Forex Brokers for Professional Traders
- Written By thinkforexbrokers
- Updated:
While forex trading is open to both beginners and seasoned traders, some brokers go further by offering specialized trading conditions designed specifically for professionals. These institutional-grade accounts give experienced traders a strategic advantage, granting access to features not available to retail clients—such as tighter spreads, lower commissions, higher leverage limits, priority customer support, and advanced trading tools.
If you’re ready to take your trading to the next level by obtaining professional status, we’ve identified 12 leading forex brokers that offer institutional accounts. Each of these brokers is committed to delivering premium trading conditions for professional clients, including ultra-competitive spreads, reduced commission structures, and leverage well beyond standard retail limits.
74-89 % of retails CFD accounts lose money
73.85 % of retails CFD accounts lose money
59.57 % of retails CFD accounts lose money
Trading leveraged product is risky
75 to 89% % of retails CFD accounts lose money
75.5 % of retails investors accounts lose money
The vast majority of retail account loss money
82 % of retails investors accounts lose money
69 % of retails accounts lose money
AvaTrade
76 % of retails investors accounts lose money
Top 10 Brokers Offering Institutional Forex Trading Accounts
Forex Broker | Min Large-Volume Trades per year | Min Work Experience in Financial Market | Capital Requirement | Max Leverage on Major Pairs | Min Spread |
10 per each quarter | 1 year | Financial instruments portfolio exceeding €/$500,000 | 1:500 | From 0.0 pips | |
20 per each quarter | 1 year | Net assets of at least AU$ 2.5 million/ gross income of AU$250,000 per annum | 1:1000 | From 0.0 pips | |
10 per each quarter | 1 year | Financial instruments portfolio exceeding €/$500,000/ net assets of at least AU$ 2.5 million/ gross income of AU$250,000 per annum | 1:400/ for some traders varies depending on account equity | From 0.0 pips | |
10 per each quarter | 1 year | Financial instruments portfolio exceeding €/$500,000 | 1:500 | 0.7 pips | |
20 per each quarter | 1 year | Net assets of at least AU$ 2.5 million/ gross income of AU$250,000 per annum | 1:500 | From 0.0 pips | |
10 per each quarter | 1 year | Financial instruments portfolio exceeding €/$500,000 | 1:400 | From 0.6 pips | |
10 per each quarter | 1 year | Financial instruments portfolio exceeding €500,000 | 1:300 *Professional clients lose their ICF rights | 0.6 pips | |
20 per each quarter/ 10 per quarter for non-AU traders | 1 year | Net assets of at least AU$ 2.5 million/ gross income of AU$250,000 per annum/financial instruments portfolio exceeding €500,000 | 1:500 | From 0.0 pips | |
50 per quarter (any 4 quarters in the last 5 years count)/ 10 per quarter for non-AU traders | 1 year | Net assets of at least AU$ 2.5 million/ gross income of AU$250,000 per annum/financial instruments portfolio exceeding €500,000 | 1:500 for major pairs and indices | From 0.0 pips | |
10 per quarter/15 per quarter for the last 5 years (ASIC traders) | 1 year | Financial instruments portfolio exceeding €500,000/ net assets of AU$2.5 million or gross income for each of the last two financial years of at least AU$250,000. | 1:500 | From 0.0 pips |
Best Forex Brokers for Professional Traders Ranked by Trustpilot Score
Forex Broker | Trustpilot Reviews | |
9083 | ||
44609 | ||
3952 | ||
10620 | ||
293 | ||
2281 | ||
16673 | ||
711 | ||
9072 | ||
7730 | ||
IC Markets
IC Markets offers three different account types, including a professional account designed for experienced traders with the financial capacity and trading history to qualify. This account provides enhanced trading conditions such as leverage of up to 1:500 on major forex pairs and maintains a high level of fund protection through client funds segregation. However, professional clients are excluded from the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), which is available only to retail traders—though IC Markets does allow a return to retail status if desired. To qualify for a professional account, traders must meet at least two of the following criteria: a financial instruments portfolio of €500,000 or more, a minimum of 10 large-volume trades per quarter over the past year, or at least one year of professional experience in the financial sector. These requirements ensure that professional clients have the expertise and resources necessary to manage higher-risk trading environments.
