🔍 Broker Verification Guide

How to Verify
Any Forex Broker

60 seconds is all you need to verify if a broker is legitimate. This 6-step process has saved traders millions of dollars from scams.

Start Verification → Quick Regulator Links
6
Steps
Complete guide
60sec
To Verify
Any broker
17
Registers
Direct links
100%
Free
No signup needed
✓ Why Verify:
35% of scams use clone firm tactics 17,300+ firms on warning lists $4.6B lost to scams in 2024

6-Step Broker Verification Process

Follow each step carefully. Any red flag = stop immediately.

1

Find the License Number

~30 sec

Locate the broker's regulatory information on their website:

  • ✓ Check the website footer (most common location)
  • ✓ Look for "About Us" or "Legal" pages
  • ✓ Search for "Regulation" or "Licenses" section
  • ✓ Check the "Contact" page
What you're looking for:
"Regulated by FCA (UK) - License No. 195355"
"ASIC AFSL: 123456"
"CySEC License: 123/45"
⚠️
Red Flag: No license number displayed anywhere on the website. Legitimate brokers prominently display their licenses.
2

Go to Official Register

~15 sec

Navigate to the official regulator website (not the broker's links):

🇬🇧 FCA Register 🇦🇺 ASIC 🇺🇸 NFA BASIC 🇨🇾 CySEC 🇨🇭 FINMA 🇩🇪 BaFin
⚠️
Critical: Always type the regulator URL yourself or use our links. NEVER click links from the broker's website - scammers link to fake register pages.
3

Search for the Broker

~15 sec

On the official register, search using:

  • ✓ The license/reference number (most accurate)
  • ✓ The exact company name
  • ✓ The trading name (may differ from legal name)
⚠️
Red Flag: License number doesn't exist, returns no results, or belongs to a different company.
4

Match ALL Details

~30 sec

This is the most important step. Verify these details match EXACTLY:

☐
Legal Company Name

"XYZ Markets Ltd" must match exactly - not "XYZ Market Ltd"

☐
Website URL

The URL on the register must match what you're visiting

☐
Registered Address

Compare with the address on their website

☐
Contact Details

Phone numbers and email domains should match

🚨
Clone Scam Alert: ANY mismatch indicates a potential clone firm. Clone scams use real broker details with slightly different names or websites. If ANYTHING doesn't match exactly, STOP.
5

Check Permissions

~15 sec

Verify the broker is authorized for forex/CFD trading:

  • ✓ Look for "Authorised and regulated" status
  • ✓ Check they can "deal as principal" or similar
  • ✓ Verify forex/derivatives are in their permitted activities
Important distinction:
"Registered" ≠ "Authorised"
Registration alone doesn't permit trading services!
⚠️
Red Flag: "Appointed Representative" status only, or permissions don't include dealing/trading activities.
6

Search Warning Lists

~15 sec

Final check - search regulator warning lists:

⚠️ FCA Warning List ⚠️ ASIC Alert List 🌍 IOSCO I-SCAN (Global)
🚨
Final Red Flag: Broker appears on ANY warning list = DO NOT USE under any circumstances.

Verification Complete?

✅

All Checks Passed

If license exists, all details match exactly, permissions are correct, and no warnings found - the broker is likely legitimate.

Compare Verified Brokers →
❌

Any Check Failed

If ANY step failed or raised concerns - DO NOT deposit funds. The broker is potentially fraudulent or a clone scam.

Check Blacklists →

🛡️ Skip the Verification — Use Our Pre-Verified Brokers

We've already verified all 150+ brokers in our database. Every license checked. Every warning list searched. Every detail matched.

✓ License verified ✓ No blacklisted brokers ✓ 950+ data points ✓ Updated weekly
Browse Verified Brokers →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does broker verification take?

With our 6-step process, you can verify any broker in about 60 seconds. The most important step is matching all details exactly on the official register.

What if the broker claims "pending" regulation?

Red flag. There's no such thing as "pending" regulation for active brokers. Either they're authorized or they're not. Don't deposit until fully verified.

The broker has multiple licenses. Which do I check?

Check the license for YOUR country. If you're in the UK, verify their FCA license. Also verify their primary regulator. Multiple legitimate licenses is actually a good sign.

Can I trust a broker regulated offshore?

We strongly advise against offshore-only brokers (SVG, Vanuatu, Seychelles, Marshall Islands). These jurisdictions offer zero investor protection and are favorite choices for scammers.