Best Ireland Trading Platforms & Brokers Regulated by CBI

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: November 5, 2025

Our team of expert traders tested several regulated and trustworthy Irish trading platforms and compiled a top list of the best among them. Each trading platform operating in Ireland received a quality score based on several factors, including Trustpilot rating, regulation, fees and commissions, available trading platforms, customer service, and more.

Home to a population of more than five million people, the Republic of Ireland occupies most of the island of Ireland, off the coast of Wales and England. The country has one of the most stable economies in Europe, and owing to the authorities’ liberal approach to trading, such activities are thriving on the Emerald Isle. The online brokers that cater to the Irish market are abundant, and, as a result of the brokers’ efforts to penetrate the market, trading opportunities available to traders have expanded further. Besides, Dublin is home to the Irish Stock Exchange, which ranks among the largest stock exchanges globally.

Trading in Forex and CFDs is subject to adequate oversight from the authorities in Ireland, and residents can engage in such activities without breaching the law. However, traders should bear in mind that there is a maximum limit on the leverage that may be offered to retail clients. The protection measures introduced by the European Securities and Markets Authority are also noteworthy.

Ireland is becoming more and more attractive for brokers, but in order to accommodate traders from the jurisdiction, they need the approval of the Central Bank of Ireland. While recommended, brokers that have set their eyes on the Irish market do not necessarily need to possess a licence from the bank, as having a stamp of approval from a regulatory body in another member state is also sufficient.

Regulator	Central Bank of Ireland
Maximum Leverage of Forex	1:30
Maximum Leverage of Stocks	1:5
Maximum Leverage of CFDs	1:20

Best Ireland brokers

Owing to the ever-growing popularity of trading, hundreds of brokers have flooded the market and, given the breadth of choice, traders can easily feel overwhelmed when searching for top-performing brokers that accept Irish clients. All brokers competing in the market strive to win traders’ patronage and make every effort to provide a broad range of assets, an array of platforms, fast and reliable payment methods, low costs, and premium-quality customer care, among other benefits.

We reviewed numerous brokers operating in Ireland and narrowed the list to ten worthwhile options that traders might wish to explore if they seek premium-quality services across all major areas.

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Regulators
CIRO (Canada), CySEC (Cyprus, # 347/17), FRSA (United Arab Emirates, # 190018), FFAJ (Japan, # 1574), FSCA (South Africa, # 45984), FSRA (Canada, # 190018), ISA (Israel, # 514666577), JFSA (Japan, # 1662), ASIC (Australia, # 406684), BVIFSC (Virgin Islands, British, # SIBA/L/13/1049), CBI (Ireland, # C53877)
Platforms
AvaOptions, DupliTrade, AvaSocial, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, AvaTadeGO, Proprietary Web, ZuluTrade
1. AvaTrade
Min Deposit
$100
Fees
€100 administration fee
€50 inactivity fee
Deposit Methods
Commissions
No commission
Spread
EUR/USD: AVG 0.8 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.2 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1.3 pips
Withdrawal Methods

Leverage EU
1:30
Leverage non-EU
1:400 (Pro Account), 1:30 (Standard Account)
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
*CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Boasting unrivaled success, AvaTrade is a broker regulated by nine authorities across six continents. The broker is increasingly popular among traders from Ireland and welcomes them under the stamp of approval from the Central Bank of Ireland. Once AvaTrade welcomes you to its family, you will enjoy competitive spreads, a highly regulated trading environment, and superior conditions.
The broker provides a range of industry-leading platforms suitable for both seasoned traders and complete novices, and, on top of that, offers several automated trading platforms such as DupliTrade and AvaSocial. To guide traders on the road to success, the broker provides technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and sentiment analysis.
The broker is celebrated for the sheer variety of available instruments, giving its clients access to more than 1,000 markets. In addition, 24/7 cryptocurrency trading is on offer. Beyond the extensive selection of tradable instruments, the advanced trading tools available to AvaTrade’s customers are also worth mentioning.
AvaTrade promises that traders’ funds will always be safe, as it uses fully segregated bank accounts. To further protect investors, the broker offers negative balance protection and an investor compensation scheme. For even greater protection, the broker has introduced AvaProtect, a risk-management tool exclusive to AvaTrade.
The broker offers a premium education pack that enables traders to expand their knowledge through blog posts, webinars, daily market-analysis videos, trading tutorials, and more. A team of experts is also available to answer any questions traders may have.
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Regulators
FSAS (Seychelles, # SD096), VFSC (Vanuatu, # 40256), ASIC (Australia, # 385620)
Platforms
cTrader, DupliTrade, Fusion+ Copy Trading, MetaFX, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView
2. Fusion Markets
Min Deposit
$0
Fees
No fees on deposits
Deposit Methods

Commissions
$4.50 USD equivalent per 1 standard lot (round turn) or equivalent ($4.50 per round turn)
Spread
EUR/USD: AVG 0.93 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1.7 pips
Withdrawal Methods

