We compare brokers that accept Australian residents — both ASIC-regulated locals and offshore providers — by spread structure, leverage caps, deposit methods, and how they handle AUD-denominated accounts. Independent editorial, FxPro affiliate disclosure on every page.
How we evaluate brokers for Australia
We score each broker on four axes that matter for AU retail traders:
Regulatory standing. ASIC-regulated brokers operate under retail-protection rules: 30:1 max leverage on majors, negative-balance protection, segregated client funds, AFCA dispute resolution. Offshore-regulated brokers (CySEC, FCA UK, VFSC) can offer higher leverage but sit outside ASIC's protection scheme — visitors trading there are explicitly "ASIC does not protect" cases.
Cost structure. Two cost models: raw-spread accounts (~$3.50 commission per side per lot, near-zero spread) and standard accounts (spread-only, no commission). For frequent traders raw-spread wins; for occasional traders standard is simpler. We list both per broker.
Account currency. AUD-base accounts eliminate FX-conversion drag on deposits, withdrawals, and trade settlement against USD-quoted pairs. Every broker we cover offers AUD as base.
Platform + execution. MetaTrader 4/5 are standard. cTrader is a stronger fit for ECN-style execution. Proprietary platforms (IG Web Trader, eToro) carry their own pros and cons. Sydney-session execution speed matters for scalpers.
ASIC-regulated brokers
FxPro — Multi-jurisdiction broker (FCA, CySEC, FSCA, plus offshore entity for AU). Available to Australian residents through the offshore entity, which means higher leverage but no ASIC protection. Raw and Standard accounts available, MT4/MT5/cTrader, AUD base supported. See full FxPro review.
Pepperstone — Melbourne-headquartered, ASIC-licensed raw-spread leader. Razor (raw) and Standard accounts, MT4/MT5/cTrader. Spreads from 0.0 pips + $3.50/side commission on Razor. Strong Sydney-session execution.
IC Markets — Sydney-headquartered, ASIC-licensed True ECN provider. Raw Spread and Standard accounts, MT4/MT5/cTrader. Tight spreads, deep liquidity from multiple Tier-1 banks.
IG Markets — Long-established ASIC-licensed CFD and spread-betting provider with proprietary web platform plus MT4. Fixed-spread model, comprehensive education library, ASX share trading alongside CFDs.
CMC Markets — ASIC-licensed, proprietary Next Generation platform plus MT4. Spread-only pricing with no commission on Standard accounts. Strong charting tools and integrated economic calendar.
Offshore-regulated alternatives
eToro — CySEC + ASIC-licensed (depending on entity). Proprietary social-trading platform with copy-trading and Popular Investor program. Spread-only pricing, AUD base for AU clients.
Plus500 — CySEC + ASIC-licensed depending on entity. Fixed-spread CFD provider with simplified web/mobile interface, no MT4. Spread-only pricing.
Choosing between ASIC and offshore
For AU residents who want maximum retail protection (negative-balance guarantee, AFCA dispute resolution, segregated funds under ASIC supervision), choose an ASIC-licensed entity. For traders who want leverage above 30:1 and accept they sit outside ASIC's protection scheme, offshore entities are the option — but the FxPro example illustrates the trade-off explicitly: higher leverage, no ASIC backstop.
We do not recommend "unregulated" brokers that accept AU residents without any tier-1 or tier-2 regulator. Funds in those structures carry counter-party risk that ASIC, FCA, CySEC, or FSCA backstops do not cover.
Frequently asked questions
Are all brokers on this list available to Australian residents?
Yes — each broker either holds an ASIC licence directly or accepts AU residents through an explicitly disclosed offshore entity. We do not list brokers that block AU registrations.
Which broker has the tightest spreads for AUD pairs?
Pepperstone and IC Markets lead on AUD/USD with raw spreads near 0.0 pips during Sydney + London overlap. FxPro's offshore entity offers comparable raw spreads with higher leverage.
Can I trade ASX shares through a CFD broker?
IG Markets and CMC Markets offer ASX share trading alongside CFDs. Other brokers on this list focus on FX and global indices CFDs only.
What's the difference between Razor / Raw Spread accounts and Standard accounts?
Razor / Raw Spread accounts charge a per-side commission ($3.00–$3.50 per standard lot) plus a near-zero spread — best for high-frequency or large-size traders. Standard accounts bundle the cost into a wider spread with no commission — simpler for occasional traders.
Is FxPro safer than ASIC-licensed brokers for AU residents?
No — FxPro accepts AU residents through its offshore entity, which means client funds and disputes sit outside ASIC's protection scheme. FxPro is regulated by FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), and FSCA (South Africa), and these regulators offer their own protections, but ASIC's framework is the most directly applicable to Australian retail traders.
