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Best Market Maker Forex Brokers

Written by Miro Nikolov
Miro Nikolov is the co-founder of TradingPedia.com and BestBrokers.com. His mission is to help people make profitable investments by giving them access to educational resources and analytics tools.
, | Updated: September 15, 2025

The Forex market has a diverse range of traders; therefore, there are different types of brokers to meet traders’ requirements. Market maker Forex brokers stand out among these for their unique approach to handling trades. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran trader, knowing how market makers operate can help you decide whether this type is the right fit for your strategy.

  1. Plus500 US
    Rating: 4
    This content applies only to Plus500 US and clients from the United States. Trading futures involves the risk of loss.
  2. eToro
    Rating: 4.2
    61% of retail investor accounts lose money
  3. BlackBull Markets
    Rating: 4.8
    Trading leveraged products is risky
  4. XM Group
    Rating: 3.8
    72.82% of retail investor accounts lose money
  5. IG
    Rating: 3.9
    67% of retail client accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this investment provider.
  6. easyMarkets
    Rating: 4
    71% of retail investor accounts lose money
  7. AvaTrade
    Rating: 4.7
    76% of retail investor accounts lose money
  8. CMC Markets
    Rating: 4.3
    67% of retail investor accounts lose money
  9. Exness
    Rating: 4.6
    Trading leveraged products is risky
  10. ActivTrades
    Rating: 3.9
    71% of retail investor accounts lose money

Below you can find a comparison table of the best Forex brokers using the market maker model. We rank them based on several factors, including regulation, spreads and commissions, Trustpilot rating, trading instruments, trading platforms, and deposit and withdrawal methods.

Our team has thoroughly evaluated all brokers listed below using TradingPedia’s exclusive methodology.