Criteria for Professional Traders at IC Markets
Large-Volume Trades | Relevant Working Experience | Capital Requirement |
10 per quarter for 1 year | 1 year | Financial instruments portfolio exceeding €/$500,000 |
Global Prime
To access more advanced trading conditions, Global Prime clients can apply for a professional trading account. Qualified traders gain leverage of up to 1:500 on select instruments, early access to new products and services, trading rebates based on volume and referrals, and a dedicated account manager. They also receive priority customer support. However, professional accounts do not include coverage under the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) or negative balance protection.
To qualify, applicants must pass both the Sophisticated Investor Test and the Wealth Test. This includes completing a trading knowledge quiz, executing 20 trades per quarter with a notional volume of at least AU$1,000,000 in any four quarters over the past two years, or demonstrating one year of professional financial sector experience. For the wealth criteria, applicants must either hold net assets of at least AU$2.5 million in the past six months or have earned a minimum annual income of AU$250,000 over the previous two years.
Criteria for Professional Traders at Global Prime
Large-Volume Trades | Relevant Working Experience | Capital Requirement |
20 per quarter; notional volume of AU$1,000,000 per 4 quarters in the last 2 years | 1 year | Net assets of at least AU$ 2.5 million/ gross income of AU$250,000 per annum |
FXCM
In addition to its standard retail trading accounts, FXCM offers clients the option to apply for a professional account, which provides access to enhanced features such as increased leverage of up to 1:400 and exclusive products and services. However, professional status comes with trade-offs—clients forfeit certain regulatory protections including negative balance protection, leverage caps on high-risk instruments, and coverage under investor compensation schemes. They also will not receive Product Disclosure Statements or Financial Services Guides. To qualify for a professional account, traders must meet at least two out of three eligibility criteria: executing a minimum of 10 large-volume trades per quarter over the last four quarters, maintaining a financial portfolio of €500,000 or more, or having at least one year of relevant professional experience in the financial sector. This flexible qualification process ensures that experienced traders can access institutional-grade conditions with fewer barriers.
Criteria for Professional Traders at FXCM
Large-Volume Trades | Relevant Working Experience | Capital Requirement |
10 per quarter; notional volume of AU$1,000,000 per 4 quarters in the last 1 year | 1 year | Financial instruments portfolio exceeding €/$500,000/ net assets of at least AU$ 2.5 million/ gross income of AU$250,000 per annum |
SAXO
While SAXO offers competitive trading conditions for retail clients, certain regulatory limitations—such as restricted leverage—can only be bypassed by upgrading to a professional trading account. Professional status unlocks benefits like higher leverage, early access to new products and services, and a more flexible trading environment. However, it also comes with trade-offs, including the loss of protections such as negative balance protection and leverage restrictions on high-risk products.
One key advantage for professional traders is access to SAXO’s portfolio-based margin model. Instead of applying fixed margin requirements, this model calculates margin based on individual risk factors, allowing for more efficient capital use. Additionally, professional clients can use eligible portfolio assets as collateral to support their margin trading activities.
To apply for professional client status, traders must complete an application form and submit the required documentation. Eligibility criteria include meeting at least two of the following: executing 10 large trades per quarter over the past year, possessing a financial portfolio valued at €500,000 or more, and having at least one year of relevant experience working in the financial sector.
