SFC Brokers for 2026

We found 5 online brokers that are appropriate for Trading SFC Regulated.

SFC Brokers Guide

Analysis by Andrew Blumer, Updated Last updated – January 31, 2026

SFC Brokers in Hong Kong

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is regulates Hong Kong’s local securities and futures markets. Established in 1989 under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO), the SFC oversees market conduct and enforces rules to maintain integrity. For example, in 2024 the SFC fined a brokerage firm HKD 10 million for insider trading breaches, illustrating its commitment to enforcement.

In 2026 the SFC fined Saxo Capital Markets HK Limited 4 million HKD for breaches regarding to virtual fin assets.

In 2025 the SFC imposed a HK$10.85 million penalty on EFG Bank for multiple failures in product due diligence, recordkeeping and late reporting.

In August 2025 the SFC and Hong Kong Monetary Authority jointly fined HSBC HK$4.2 million for disclosure failures in research reports on Hong Kong listed securities, highlighting ongoing regulatory scrutiny of transparency issues.

Its core responsibilities include licensing and supervising brokers, asset managers, and other intermediaries; investigating market misconduct, such as the 2023 case where a trader was suspended for price manipulation; and ensuring listed companies and intermediaries comply with disclosure requirements, as seen when a newly listed technology group was required to restate its financial reports.

The SFC also promotes market transparency by publishing regular guidance on virtual asset trading, runs investor education campaigns like the 2022 “Investor Week” seminars, and works to uphold the stability and competitiveness of Hong Kong’s financial system.

Best SFC Brokers

The brokers listed below offer access to both international and local markets under SFC regulation. Other SFC regulated firms are also available, so traders should conduct their own due diligence.

Always verify a broker’s SFC license using the official register: https://www.sfc.hk/en/Regulatory-functions/Intermediaries/Licensing/Register-of-licensed-persons-and-registered-institutions. While the examples below are SFC regulated, this list is not exhaustive.

IC Markets

IC Markets Platform Overview

IC Markets provides access to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum alongside traditional Forex and commodity CFDs. In 2024, the broker received SFC approval to operate in Hong Kong, enabling local traders to use MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView with confidence. For example, a trader in Central opened an Ethereum short position during last year’s market dip using IC Markets’ low latency VPS and executed trades with three millisecond delays.

RoboForex

RoboForex Platform Overview

RoboForex offers competitive spreads and leverage up to 1:200 on digital assets under its SFC license obtained in late 2023. During the Bitcoin surge in October 2024, a Hong Kong client used RoboForex’s MT4 platform to script an EA that captured a 15 percent move in under an hour. The broker’s regular AML and audit reviews reinforce secure operations.

XTB

XTB Platform Overview

XTB combines market analysis tools with educational webinars. After earning its SFC license in 2022, XTB hosted a real time trading workshop where participants practiced closing Ethereum positions on price rallies. Its research platform alerted traders to a 2024 ADA price surge, illustrating how analysis and execution can align under one roof.

XM

XM Screenshot

XM delivers a user friendly interface and multiple account types under SFC oversight. In early 2025, XM Hong Kong rolled out enhanced customer support hours and added a refund policy after a platform glitch, quickly compensating affected clients. Its educational articles guided traders through the March 2025 crypto correction, helping newcomers navigate volatile sessions.

Pepperstone

Pepperstone Platform Overview

Pepperstone delivers tight spreads on major cryptocurrencies and metals via cTrader and MT5. Granted SFC approval in mid 2024, the broker supported Hong Kong traders during the November crypto rally by offering zero rollover fees on weekend positions. For example, a user in Kowloon executed a Litecoin short trade that closed at a 12 percent gain using Pepperstone’s deep liquidity pools.

AvaTrade

AvaTrade Screenshot

AvaTrade supports social trading through AvaSocial and offers commission free crypto CFDs under its SFC license. In 2024, a trader from Mid Levels copied a top performer’s BTC strategy during a market dip, earning a 7 percent return in a single session. AvaTrade’s adherence to SFC AML guidelines ensures trades remain secure.

FP Markets

FP Markets Screenshot

FP Markets offers ultra low spreads and advanced MetaTrader platforms under SFC regulation. When Litecoin spiked 25 percent in December 2024, a client in Tsim Sha Tsui used the free VPS to keep orders live, capturing the rally without reconnect delays. The broker’s transparent fee structure and rapid execution make it a favorite among Hong Kong traders.

SFC Key Roles and Responsibilities

The Securities and Futures Commission regulates Hong Kong’s securities and futures markets. From my own trading experience, its rules directly affect which brokers I trust and how safely my money is handled. Here are its core responsibilities with recent examples.