Main features of the best market maker Forex brokers

  • Brand
  • Trustpilot Rating
  • Trading platforms
  • Minimum deposit
  • Regulations
  • Trading instruments
  • Spreads
  • Leverage for Forex CFDs
  • Leverage for Metals CFDs
  • Leverage for Crypto CFDs
  • Leverage for Indices CFDs
  • Deposit methods
  • Withdrawal Methods
  • Commission per Lot
  • Contact details
    • Top rated
    • Trustpilot Rating
      4.8
    • Trading platforms
      • cTrader
      • MetaTrader 4
      • MetaTrader 5
      • TradingView
      • ZuluTrade
      • BlackBull CopyTrader
      • BlackBull Invest
      • BlackBull Shares
      • BlackBull Trade
    • Minimum deposit
      $0 (Standard)
      $0 (Prime)
      $20,000 (Institutional)
    • Regulations
      • FMA (New Zealand, Licence №: FSP403326)
      • FSAS (Seychelles, Licence №: SD045)
    • Trading instruments
      • Commodities CFDs
      • Crypto CFDs
      • Forex CFDs
      • Indices CFDs
      • Metals CFDs
      • Stock CFDs
    • Spreads
      • AUDUSD: AVG 0.3 pips
      • AUDUSD: AVG 1.2 pips
      • EURGBP: AVG 1.7 pips
      • EURUSD: AVG 0.3 pips
      • EURUSD: AVG 1 pips
      • GBPUSD: AVG 0.3 pips
      • GBPUSD: AVG 1.2 pips
      • NZDUSD: AVG 0.5 pips
      • NZDUSD: AVG 1.2 pips
      • USDCAD: AVG 0.5 pips
      • USDCAD: AVG 1.2 pips
      • USDCHF: AVG 1 pips
      • USDCHF: AVG 1.6 pips
      • USDJPY: AVG 0.3 pips
      • USDJPY: AVG 1.2 pips
    • Leverage for Forex CFDs
      • 1:500 (FMA)
      • 1:500 (FSAS)
    • Leverage for Metals CFDs
      • Leverage for Crypto CFDs
        • Leverage for Indices CFDs
          • Deposit methods
            • Airtm
            • Chainlink
            • American Express
            • Ethereum
            • Fasapay
            • FXPay
            • Help2Pay
            • Hexopay
            • Litecoin
            • Mastercard
            • AstroPay
            • NETELLER
            • Payment Asia
            • Bank Transfer
            • POLi
            • Ripple
            • Skrill
            • Beeteller
            • Stellar
            • Tether
            • UnionPay
            • USD Coin
            • Bitcoin
            • Visa
            • Bitcoin Cash
            • Boleto
          • Withdrawal Methods
            • Airtm
            • American Express
            • Fasapay
            • FXPay
            • Help2Pay
            • Hexopay
            • Litecoin
            • Mastercard
            • AstroPay
            • NETELLER
            • Payment Asia
            • Bank Transfer
            • POLi
            • Skrill
            • Beeteller
            • UnionPay
            • Bitcoin
            • Visa
            • Bitcoin Cash
            • Boleto
          • Commission per Lot
            $0 (ECN Standard Account), $6 round turn (ECN Prime Account), $4 round turn (ECN Institutional Account)
          • Contact details
          • Trustpilot Rating
            4.2
          • Trading platforms
            • Proprietary Mobile
            • Proprietary Web
          • Minimum deposit
            $100
          • Regulations
            • CFTC (United States, Licence №: 0001398)
            • CySEC (Cyprus, Licence №: 250/14)
            • DFSA (United Arab Emirates, Licence №: F005651)
            • EFSA (Estonia, Licence №: 4.1-1/18)
            • FCA (United Kingdom, Licence №: 509909)
            • FFAJ (Japan, Licence №: 2010001092422)
            • FMA (New Zealand, Licence №: 486026)
            • FSA (Japan, Licence №: 2010001092422)
            • FSAS (Seychelles, Licence №: SD039)
            • FSCA (South Africa, Licence №: 47546)
            • MAS (Singapore, Licence №: CMS100648)
            • SCB (Bahamas, Licence №: SIA-F250)
            • ASIC (Australia, Licence №: 417727)
          • Trading instruments
            • Commodities CFDs
            • Crypto CFDs
            • Energy CFDs
            • ETF CFDs
            • Forex CFDs
            • Indices CFDs
            • Metals CFDs
            • Share CFDs
            • Stock CFDs
            • US Stock CFDs
          • Spreads
            • AUDUSD: AVG 1.1 pips
            • EURGBP: AVG 1.5 pips
            • EURUSD: AVG 1.3 pips
            • GBPUSD: AVG 1.8 pips
            • NZDUSD: AVG 2.2 pips
            • USDCAD: AVG 2 pips
            • USDCHF: AVG 1.8 pips
            • USDCNY: AVG 12 pips
            • USDJPY: AVG 2.1 pips
          • Leverage for Forex CFDs
            • 1:30 (Retail Accounts)
            • 1:300 (Pro Account - Professional accounts do not have ICF rights.)
          • Leverage for Metals CFDs
            • Leverage for Crypto CFDs
              • 1:20 (Pro Account)
              • 1:2 (Retail Account)
            • Leverage for Indices CFDs