Criteria for Professional Traders at SAXO
Large-Volume Trades | Relevant Working Experience | Capital Requirement |
10 per quarter for the last year | 1 year | Financial instruments portfolio exceeding €/$500,000 |
Fusion Markets
Traders looking to enhance their trading experience with higher leverage, larger trading volumes, and fewer restrictions can apply for a professional account at Fusion Markets. This upgraded account type offers a range of exclusive benefits, including leverage of up to 1:500 across all supported products, early access to new features and services, a dedicated account manager, priority customer support, and access to Premium-only events and perks. Client funds remain protected in a segregated trust account with a tier-one bank. However, professional clients should note that negative balance protection, Product Disclosure Statements, and Financial Services Guides are not provided under this account status.
Fusion Markets extends the maximum 1:500 leverage not only to major and minor forex pairs but also to gold, commodities, and energy instruments. To qualify for professional status, clients must complete either the Wealth Test or the Sophisticated Investor Test. The Wealth Test requires proof of net assets totaling at least AU$2.5 million, certified by a qualified accountant within the last six months. Full eligibility details and application guidelines are available on Fusion Markets’ official website.
Criteria for Professional Traders at Fusion Markets
Large-Volume Trades | Relevant Working Experience | Capital Requirement |
20 per quarter; notional volume of AU$1,000,000 per 4 quarters in the last 2 years | 1 year | Net assets of at least AU$ 2.5 million/ gross income of AU$250,000 per annum |
BlackBull Markets
BlackBull Markets offers a sophisticated trading environment tailored to professional and institutional-level traders. Founded in 2014 and regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) of New Zealand and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles, the broker provides professional clients with access to higher leverage, raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips, and lightning-fast execution speeds via its ECN Institutional Account.
Professional traders benefit from deep liquidity, advanced trading tools, customizable trading conditions, and priority customer support, including a dedicated account manager. These features are designed to meet the demands of high-volume trading and offer a competitive edge in fast-moving markets. However, it’s important to note that certain retail protections—such as negative balance protection—may not apply under professional status.
Eligibility for a professional account typically involves meeting criteria related to trading experience, financial portfolio size, or trading volume. Full details and application requirements are available on BlackBull Markets’ official website.
Criteria for Professional Traders at BlackBull Markets
Large-Volume Trades | Relevant Working Experience | Capital Requirement |
10 per quarter for the last 1 year | 1 year | $20,000 |
AvaTrade
While AvaTrade offers competitive trading conditions to retail clients, regulatory restrictions limit certain features—particularly those involving high leverage. Traders seeking greater flexibility can apply for a professional trading account, which unlocks enhanced benefits, including leverage of up to 1:400 on major forex pairs and increased leverage across other tradable instruments.
To qualify for a professional account at AvaTrade, clients must meet at least two out of three eligibility criteria. First, applicants must demonstrate trading activity by having executed at least 10 large-volume transactions in relevant markets—such as leveraged CFDs or forex—over the past four quarters. This must be verified with account statements from the prior month, showing trades made with regulated brokers. Second, they must prove sufficient financial knowledge, typically through at least one year of professional experience in the financial sector, supported by an employer-issued letter confirming their role and responsibilities related to OTC derivatives. Lastly, applicants must show a financial portfolio exceeding €500,000, confirmed by a recent bank or brokerage account statement.
Professional status grants greater trading flexibility, but traders should be aware that some retail safeguards—such as negative balance protection and investor compensation—may no longer apply.
Criteria for Professional Traders at AvaTrade
Large-Volume Trades | Relevant Working Experience | Capital Requirement |
10 per quarter for the last 1 year | 1 year | Financial instruments portfolio exceeding €/$500,000 |
Plus500
To accommodate the diverse needs of traders, Plus500 offers various account types, including professional trading accounts for those seeking higher leverage and enhanced trading opportunities. While professional status removes leverage limits on high-risk instruments and excludes eligibility for investor compensation schemes, it also unlocks a range of exclusive benefits.
Professional clients at Plus500 can access increased leverage of up to 1:300 on currency pairs and other tradable products. Additional advantages include negative balance protection, fast order execution, client fund protection, and cash rebates. To qualify for a professional account, traders must meet specific criteria: executing at least 10 large-volume trades per quarter over the last four quarters, maintaining a financial portfolio valued at over €500,000, and possessing at least one year of professional experience in the financial sector. Clients may revert to retail account status at any time by contacting customer support.
