List of Brokers with BaFin Regulation
BaFin (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) is the German financial regulator that was established on May 1, 2002. It is an independent institution under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Finance. BaFin supervises thousands of banks, hundreds of insurance undertakings, and 800 financial services companies including forex brokerages in Germany.

Established | : | 2002 |
Country | : | Germany |
Website | : | https://www.bafin.de |
Total Brokers | : | 25 |
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What Does BaFin-regulated Mean for Forex Traders?
BaFin regulations aim to ensure the safety of client funds and the integrity of the financial markets. They designed their guidelines in accordance with the MiFID directives
As such, trading on a BaFin-regulated broker means having segregated accounts and negative balance protection. These measures are considered mild compared to FCA and CySEC as the German institution doesn't put on the limit for maximum leverage. European traders in need of trading with leverage higher than 30:1 may find what they're looking for in a Bafin-regulated broker.
Additionally, BaFin doesn't explicitly prohibit any bonus offers as a means to promote brokerage services. But that doesn't mean you can expect loose safety measures from the regulator. As a matter of fact, BaFin oversees the obligatory compensation and guarantee scheme plan, designed to safeguard customers' deposits. This mechanism outlines a compensation ceiling of up to €100,000, ensuring that every client is eligible to receive this protection.
The downside is, taxation is high in Germany so it is unlikely that small companies can keep up with the requirement. This leads to the situation where only prominent brokerages apply for BaFin licenses, and they usually don't have the best trading condition for beginners or small-cap traders.
BaFin can investigate every case of reported misconduct and penalize companies according to their involvement in the scam. They also allow consumers to initiate complaints and other reports concerning alleged violations of any regulated firm.
In case of disputes, BaFin encourages companies and clients to reach an out-of-the-court settlement. Should the problems need arbitration, they can either be referred to the Financial Ombudsman or the court.
How to Check a BaFin-regulated Broker?
- Go to the search portal of BaFin companies.
- Type the broker's name in the Company column of the Search section.
- Click Search.
- If your broker is a registered member, the name will appear in the main section.
- You can click on the broker's name to get more info about its company registration with BaFin.
How Is BaFin Compared to Other Forex Regulators?
Here's a general comparison of BaFin with some other well-known forex regulators:
Aspects | 🇩🇪BaFin (Germany - Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) | 🇨🇾Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) | 🇬🇧Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) - UK | 🇦🇺Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) |
Reputation | BaFin is regarded as a strict and thorough regulator known for maintaining high standards of investor protection and market integrity. | More accessible to brokers due to its relatively streamlined application process. However, it has worked to enhance its regulatory standards over the years. | The FCA is highly regarded for its stringent regulations and commitment to investor protection. It's considered one of the most respected financial regulators globally. | ASIC is known for its thorough supervision of financial services and markets, promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability. |
🔨Stringency | Rigorous requirements on forex brokers operating within its jurisdiction, focusing on client fund protection, transparency, and compliance with EU regulations. | CySEC has introduced stricter regulations in line with MiFID II. It emphasizes investor protection, transparent operations, and adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) policies. | Enforces robust rules, including stringent AML measures, capital requirements, and transparent pricing practices. It also imposes restrictions on leverage for retail traders. | Enforces strict standards on forex brokers, focusing on risk management, client fund segregation, and transparent trading practices. |
🔍Recognition | Respected within the European Union and are subject to MiFID II regulations, which enhances their credibility. | Widely recognized within the EU and allow brokers to offer services across the European Economic Area (EEA). | An FCA license carries substantial credibility and recognition within the global financial community, making it attractive to brokers seeking a reputable presence. | ASIC-regulated brokers have credibility in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, making it a sought-after jurisdiction for brokers targeting that market. |
Keep in mind that the regulatory landscape can change over time, so it's important to conduct up-to-date research before making any decisions.
What are the Key BaFin Policies for Forex Brokers?
- BaFIN-regulated brokers need to have at least two financial experts functioning as managers for the head of operations with no negative records or issues in relation to their roles in the company.
- Forex brokers under the regulation of BaFin are required to hold an operating capital from €750,000 to €5 million and beyond. The capital should be proportional to the amount of trading capital held on behalf of their clients.
- Audit reports and financial statements should be submitted periodically to BaFin. They will be scrutinized by the agency to filter any discrepancies or modifications.
- BaFin-regulated brokers need to ensure that they have the financial capacity to anticipate market fluctuations and an efficient insolvency procedure to prevent traders from losing their capital in case of inability to overcome market volatility.
- All brokers should only act as an intermediary between traders and the market. Indulgence in any scams or malpractices that may endanger investors' security of their funds is strictly prohibited.
Additional FAQ
Why should traders prioritize MAS regulation when choosing brokers in Singapore?
Selecting a broker regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) should be the foremost consideration when embarking on your trading journey in Singapore. MAS is Singapore's premier financial regulatory body, renowned for its unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity and stability of the financial sector. When a broker is subject to MAS regulation, the institution adheres to the highest industry standards.
Continue Reading at Top Forex Brokers in Singapore
What are the areas of PRA's regulation?
According to the PRA rulebook, there are 3 areas of the PRA regulations. Firms must comply with the regulations depending on which classification they fall into.
- Banking and Investment Rules: for CRR firms (banks, building societies, or investment firms subject to the EU Capital Requirements Regulation) and non-CRR firms (credit unions, building societies, or PRA-designated investment firms not subject to the EU CRR).
- Insurance Rules: for SII firms (insurance firms subject to the Solvency II Directive) and non-SII firms.
- Other rules: for non-authorized persons (persons or firms not authorized by the PRA).
Continue Reading at What are the Top UK Financial Regulators?
What are some of the best offshore trading regulations?
Here are some of the best offshore trading regulations which attract forex traders worldwide:
- Tax Benefits: By offshore forex trading, a trader can be exempt from paying taxes in their country of residence.
- High Leverage: Offshore brokers are not being strictly controlled by their financial authorities. Due to this, they're able to offer riskier leverages up to even 1000:1 in order to attract more clients to invest with them.
- Assets Availability: Most countries have banned quite a few financial assets like cryptocurrency due to how volatile it is. Offshore forex trading is therefore extremely popular as traders don't have to worry about some assets not being available to them for trading.
Continue Reading at Your Simple Guide to Offshore Trading
What are forex regulations in UAE?
Official regulators in the UAE are as follows:
- The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
- The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
- The Securities Commission Authority (SCA)
- Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE)
It is important to understand that the UAE is divided into two financial areas, namely the Mainland and Free Zones. Brokers who operate in the Mainland are regulated by the SCA or CBUAE. Meanwhile, DFSA and ADGM regulate brokers in the Free Zones, which are designated to encourage foreign investments and allow foreign-owned companies to be located.
Continue Reading at Best Forex Brokers in United Arab Emirates (UAE)
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