Leverage EU
1:30
Leverage non-EU
1:500 (ASIC | Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:500 (VFSC | Retail Account)
Instruments
Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs, Stock CFDs
*All financial products involve risk and you should ensure you understand the risk involved as certain financial products may not be suitable for everyone. Trading in margin foreign exchange and derivatives carries a high level of risk and you may incur a loss that is far greater than the amount you invested. Past performance of any product described on this website is not a reliable indication of future performance. Any information or advice contained on this website is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information or advice on this website, you should consider the appropriateness of it (And any relevant product) having regard to your circumstances and we recommend that you seek independent financial advice if necessary.
Even though Fusion Markets was established in 2017, the brokerage began serving clients in 2019 and is now one of the most popular brokers in Ireland. It is a reputable and trusted broker, and this is hardly surprising, considering Fusion Markets has obtained licenses from ASIC, FSA, and VFSC.
To ensure that Fusion Markets is the best choice for traders, the broker has chosen not to impose a minimum account size. Additionally, no fees are charged on deposits, and traders enjoy some of the lowest trading costs in the industry. If you are ready to start trading, you can opt for a demo or live account, and if you prefer the latter, you can choose between a Zero and a Classic account.
After traders select the account type that best suits their requirements, they will be able to trade more than 250 products. Fusion Markets aims to give clients access to all the markets they might be interested in, and its customers can trade precious metals, forex, cryptocurrencies, equity indices, share CFDs, and energy.
Traders can customize their strategies and maximize their potential thanks to the advanced trading tools on offer. In an effort to give its clients an edge in the market, the broker provides resources such as Analyst Views, Technical Insight, and Market Buzz, among others.
The available platforms are also crucial to traders, and the broker allows its clients to choose between MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 for mobile and desktop devices, ensuring they never have to interrupt their trading experience regardless of time or place. Copying the actions of other successful traders is also possible, thanks to DupliTrade and Fusion+.
Fusion Markets takes the security and privacy of its clients seriously and uses industry-standard encryption for deposits and withdrawals.
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Regulators
Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission
Platforms
IQ Option
WebTrader
3. IQ Option
Min Deposit
€10
Fees
No fees on deposits and cashouts
€10 Inactivity fee
Deposit Methods
Commissions
2.9% for long currency positions
Spread
0.9 pips
Withdrawal Methods
Leverage EU
1:30 for retail clients
1:100 for professional clients
Leverage non-EU
1:1000
Instruments
Stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, ETFs, indices, and Forex
*CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Licensed and overseen by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, IQ Option is a broker that has made a name for itself with its advanced platforms, lightning-fast payments, and a wide variety of tradable instruments.
IQ Option ensures that there are enough markets and assets for traders to choose from, and depending on their trading goals, clients of the brokerage can pick from CFDs on cryptocurrencies, forex, and stocks. Trading ETFs, commodities, and indices is also possible. The broker requires a minimum investment of €1, while the maximum leverage traders can benefit from is 1:30.
The broker also allows its clients to test the services on offer for free by creating a demo account. The practice account comes with a balance of €10,000, and the best thing is that the free account is refillable.
IQ Option gives its customers a choice of multiple payment systems when they want to top up their accounts or withdraw their funds securely and without delays. When moving funds to and from their trading accounts, clients of the brokerage can make use of payment methods such as bank wire transfers, PayPal, Mastercard, Skrill, Visa, and Neteller.
IQ Option offers quick and multilingual customer support around the clock to ensure that traders get answers to any questions they might have.
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Regulators
CySEC (Cyprus, # 079/07), FSAS (Seychelles, # SD056), FSCA (South Africa, # 54018), ASIC (Australia, # 246566), BVIFSC (Virgin Islands, British, # SIBA/L/20/1135)
Platforms
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Mobile, Proprietary Web, TradingView
4. easyMarkets
Min Deposit
$25 ($2,000 for MT4 Premium, $10,000 for MT4 VIP)
Fees
No account fees, no matter the account type
Deposit Methods

Commissions
No commission for all account types
Spread
EUR/USD: MIN 0.8 pips, EUR/USD: AVG 0.7 pips, GBP/USD: MIN 1.4 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 0.9 pips, USDJPY: MIN 1.5 pips, USDJPY: AVG 2 pips
Withdrawal Methods

