ATFX vs Skilling Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of ATFX and Skilling 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.
VS
Modern Swedish-founded broker with CySEC and FCA regulation, a visually polished proprietary platform, and cTrader for advanced traders - well-positioned for EU retail clients seeking a contemporary alternative to legacy MetaTrader brokers.
Our Verdict
ATFX winsby 0.1 pts
ATFX edges ahead with a score of 4.2/5 vs Skilling's 4.1/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Skilling offers tighter spreads from 0.7 pips vs 1.8 pips for ATFX, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Best for active traders
Recommended
Skilling has a cost edge: raw/ECN spreads, tighter spreads from 0.7 pips.
Best for platform choice
Recommended
Skilling offers more exclusive platform options: cTrader, Skilling Trader, a proprietary platform.
Best for beginners
Recommended
ATFX edges out Skilling with a higher editorial score (4.2/5 vs 4.1/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
ATFX vs Skilling: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.7 / 5 | 4.3 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
| Founded | 2017 | 2016 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Valletta, Malta |
| Min deposit | No minimum | $100 |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Max leverage | 400:1 | 500:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC | FCA FSCA CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 4 cTrader Skilling Trader |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit ATFX | Visit Skilling |
ATFX vs Skilling Forex Broker Pros & Cons
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
Clean modern Skilling Trader platform - excellent UX for new-to-intermediate traders
cTrader available with raw spreads from 0.0 pips
CySEC and FCA regulation with EU and UK investor protections
Growing Latin American presence with local-language support
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
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
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
$100 minimum deposit on standard accounts
Newer broker - less track record than IG or Pepperstone
Product range narrower than multi-asset brokers
No phone support
ATFX vs Skilling: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
ATFX
criteria win
3
Skilling
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ATFX | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| 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 | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
ATFX vs Skilling: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, ATFX ranks higher with a score of 4.2/5 vs 4.1/5 for Skilling. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; ATFX and Skilling may each suit different trader profiles.
Skilling offers tighter spreads starting from 0.7 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 Skilling requires at least $100. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ATFX and Skilling 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: 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 Skilling 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.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4 and Skilling offers MetaTrader 4, cTrader, Skilling Trader; both support MetaTrader 4; Skilling exclusively offers cTrader, Skilling Trader.
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