Which FCA regulated trading apps are available in the UK?
Verdict
- Pepperstone is our pick among FCA-regulated trading apps: its app is run by Pepperstone Limited (FCA 684312), covers spread betting and CFDs, and eligible clients' money is protected by the FSCS up to £85,000.
- Other FCA-regulated firms with their own apps include Capital.com (793714), IG (195355), CMC Markets (173730), Plus500 (509909), eToro (583263), Trading 212 (609146) and Spreadex (190941).
- An app being available in the UK does not make it FCA-regulated: Exness's and Equiti's UK companies do not take retail clients.
- Always check the company name and FCA number shown in the app's legal footer against the FCA register before you deposit.
The app is only the front end; what matters is the company behind it. Below we list FCA-regulated firms that run trading apps for UK retail clients, with the reference numbers they publish, and explain why Pepperstone is our first choice among them.
Pepperstone: our pick of the FCA-regulated apps
The Pepperstone app is operated by Pepperstone Limited, registered in England and Wales (08965105) and authorised and regulated by the FCA (684312), at 27 Old Jewry in the City of London. Inside one app you can trade a spread-betting account or Standard and Razor CFD accounts. Client funds are segregated at top-tier banks, retail accounts have negative balance protection, and eligible clients are covered by the FSCS up to £85,000. Deposits by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay start at £10 and are free.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
FCA-regulated firms with trading apps
| App | UK company | FCA ref. | Spread betting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | Pepperstone Limited | 684312 | Yes |
| Capital.com | Capital Com (UK) Limited | 793714 | Yes |
| IG | IG Markets Ltd / IG Index Ltd | 195355 / 114059 | Yes |
| CMC Markets | CMC Markets UK plc | 173730 | Yes |
| Spreadex | Spreadex Ltd | 190941 | Yes |
| Plus500 | Plus500UK Ltd | 509909 | Not found |
| eToro | eToro (UK) Ltd | 583263 | Not in our data |
| Trading 212 | Trading 212 UK Ltd | 609146 | Not found |
| FOREX.com / StoneX Trading | StoneX Financial Ltd | 446717 | StoneX Trading: yes |
UK-named firms that don't serve retail clients
- Exness (UK) Ltd holds FCA registration 730729 but, by Exness's own statement, does not offer services to retail clients.
- Equiti Capital UK Limited (FCA 528328) directs its products at professional and eligible counterparty clients only.
- Libertex's EU company says it is exiting the Temporary Permission Regime and no longer accepts UK clients.
- An offshore entity of a well-known brand is not covered by the FSCS, even if the app looks identical.
How to check an app's FCA status
- Find the legal footer or 'About' screen and note the company name and FCA reference number.
- Search that number on the FCA's Financial Services Register and confirm the name and permissions match.
- Make sure the account you open is with that UK company, not an overseas affiliate.
- Check compensation: Pepperstone, for example, states FSCS cover up to £85,000 for eligible clients.
Sources
Regulator details as each firm publishes them.
Is the Pepperstone app FCA-regulated?
Yes, for UK clients. Accounts are held with Pepperstone Limited, authorised and regulated by the FCA under reference 684312.
Are funds in an FCA-regulated trading app protected?
Client money must be segregated, and eligible clients may be covered by the FSCS. Pepperstone states cover of up to £85,000.
Is Capital.com's app FCA-regulated?
UK clients are served by Capital Com (UK) Limited, authorised by the FCA under reference 793714.
CFDs and spread bets are complex and high risk because leverage magnifies losses as well as gains. Pepperstone Limited states that 73.6% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading these products with it. Broker terms change; confirm them before opening an account. Not investment advice.