Leverage EU
1:500 (CySEC | Pro Account), 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account)
Leverage non-EU
1:500 (ASIC | Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:2000 (FSAS | Retail Account)
Instruments
Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Forex CFDs, Forex Forwards, Forex Options, Indices CFDs, Metal Options, Metals CFDs, Share CFDs
*Trade Responsibly: CFDs and Options are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs and Options work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Please refer to our full Risk Disclaimer. Easy Forex Trading Ltd (CySEC – License Number 079/07).
Another broker that traders from Ireland should consider if they are unsure where to trade is easyMarkets. The broker has been pioneering the online trading market since 2001, and now its name is associated with premium-quality trading services in multiple jurisdictions, including Ireland.
The broker aims to provide its clients with a simple yet varied selection of trading options, and the markets offered by easyMarkets include cryptocurrencies, forex, indices, commodities, shares, and metals. The broker also offers unique features such as Freeze Rate, dealCancellation, and free guaranteed stop-loss.
Finding a broker that meets your expectations might not be easy, and because of this easyMarkets gives its clients the chance to test the services without risking their hard-earned money by using a demo account. Once they are sure that the broker provides everything they need, traders can upgrade to a VIP or Premium account on MT4, MT5, or TradingView.
The broker also pays special attention to the needs and requirements of mobile traders, and easyMarkets’ mobile apps give traders unlimited access to all available markets no matter the time or place. Another reason the broker is worth traders’ while is that its clients do not pay additional fees or face commissions.
Clients of the brokerage who want to trade cryptocurrencies can do so around the clock, regardless of the platform they choose. The broker is fully regulated, and the stamp of approval from CySEC should give traders peace of mind. Traders should remember that easyMarkets is fully compliant with all ESMA regulations; because of this, the maximum leverage offered is 1:30.
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Regulators
VFSC (Vanuatu, # 40256), ASIC (Australia, # 385620)
Platforms
MetaTrader 4
5. Global Prime
Min Deposit
$0
Fees
No deposit and withdrawal fees
Deposit Methods
Commissions
$3.5 for Raw accounts
No commission for Standard accounts
Spread
EUR/USD: AVG 1.04 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.3 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1.32 pips
Withdrawal Methods
Leverage EU
1:30
Leverage non-EU
1:500 (ASIC | Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:500 (VFSC)
Instruments
Commodities CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs
*Trading derivatives carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Any Information or advice contained on this website is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Past performance of any product described on this website is not a reliable indication of future performance. You should consider whether you’re part of our target market by reviewing our Target Market Determination, and read our PDS and other legal documents to ensure you fully understand the risks before you make any trading decisions. We encourage you to seek independent advice if necessary.
Founded in 2010, Global Prime was created to cater to the growing demand for forex trading. Over the years, the broker has considerably expanded its list of offerings, and today its clients can also trade bonds, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and indices.
The broker seeks to make it a breeze for traders to access the world’s financial markets and allows them to choose between several account types designed to suit investors of all experience levels. Standard and Raw accounts are not the only options; seasoned traders who require higher leverage can open a Professional account. A demo account is also available for clients who want to learn how to place trades, and the best part is that it offers unlimited virtual cash.
Global Prime goes out of its way to combine market-leading trading conditions with some of the most popular trading platforms to ensure client satisfaction. In addition to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 – two of the most widely used trading platforms – Global Prime has announced that cTrader and TradingView will also be made available soon. Along with these world-class platforms, clients can use MyFXBook Autotrade, a social trading system that allows them to subscribe to and copy other trading systems and deploy them in their own accounts.
No matter which platform traders choose, they will have access to the same range of assets at equally low costs.
There are multiple other benefits of trading with Global Prime, and traders may decide to join the broker’s community because of its tight spreads, low latency, personalized support, and wide array of trading tools.
Global Prime is friendly to traders from Ireland, and clients from that jurisdiction will not be required to pay conversion fees when making payments, as the euro is one of the supported base account currencies. The broker has also taken the stress out of the banking experience: the range of payment methods is wide enough, no extra fees are charged, and processing times are up to scratch.
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Regulators
CySEC (Cyprus, # 092/08), FSCA (South Africa, # 46860)
Platforms
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web, TradingView
6. Markets.com
Min Deposit
$100
Fees
€10 inactivity fee
No deposit and withdrawal fees
Deposit Methods
Commissions
No commission
Spread
EUR/USD: AVG 0.9 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.1 pips, USDJPY: AVG 0.9 pips
Withdrawal Methods

