FP Markets

⭐ 4.5 / 5

Interactive Brokers

⭐ 4.8 / 5

FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers — which broker is better in 2026?

Q: Is FP Markets more regulated than Interactive Brokers?

FP Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, FSA SVG. Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC/FINRA, FCA, ASIC, MAS, FSA Japan, SFC HK, CySEC, BaFin.

Q: What are the spreads at FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers?

FP Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw). Interactive Brokers spreads start from 0.1 pips + $2/lot (Pro) / IBKR Lite (commission-free US stocks).

We compared FP Markets and Interactive Brokers across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. Interactive Brokers wins on more criteria (3 categories vs 2), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.

	FP Markets	Interactive Brokers	Winner
Rating	⭐ 4.5 / 5	⭐ 4.8 / 5	Interactive Brokers
Regulators	ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, FSA SVG	SEC/FINRA, FCA, ASIC, MAS, FSA Japan, SFC HK, CySEC, BaFin	Interactive Brokers
Min. deposit	$100	$0 (no minimum)	Interactive Brokers
Spreads from	0.0 pips (Raw)	0.1 pips + $2/lot (Pro) / IBKR Lite (commission-free US stocks)	FP Markets
Max. leverage	Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore)	Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:50 (US) / 1:400 (Pro)	—
Platforms	MT4, MT5, cTrader, IRESS, FP Markets Mobile	Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, API	FP Markets
Founded	2005	1978	—
HQ	Sydney, Australia	Greenwich, Connecticut, USA	—

Pros & cons compared

FP Markets pros

✓ Founded 2005 — 20+ year operating history
✓ ASIC + CySEC dual tier-1 regulation
✓ Raw account: 0.0 pips + $3/lot commission per side
✓ Five platforms incl. IRESS — DMA access to ASX & global equities
✓ 10,000+ share CFDs across 9 international exchanges

Cons

✗ $100 minimum deposit higher than budget brokers
✗ Smaller brand than IC Markets / Pepperstone
✗ IRESS platform has steeper learning curve than MT4

Interactive Brokers pros

✓ Founded 1978 — listed on NASDAQ (IBKR) since 2007
✓ Direct regulatory presence in 12+ jurisdictions including US, UK, EU, Asia
✓ 1.5 million+ accounts, $400+ billion in client equity
✓ 150+ markets across 33 countries — broadest global access of any broker
✓ Real stocks, options, futures, bonds, mutual funds + FX

Cons

✗ Trader Workstation has a notoriously steep learning curve
✗ Customer service is functional but not high-touch
✗ Margin/financing rates are best in industry — but credit checks rigorous

Which one should you choose?

Choose FP Markets if you want…

Australian + EU traders wanting deep equity CFD coverage via IRESS plus ECN FX execution from a dual-tier-1 broker.

Choose Interactive Brokers if you want…

Active traders, professional clients, and serious investors wanting institutional-grade execution across all asset classes.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better — FP Markets or Interactive Brokers?

Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), Interactive Brokers wins 3 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.

Is FP Markets more regulated than Interactive Brokers?

FP Markets holds licenses from: ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, FSA SVG. Interactive Brokers holds licenses from: SEC/FINRA, FCA, ASIC, MAS, FSA Japan, SFC HK, CySEC, BaFin. Interactive Brokers has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.

What are the spreads at FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers?

FP Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw). Interactive Brokers spreads start from 0.1 pips + $2/lot (Pro) / IBKR Lite (commission-free US stocks). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.

Which has a lower minimum deposit, FP Markets or Interactive Brokers?

FP Markets: $100. Interactive Brokers: $0 (no minimum). Interactive Brokers has the lower entry barrier.