How we rank forex and CFD brokers

The ScaleEdge broker score uses only facts read on each broker's own website (checked 2026-10-28). If a fact is not stated, that part scores half its points: neutral, never a bonus.

Factor	Points	Rule
Tier-1 regulators	30	1 tier-1 regulator = 15, 2 = 24, 3 or more = 30, none = 0. Tier-1 list: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, FINMA, NFA/CFTC, MAS, FSA Japan, CIRO, Central Bank of Ireland.
Retail loss figure	15	The lower the share of retail CFD accounts that lose money, the more points: 60% or lower = 15, 85% or higher = 0, straight line in between.
Minimum deposit	15	Up to 10 = 15, up to 100 = 12, up to 250 = 9, up to 500 = 6, up to 1,000 = 3, above = 0 (in the currency the broker states).
Platform choice	20	4 points each for MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView and the broker's own platform.
Raw spread and commission	15	An account with spreads from 0 and a stated commission = 15. Spreads stated but no raw account = 0.
Islamic (swap-free) account	5	Stated as offered = 5, stated as not offered = 0.

Tier-1 regulators we count

FCA (UK)
ASIC (Australia)
CySEC (Cyprus)
BaFin (Germany)
FINMA (Switzerland)
NFA / CFTC (US)
MAS (Singapore)
FSA (Japan)
CIRO (Canada)
Central Bank of Ireland

What the score does not measure

Execution quality, real spreads during the day, swap rates, withdrawal speed, customer service and which entity will hold your account in your country. The result is a ranking by our published method, not a list of "best" brokers.

Current scores

1. Pepperstone: 83/100
2. Tickmill: 80/100
3. IC Markets: 71/100
4. Exness: 67/100
5. IG: 65/100
6. XM: 62/100
7. OANDA: 61/100
8. FXTM: 52/100
9. AvaTrade: 50/100
10. FP Markets: 50/100
11. Deriv: 41/100
12. Interactive Brokers: 35/100

Risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Most retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.