EC Markets

Type:

ECNSTP

License:

FCAASICFSAFSCFSCAFMACMA

Registered in:

United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Active Since:

2012

Regulation:

Tier 1Tier 2Tier 3

Min. Deposit

$10

Firm Highlights

Score:

7.3

Trust Pilot Score:

3.5

Industry Awards:

Best Forex ECN Broker — Wealth Expo Ecuador 2026

Best Trading Conditions — UF Awards Asia 2025

Top Regulated Forex Broker — Forex Expo Dubai 2025

Broker Overview

Integrated Trading Platform:

MT4MT5EC Markets App

Social Media:

EC Markets logo

EC Markets

MTR verified
ECN | STP FCA | ASIC | FSA | FSC | FSCA | FMA | CMA Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 GB | Founded: 2012

7.3 /10

Editorial score

Quick verdict : EC Markets is a well-regulated broker with strong Tier 1 credentials under both FCA and ASIC, making it a solid choice for traders who prioritise regulatory protection. The $10 minimum deposit and competitive ECN pricing ($3 round turn) make it accessible, but the limited instrument range (~100 markets) and weekend-only support gaps hold it back from competing with more established multi-asset brokers.

Min. deposit

$10

$10 minimum deposit for STD and ECN accounts, while the PRO account starts from $5,000

Max leverage

1:1000

Leverage up to 1:1000 available under offshore entities (FSC Mauritius, FSA Seychelles). Retail clients under FCA (UK) or ASIC (Australia) are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs per regulatory requirements.

Regulation

Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3

Regulated by 7 authorities: FCA (UK, FRN 571881), ASIC (Australia, AFSL 414198), FSCA (South Africa), FMA (New Zealand), FSC (Mauritius), FSA (Seychelles), and CMA (UAE). UK clients covered by FSCS up to £85,000.

Broker type

ECNSTP

No Dealing Desk broker. ECN raw spreads from 0.0 pips on ECN account; commission-free on Standard and PRO accounts.

Copy trading

Available

Integrated directly into MT4 and MT5 — no third-party app required. Follow verified strategy providers with copy ratios up to 20x. Profit-sharing weekly or monthly.

Founded

2012

Founded in 2012

Spreads from

0.0 pips

ECN account: raw spreads from 0.0 pips + $3 round-turn commission per lot. Standard account: from 1.0 pip, commission-free. PRO account: ~0.1 pips average on EUR/USD, commission-free.

Withdrawal time

24 Hours

Card withdrawals processed within 2 hours during business hours (9am–6pm), up to 24 hours outside those hours. Bank wire transfers take up to 5 business days.

Instruments

100+

No stock CFDs or ETFs available. Range is narrower than most multi-asset brokers.

Demo account

Available

Demo accounts are available for practice

Platform

MT4MT5EC Markets App

Desktop, iOS, Android

Payment methods

CardBank transferE-walletsLocal paymentsUnionPay

Pros

  • Seven group-level regulatory authorisations across major jurisdictions
  • Low minimum deposit from $10 on entry-level accounts
  • Spreads from 0.0 pips on ECN and PRO accounts
  • Official materials say withdrawals are usually processed within 2 hours

Cons

  • Trading terms and protections depend on the specific EC Markets entity
  • PRO account has a much higher minimum deposit at $5,000
  • Trustpilot currently shows the company rating as unavailable due to a guideline breach notice
  • The official site does not present one single universal onboarding entity for every jurisdiction

Open Account Report issue
Founded in 2012Multi-regulated group with FCA, ASIC, FMA, FSC, FSCA, FSA, and CMA-linked authorisationMinimum deposit from $10Copy trading available through the MetaTrader ecosystem Trustpilot: 3.5
Best Forex ECN Broker — Wealth Expo Ecuador 2026Best Trading Conditions — UF Awards Asia 2025Top Regulated Forex Broker — Forex Expo Dubai 2025

