Two brokers compete on stock CFDs across global markets and protection features. The axis of tension centers on regulation-backed safety and exchange reach.
ACY Securities and ATFX are closely matched, with ATFX's compensation scheme as the clearest differentiator.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ACY Securities if…
Choose ACY Securities if you value ASIC regulation with negative balance protection and ECN execution on share CFDs.
Choose ATFX if…
Choose ATFX if you want FCA and CySEC oversight with 200+ share CFDs and a zero minimum deposit.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
ATFX wins for safety and regulation due to FCA/CySEC oversight and FSCS/ICF protection.
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $50 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 1.8 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ACY Securities | ATFX |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: ACY Securities rates 3.6/5 and ATFX rates 3.7/5. ATFX 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.
ACY Securities lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with ATFX's 1.8. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
ATFX has no minimum deposit, while ACY Securities requires at least $50. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ACY Securities and ATFX 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: ATFX 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.
ACY Securities lists maximum leverage of 500:1, while ATFX 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.
ACY Securities charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ATFX are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
ACY Securities supports MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while ATFX supports MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ACY Securities has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
Neither ACY Securities nor ATFX is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
ATFX scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
ACY Securities wins for active traders due to ECN execution on share CFDs.
Equally matched on cost given no per-trade data.
Equally matched; neither offers fractional shares or DRIP options.
| 0.7 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FSA Seychelles | FCA FSCA CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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