ActivTrades review

Rated 4.4 / 5 · Best for EU + UK traders wanting a reliable mid-tier FCA-regulated broker with strong proprietary tools and TradingView integration.

Regulators
FCA, CSSF Luxembourg, SCB Bahamas, CMVM Portugal
Min. deposit
$0 (no minimum)
Spread from
0.5 pips (Standard) / 0.5 pips (Pro)
Max. leverage
Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro)
Platforms
MT4, MT5, ActivTrader, TradingView
Founded
2001 · London, UK

Pros

  • Founded 2001 — 20+ year operating history
  • FCA + Luxembourg CSSF + Portugal CMVM tier-1 EU regulation
  • Excellent proprietary ActivTrader platform with smart pattern recognition
  • Native TradingView integration
  • No minimum deposit + segregated client funds at Barclays
  • Guaranteed Stop Loss available on majors (rare in industry)

Cons

  • Smaller brand than IG / CMC / Saxo
  • Limited cryptocurrency coverage
  • Spreads on FX (0.5+ pips) not the absolute tightest

ActivTrades review summary

ActivTrades is a London-headquartered broker founded in 2001, operating under FCA, CSSF Luxembourg, CMVM Portugal and SCB Bahamas regulation. With over 150,000 clients across 140+ countries, it occupies the credible mid-tier between budget brokers and the Saxo/IG/CMC institutional tier.

The standout feature is the proprietary ActivTrader platform — featuring smart pattern recognition that auto-detects technical formations (head-and-shoulders, triangles, double tops) and overlays them on charts. This is unique among retail platforms.

Additional protection: client funds are not only segregated at Barclays, but ActivTrades also offers additional insurance via Lloyd’s of London covering up to £1 million per client — meaningfully above standard FSCS protection.

Where to trade

ActivTrades is a strong pick for EU + UK discretionary traders wanting a Tier-2/Tier-3 FCA broker with above-standard fund protection. ECN scalpers should compare execution costs with IC Markets and Pepperstone.

ActivTrades — Frequently Asked Questions

Is ActivTrades regulated and safe?

ActivTrades is regulated by FCA, CSSF Luxembourg, SCB Bahamas, CMVM Portugal. Client funds are held in segregated accounts at tier-1 banks and the broker operates under active financial-services licenses. Verify each license number on the regulator's official website before opening an account.

What is the minimum deposit at ActivTrades?

The minimum deposit at ActivTrades is $0 (no minimum). Most account types accept this minimum; premium tiers may require higher deposits — see the account-types table above.

What are the typical spreads at ActivTrades?

Spreads at ActivTrades start from 0.5 pips (Standard) / 0.5 pips (Pro). Actual spreads vary by account type, instrument, time of day, and market volatility. Raw/ECN accounts add a per-lot commission on top of the tighter spread.

What trading platforms does ActivTrades offer?

ActivTrades supports: MT4, MT5, ActivTrader, TradingView. MT4 / MT5 are the industry standards; cTrader is preferred for ECN execution; proprietary platforms offer broker-specific tools but less third-party compatibility.

What is the maximum leverage at ActivTrades?

Maximum leverage at ActivTrades: Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro). EU retail clients are capped at 1:30 by ESMA rules regardless of broker policy. Professional clients and offshore-entity clients can access higher leverage subject to qualification.

Who is ActivTrades best suited for?

EU + UK traders wanting a reliable mid-tier FCA-regulated broker with strong proprietary tools and TradingView integration.