Two FCA regulated brokers clash on regulation depth, pricing models, and platform choices. The tension pits institutional-grade execution against retail accessibility.
ADS Securities edges FXCM on the editorial score (4.3 vs 4.1). It benefits from FSRA and FCA dual regulation.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose ADS Securities if…
Choose ADS Securities if you want FSRA and FCA regulation, a $2,000 minimum deposit, and access to raw spreads.
Choose FXCM if…
Choose FXCM if you prefer lower minimum deposits, strong APIs, and protections like negative balance protection and investor compensation.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FXCM offers tighter spreads from 0.40 pips vs 0.50 pips for ADS Securities, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.8 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
Pros
FSRA (ADGM) and FCA dual regulation, institutional-grade UAE framework
Institutional prime brokerage liquidity for tight spreads
Multi-asset including equities and fixed income
FIX API available for algorithmic and professional clients
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ADS Securities | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: ADS Securities rates 4.3/5 and FXCM rates 4.1/5. ADS Securities has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
FXCM starts from 0.4 pips, tighter than ADS Securities's 0.5 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
FXCM has $50, while ADS Securities requires at least $2000. This makes FXCM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ADS Securities and FXCM hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
FXCM stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ADS Securities lists maximum leverage of 200:1, while FXCM lists up to 400:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
ADS Securities supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. ADS Securities has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and NinjaTrader.
FXCM wins safety and regulation for investor compensation coverage and FCA/ASIC oversight.
FXCM appeals to active traders with strong APIs and larger instrument universe.
ADS Securities is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available.
FXCM offers Trading Station and NinjaTrader, expanding platform choices beyond MT4.
FXCM attracts beginners with a low $50 minimum deposit and investor protections.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2011 | 1999 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | London, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $2,000 | $50▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0.4 pips▼ lower |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
|---|
| Max Leverage | 200:1 | 400:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | $50/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free for first per month |
|---|
| Regulators | FSRA FCA | FCA ASIC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | ZuluTrade Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 NinjaTrader |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
Strong APIs (REST, FIX)
Trading Station + MT4
FCA regulated
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
$2,000 minimum deposit, not accessible to entry-level retail traders
Primary focus on institutional and HNW clients; limited retail tools
Less suitable for traders seeking educational support or copy trading
No negative balance protection
No investor compensation scheme
Cons
Withdrew from US market in 2017
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker