FP Marketsvs
SkillingStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits FP Markets against Skilling on platform choices and exchange access. The tension centers on regulation depth and the breadth of stock coverage.
Our Verdict
FP Markets winsby 0.4 pts
FP Markets edges Skilling on editorial score, driven by stronger Trust & Regulation and a broader platform lineup.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Proprietary platform: Skilling Trader available, FP Markets relies on standard platforms.
- 2Number of exchanges: FP Markets provides 15 exchanges, Skilling 10.
- 3Research tools and stock screener: FP Markets offers them, Skilling does not.
Who should choose FP Markets vs Skilling?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FP Markets if…
Choose FP Markets if you want 24/5 live chat and phone support.
Choose Skilling if…
Choose Skilling if you prefer a proprietary Skilling Trader platform.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Skilling wins on broader regulatory reach, including FCA and FSCA, with investor compensation up to EUR 20,000.
Best for active traders
Recommended
FP Markets vs Skilling: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $50▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
FP Markets vs Skilling Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- IRESS platform provides genuine DMA access to ASX, NYSE, LSE, and other exchanges
- 10,000+ share CFDs available on MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView
- ASIC and CySEC regulation, among the strongest regulatory profiles for a mid-tier broker
- No platform fee for standard share CFD trading (IRESS fee only for DMA users)
Cons
- IRESS DMA incurs a monthly fee (~AUD 55), uneconomical for low-frequency traders
FP Markets vs Skilling: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
FP Markets
criteria wins
0
Skilling
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FP Markets | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Pass | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
FP Markets vs Skilling: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: FP Markets rates 4.1/5 and Skilling rates 3.7/5. FP Markets 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.
FP Markets lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with Skilling's 0.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Skilling has $50, while FP Markets requires at least $100. This makes Skilling more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FP Markets and Skilling 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: Skilling requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FP Markets lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Skilling lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
FP Markets charges $6 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Skilling 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.
FP Markets supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide cTrader and MetaTrader 4. FP Markets has exclusive access to IRESS and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView. Skilling has exclusive access to Skilling Trader.
Neither FP Markets nor Skilling 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.
Both FP Markets and Skilling are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
