform usability: MT4/MT5 integration? Mobile app quality?
For example:
- XM offers zero swap fees on certain accounts
- Thinkmarkets provides free VPS hosting for EA traders
- OANDA has no minimum balance or inactivity fees
FAQ: Common Questions About Forex Brokers
Q: Are offshore forex brokers safe?
A: Not all are unsafe—but always verify if they hold at least one Tier-1 license (e.g., FCA or ASIC). Avoid unregulated entities.
Q: Can I trade forex with less than $100?
A: Yes! Brokers like XM allow accounts starting at $5. However, small balances increase risk exposure.
Q: Is leverage dangerous?
A: High leverage amplifies both gains and losses. Use risk management tools like stop-loss orders.
Q: Do any brokers accept USDT deposits?
A: Yes—Exness, Thinkmarkets, and XM support USDT funding for faster cross-border transfers.
Q: What’s the difference between STP and ECN accounts?
A: STP routes trades directly to liquidity providers; ECN connects you to a network of banks and institutions for tighter spreads—but often with added commissions.
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Final Recommendations
After analyzing hundreds of data points—from regulation to real-world user experience—the following three brokers consistently rank highest for safety, performance, and trader satisfaction:
- IG.com: Best overall—ideal for beginners and professionals alike
- OANDA: Excellent educational resources and analytics
- Thinkmarkets: Top choice for low-cost trading with strong Asian support
While local Taiwanese brokers comply with domestic regulations, international platforms often provide superior flexibility in terms of leverage, spreads, and product range.
Always conduct due diligence before opening an account. Prioritize regulated brokers with proven track records—and remember: past performance does not guarantee future results.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Trading involves risk; please assess your own situation before investing.