A head-to-head comparison of ATFX and FBS 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.
ATFX edges ahead with a score of 4.2/5 vs FBS's 3.9/5. 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.
FBS 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.
FBS has a cost edge: raw/ECN spreads, tighter spreads from 0 pips.
ATFX edges out FBS with a higher editorial score (4.2/5 vs 3.9/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 3.5 / 5 |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.0 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.7 / 5 | 3.8 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
| Founded | 2017 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Belize City, Belize |
| Min deposit | No minimum | $1 |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $20/lot |
| Max leverage | 400:1 | 3000:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC | FSCA CySEC IFSC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit ATFX | Visit FBS |
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
Very low $1 minimum deposit on Cent accounts
MT4 and MT5 on all account types
Multiple account types including Cent, Zero Spread, and ECN
Widely available across Southeast Asia, MENA, and Africa
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
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
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
Primary entity uses IFSC Belize - offshore, limited investor protection
Bonus turnover requirements are onerous
Very high leverage (3000:1) is a significant risk factor for retail clients
No top-tier regulatory licence
No investor compensation scheme
No proprietary platform
Limited charting capabilities
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Fail |
| 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 3.9/5 for FBS. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; ATFX and FBS may each suit different trader profiles.
FBS 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.
ATFX has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
ATFX holds top-tier regulation (FCA, FSCA, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Always verify regulatory status with the broker directly before depositing funds.
For beginners: ATFX has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum), lowering the barrier to entry; 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 FBS offers up to 3000:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
FBS charges $20 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 FBS offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5; both support MetaTrader 4; FBS exclusively offers MetaTrader 5.
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