A head-to-head comparison of ATFX and BlackBull Markets across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FCA and CySEC-regulated broker with a fast-growing global footprint, 300+ instruments on MT4, and a strong presence in the UAE and Asian markets - built on institutional backing and multi-regional regulation.
New Zealand-regulated ECN broker with all three major platforms, no minimum deposit on standard accounts, and good Asia-Pacific coverage.
ATFX edges ahead with a score of 4.2/5 vs BlackBull Markets's 4.1/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
BlackBull Markets offers tighter spreads from 0 pips vs 1.8 pips for ATFX, reducing trading costs.
ATFX has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
BlackBull Markets has a cost edge: raw/ECN spreads, tighter spreads from 0 pips.
BlackBull Markets offers more exclusive platform options: MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, DXtrade.
ATFX edges out BlackBull Markets with a higher editorial score (4.2/5 vs 4.1/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.3 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.7 / 5 | 4.0 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 3.8 / 5 |
| Founded | 2017 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
| Max leverage | 400:1 | 500:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC | FMA FSC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView DXtrade |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit ATFX | Visit BlackBull Markets |
Pros
FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), and FSCA (SA) licensing
300+ instruments including ETF CFDs and bond CFDs
FSCS protection up to GBP 85,000 for UK clients
No minimum deposit, no inactivity fee
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
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
Supports all three major platforms: MT4, MT5, and cTrader
Regulated under FSC - well-established for offshore clients
No minimum deposit on standard account
Good for Asia-Pacific timezone traders
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
MT4 only - no MT5, cTrader, or proprietary platform
Standard spreads from 1.8 pips are not ECN-competitive
Relatively young broker - founded 2017
No raw spread account option
Limited charting capabilities
Cons
ECN commission of $6/lot round-turn is above some peers
Customer support timezone is NZ-centric
Brand recognition outside APAC is limited
No investor compensation scheme
No proprietary platform
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | BlackBull Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Based on our independent editorial scoring, ATFX ranks higher with a score of 4.2/5 vs 4.1/5 for BlackBull Markets. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; ATFX and BlackBull Markets may each suit different trader profiles.
BlackBull Markets offers tighter spreads starting from 0 pips, compared to ATFX's spreads from 1.8 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Neither ATFX nor BlackBull Markets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ATFX and BlackBull Markets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Both are considered safe. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners: both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
ATFX offers maximum leverage of 400:1, while BlackBull Markets offers up to 500:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
BlackBull Markets charges $6 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for the other broker are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4 and BlackBull Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, DXtrade; both support MetaTrader 4; BlackBull Markets exclusively offers MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, DXtrade.
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