              • 1:300 (Pro Account)
              • 1:20 (Retail Account)
            • Deposit methods
              • BPAY
              • Apple Pay
              • Mastercard
              • PayPal
              • Bank Transfer
              • Skrill
              • Visa
            • Withdrawal Methods
              • Mastercard
              • PayPal
              • Bank Transfer
              • Skrill
              • Visa
            • Commission per Lot
              $0
            • Contact details
              • Phone Number:
              • Email: support@plus500.com
              • Headquarter Address: MATAM, Building 22, Haifa, 31905, Israel
            • Trustpilot Rating
              3.8
            • Trading platforms
              • MetaTrader 4
              • MetaTrader 4 MultiTerminal
              • MetaTrader 5
              • Proprietary Mobile
              • Proprietary Web
            • Minimum deposit
              $5
            • Regulations
              • CFTC (United States, Licence №: 0516820)
              • CySEC (Cyprus, Licence №: 120/10)
              • DFSA (United Arab Emirates, Licence №: F003484)
              • FSCA (South Africa, Licence №: 49976)
              • IFSC (Belize, Licence №: 000261/27)
              • FSCM (Mauritius, Licence №: GB23202700)
            • Trading instruments
              • Bonds CFDs
              • Commodities CFDs
              • Crypto CFDs
              • Energy CFDs
              • ETF CFDs
              • Forex CFDs
              • Forex Options
              • Index Options
              • Indices CFDs
              • Metals CFDs
              • Share CFDs
              • Stock CFDs
              • Stock Options
              • US Stock Options
            • Spreads
              • AUDUSD: AVG 1.7 pips
              • EURGBP: AVG 2.1 pips
              • EURUSD: AVG 1.2 pips
              • GBPUSD: AVG 1.5 pips
              • NZDUSD: AVG 2.1 pips
              • USDCAD: AVG 3.1 pips
              • USDCHF: AVG 1.8 pips
              • USDJPY: AVG 1.4 pips
            • Leverage for Forex CFDs
              • 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account)
              • 1:1000 (IFSC | Retail Account)
            • Leverage for Metals CFDs
              • 1:20 (CySEC | Retail Account)
              • 1:1000 (IFSC | Retail Account)
            • Leverage for Crypto CFDs
              • 1:500 (IFSC | Retail Account)
            • Leverage for Indices CFDs
              • 1:20 (CySEC | Retail Account)
              • 1:500 (IFSC | Retail Account)
            • Deposit methods
              • Google Pay
              • Apple Pay
              • Maestro
              • NETELLER
              • Bank Transfer
              • UnionPay
              • Visa
            • Withdrawal Methods
              • Mastercard
              • NETELLER
              • Bank Transfer
              • Skrill
              • UnionPay
              • Visa
            • Commission per Lot
              $0 Ultra Low Micro and Ultra Low Standard Accounts; $3.50 per side XM Zero Account
            • Contact details
            • Trustpilot Rating
              3.9
            • Trading platforms
              • L2 Dealer
              • MetaTrader 4
              • Proprietary Web
              • ProRealTime
              • TradingView
            • Minimum deposit
              $50
            • Regulations
              • CFTC (United States, Licence №: 0509630)
              • DFSA (United Arab Emirates, Licence №: F001780)
              • FCA (United Kingdom, Licence №: 944492)
              • FFAJ (Japan)
              • FINMA (Switzerland, Licence №: IG Bank S.A.)
              • FMA (New Zealand, Licence №: 684191)
              • FSCA (South Africa, Licence №: 41393)
              • JFSA (Japan, Licence №: 9010401051715)
              • MAS (Singapore, Licence №: 1489)
              • ASIC (Australia, Licence №: 515106)
              • BaFin (Germany, Licence №: 148759)
              • BMA (Bermuda, Licence №: 54814)
            • Trading instruments
              • Bond Futures
              • Bond Options
              • Bond Spread Betting
              • Bonds CFDs
              • Commodities CFDs
              • Commodity Futures
              • Commodity Options
              • Commodity Spread Betting
              • Crypto CFDs
              • Crypto Options
              • Crypto Spread Betting
              • Currency Futures
              • Energy CFDs
              • Energy Futures
              • Energy Options
              • Energy Spread Betting
              • ETF CFDs
              • ETF Options
              • ETF Spread Betting
              • Forex CFDs
