Brokers with Segregated Accounts

Protect your funds when good times go bad. Compare Forex brokers with segregated accounts.

Brokers we recommend


4.7 / 5 AvaTrade
77.82% of retail CFD accounts lose money

AvaTrade.com is an award-winning online broker, in business since 2006. Trade CFDs on one of the widest possible range of instruments and asset classes, from Forex to ETFs and government bonds.


4.2 / 5 HYCM
85% of retail CFD accounts lose money

HYCM.com, formerly HY Markets, is an award-winning regulated online broker suitable for day traders as well as long-term investors. It's also an established broker, in business since 1999.


Comparison table

We rate brokers across 5 categories and 18 criteria, following a standardised methodology. Here are our overall and category-specific ratings:

OverallMarketsTrading environmentDeposits and withdrawalsInvestor protectionCustomer service
AvaTrade 4.7 5.0 4.2 4.7 4.8 5.0
HYCM 4.2 5.0 3.8 4.4 3.8 4.0
Forex (CFD)Cryptos (CFD)*Stocks (CFD)Indices (CFD)ETFs (CFD)Metals (CFD)Energy (CFD)Commodities (CFD)Bonds (CFD)
AvaTrade 5514612233191072
HYCM 6728151271334
MT4MT5Copy trading
AvaTrade
HYCM
Bank transferDebit cardCredit cardNETELLER *Skrill *
AvaTrade
HYCM
AustraliaCayman IslandsCyprus (EU)South AfricaSt. Vincent & the GrenadinesUAEUK
AvaTrade
HYCM

* Availability is subject to local laws and regulations.

Note: for brevity, this table only shows the most popular payment methods and regulators. Open a free account with any of these brokers to view funding options available in your country.



4.7 / 5 AvaTrade
77.82% of retail CFD accounts lose money

AvaTrade.com is an award-winning online broker, in business since 2006. Trade CFDs on one of the widest possible range of instruments and asset classes, from Forex to ETFs and government bonds.

  • Likes
  • Over 750 financial instruments on MT4/5.
  • Get free daily trading signals.
  • Easily copy professional traders.
  • No fees on deposits or withdrawals.
  • Get one-on-one assistance when you deposit US$1,000.
  • Dislikes
  • You cannot trade on raw spreads.
  • Quarterly and annual inactivity fees.
Our take on AvaTrade

The breadth of assets available to trade through its platform sets AvaTrade apart from the competition. You'll find over 750 instruments, including currencies, stocks, indices, ETFs (and leveraged ETFs), precious metals, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and government bonds.

AvaTrade supports the MT4 and MT5 platforms, available for Windows and iOS devices. Its web trading platform is sleek, with advanced charting tools. AvaTrade's spreads are competitive and fixed, which can provide a more predictable trading environment, well-suited for beginners.

Its customer service is excellent too. Every time a question has arisen, we've been able to speak to a customer support agent easily through a local telephone number. Our queries were resolved within minutes. AvaTrade support is available five days a week through various channels, including WhatsApp.


4.2 / 5 HYCM
85% of retail CFD accounts lose money

HYCM.com, formerly HY Markets, is an award-winning regulated online broker suitable for day traders as well as long-term investors. It's also an established broker, in business since 1999.

  • Likes
  • Trade CFDs or invest in over 1,000 "real" stocks.
  • Trade on MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5.
  • Get free signals from Trading Central.
  • Open a trading account in USD, EUR, GBP, CAD and AED.
  • Dislikes
  • Trading fees on its Fixed and Classic accounts are a little high.
  • Monthly inactivity fees apply after 90 days.
  • Copy trading isn't possible.
Our take on HYCM

Trade over 300 instruments across a wide range of markets, spanning currencies, cryptocurrencies, stocks, indexes, and commodities. HYCM offers a variety of trading accounts for beginners and more experienced traders, on the MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms.

Of note, 'buy and hold' investors can now access over 1,000 'real' stocks, and earn dividends on their investments. It is possible to invest from as little as $10 through fractional ownership. This service includes American, Asian, and European stocks.

HYCM is an established broker, in business since 1999. It is also a safe place to trade, being overseen by regulators in the EU, the UK, the UAE, and other regions. HYCM provides a reliable trading environment. However, its trading fees are somewhat higher than the competition, unless you open a Raw account.

Segregated accounts earmark the funds you deposit with your broker for your own trades. They're meant to avoid "co-mingling" and can protect your funds from unscrupulous brokers.

Why segregation matters

The primary purpose of segregation is to protect customer funds in the event of the broker's insolvency. In countries where account segregation is a legal obligation, provisions in bankruptcy laws give customers a priority over the funds in segregation. This protects customer funds against insolvency losses and competing claims from other creditors.

Segregation also serves a more immediate function. In the event of liquidation or any other situation where open positions need to be transferred quickly, segregation ensures that the customers' margin funds transfer along with the positions. Without this protection, you may be required to post duplicative margin or else face the forced liquidation of your positions.

A legal requirement

In some countries, it is a legal requirement that brokers place customer funds in segregated accounts. In others, brokers may follow similar requirements out of good business practice.

United Kingdom

Brokers operating in the United Kingdom are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA, formerly FSA). Under FCA rules, brokers have an obligation to protect their clients' money and assets. FCA regulated brokers must place all money paid and owed to customers into separate bank accounts and establish a trust over those accounts.

United States

Brokers operating in the United States must register with the National Futures Association (NFA) or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Section 4d(a)(2) of the Commodity Exchange Act requires that all funds deposited with a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) in connection with futures or commodity options be accounted for separately, deposited under an account name that clearly identifies them as such, and not be commingled with the FCM's own funds.

How safe are segregated accounts?

MF Global's collapse, which left US$ 1.6 billion of client funds unaccounted for, is a reminder that segregated accounts cannot protect against fraud or criminal behaviour. According to a report by the bankruptcy trustee, MF Global often moved money between its own accounts and those of customers in amounts of less than US$ 50 million a day, replacing the cash by day's end.

When opening an account with a Forex broker, take time to read through the Customer Agreement and Terms and Conditions to understand the steps the broker will take to protect your funds. Segregated accounts aren't a silver bullet; however, they provide you with legal rights when good times turn bad.

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Author

About the author

I'm Stéphane, a trader and an entrepreneur. My mission with TrustedBrokers is to help you find the right broker for you, whether you're a beginner or a pro. I've personally used and tested the brokers on our service, opening and funding real-money accounts, contacting customer service and placing trades. I started my career in investment banking in London.

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