Criteria for Professional Traders at Plus500
Large-Volume Trades | Relevant Working Experience | Capital Requirement |
10 per quarter for the last 1 year | 1 year | Financial instruments portfolio exceeding €500,000 |
FP Markets
FP Markets offers a variety of account types tailored to retail traders, but it also caters to more advanced traders through professional accounts. By opting for a professional account, you can lift restrictions on leverage, allowing you to trade a wider range of instruments with significantly higher leverage. However, professional accounts do not qualify for protections such as the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) or negative balance protection.
As a professional trader at FP Markets, you can access leverage of up to 1:500 on major and minor currency pairs—except those involving TRY—as well as on gold and silver. Other instruments also benefit from increased leverage limits. To qualify for professional status, you must meet specific criteria: having executed at least 10 large trades per quarter on relevant markets in the past four quarters, maintaining a financial portfolio worth over €500,000, and proving at least one year of professional experience in the financial sector.
Criteria for Professional Traders at FP Markets
Large-Volume Trades | Relevant Working Experience | Capital Requirement |
10 per quarter for non-AU traders; 20 per quarter and notional volume of AU$1,000,000 per 4 quarters in the last 1 year | 1 year | Net assets of at least AU$ 2.5 million/ gross income of AU$250,000 per annum/financial instruments portfolio exceeding €500,000 |
CMC Markets
If you believe upgrading your trading status at CMC Markets could benefit you, consider whether a professional trading account is the right fit. Opening a professional account will remove certain high-risk trading protections, including regular warnings, leverage limits, and negative balance protection. However, professional traders gain access to significantly higher leverage—up to 1:500 on forex instruments.
Beyond increased leverage across all tradable products, CMC Markets’ professional accounts offer perks such as forex rebates, early access to new products and services not available to retail clients, and protection of funds through a segregated trust account. To qualify, you must pass the Wealth Test by proving net assets of at least AU$2.5 million or an annual gross income of at least AU$250,000 over the last two years. Additionally, traders must complete a proficiency test to demonstrate their trading knowledge and experience, with detailed steps provided on CMC Markets’ Pro Account page.
Criteria for Professional Traders at CMC Markets
Large-Volume Trades | Relevant Working Experience | Capital Requirement |
50 per quarter (any 4 quarters in the last 5 years count)/ 10 per quarter for the last year( for non-AU traders) | 1 year | Net assets of at least AU$ 2.5 million/ gross income of AU$250,000 per annum/financial instruments portfolio exceeding €500,000 |
IG
By trading on IG’s innovative platform, you can unlock advanced trading conditions by applying for a professional account. However, before proceeding, it’s important to understand that professional traders will lose certain protections, including negative balance protection, customer compensation schemes, and leverage limits.
A professional account at IG offers benefits such as higher leverage across all tradable instruments, access to a wider range of products, and a margin reduction of up to 90%. Additionally, professional clients can use up to 95% of their portfolio assets as collateral for margin trading. To qualify, you must meet at least two of the following three criteria: placing at least 10 significant-volume trades per quarter over the last four quarters, maintaining a financial instrument portfolio exceeding €500,000, or having at least one year of professional experience in the financial sector.
Criteria for Professional Traders at IG
Large-Volume Trades | Relevant Working Experience | Capital Requirement |
10 per quarter for the last year | 1 year | Financial instruments portfolio exceeding €500,000/ net assets of AU$2.5 million or gross income for each of the last two financial years of at least AU$250,000. |
Axi
Axi caters to a diverse range of traders by offering multiple account types. Retail clients can select between Standard and Pro accounts, both featuring either low spreads or a no-commission pricing structure. However, due to regulatory restrictions from CySEC, ASIC, and FCA, retail Forex traders are limited to a maximum leverage of 1:30. Traders who qualify for professional status, though, can access significantly higher leverage—up to 1:400 on Standard and Pro accounts, and up to 1:500 on the Elite account.