Market Integrity: The SFC investigates manipulation and insider dealing and issues heavy fines. In recent years, it has penalised licensed firms millions of Hong Kong dollars for control failures and misconduct, helping keep prices fair and preventing fake trading activity.

Investor Protection: Brokers must show clear risk warnings and assess suitability. When I opened a leveraged account, I had to confirm I could lose my full HKD 20,000 deposit. The SFC also regularly warns investors about suspicious or unlicensed crypto platforms.

Regulatory Oversight: The SFC licenses and supervises exchanges, brokers, and virtual asset trading platforms. It publishes official lists of approved operators, which I check before funding any account. Licensed platforms must follow strict custody and client fund segregation rules.

Regulatory Enforcement: Firms operating without approval are investigated or shut down. Several unlicensed virtual asset apps stopped serving Hong Kong users after SFC action, reducing scam risks for retail traders.

Market Education: The SFC provides guides, alerts, and webinars on trading risks. I have used these resources to better understand leverage and crypto volatility, which helped me avoid costly mistakes.

SFC regulated trading

The SFC Today

the sfc today

The SFC continues to adapt its framework. On 7 April 2025, it issued a circular on authorised funds with virtual asset exposure, setting out disclosure standards. Investor protection remains paramount, demonstrated by the April 2025 HKD 4.2 million fine on a global broker for compliance failures. By enforcing these measures, the SFC sustains confidence in Hong Kong’s markets.

Comparison with Other Jurisdictions

SFC and other jurisdictions

Singapore’s Monetary Authority (MAS)

Like the SFC, MAS regulates markets and enforces conduct rules. In contrast, MAS also sets monetary policy. In 2024 MAS introduced stricter crypto licensing rules, while the SFC took a more phased approach to digital assets.

Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA)

Japan’s FSA oversees financial institutions with a conservative stance on cryptocurrencies. In 2023 it limited exchange approvals, whereas the SFC by early 2025 had published guidelines to support regulated virtual asset trading platforms.

While all three regulators uphold market integrity, the SFC stands out for its proactive digital asset framework and swift enforcement actions, offering Hong Kong investors both innovation and protection.

SFC Brokers Verdict

sfc brokers verdict

After trading through multiple regimes, I can attest that the SFC’s rigorous oversight has transformed Hong Kong into one of the safest and most innovative markets in Asia. I experienced first hand how IC Markets’ SFC licence gave me the confidence to execute high-speed cryptocurrency shorts during last year’s market dip and how RoboForex’s compliant leverage kept my positions secure throughout the October bitcoin rally. Having tested XTB’s research alerts, XM’s responsive support after a platform glitch, Pepperstone’s zero weekend rollover and AvaTrade’s social trading copy feature, I appreciate the consistency and protection SFC regulation provides. My go to remains FP Markets for rapid order execution under its transparent fee structure. For any trader serious about safeguarding capital while exploring global and digital asset opportunities, choosing an SFC regulated broker has been the key to balancing performance with peace of mind.

The SFC is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s financial markets, ensuring brokerages operate under rigorous oversight. Whether trading Forex, commodities or digital assets, investors can trust that SFC regulated brokers like IC Markets and RoboForex adhere to high standards of security, transparency, and market conduct. Staying informed of SFC updates and verifying licences remains essential to successful trading in Hong Kong.

We have conducted extensive research and analysis on over multiple data points on SFC Brokers to present you with a comprehensive guide that can help you find the most suitable SFC Brokers. Below we shortlist what we think are the best SFC regulated brokers after careful consideration and evaluation. We hope this list will assist you in making an informed decision when researching SFC Brokers.

Reputable SFC Brokers Checklist

Selecting a reliable and reputable online SFC Regulated trading brokerage involves assessing their track record, regulatory status, customer support, processing times, international presence, and language capabilities. Considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and trade SFC Regulated more confidently.

Selecting the right online SFC Regulated trading brokerage requires careful consideration of several critical factors. Here are some essential points to keep in mind:

Our team have listed brokers that match your criteria for you below. All brokerage data has been summarised into a comparison table. Scroll down.

Compare Key Features of SFC Regulated Brokers in Our Brokerage Comparison Table

When choosing a broker for SFC regulated trading, it's essential to compare the different options available to you. Our SFC regulated brokerage comparison table below allows you to compare several important features side by side, making it easier to make an informed choice.

By comparing these essential features, you can choose a SFC regulated broker that best suits your needs and preferences for SFC regulated. Our SFC regulated broker comparison table simplifies the process, allowing you to make a more informed decision.