Quick Verdict

Overall Score7.3 / 10
RegulationFSC Mauritius GB21200130, FCA 571881, ASIC 414198, FMA FSP197465, FSCA 51886, FSA Seychelles SD009, plus UAE promotional entity
Best ForTraders who want MT4, MT5, low deposits, high leverage, and ECN-style pricing
Min. Deposit$10 on STD and ECN accounts
Spreads From0.0 pips on ECN
Max LeverageUp to 1:1000
PlatformsMT4, MT5, EC Markets App
Deposit MethodsBank transfer, cards, digital wallets, and regional payment options
Withdrawal SpeedEC Markets says withdrawals can be credited within 2 hours, though method and verification can affect final timing
VerdictEC Markets has a strong trading setup for active forex and CFD traders, especially through MT4, MT5, high leverage, low minimum deposits, and ECN pricing. The main caution is trust clarity. The group lists several regulated entities, but clients must check which entity actually holds their account before relying on any specific protection level.

EC Markets Review: Our Take

EC Markets is a forex and CFD broker offering MT4, MT5, mobile trading, high leverage, low minimum deposits, and access to more than 100 global markets. Its strongest appeal is straightforward: traders can open an STD or ECN account from $10, trade on MetaTrader, and access leverage up to 1:1000 where permitted. That makes EC Markets more attractive to active forex traders than to long-term stock investors.

The broker also presents a wide regulatory footprint. Its public pages list entities regulated in Mauritius, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Seychelles, and the UAE, though the UAE entity is described as a category 5 promotional entity and not authorized to hold client money. This is a positive compared with single-entity offshore brokers, but it also means account protection depends on the exact EC Markets entity used for onboarding.

Our main concern is reputation quality. EC Markets has active Trustpilot feedback, but Trustpilot also shows a guideline breach note stating that a number of fake reviews were removed. That does not automatically make EC Markets unsafe, but it weakens Trustpilot as a trust signal and keeps the broker below the top tier in our scoring.

What Is EC Markets?

EC Markets is a multi-asset CFD broker focused on forex, metals, energy, indices, and cryptocurrency CFDs. It offers account types for standard spread-based trading, ECN pricing, and higher-balance professional-style trading. The broker also supports MT4, MT5, copy trading, an economic calendar, Trading Central tools, market analysis, and EC Academy.

The broker says it has more than a decade of experience and promotes a trading environment built around fast execution, multi-jurisdiction regulation, low spreads, and high leverage. In practice, EC Markets is best viewed as a trader-focused CFD broker rather than an investment platform for real stocks or ETFs.

Is EC Markets Regulated? Safety & Licences

Regulatory Licences

RegulatorJurisdictionLicence NumberVerified
Financial Services CommissionMauritiusGB21200130Yes
Financial Conduct AuthorityUnited Kingdom571881Yes
Australian Securities and Investments CommissionAustralia414198Yes
Financial Markets AuthorityNew ZealandFSP197465Yes
Financial Sector Conduct AuthoritySouth Africa51886Yes
Financial Services AuthoritySeychellesSD009Yes
Capital Market Authority / UAE entityUAE20200000281Yes, promotional category only

EC Markets has a real regulatory footprint across several jurisdictions. The company’s public disclosure lists EC Markets Limited under Mauritius FSC licence GB21200130, EC Markets Group Ltd under FCA reference 571881, EC Markets Financial Limited under ASIC licence 414198, FMA registration FSP197465, and FSCA licence 51886, plus EC Markets Limited in Seychelles under FSA licence SD009.

The New Zealand FMA register independently lists EC Markets Financial Limited, previously known as CTRL Investments Limited or MahiFX Limited, as an active licensed derivatives issuer with FSP number FSP197465. That helps support the broker’s public claim about the New Zealand entity.

The most important safety point is entity matching. A broker can list several regulated companies, but the protection a client receives depends on the legal entity in the client agreement, account portal, and regional onboarding path. EC Markets’ UAE entity is also clearly described as a ranking and advice entity that is not authorized to hold client assets or client money, so it should not be treated as the same type of licence as the broker’s trading entities.

On protection, EC Markets promotes negative balance protection on its account pages and says its insurance policy offers up to USD 1,000,000 per claimant through ARCH 2012 at Lloyd’s of London. That is a useful added protection claim, but it should not be confused with a statutory investor compensation scheme such as FSCS coverage under a UK client account.

EC Markets Account Types

AccountMin. DepositSpreadsCommissionPlatformsIslamic Available
STD$10From 1.0 pips$0MT4, MT5, desktop, mobileSwap-free on request
ECN$10From 0.0 pips$1.5 per lot per sideMT4, MT5, desktop, mobileSwap-free on request
PRO$5,000From 1.0 pips, with average EUR/USD claim of 0.1 pips in broker text$0MT4, MT5, desktop, mobileSwap-free on request
DemoFreeDemo environmentNoneMT4, MT5N/A

EC Markets keeps its account lineup simple. The STD account is the easiest entry point, with a $10 minimum deposit, no commission, spreads from 1.0 pips, and access to MT4 and MT5. The ECN account is better for active traders who want raw pricing, with spreads from 0.0 pips and a fixed commission of $1.5 per lot per side.

The PRO account is aimed at higher-balance traders, with a $5,000 minimum deposit, commission-free trading, and high leverage up to 1:1000. The account page also says it connects traders directly to liquidity-provider pricing and references an average 0.1 pips spread for EUR/USD, though the account specification table itself lists spreads from 1.0 pips.

EC Markets Spreads, Fees & Commissions

EC Markets is strongest on its ECN pricing. The ECN account offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $1.5 per lot per side commission, which is highly competitive on paper. The STD account is simpler, with spreads from 1.0 pips and no commission, making it easier for newer traders to understand.

Spreads Comparison

InstrumentEC Markets SpreadIndustry AverageVerdict
EUR/USDFrom 0.0 pips on ECN, from 1.0 pips on STD~0.8 to 1.2 pips on standard accountsStrong on ECN
GoldLive indicative pricing shown on account pagesBroker dependentCompetitive but variable
OilLive indicative pricing shown on account pagesBroker dependentCompetitive but variable
Crypto CFDsAvailable under account asset classesBroker dependentUseful for CFD traders

The fee structure is better for active traders than occasional users who only care about simplicity. ECN pricing is attractive, but the total cost still depends on commission, spread behavior, execution quality, swap rates, and the trader’s strategy. EC Markets also promotes no deposit fees and says withdrawals can be credited within 2 hours, though traders should still check method-specific fees and processing rules in the client portal before funding.

EC Markets Trading Platforms

EC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and the EC Markets App. That is a strong platform setup for forex and CFD traders because MT4 and MT5 remain widely used by discretionary traders, EA users, and traders who want familiar charting and order tools.

MT4 support is useful for traders who rely on Expert Advisors, custom indicators, and the classic MetaTrader workflow. EC Markets’ MT4 page highlights Expert Advisors, automated trading, custom indicators, mobile trading, and market signals.

MT5 gives EC Markets a more modern platform layer, with expanded charting, market analysis tools, and a better multi-asset structure. The EC Markets App adds mobile account control, real-time market insights, and trading access from iOS and Android devices.

Platform Comparison

PlatformDesktopWebMobileEAs/BotsNotes
MT4YesLimitedYesYesBest for classic forex trading and EAs
MT5YesLimitedYesYesBetter for broader CFD access and modern charting
EC Markets AppNoNoYesNoMobile trading, account control, and market access
Copy TradingMetaTrader-linkedYesYesCopy-basedCopy verified traders through MetaTrader integration

For prop-trader crossover traffic, EC Markets scores well on platform familiarity. MT4, MT5, EA support, high leverage, and ECN pricing all fit the workflow many funded traders already understand. The main caveat is regulation matching, not platform quality.

EC Markets Assets & Markets

EC Markets offers access to 100+ global markets across forex pairs, precious metals, energy, indices, and cryptocurrencies. Its STD and ECN account pages list the same core asset classes, with trading available through MT4 and MT5 on desktop and mobile.

Asset Coverage

Asset ClassNumber of InstrumentsExamples
ForexAvailableMajor, minor, and selected exotic pairs
Precious MetalsAvailableGold and silver
EnergyAvailableOil-linked CFDs
IndicesAvailableMajor global indices
CryptocurrenciesAvailableCrypto CFDs

EC Markets is clearly a CFD broker. Traders are speculating on price movements rather than buying the underlying asset directly. That makes it suitable for active trading and leveraged strategies, but less suitable for investors who want direct ownership of stocks, ETFs, or long-term portfolios.

EC Markets Leverage

EC Markets advertises leverage up to 1:1000 across its core account pages. This is one of the broker’s main selling points and will appeal to traders who want higher capital efficiency. It also raises the risk profile sharply because high leverage can magnify losses very quickly.

The broker’s account pages list a 50% margin call and 30% stop-out level, with negative balance protection shown for the main accounts. That gives traders a clear basic margin framework, but high leverage still makes EC Markets better suited to experienced CFD traders than absolute beginners.

EC Markets Deposits & Withdrawals

EC Markets promotes efficient deposits and withdrawals, with no deposit fees and withdrawals credited within 2 hours according to its pricing and contact pages. The broker also mentions multiple payment options including bank wire, credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and regional local methods in its public content.

Deposit Methods

MethodMin. DepositFeeProcessing Time
Bank WireAccount minimum appliesBroker advertises no deposit feeCan take several business days
Credit / Debit CardAccount minimum appliesBroker advertises no deposit feeUsually faster than bank transfer
Digital WalletsRegion dependentBroker advertises no deposit feeUsually fast
Local Payment MethodsRegion dependentVaries by methodOften instant or same day

Withdrawal Methods

MethodMin. WithdrawalFeeProcessing Time
Bank WireMethod dependentNot clearly universal across all regionsBroker promotes fast processing, bank timing may vary
CardsMethod dependentNot clearly universal across all regionsDepends on card processor
Digital WalletsMethod dependentNot clearly universal across all regionsOften faster than bank methods
Regional Local MethodsMethod dependentRegion dependentVaries by provider

The funding experience looks strong on the marketing side, especially with the 2-hour withdrawal claim. Still, traders should check the exact payment method available in their country before depositing because payment fees, processing time, and withdrawal routing can vary by region and account entity.

EC Markets Customer Support

EC Markets offers live chat through its site and lists support@ecmarkets.com as a contact email. Its contact page also repeats the broker’s key support claims around regulated entities, low spreads, high leverage, and fast funding.

Public feedback is mixed. Trustpilot shows 114 total reviews, with 66% rated 5-star and 28% rated 1-star, but the profile also carries a guideline breach warning stating that fake reviews were removed. We would treat support feedback carefully until more consistent third-party reputation data is available.

EC Markets Education & Research

EC Markets has a stronger education and research setup than many brokers in its tier. The broker offers EC Academy, with free online trading courses, beginner to advanced learning paths, market education, and planned additions such as video lessons, eBooks, and guides.

The research section is also active. EC Markets publishes market analysis, technical analysis, fundamental analysis, educational articles, and market news. It also offers an economic calendar, glossary, copy trading tools, and a Trading Central MT4 indicator plugin.

EC Markets Pros and Cons

PROSCONS
MT4 and MT5 availableTrustpilot profile shows fake-review removals
Low $10 minimum deposit on STD and ECN accountsHigh leverage increases risk
ECN spreads from 0.0 pipsClient protection depends on the account entity
$1.5 per lot per side ECN commissionUAE entity is promotional and cannot hold client money
Copy trading and EC Markets App availableNo cTrader support
Insurance claim up to USD 1,000,000 per claimantNot built for real stock or ETF investing

Is EC Markets Legit? Our Verdict

Is EC Markets legit? Yes. EC Markets is a real broker group with disclosed entities and regulatory registrations across several jurisdictions. The group lists licences from Mauritius, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Seychelles, and the UAE promotional entity, while New Zealand’s FMA also shows EC Markets Financial Limited as an active licensed derivatives issuer.

The main issue is not whether EC Markets exists. The real issue is which legal entity holds the client account. The strongest interpretation of EC Markets comes from its broader regulated group, but each trader still needs to verify the onboarding entity, client agreement, investor protection, and available dispute process before depositing.

Trustpilot lowers our final score. A broker with strong platform access and low trading costs should still be judged against public reputation signals, and EC Markets’ Trustpilot page includes a fake-review removal notice and a meaningful share of 1-star reviews. That does not cancel out the broker’s trading strengths, but it stops us from ranking it as a top-trust broker.

MTR Rating Breakdown

CategoryScoreNotes
Regulation & Safety7.0 / 10Multi-entity regulation, but entity matching is important
Spreads & Fees8.0 / 10Strong ECN pricing and low account entry
Platform Quality8.0 / 10MT4, MT5, mobile app, copy trading
Asset Coverage7.0 / 10Good CFD coverage, but not a full investing platform
Deposit & Withdrawal7.0 / 10Fast withdrawal claim, but method-specific clarity matters
Customer Support6.5 / 10Live chat and email available, mixed public feedback
Overall7.3 / 10Strong trading setup with trust-profile caveats

Final Verdict

EC Markets is best for active CFD traders who want MetaTrader access, low deposits, high leverage, and ECN-style pricing. Traders who value top-tier single-entity regulation, clean public reputation, and direct investor compensation schemes should compare carefully before opening an account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EC Markets a scam?

No. EC Markets is a real broker group with disclosed regulated entities. The key issue is not whether the company exists, but which EC Markets entity holds your account and what protection applies to that entity.

Is EC Markets regulated?

Yes. EC Markets publicly lists regulation through Mauritius FSC, FCA, ASIC, FMA, FSCA, FSA Seychelles, and a UAE promotional entity. Client protection depends on the specific entity used for onboarding.

What is the minimum deposit for EC Markets?

The minimum deposit is $10 on both the STD and ECN accounts. The PRO account starts from $5,000.

What spreads does EC Markets offer?

EC Markets advertises spreads from 1.0 pips on the STD account and from 0.0 pips on the ECN account.

What platforms does EC Markets support?

EC Markets supports MT4, MT5, and the EC Markets App. MT4 and MT5 support Expert Advisors and mobile trading.

Does EC Markets offer copy trading?

Yes. EC Markets promotes MetaTrader copy trading, including equity-based mirroring, copy ratios up to 20x, and follower equity up to $500,000.

How long do EC Markets withdrawals take?

EC Markets says withdrawals can be credited within 2 hours, but final timing may still depend on the payment method, region, verification status, and banking provider.

What leverage does EC Markets offer?

EC Markets advertises leverage up to 1:1000 on its main account pages.

Is EC Markets good for beginners?

It can be accessible because the minimum deposit starts from $10 and the broker offers EC Academy. The main caution is high leverage, which can be risky for beginners who do not manage position size carefully.

Is EC Markets suitable for prop traders?

Yes, EC Markets has several features that fit prop-trader-style workflows, including MT4, MT5, EAs, high leverage, ECN pricing, and copy trading. The main caveat is that traders should verify the account entity and legal protection before funding a personal account.

Review Methodology

This review was prepared by MyTradingReviews using publicly available information from EC Markets’ official website, legal pages, account pages, platform pages, education pages, regulator information, and Trustpilot profile. Regulation was reviewed on April 26, 2026 against EC Markets’ public entity disclosures and available regulator records.

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