Leverage EU
1:294 (CySEC | Pro Account), 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account)
Leverage non-EU
1:300 (FSCA)
Instruments
Bonds CFDs, Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs, Share CFDs
*CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 80.4% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Dedicated to offering everything its clients might need to trade effectively in one place, Markets.com is a broker that traders might already be familiar with. The broker has been in business since 2009, and today it is among the highest-rated providers of trading services to clients from Ireland. The broker is authorized to operate in most major markets, including the UK and other European ones.
The broker offers a range of customizable trading platforms that meet the requirements of traders, and the available options include MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. While the featured platforms are often what traders pay the most attention to, the markets on offer can be even bigger deal-breakers. Because of this, Markets.com has ensured that its clients can gain exposure to a wide variety of financial instruments such as Forex, cryptocurrencies, indices, shares, commodities, ETFs, and bonds. It is also important to know that these assets can be traded through Markets.com’s spread-betting and CFD platforms.
Clients of the brokerage can enjoy unlimited access to all available markets wherever they go once they download and install the dedicated apps designed for devices running on Android or iOS.
To improve their chances of success, traders can take full advantage of professional tools such as market-sentiment analysis, buy-and-sell alerts, risk-management features, and more.
Clients who feel they need to sharpen their skills and knowledge have that opportunity thanks to the comprehensive educational materials Markets.com provides. Getting assistance is hassle-free, and whenever they need help, traders can contact the support team via email, phone, or live chat.
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Regulators
CFTC (United States, # 0516820), CySEC (Cyprus, # 120/10), DFSA (United Arab Emirates, # F003484), FSCA (South Africa, # 49976), IFSC (Belize, # 000261/27), FSCM (Mauritius, # GB23202700)
Platforms
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 4 MultiTerminal, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Mobile, Proprietary Web
7. XM Group
Min Deposit
$5
Fees
No deposit and withdrawal fees
Deposit Methods
Commissions
Commission for XM Zero Account
No commission for XM Ultra Low Micro Account and XM Ultra Low Standard Account
Spread
EUR/USD: AVG 1.2 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.5 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1.4 pips
Withdrawal Methods
Leverage EU
1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account)
Leverage non-EU
1:1000 (IFSC | Retail Account)
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
*CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 77.37% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Please consider our Risk Disclosure.
XM is an award-winning, Ireland-friendly broker that has grown into a well-established international investment firm with a presence in 190 countries.
It is easy to see why the broker is renowned globally, as the services XM offers are focused on its clients. Because of this, the broker provides three account types and a wide range of instruments. It should be easy for traders to find an account type that fits their needs, as there is a Zero Account, an Ultra Low Standard Account, and an Ultra Low Micro Account. A commission is charged only if traders opt for the Zero Account, while the spread on all major pairs for such accounts is as low as 0.0 pips. For the other two account types, the spread on all majors is as low as 0.6 pips.
Another reason XM has become a true industry leader is that the broker ensures lightning-fast payments to and from traders’ accounts with zero fees. EUR is on the list of base account currencies, so traders from Ireland can make payments using their local currency.
Protecting clients’ funds is a top priority for the broker; therefore, XM uses segregated bank accounts and offers insurance for retail clients’ funds of up to €20,000 through the Investor Compensation Fund. Clients of the brokerage can learn at their own pace by using the materials that are readily available in the education center.
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Regulators
CySEC (Cyprus, # 362/18), FSAS (Seychelles, # SD018), SCB (Bahamas, # SIA-F214), ASIC (Australia, # 335692), CMA (Kenya, # 199)
Platforms
cTrader, IC Social, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ZuluTrade
8. IC Markets
Min Deposit
$200
Fees
No deposit and withdrawal fees
No inactivity fee
Deposit Methods
Commissions
No commission for Standard accounts
3.5 for Raw Spread accounts
3.0 for Raw Spread accounts (cTrader)
Spread
EUR/USD: AVG 0.82 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.03 pips, USDJPY: AVG 0.94 pips
Withdrawal Methods
Leverage EU
1:500 (CySEC | Pro Account), 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account)
Leverage non-EU
1:1000 (FSAS | Retail Account)
Instruments
Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Energy CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs, Stock CFDs
*Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 77.30% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
IC Markets is a well-regulated provider of trading services to clients from multiple jurisdictions, including Ireland. The broker has a seal of approval from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission and is many traders’ first choice because it offers its numerous clients superior liquidity, cutting-edge trading platforms, and low-latency connectivity.
The broker was founded in 2018 by a team of trading professionals, and its founders’ aim is to provide traders with a transparent trading environment that meets the requirements of both institutional and retail clients.
The range of products brokers offer is of paramount importance to their clients, and because of this, IC Markets has carefully selected the securities it offers. The broker gives its clients access to some of the most liquid and popular markets across the world, and as IC Markets’ customers, traders can gain exposure to over 60 forex pairs, 25 indices from across the globe, more than 28 commodities, over 2,100 stocks from American and European exchanges, 13 of the most popular cryptocurrencies, bonds, and index futures.