              • Forex Options
              • Forex Spread Betting
              • Index Futures
              • Index Options
              • Index Spread Betting
              • Indices CFDs
              • Interest Rate Futures
              • Metal Futures
              • Metal Options
              • Metals CFDs
              • Metals Spread Betting
              • Share CFDs
              • Stock CFDs
              • Stock Options
              • Stock Spread Betting
              • US Stock CFDs
              • US Stock Options
              • US Stock Spread Betting
            • Spreads
              • AUDUSD: AVG 1.33 pips
              • AUDUSD: MIN 0.6 pips
              • EURGBP: AVG 1.83 pips
              • EURGBP: MIN 0.9 pips
              • EURUSD: AVG 1.13 pips
              • EURUSD: MIN 0.6 pips
              • GBPUSD: AVG 2.38 pips
              • GBPUSD: MIN 0.9 pips
              • NZDUSD: AVG 1.8 pips
              • NZDUSD: MIN 1.8 pips
              • USDCAD: AVG 2.46 pips
              • USDCAD: MIN 1.3 pips
              • USDCHF: AVG 2.29 pips
              • USDCHF: MIN 1.5 pips
              • USDCNY: AVG 14.51 pips
              • USDCNY: MIN 10 pips
              • USDJPY: AVG 1.8 pips
              • USDJPY: MIN 0.7 pips
            • Leverage for Forex CFDs
              • 1:222 (BaFin | Pro Account)
              • 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account)
              • 1:30 (BaFin | Retail Account)
              • 1:200 (BMA | Retail Account)
              • 1:30 (FCA | Retail Account)
            • Leverage for Metals CFDs
              • 1:20 (BaFin | Retail Account)
              • 1:200 (BMA | Retail Account)
            • Leverage for Crypto CFDs
              • 1:22 (BaFin | Pro Account)
              • 1:2 (BaFin | Retail Account)
              • 1:10 (BMA | Retail Account)
            • Leverage for Indices CFDs
              • 1:222 (BaFin | Pro Account)
              • 1:20 (BaFin | Retail Account)
              • 1:200 (BMA | Retail Account)
            • Deposit methods
              • BPAY
              • Discover
              • Apple Pay
              • Mastercard
              • PayPal
              • Bank Transfer
              • Visa
              • Wire Transfer
            • Withdrawal Methods
              • Discover
              • Mastercard
              • Bank Transfer
              • Visa
            • Commission per Lot
              $0
            • Contact details
            • Trustpilot Rating
              4
            • Trading platforms
              • MetaTrader 4
              • MetaTrader 5
              • Proprietary Mobile
              • Proprietary Web
              • TradingView
            • Minimum deposit
              $25 ($2,000 for MT4 Premium, $10,000 for MT4 VIP)
            • Regulations
              • CySEC (Cyprus, Licence №: 079/07)
              • FSAS (Seychelles, Licence №: SD056)
              • FSCA (South Africa, Licence №: 54018)
              • ASIC (Australia, Licence №: 246566)
              • BVIFSC (Virgin Islands, British, Licence №: SIBA/L/20/1135)
            • Trading instruments
              • Commodities CFDs
              • Crypto CFDs
              • Forex CFDs
              • Forex Forwards
              • Forex Options
              • Indices CFDs
              • Metal Options
              • Metals CFDs
              • Share CFDs
            • Spreads
              • AUDUSD: MIN 1.5 pips
              • AUDUSD: AVG 0.9 pips
              • EURGBP: MIN 2 pips
              • EURGBP: AVG 1.5 pips
              • EURUSD: MIN 0.8 pips
              • EURUSD: AVG 0.7 pips
              • GBPUSD: MIN 1.4 pips
              • GBPUSD: AVG 0.9 pips
              • NZDUSD: MIN 2.7 pips
              • NZDUSD: AVG 3 pips
              • USDCAD: MIN 2.3 pips
              • USDCAD: AVG 2 pips
              • USDCHF: MIN 2 pips
              • USDCHF: AVG 2 pips
              • USDCNY: MIN 35 pips
              • USDCNY: AVG 25 pips
              • USDJPY: MIN 1.5 pips
              • USDJPY: AVG 2 pips
            • Leverage for Forex CFDs
              • 1:500 (ASIC | Pro Account)
              • 1:500 (CySEC | Pro Account)
              • 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account)
              • 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account)
              • 1:2000 (FSAS | Retail Account)
            • Leverage for Metals CFDs
              • 1:20 (ASIC | Retail Account)
              • 1:20 (CySEC | Retail Account)
              • 1:1000 (FSAS | Retail Account)
            • Leverage for Crypto CFDs
              • 1:400 (ASIC | Pro Account)
              • 1:400 (FSAS | Retail Account)