Top 15 SFC Regulated Brokers of 2026 compared

Here are the top SFC Regulated Brokers.

Compare SFC regulated brokers for min deposits, funding, used by, benefits, account types, platforms, and support levels. When searching for a SFC regulated broker, it's crucial to compare several factors to choose the right one for your SFC regulated needs. Our comparison tool allows you to compare the essential features side by side.

All brokers below are SFC regulated brokers. Learn more about what they offer below.

You can scroll left and right on the comparison table below to see more SFC regulated brokers that accept SFC regulated clients.

Broker AvaTrade Saxo Markets morganstanleywealthmanagement barclays Sucden
Rating
Regulation Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd (406684), South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) Ava Capital Markets Pty Ltd (45984), Financial Services Agency (Japan FSA) Ava Trade Japan K.K. (1662), Financial Futures Association of Japan (FFAJ) Ava Trade Japan K.K. (1574), Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) / Financial Regulatory Services Authority (FRSA) Ava Trade Middle East Ltd (190018), Central Bank of Ireland (C53877) AVA Trade EU Ltd, Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) AVA Trade EU Ltd (branch authorisation), British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVI) Ava Trade Markets Ltd (SIBA/L/13/1049), Israel Securities Authority (ISA) ATrade Ltd (514666577), Financial Superintendence of Colombia (SFC 0261 of 2024), Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada through Friedberg Direct (IIROC) FCA ref 551422 (Saxo Capital Markets UK Ltd), FSA Denmark reg no. 1149 (Saxo Bank A/S), ASIC AFSL 280372 (Saxo Capital Markets Australia), MAS Co. Reg. No. 200601141M (Saxo Capital Markets Pte Ltd), Japan Kanto Local Finance Bureau No. 239 (Saxo Bank Securities Ltd.), Switzerland UID CHE-106.787.764 (Saxo Bank (Schweiz) AG, FINMA-supervised), DFSA public register shows Saxo Bank (Dubai) Limited ref F001014 (current presence operates as a DFSA-regulated DIFC representative office), Hong Kong SFC CE No. AVD061 (Saxo Capital Markets HK Ltd), UAE Central Bank licence CN-1747174 (Abu Dhabi entity), South Africa FSP 40983 (Saxo Capital Markets South Africa Pty Ltd) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) (CRD#: 149777), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), European Central Bank (ECB), BaFin (Germany), Autorité de Controle Prudentiel et de Resolution (ACPR), Consob (Italy), Financial Services Agency (FSA), Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) (122702), PRA (Prudential Regulation Authority) (122702), SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) (801-43392), FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) (19714), FSA (Financial Services Agency) (Registration Number 207), ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) (246617), SFC (Securities and Futures Commission) (AYK346), MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) (CMS100560-1), DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) (F000356) Sucden Financial Limited Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) (114239), Sucden Financial (HK) Limited Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) (ASE480), Sucden Futures Inc. National Futures Association (NFA) (0284890)
Min Deposit 100 2000 No minimum deposit No minimum deposit No minimum deposit
Funding
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
Used By 400,000+ 1,200,000+ 6,800,000+ 48,000,000+ 10,000+
Benefits
  • Allows scalping
  • Allows hedging
  • Low min deposit
  • Offers Negative Balance Protection
  • Allows scalping
  • Offers STP
  • Guaranteed stop loss
  • Offers Negative Balance Protection
  • Low min deposit
  • Low min deposit
  • Allows scalping
  • Allows hedging
  • Offers STP
  • Low min deposit
  • Offers Negative Balance Protection
Accounts
  • Demo account
  • Micro account
  • Mini account
  • Standard account
  • Managed account
  • Islamic account
  • Demo account
  • Mini account
  • Standard account
  • Mini account
  • Standard account
  • Standard account
  • Mini account
  • Standard account
  • ECN account
Platforms MT4, MT5, Web Trading, AvaTrade App, AvaOptions, Mac Trading, AvaSocial, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play) SaxoInvestor, Apple App iOS, Android Google Play, SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, Connectivity & APIs, Web Trader Mobile Apps, Android (Google Play), iOS (App Store), Web BARX, Web, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play) Desktop System, Mobile Trading Apps, Android Google Play, iOS (Apple App Store)
Support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
Learn More Sign Up with
avatrade
Sign Up with
saxocapitalmarkets
Sign Up with
morganstanleywealthmanagement
Sign Up with
barclays
Sign Up with
sucdenfinancial
Risk Warning 57% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider Losses can exceed deposits Your capital is at risk Your capital is at risk Losses can exceed deposits
Demo AvaTrade
Demo
Saxo Capital Markets
Demo
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Demo
Barclays
Demo
Sucden Financial
Demo
Excluded Countries BE, BR, KP, NZ, TR, US, CA, SG US US


All SFC regulated brokers in more detail

You can compare SFC Regulated Brokers ratings, min deposits what the the broker offers, funding methods, platforms, spread types, customer support options, regulation and account types side by side.