One of the best things about this extensive product offering is that it is available across all account types that IC Markets provides. When they are ready to get started, traders should only pick the account type and pricing model that best fits their requirements and experience level. Raw and Standard account types are both on offer, and the former is preferred because of its incredibly low spreads.
Traders from Ireland may also choose IC Markets because of the flexible and secure funding options the broker offers. Payments to and from the brokerage can be executed via digital wallets, credit/debit cards, and bank transfers, with multiple base account currencies available, including EUR.
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Regulators
Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (AFSL 403863)
Platforms
MetaTrader 4
MetaTrader 5
9. ACY Securities
Min Deposit
$50 for Standard accounts
$200 for ProZero accounts
$10,000 for Bespoke accounts
Fees
No deposit and withdrawal fees
Deposit Methods
Commissions
Zero for Standard accounts
From $3/Lot Per Side for ProZero accounts
From $2.5/Lot Per Side for Bespoke accounts
Spread
Variable for Standard accounts
From 0.0 pips for Bespoke and ProZero accounts
Withdrawal Methods
Leverage EU
1:30
Leverage non-EU
1:500
Instruments
Shares indices, Forex, precious metals, commodities, spreads, ETFs
*Foreign exchange and derivatives trading carries significant risk and is not suitable for all investors. You do not own, or have any interest in, the underlying assets. Before you decide to trade foreign exchange and derivatives, we encourage you to consider your investment objectives, your risk tolerance and trading experience. ACY Capital Australia Limited (VFSC: 012868) provides general advice that does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. The content of this website must not be construed as personal advice; please seek advice from an independent financial or tax advisor if you have any questions.
Welcoming traders from Ireland, ACY Securities was founded in 2013 and is now the first choice of many traders. The broker is approved by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and, as a result, its services are available to traders from a wide array of territories.
The broker goes out of its way to provide clients with cutting-edge technology, making it easier for traders to navigate the global financial markets. It spares no effort to deliver services of the highest quality and has therefore invested in two of the most widely used and advanced trading platforms: MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. The broker is also preferred because it offers low-cost trading, with spreads starting from 0.0 pips.
Traders who insist on greater variety might choose the broker over its rivals, as ACY Securities offers more than 2,200 instruments. The award-winning broker allows its clients to gain exposure to markets such as spread betting, ETFs, forex, commodities, precious metals, indices, and shares. Traders can choose among three account types: Standard, Bespoke, and ProZero. If they prefer, traders can also practice on MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 by registering for a demo account and sharpening their skills with the $100,000 in virtual funds that will be added to their balance.
Another advantage of trading with ACY Securities is that the minimum deposit amount meets the needs of all traders, as the smallest sum they can transfer to their accounts is €10. The variety of accepted deposit and withdrawal methods is also worth noting; when transferring funds to and from their accounts, traders can use Mastercard, Neteller, Visa, Skrill, bank transfer, Perfect Money, Trustly, and others.
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Regulators
FMA (New Zealand, # FSP403326), FSAS (Seychelles, # SD045)
Platforms
cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, ZuluTrade, BlackBull CopyTrader, BlackBull Invest, BlackBull Shares, BlackBull Trade
10. BlackBull Markets
Min Deposit
$0 (Standard)
$0 (Prime)
$20,000 (Institutional)
Fees
No fees on deposits and cashouts
Deposit Methods
Commissions
No commission for Standard accounts
US$6 per lot for Prime accounts
US$4 per lot for Institutional accounts
Spread
EUR/USD: AVG 0.3 pips, EUR/USD: AVG 1 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 0.3 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.2 pips, USDJPY: AVG 0.3 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1.2 pips
Withdrawal Methods
Leverage EU
1:500 (FMA)
Leverage non-EU
1:500 (FSAS)
Instruments
Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs, Stock CFDs
*Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to trade foreign exchange, you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and, therefore, you should not invest money you cannot afford to lose. You should make yourself aware of all the risks associated with foreign exchange trading and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have any questions or concerns as to how a loss would affect your lifestyle.
BlackBull Markets is an award-winning broker, popular for its low spreads and leverage of up to 1:500. The New Zealand-based broker offers institutional-grade trading conditions and provides its clients with access to all major global markets.
BlackBull Markets grants its clients access to a diverse range of markets across all account types. Users can immerse themselves in trading Forex, shares, cryptocurrencies, futures, indices, and commodities. To help clients analyze global markets, the broker provides cutting-edge technology and offers a choice between two powerful trading platforms, MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
If traders want to learn how to trade Forex or commodities, they can explore the broker’s tutorials, videos, and webinars. BlackBull Markets also provides several trading tools to assist traders, including ZuluTrade and Myfxbook.
BlackBull Markets stands out because it gives clients access to more than 26,000 tradable instruments across its platforms. Clients can start trading in less than five minutes, and there is no minimum deposit requirement. Other benefits of registering for an account with BlackBull Markets include competitive costs and superior execution speed.
BlackBull Markets understands the importance of reliable support and therefore offers around-the-clock assistance via phone, live chat, and email.

Trading regulation in Ireland

Trading activities are thriving in Ireland, and their growing popularity among residents can largely be attributed to the favourable legislation. Investors in the jurisdiction can trade various financial instruments, such as CFDs and Forex, without breaking the law and, best of all, there is a plethora of brokers authorised to serve Irish traders.

Currently, the Central Bank of Ireland oversees the operations of all providers of trading services in Ireland, but from 2003 to 2010 the sole regulator of all financial institutions was the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority. It was a constituent part of the Central Bank of Ireland, but in 2010 the regulatory agency was reintegrated into the bank.

The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive 2014 (2014/65/EU), also known as MiFID 2, is an EU legal act that defines the rules governing trading activities. It was implemented to replace MiFID 1, which was a keystone in the Financial Services Action Plan (FSAP) of the EU, whose aim was to reform the way financial services markets operate within the Union.

The legal framework for investment intermediaries, securities markets, and trading venues in Ireland and the other EU countries is determined by MiFID 2 and Regulation (EU) No 600/2014. The main purpose of the directive is to level the playing field for market participants in investment services, enhance investor protection, and increase competition. The directive was introduced to provide harmonised regulation for investment services across the member states, including Ireland.

Under the provisions of MiFID 2, investment firms may operate in the EU only if they are authorised by a national competent authority (NCA). The directive also requires financial services providers to comply with special rules regarding the conduct of business, transaction reporting, trade transparency, and operating conditions.

MiFID 2 regulates virtually all asset classes and oversees off-exchange and over-the-counter (OTC) trading. The directive requires all financial firms to assess whether their clients are able to bear any losses incurred from a product. Brokers also need to make sure that their clients fully understand financial products.

Irish traders are not granted access to binary options because trading them is considered too risky by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Forex trading regulation in Ireland

Forex trading has skyrocketed in Ireland, and because of the liberal regulatory framework in the country, more and more brokers seek to penetrate the market. The primary regulator of all trading activities in Ireland, including Forex, is the Central Bank of Ireland, and in order for brokers to accommodate clients from the jurisdiction, they must have its approval.

It is important to remember that a limit applies to the maximum leverage that may be offered to retail clients. When forex trading is concerned, the maximum leverage available to retail clients on major currency pairs cannot exceed 1:30. Yet, professional traders who qualify can be offered higher leverage. Non-major Forex pairs, on the other hand, cannot have leverage higher than 1:10. Thus, the leverage for tradable assets that bear greater risk is considerably reduced.

An important thing to note is that, under the provisions of MiFID 2, brokers are required to keep records pertaining to a trade or transaction. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is another regulatory body that plays a key role in the regulation of financial markets in Europe. It is an independent European Union authority that must improve the way financial markets function in the EU and strengthen investor protection. Strengthening co-operation between national competent authorities is yet another goal of the regulatory body.

One of the most important ESMA requirements for brokers that cater to traders from Ireland and other member states is to keep their clients’ funds in segregated bank accounts to further enhance security. Another thing to consider is that the maximum compensation Irish traders may receive is €20,000. However, compensation is not provided if the losses were a result of poor financial decisions.

Ireland-facing brokers must also provide negative balance protection. In this way, traders can rest assured that they will not lose more money than they initially deposited.

Stock trading regulation in Ireland

In addition to trading Forex and CFDs, residents of Ireland can also legally trade stocks. The country is home to the Irish Stock Exchange, which has been in existence since 1793. The stock exchange has been part of Euronext since 2018 and gives Irish and international companies the opportunity to access European capital markets. In Ireland, Euronext Dublin, operated by the Irish Stock Exchange, is the sole regulated market.

Euronext Dublin complies with various EU directives, including MiFID, regarding the securities that are listed and admitted to trading. The securities admitted to trading on Euronext Dublin include specialist securities, exchange-traded funds, investment funds, equities, corporate bonds, and government bonds.

Trading as Euronext Dublin, the Irish Stock Exchange is authorised to operate four securities markets, including the Atlantic Securities Market (ASM), Euronext Growth, the Global Exchange Market (GEM), and Euronext Dublin. The international member base of the stock exchange continues to expand, and this is understandable considering that it is the leading exchange globally for listing bonds and investment funds.

For the most part, the brokers that accommodate Irish clients also offer stock trading, so traders are unlikely to face trouble while searching for a brokerage that offers these securities.

CFD trading regulation in Ireland

Residents of the Emerald Isle are now given access to more brokers and trading platforms than ever before, and, much like Forex, trading CFDs is also regulated and overseen by the Central Bank of Ireland.

In 2019, the authorities announced their intentions to stop the sale of binary options and impose restrictions on the sale of CFDs. After the measures were introduced, the sale, marketing, or distribution of binary options was prohibited, while the distribution of contracts for difference (CFDs) to retail investors can only be offered under specific rules.

One of the limitations imposed on the distribution of contracts for difference has to do with the ceiling on the leverage that can be offered to retail clients. As we said already, under the new set of rules, traders cannot lose more money than they transferred to their CFD accounts.

A standardised risk warning is also mandatory, and, when offering CFDs to Irish traders, brokers must report and display, via disclaimers, the percentage of unprofitable trades. The maximum leverage that can be offered on precious metals is 1:10, while the leverage offered on cryptocurrencies is 1:2. Gold can be subject to a maximum leverage of 1:20, while individual equities cannot be subject to leverage greater than 1:5.

These measures were introduced after reviews carried out by the EU’s competent authorities found that between 74% and 87% of retail clients incurred losses when investing in binary options. As for CFDs, the reviews found that in 2015 around 75% of traders lost money. Back then, the average loss was €6,900.

Two years later, a follow-up review carried out among some of the biggest CFD providers in the jurisdiction found that the average loss of retail clients had been reduced by half. Yet, the share of traders who incurred losses remained almost unchanged, at 74%.