              • 1:20 (CySEC | Pro Account)
              • 1:2 (ASIC | Retail Account)
              • 1:2 (CySEC | Retail Account)
            • Leverage for Indices CFDs
              • 1:400 (ASIC | Pro Account)
              • 1:100 (CySEC | Pro Account)
              • 1:20 (ASIC | Retail Account)
              • 1:20 (CySEC | Retail Account)
              • 1:400 (FSAS | Retail Account)
            • Deposit methods
              • BPAY
              • Credit & Debit Cards
              • Fasapay
              • iDEAL
              • NETELLER
              • Bank Transfer
              • Pix
              • Skrill
              • STICPAY
              • WebMoney
              • BitWallet
            • Withdrawal Methods
              • Credit & Debit Cards
              • Fasapay
              • NETELLER
              • Bank Transfer
              • Skrill
              • STICPAY
              • WebMoney
            • Commission per Lot
              $0
            • Contact details
            • Trustpilot Rating
              4.7
            • Trading platforms
              • AvaOptions
              • DupliTrade
              • AvaSocial
              • MetaTrader 4
              • MetaTrader 5
              • AvaTadeGO
              • Proprietary Web
              • ZuluTrade
            • Minimum deposit
              $100
            • Regulations
              • CIRO (Canada)
              • CySEC (Cyprus, Licence №: 347/17)
              • FRSA (United Arab Emirates, Licence №: 190018)
              • FFAJ (Japan, Licence №: 1574)
              • FSCA (South Africa, Licence №: 45984)
              • FSRA (Canada, Licence №: 190018)
              • ISA (Israel, Licence №: 514666577)
              • JFSA (Japan, Licence №: 1662)
              • ASIC (Australia, Licence №: 406684)
              • BVIFSC (Virgin Islands, British, Licence №: SIBA/L/13/1049)
              • CBI (Ireland, Licence №: C53877)
            • Trading instruments
              • Bonds CFDs
              • Commodities CFDs
              • Crypto CFDs
              • Crypto Options
              • Energy CFDs
              • ETF CFDs
              • Forex CFDs
              • Forex Options
              • Index Options
              • Indices CFDs
              • Metals CFDs
              • Share CFDs
              • Stock CFDs
              • Stock Options
              • US Stock Options
            • Spreads
              • AUDUSD: AVG 0.9 pips
              • EURGBP: AVG 1.2 pips
              • EURUSD: AVG 0.8 pips
              • GBPUSD: AVG 1.2 pips
              • NZDUSD: AVG 1.4 pips
              • USDCAD: AVG 1.8 pips
              • USDCHF: AVG 1.3 pips
              • USDCNY: AVG 20 pips
              • USDJPY: AVG 1.3 pips
            • Leverage for Forex CFDs
              • 1:400 (Pro Account)
              • 1:30 (Standard Account)
            • Leverage for Metals CFDs
              • Leverage for Crypto CFDs
                • 1:50 (Pro Account)
                • 1:2 (Standard Account)
              • Leverage for Indices CFDs
                • 1:200 (Pro Account)
                • 1:20 (Standard Account)
              • Deposit methods
                • Mastercard
                • NETELLER
                • Bank Transfer
                • Skrill
                • Visa
                • WebMoney
              • Withdrawal Methods
                • Mastercard
                • NETELLER
                • Bank Transfer
                • Skrill
                • Visa
                • WebMoney
              • Commission per Lot
                $0
              • Contact details
              • Trustpilot Rating
                4.2
              • Trading platforms
                • eToro App
                • eToro CopyTrader
                • eToro Investing
              • Minimum deposit
                $50 or $100 based on country ($10 for the UK)
              • Regulations
                • CySEC (Cyprus, Licence №: 109/10)
                • FCA (United Kingdom, Licence №: 583263)
                • FRSA (United Arab Emirates, Licence №: 220073)
                • FinCEN (United States, Licence №: 31000204884179)
                • FINRA (United States, Licence №: 298361)
                • FSAS (Seychelles, Licence №: SD076)
                • GFSC (Gibraltar, Licence №: 1333B)
                • AMF (France, Licence №: E2022-038)
                • MFSA (Malta, Licence №: C97952)
                • SEC (United States, Licence №: 0001753042)
                • ASIC (Australia, Licence №: 491139)
              • Trading instruments
                • Commodities CFDs
                • Crypto CFDs
                • ETF CFDs
                • Forex CFDs
                • Indices CFDs
                • Metals CFDs
                • Share CFDs
                • Stock CFDs
                • US Stock CFDs
              • Spreads
                • AUDUSD: AVG 1 pips
                • EURGBP: AVG 1.5 pips
                • EURUSD: AVG 1 pips
                • GBPUSD: AVG 2 pips
                • NZDUSD: AVG 2.5 pips
                • USDCAD: AVG 1.5 pips
                • USDCHF: AVG 1.5 pips
                • USDCNY: AVG 10 pips
                • USDJPY: AVG 1 pips
              • Leverage for Forex CFDs
                • 1:400 (CySEC | Pro Account)
                • 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account)
                • 1:400 (FSAS | Retail Account)
              • Leverage for Metals CFDs
                • 1:20 (CySEC | Retail Account)
              • Leverage for Crypto CFDs
                • 1:2 (CySEC | Retail Account)
                • 1:5 (FSAS | Retail Account)
              • Leverage for Indices CFDs
                • 1:20 (CySEC | Retail Account)
                • 1:100 (FSAS | Retail Account)
              • Deposit methods
                • eToro Money
                • iDEAL
                • Klarna
                • Mastercard
                • NETELLER
                • PayPal
                • Bank Transfer
                • Przelewy24
                • Skrill
                • Trustly
                • Visa
              • Withdrawal Methods
                • Mastercard
                • NETELLER
                • PayPal
                • Bank Transfer
                • Skrill
                • Trustly
                • Visa
              • Commission per Lot
                $1 or $2 (stocks only)
              • Contact details
                • Phone Number:
                • Email: complianceCY@etoro.com
                • Headquarter Address: 24th floor, One Canada Square Canary Wharf London, E14 5AB United Kingdom
              • Trustpilot Rating
                4.3
              • Trading platforms
                • CMC Next Generation
                • MetaTrader 4
                • TradingView
              • Minimum deposit
                $0
              • Regulations
                • CIRO (Canada)
                • DFSA (United Arab Emirates, Licence №: F002740)
                • FCA (United Kingdom, Licence №: 173730)
                • FMA (New Zealand, Licence №: FSP41187)
                • MAS (Singapore, Licence №: 200605050E)
                • ASIC (Australia, Licence №: 238054)
                • BaFin (Germany, Licence №: 154814)
                • BMA (Bermuda)
              • Trading instruments
                • Commodities CFDs
                • Crypto CFDs
                • Energy CFDs
                • ETF CFDs
                • Forex CFDs
                • Indices CFDs
                • Metals CFDs
                • Share CFDs
                • Stock CFDs
                • US Stock CFDs
              • Spreads
                • AUDUSD: MIN 0.6 pips
                • AUDUSD: AVG 1 pips
                • EURGBP: MIN 0.8 pips
                • EURGBP: AVG 1.2 pips
                • EURUSD: MIN 0.5 pips
                • EURUSD: AVG 0.6 pips
                • GBPUSD: MIN 0.9 pips
                • GBPUSD: AVG 1.1 pips
                • NZDUSD: AVG 1.7 pips
                • USDCAD: MIN 1.3 pips
                • USDCAD: AVG 2.5 pips
                • USDCHF: MIN 1.5 pips
                • USDCHF: AVG 1.5 pips
                • USDCNY: MIN 2 pips
                • USDCNY: AVG 3.1 pips
                • USDJPY: MIN 0.7 pips
                • USDJPY: AVG 1.3 pips
              • Leverage for Forex CFDs
                • 1:500 (ASIC | Pro Account)
                • 1:500 (FCA | Pro Account)
                • 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account)
                • 1:30 (BaFin | Retail Account)
                • 1:30 (FCA | Retail Account)
                • 1:20 (MAS | Retail Account)
              • Leverage for Metals CFDs
                • 1:20 (FCA | Retail Account)
              • Leverage for Crypto CFDs
                • 1:2 (ASIC | Retail Account)
              • Leverage for Indices CFDs
                • 1:20 (FCA | Retail Account)
              • Deposit methods
                • Maestro
                • Mastercard
                • OnlineNaira
                • Bank Transfer
                • Visa
              • Withdrawal Methods
                • Mastercard
                • PayPal
                • Bank Transfer
                • Visa
              • Commission per Lot
                $0.02 per share with a $10 minimum for US shares; 0.10% for other shares with a €/£9 minimum
              • Contact details
              • Trustpilot Rating
                4.6
              • Trading platforms
                • MetaTrader 4
                • MetaTrader 5
                • Proprietary Mobile
              • Minimum deposit
                $10 (Standard, Standard Cent); $200 (Pro, Raw Spread, Zero)
              • Regulations
                • CMA (Saudi Arabia, Licence №: 162)
                • CySEC (Cyprus, Licence №: 178/12)
                • FCA (United Kingdom, Licence №: 730729)
                • FSAS (Seychelles, Licence №: SD025)
                • FSCA (South Africa, Licence №: 51024)
                • JSC (Jordan, Licence №: 51905)
                • FSCM (Mauritius, Licence №: GB20025294)
                • CBCS (Curaçao, Licence №: 0003LSI)
                • BVIFSC (Virgin Islands, British, Licence №: SIBA/L/20/1133)
              • Trading instruments
                • Commodities CFDs
                • Crypto CFDs
                • Forex CFDs
                • Indices CFDs
                • Metals CFDs
                • Stock CFDs
              • Spreads
                • AUDUSD: AVG 0.9 pips
                • EURGBP: AVG 1.4 pips
                • EURUSD: AVG 0.9 pips
                • NZDUSD: AVG 1.8 pips
                • USDCAD: AVG 1.8 pips
                • USDCHF: AVG 1.3 pips
                • USDCNY: AVG 40.1 pips
                • USDJPY: AVG 1 pips
              • Leverage for Forex CFDs
                • 1:400 (CMA)
                • 1:2000 (FSAS)
              • Leverage for Metals CFDs
                • Leverage for Crypto CFDs
                  • 1:400 (FSAS)
                • Leverage for Indices CFDs
                  • 1:400 (CMA)
                  • 1:400 (FSAS)
                • Deposit methods
                  • Airtm
                  • Credit & Debit Cards
                  • Crypto
                  • NETELLER
                  • Skrill
                  • STICPAY
                  • Boleto
                • Withdrawal Methods
                  • NETELLER
                  • Bank Transfer
                  • Pix
                  • Skrill
                  • STICPAY
                  • Tether
                  • USD Coin
                  • Bitcoin
                • Commission per Lot
                  $7 round-turn (Raw), $0.10 (Zero)
                • Contact details
                  • Phone Number: 08008920922
                  • Email: info@exness.com
                  • Headquarter Address: Offices 307&308 Third Floor, North Wing, Granger Bay Court, V&A Waterfront Cape Town
                • Trustpilot Rating
                  3.9
                • Trading platforms
                  • MetaTrader 4
                  • MetaTrader 5
                  • Proprietary Web
                  • TradingView
                • Minimum deposit
                  $0
                • Regulations
                • Trading instruments
                  • Bonds CFDs
                  • Commodities CFDs
                  • Crypto CFDs
                  • ETF CFDs
                  • Forex CFDs
                  • Indices CFDs
                  • Share CFDs
                • Spreads
                  • AUDUSD: AVG 0.6 pips
                  • EURGBP: AVG 0.8 pips
                  • EURUSD: AVG 0.5 pips
                  • GBPUSD: AVG 0.8 pips
                  • NZDUSD: AVG 1 pips
                  • USDCAD: AVG 1 pips
                  • USDCHF: AVG 1 pips
                  • USDCNY: AVG 1.2 pips
                  • USDJPY: AVG 0.5 pips
                • Leverage for Forex CFDs
                  • 1:400 (CMVM | Pro Account)
                  • 1:30 (CMVM | Retail Account)
                  • 1:1000 (FSC)
                  • 1:200 (SCB)
                • Leverage for Metals CFDs
                  • Leverage for Crypto CFDs
                    • 1:20 (CMVM | Pro Account)
                    • 1:2 (CMVM | Retail Account)
                    • 1:20 (FSC)
                    • 1:20 (SCB)
                  • Leverage for Indices CFDs
                    • 1:400 (CMVM | Pro Account)
                    • 1:20 (CMVM | Retail Account)
                    • 1:1000 (FSC)
                    • 1:1000 (SCB)
                  • Deposit methods
                    • Crypto
                    • Mastercard
                    • NETELLER
                    • PayPal
                    • Bank Transfer
                    • Skrill
                    • Visa
                  • Withdrawal Methods
                    • Crypto
                    • Mastercard
                    • NETELLER
                    • PayPal
                    • Bank Transfer
                    • Skrill
                    • Visa
                  • Commission per Lot
                    $0
                  • Contact details

                What are market maker brokers?

                Market maker brokers act as intermediaries that ‘make the market’. They provide liquidity to traders and internalise trades within their system instead of passing them directly to the interbank market. These brokers act as counterparties: they become sellers when you buy and buyers when you sell.

                This model aims to execute trades without relying on external liquidity providers, which makes market makers an essential part of the Forex ecosystem. These brokers manage positions in-house compared with the ECN/STP brokers that provide direct market access.

                How are market makers different from ECN brokers?

                The following comparison table clearly shows the differences between the two models.

                Market MakersECN Brokers
                ExecutionInternalisedDirect market access
                SpreadsFixedVariable
                TransparencyLimitedHigh
                Execution speedModerateFast
                SlippageRequotes occurNo requotes; slippage varies
                Cost structureHigh spreads, no commissionLow spreads with a fixed commission
                Conflict of interestYesNo

                The table above clearly shows the differences between market makers and ECN brokers. ECN brokers pass your orders directly to the market, which is why they charge low spreads and offer greater transparency. Moreover, execution speed is also higher with ECN brokers.

                On the other hand, market makers have a higher but fixed spread. Requotes may therefore occur, but there is no slippage. As market makers internalise trades, they are suspected of potential manipulation due to a conflict of interest.

                Pros of market maker brokers

                Now that you understand what market makers are and how they differ from ECN brokers, let’s look at some of their main advantages.

                1. Guaranteed liquidity

                  Market makers ensure that trades are executed even during low-volume hours, making them suitable for trading when liquidity is scarce.

                2. Negative balance protection

                  Because trades are internalised, market maker brokers can ensure that you do not lose more than your equity, so extremely volatile markets may not harm you as severely.

                3. Fixed spreads

                  Although market maker brokers have higher spreads, these are fixed, which makes it easier to estimate your trading costs. With fixed spreads, no commission is charged.

                4. Low minimum deposit

                  Market maker brokers allow you to start trading with a very small deposit. This feature is beginner-friendly for traders who want to test their skills and gain real-time experience.

                5. User friendliness

                  These brokers generally offer intuitive platforms that are user-friendly for beginners and often include educational resources to help new traders develop their skills.

                6. No slippage

                  Because spreads are fixed, they do not change during periods of low activity or high volatility, allowing you to avoid slippage.

                Cons of market maker brokers

                Now let’s examine the disadvantages of market makers.

                1. Higher spreads

                  Although no commission is charged, spreads are higher compared with ECN brokers. Such spreads may not suit traders who place many trades during the day.

                2. Requotes

                  There is no slippage with market makers, but requotes may occur, meaning your order may not be filled instantly when the market moves abruptly.

                3. Manipulation risk

                  Since orders are internalised, these brokers could manipulate pricing to trigger your stop-loss or intentionally delay order execution.

                4. Conflict of interest

                  Market makers trade against their clients; they profit when traders lose. Therefore, a conflict of interest is inherent.

                Who should opt for market maker brokers?

                After considering the key advantages and disadvantages, let’s discuss which types of traders should choose a market maker broker.

                Beginner traders

                As a beginner, you can benefit from market maker brokers. They have low entry requirements and user-friendly platforms with educational resources.

                Low-volume traders

                Swing traders or position traders who trade only a few times per week are less sensitive to trading costs; therefore, they can choose market maker brokers.

                However, market maker brokers may not be suitable for:

                Scalpers or high-frequency traders

                Scalpers or high-frequency traders open and close several positions a day and target very small profits, such as 1-2 pips. Higher spreads and slower execution therefore do not suit these strategies.

                Tips to choose a market maker broker

                If you have decided to go for a market maker broker, consider the following factors:

                • Regulation

                  A broker must be regulated. Unregulated brokers have no accountability and traders are not safe with them.

                • Credibility

                  After regulation, evaluate the broker’s credibility. Check online reviews, the Trustpilot rating, and other forums where users share their experiences.

                • Transparency

                  The broker must operate transparently; there should be no grey areas. The broker should also be clear about deposit, withdrawal and other fees.

                • Customer support

                  A good broker offers responsive customer support. Live chat, email and social media channels help traders resolve any concerns.

                Final thoughts

                Market maker brokers are suitable for beginners and low-volume traders. They offer advantages such as fixed spreads, low minimum deposits and no slippage. However, drawbacks include a conflict of interest and limited market access. Ultimately, your choice of broker depends on your trading needs. If you wish to trade during periods of low activity, market makers may suit you because your orders will be filled regardless of volume.