To become eligible for a professional account, traders must meet at least two of three criteria: executing at least 10 large-volume trades per quarter over the last four quarters, maintaining an investment portfolio valued above €500,000, and possessing at least one year of professional experience in the financial sector. Australian traders face slightly different requirements, including placing at least 20 large-volume trades (minimum $500,000 each) across any four quarters within the past three years, as well as holding net assets of at least AU$2.5 million or earning a gross annual income of at least $250,000 over the previous two years.
Criteria for Professional Traders at Axi
Large-Volume Trades | Relevant Working Experience | Capital Requirement |
10 per quarter for the last year; for ASIC-entity 20 per quarter for any four quarters in the last 3 years | 1 year | Financial instruments portfolio exceeding €500,000; for ASIC-entity net assets of at least AU$2.5 million or gross income of at least AU$250,000 per year in the last two years |
What Is an Institutional Trading Account?
Institutional trading accounts, often referred to as professional accounts, are designed for traders or institutions that prefer to execute larger volume orders. Many forex brokers offer clients the option to apply for such accounts, which provide the ability to handle bigger trades. These professional accounts typically come with enhanced trading conditions, including higher leverage, tighter spreads, and lower commission rates.
Because institutional accounts serve clients with larger capital, brokers usually grant professional traders access to markets with greater liquidity. Additionally, these investors often benefit from advanced market analysis tools and dedicated account managers to assist with any trading-related inquiries.
The extensive range of advanced features available with professional trading accounts is reserved exclusively for those who qualify. To open such accounts, investors or institutions must submit documentation that verifies their eligibility for professional trading status.
Who Qualifies as an Institutional Client?
While retail traders typically include anyone interested in trading with a small budget, professional or institutional clients consist of specific entities and individuals who trade on a much larger scale. Institutional investors are usually companies or organizations managing funds on behalf of groups of investors.
Examples of such entities include hedge funds, pension funds, and insurance companies. Due to the substantial volumes they trade, institutional traders are generally regarded as more sophisticated market participants in both the forex market and the broader financial landscape. Alongside these non-bank institutions, experienced individual traders with sufficient capital to trade larger amounts can also apply for professional trading accounts with many reputable online forex brokers.
Application Process and Requirements for Institutional Accounts
The application process for professional trading accounts may vary slightly depending on the broker you choose, but most forex brokers require similar documentation to verify eligibility for institutional trading. To upgrade from a retail account or open a new professional account, you will typically need to submit proof of your tradable capital and trading experience. While there are three main criteria to qualify as a professional trader, meeting at least two of them is usually sufficient. These criteria generally include having executed at least 10 large-volume trades per quarter within the past 12 months, possessing at least one year of professional experience in the financial sector, and maintaining a financial portfolio valued at a minimum of €500,000. The exact portfolio threshold and what qualifies as a “large-volume” trade can vary based on your country of residence and the regulatory authority overseeing your broker. Commonly, brokers define large trades as those involving €10,000, €50,000, or higher. If this information is not explicitly provided, it’s advisable to contact the broker’s support team for clarification. During the application process, you may be asked to submit documents such as trading activity statements, portfolio summaries, and proof of professional experience.
Benefits of Using Institutional Accounts
To help you determine if institutional accounts are the right choice, we recommend comparing their advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.
- Key Pros
- Professional traders enjoy better trading prices with lower spreads
- Higher-volume trades are easily accessible through larger maximum tradable lots
- Institutional accounts come with higher deposit limits, enabling larger transactions
- Professional traders can trade currency pairs with significantly higher leverage ratios
- Key Cons
- Application for institutional accounts requires traders to provide a set of documents to prove eligibility
- Institutional trading comes with significantly higher risk when trading higher volumes
- You need to own assets of significant value to qualify for professional trading
- You need to own assets of significant value to qualify for professional trading