The legislative changes introduced by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) resulted in certain adjustments to the trading conditions not only for retail traders but for professional ones as well. Although professional traders benefit from increased leverage, they are not offered the same protection as retail clients of the Ireland-friendly brokers.

In order to be classified as a professional trader, you will need to meet certain requirements regarding your trading volume, portfolio size, and professional experience. The value of traders’ investment portfolios must exceed €500,000. To qualify as a professional trader, you must also have carried out an average of 10 trades per quarter on the relevant market.

Lastly, you need to work or have worked in the financial sector for at least one year. Traders do not need to meet all three criteria, and fulfilling just two of them is enough to be classified as a professional trader.

Ireland Trading Regulation FAQ

1. Can I register for an account with brokers that are not licensed by the Central Bank of Ireland?

2. What are the requirements regarding the maximum leverage Ireland-friendly brokers need to abide by?

3. How Can I be sure that the broker I am about to start using is approved by the Central Bank of Ireland?

4. Is trading tax-free in Ireland?

5. How low are spreads in Ireland?

Funding and withdrawing from Irish trading accounts

One of the distinctive traits of worthwhile Ireland-friendly brokers is that they ensure depositing and withdrawing funds is as easy and straightforward as possible. The brokers are well aware that their clients have different needs and preferences and, because of this, tend to give them a choice of multiple methods to fund their accounts and execute their cash-outs. Be it credit/debit cards, digital wallets or bank transfers, traders can be sure that all these options will be at their disposal.

Ireland adopted the euro as its currency more than twenty years ago; therefore, it is unsurprising that most brokers serving Irish traders offer EUR as a base account currency. Choosing a broker that allows payments in EUR helps traders save on currency conversion fees.

With most Ireland-friendly brokers, fast, secure, and safe deposits and cash-outs are assured, no matter which payment processor traders might decide to use. Worthwhile brokers take traders’ financial security very seriously and keep their funds in segregated bank accounts. To put their minds at ease, brokers also use encryption technology to keep traders’ transaction data safe and secure.

Depositing into Irish trading accounts

Most brokers that cater to traders from Ireland boast a near-instant deposit policy, which makes it possible for their clients to start trading in just a few minutes. The range of accepted deposit methods is not the same for all Ireland-oriented brokers, but, typically, traders are allowed to fund their accounts using their credit/debit cards or through digital wallets.

These payment solutions are mainly preferred because of their time efficiency, especially when compared to bank transfers. Brokers rarely charge extra fees on deposits, but this might not be the case with bank transfers.

As for the deposit minimums, these depend solely on the brokerage Irish traders have decided to trade with. The bare minimum for deposits is also determined by the account type investors have decided to go for.

Account types that are tailor-made for seasoned traders normally have considerably higher initial investments, while account types that are more suitable for beginners typically have lower deposit limits. Some brokerages that welcome Irish traders do not impose a minimum deposit amount, thus making their services all the more accessible.

An important thing traders should keep in mind is that if they want to use their credit or debit card when depositing, they will be asked to provide their 3D security authentication code. This requirement came into effect in 2021 and aims at enhancing the security of traders’ payments.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that traders from all European countries are first required to verify their accounts before they are allowed to make deposits.

Common deposit methods offered by Ireland brokers
Payment Method	Usual Deposit Limits	Usual Deposit Timeframes	Usual Fees
Neteller	€100-€500 minimum deposit amount	Instant	Free of charge
Visa	€100-€500 minimum deposit amount	Instant	Free of charge
Mastercard	€100-€500 minimum deposit amount	Instant	Free of charge
Maestro	€100-€500 minimum deposit amount	Instant	Free of charge
Skrill	€100-€500 minimum deposit amount	Instant	Free of charge
Bank transfer	€100-€500 minimum deposit amount	2 to 5 days	Varies between brokers
PayPal	€100-€500 minimum deposit amount	Instant	Free of charge
WebMoney	€100-€500 minimum deposit amount	Instant	Free of charge

Withdrawing from Irish trading accounts

Depending on their broker of choice, traders’ cash-out requests might be processed within 24-48 hours. After their request is approved, traders might be able to access their funds within 2-5 days, depending on the chosen payment processor. Naturally, withdrawals executed through bank transfers take more time to clear, and traders’ funds might reach their account balance within up to 5 days. If traders are on the lookout for a more time-efficient payment method, they should check whether the brokerage allows cash-outs via digital wallets.

Traders should keep in mind that most brokers do not charge additional fees on cash-outs, but extra charges might be applied by the remitting banks or payment system provider. Another crucial aspect to bear in mind is that traders will not be able to withdraw more money than they have added to their accounts using a credit or debit card.

As for the cancellation of cash-out requests, some brokers offer this opportunity, but this depends on the broker. Investors should remember that withdrawal requests can only be cancelled if they have not yet been approved by the brokerage.

