Which brokers offer a professional account with higher leverage?
Verdict
- Pepperstone is our pick for a professional account: Pepperstone Pro raises leverage on its international entity from 1:200 to 1:500 on FX, gold and major indices.
- To qualify you self-certify two of three tests: leveraged-trading experience, cash and investments over USD 500,000, or professional experience in financial services.
- The cost is protection: retail clients are not liable for negative balances, while Pro clients get only a discretionary, one-time cover of up to USD 100,000.
- XS advertises up to 1:2000 dynamic leverage on its Standard account, without naming the entity; Capital.com publishes no professional leverage table in our data.
Hong Kong residents served from offshore entities already get more leverage as retail clients than traders in the UK or Australia, so the step up to professional status is smaller than it sounds. Pepperstone's Pro programme is the clearest we found, and below is exactly what changes when you switch.
Pepperstone Pro: what you gain
Hong Kong clients are served by Pepperstone Markets Limited, licensed by the Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SIA-F217); Pepperstone holds no SFC licence. On that entity, retail leverage already reaches 1:200 on FX, gold and major indices. Pro raises it as the table shows. Pepperstone also offers a free VPS to Pro and eligible clients. One inconsistency to know: the Pro page headline mentions 'up to 1:1000 on gold and forex', but its own table and the costs page both say 1:500, so we quote 1:500.
| Market | Retail | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| FX | 1:200 | 1:500 |
| Gold | 1:200 | 1:500 |
| Major indices | 1:200 | 1:500 |
| Other metals | 1:10 | 1:50 |
| Energies | 1:50 (commodities excl. gold) | 1:20 |
| BTC/USD | 1:20 | 1:500 |
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What you give up as a Pro client
- Negative balance protection: retail clients are not liable for negative equity; Pro clients receive only a discretionary, one-time protection of up to USD 100,000.
- Margin buffer: at 1:500 a 0.2% move against a fully leveraged position wipes out its margin.
- Note the energy row: Pepperstone's tables list a lower Pro limit (1:20) than the retail 1:50 for commodities excluding gold, so Pro is not higher on everything.
How the alternatives compare
| Broker | Professional leverage | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone Pro | Up to 1:500 on FX, gold, major indices | Self-certify 2 of 3 criteria |
| XS | Up to 1:2000 dynamic leverage (Standard account) | Entity not named on the page; margin call 40%, stop-out 20% |
| Capital.com | No professional table in our data | Its Bahamas company lists retail 1:200 on FX |
Before you apply
- Decide whether you actually need more than 1:200; most retail position sizes use far less.
- Gather evidence for the two criteria you will claim, such as trade history or portfolio statements.
- Read the Pro terms on negative balance protection in full.
- Set your own maximum exposure per trade, since the broker's limit is no longer a brake.
Sources
What is the maximum leverage at Pepperstone Pro?
1:500 on FX, gold, major indices and BTC/ETH, according to its Pro table and costs page. A headline figure of 1:1000 on the same page contradicts the table.
Do I need USD 500,000 to qualify?
No. It is one of three criteria and you need two of them; leveraged-trading experience and professional experience in financial services are the others.
Is higher leverage cheaper?
No. Leverage changes the margin you post, not the spread or commission. It increases the size of gains and losses relative to your balance.
Can I go back to retail status?
Ask the broker. Moving back restores retail protections but also the lower leverage limits.
CFDs are complex, leveraged products with a high risk of losing money rapidly. Make sure you understand how they work and can afford the risk before trading. This page is general information, not investment advice; check each broker's current terms before opening an account.