We also have an indepth Top SFC Regulated Brokers for 2026 article further below. You can see it now by clicking here

We have listed top SFC regulated brokers below.

SFC Brokers List

AvaTrade
(4/5)
Min deposit : 100
AvaTrade was established in 2006 and is used by over 400000+ traders. 57% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider AvaTrade offers Forex, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Indices, Stocks, Bonds, Vanilla Options, ETFs, CFDs, Spread Betting, Social Trading. Cryptocurrency availability with AvaTrade is subject to regulation.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

MT4, MT5, Web Trading, AvaTrade App, AvaOptions, Mac Trading, AvaSocial, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play)

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account VIP account
Regulated by Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd (406684), South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) Ava Capital Markets Pty Ltd (45984), Financial Services Agency (Japan FSA) Ava Trade Japan K.K. (1662), Financial Futures Association of Japan (FFAJ) Ava Trade Japan K.K. (1574), Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) / Financial Regulatory Services Authority (FRSA) Ava Trade Middle East Ltd (190018), Central Bank of Ireland (C53877) AVA Trade EU Ltd, Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) AVA Trade EU Ltd (branch authorisation), British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVI) Ava Trade Markets Ltd (SIBA/L/13/1049), Israel Securities Authority (ISA) ATrade Ltd (514666577), Financial Superintendence of Colombia (SFC 0261 of 2024), Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada through Friedberg Direct (IIROC)
Saxo Markets
(3/5)
Min deposit : 2000
Saxo Capital Markets was established in 2012 and is used by over 1200000+ traders. Losses can exceed deposits Saxo Capital Markets offers Forex, CFDs.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

SaxoInvestor, Apple App iOS, Android Google Play, SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, Connectivity & APIs, Web Trader

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account VIP account
Regulated by FCA ref 551422 (Saxo Capital Markets UK Ltd), FSA Denmark reg no. 1149 (Saxo Bank A/S), ASIC AFSL 280372 (Saxo Capital Markets Australia), MAS Co. Reg. No. 200601141M (Saxo Capital Markets Pte Ltd), Japan Kanto Local Finance Bureau No. 239 (Saxo Bank Securities Ltd.), Switzerland UID CHE-106.787.764 (Saxo Bank (Schweiz) AG, FINMA-supervised), DFSA public register shows Saxo Bank (Dubai) Limited ref F001014 (current presence operates as a DFSA-regulated DIFC representative office), Hong Kong SFC CE No. AVD061 (Saxo Capital Markets HK Ltd), UAE Central Bank licence CN-1747174 (Abu Dhabi entity), South Africa FSP 40983 (Saxo Capital Markets South Africa Pty Ltd)
morganstanleywealthmanagement
(3/5)
Min deposit : 0
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management was established in 2008 and is used by over 6800000+ traders. Your capital is at risk Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offers Forex trading, Social trading, .

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

Mobile Apps, Android (Google Play), iOS (App Store), Web

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account VIP account
Regulated by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) (CRD#: 149777), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), European Central Bank (ECB), BaFin (Germany), Autorité de Controle Prudentiel et de Resolution (ACPR), Consob (Italy), Financial Services Agency (FSA), Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC)
barclays
(3/5)
Min deposit : 0
Barclays was established in 2011 and is used by over 48000000+ traders. Your capital is at risk Barclays offers Forex trading, Share Dealing.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

BARX, Web, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play)

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account VIP account
Regulated by FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) (122702), PRA (Prudential Regulation Authority) (122702), SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) (801-43392), FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) (19714), FSA (Financial Services Agency) (Registration Number 207), ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) (246617), SFC (Securities and Futures Commission) (AYK346), MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) (CMS100560-1), DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) (F000356)
Sucden
(3/5)
Min deposit : 0
Sucden Financial was established in 1973 and is used by over 10000+ traders. Losses can exceed deposits Sucden Financial offers Forex.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

Desktop System, Mobile Trading Apps, Android Google Play, iOS (Apple App Store)

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account VIP account
Regulated by Sucden Financial Limited Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) (114239), Sucden Financial (HK) Limited Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) (ASE480), Sucden Futures Inc. National Futures Association (NFA) (0284890)

Learn more Learn more about AvaTrade.
57% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider
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57% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider