Two FCA/ASIC-regulated brokers contend for traders seeking strong regulation and versatile platforms. The tension centers on platform choices, pricing structures, and product breadth.
Axi and FXCM are closely matched overall, with FXCM's proprietary platform as the clearest differentiator.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Axi offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.40 pips for FXCM, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
Pros
No minimum deposit
Strong ASIC, FCA, and DFSA regulation
MT4-focused with excellent EA and algorithmic trading support
No inactivity fee
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Fail | 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 |
Axi and FXCM share the same editorial score of 4.1/5. One concrete differentiator: Axi requires a lower minimum deposit.
Axi starts from 0 pips, tighter than FXCM's 0.4 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Axi has no minimum deposit, while FXCM requires at least $50. This makes Axi more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Axi 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.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Axi has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Axi lists maximum leverage of 500:1, 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.
Axi charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for FXCM are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
Axi supports DXtrade, MetaTrader 4, while FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and Proprietary Web/Mobile and NinjaTrader.
Equally matched.
FXCM wins for active traders due to more instruments and strong APIs.
Axi is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
FXCM wins for platform variety with MT4, Trading Station, and NinjaTrader.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.0 / 5▲ |
|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 1999 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | London, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $50 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 0.7 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 500:1▲ higher | 400:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | $50/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free for first per month |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA | FCA ASIC |
|---|
| Platforms | DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | ZuluTrade Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 NinjaTrader |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
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
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
No MT5 or cTrader support
Pro account commission of $7/lot is above some ECN peers
Research and education tools are more limited than some peers
No proprietary platform
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
Score 4.1 / 5
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