Common withdrawal methods offered by Ireland brokers
Payment Method	Usual Withdrawal Limits	Usual Withdrawal Timeframes	Usual Fees
Wire transfer	€100 – no maximum withdrawal	Up to 10 days	Depends on the broker and the bank
Visa	€10 – no maximum withdrawal	Up to 5 days	Depends on the broker
Mastercard	€10 – no maximum withdrawal	Up to 5 days	Depends on the broker
Neteller	€10 – no maximum withdrawal	Up to 1 day	No extra fees
Skrill	€10 – no maximum withdrawal	Up to 1 day	No extra fees
PayPal	€5 – no maximum withdrawal	Up to 1 day	No extra fees

Ireland trading platforms

The brokers that cater to traders from Ireland typically offer multiple ways to trade on desktop and mobile devices. The choice of trading platform varies between brokers, and traders’ preferences for tradable assets and experience levels often determine which platform they select.

While looking for an Ireland-facing broker, traders might also come across brokerages that have developed their own platform suites. That being said, some platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are almost invariably part of the platform offering of most brokers.

Automated trading platforms, also known as mechanical trading systems, are offered by some Ireland-oriented brokers. While some traders automate their activities using bots, others opt for copy or social trading. Platforms that facilitate auto trading include ZuluTrade and DupliTrade.

cTrader

cTrader One of the most frequently offered trading platforms by the brokerages that operate in the jurisdiction is cTrader. When compared to the MetaQuotes platforms, cTrader is a relatively newer platform that boasts an incredibly user-friendly interface and advanced take-profit and stop-loss systems.

It is a multi-asset CFD and Forex trading platform that is preferred because it offers complete trading solutions, especially by traders with less experience. The platform is packed with various features to cater to every investment requirement and is preferred because of its fast execution and entry times. Another great benefit of using cTrader is that the platform offers advanced order types and level II pricing. The rich charting tools on offer are also worth mentioning.

The platform is connected to sophisticated backend technology and is within reach on both portable and desktop devices. The web-based version of the trading platform offers the same complete set of charting and trading features and functionality for manual trading and charting. The web version makes trading accessible from any device and operating system.

Unlike the version available for desktop devices that must be pre-installed, the web version works seamlessly at all times, provided the device has an HTML5-compatible web browser.

Trading while out and about is also possible when using the native cTrader apps for devices running on Android and iOS. Both apps enable effective on-the-go trading and support light and dark modes.

MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5

Also known as MT4, MetaTrader 4 is without a doubt among the most widely used platforms by online retail traders. It was introduced in 2005 by MetaQuotes Software and offers a flexible trading system and technical analysis options. MetaTrader 4 provides everything you might need while trading Forex and allows traders to implement strategies of any complexity.

While using the platform, traders are given access to a number of tools such as a tick chart and trading history, stop orders and trailing stop, and trading from a chart. Instant order execution and pending orders are also among the benefits of using the trading platform. Another of MT4’s strongest points is its analytical functions. Free and paid signals will also be at the fingertips of traders, together with copy trading.

Traders can prepare for unexpected price movements thanks to the financial news and alerts available on the platform.

MetaTrader 5 is a multi-asset trading platform that was rolled out in 2010. Where MT5 differs from its predecessor is that the newer platform makes it possible to get exposure to almost all markets, as you can trade Forex, futures, and stocks.

Much like MT4, MT5 also has desktop, web, and mobile versions. Besides, the platform offers a range of superior analytical tools traders can use in order to improve their chances of seeing success. While using the platform, traders can open a maximum of 100 charts of currency and stock quotes at a time, pick from 21 timeframes, and benefit from 80 technical indicators.

TradingView

Trusted by 50 million traders, TradingView is one of the most frequently employed platforms by Irish traders. It gives traders access to a range of assets such as indices, forex, stocks, bonds, and futures. Traders might opt for the platform whether they prefer to analyse price patterns using lengthy scripts or simply want to look up the latest stock prices. The platform gives traders direct access to over 50 of the most popular crypto exchanges, over 100 financial metrics, and more than 150 exchanges from various corners of the globe.

TradingView is also popular because of the unmissable alerts the platform offers. The trading alerts are incredibly easy to use, flexible, and powerful, and the best thing is that they are within reach on every device. There are 12 alert conditions and technical alerts for indicators, strategies, and drawings. The platform is many traders’ first choice also because of the extensive volume of fundamental data for all major stock exchanges it provides. Traders are offered comprehensive financial analysis through more than 100 fundamental fields and ratios, financial statements, and historical data that can be used right on the chart.

The platform is designed to cover the most popular trading concepts and is equipped with hundreds of pre-built studies, a set of tools for in-depth market analysis, and over 90 intelligent drawing tools.

The platform allows traders to test their strategies right on the chart, whether they choose to use self-written or ready-made strategies in real time. Traders will get detailed reports on their strategy performance and can share them with other users. Traders will never miss a pivotal global event as TradingView also comes with an economic calendar.

Best Ireland Trading Platforms