Navigating the world of cryptocurrency can be a daunting experience, but choosing a top regulated crypto broker ensures reliability and your safety.
In this guide, we explain what a regulated crypto broker is, how to verify a broker’s license, and highlight the best platforms for 2025. We’ll also discuss the importance of regulation and the risks that come with using unregulated brokers.
By the end of the article, you should have all the information you need to choose a licensed platform that aligns with your investment goals.
Let’s dive in.
Overview – Top Regulated Crypto Trading Platforms in 2025
Before we jump into the individual reviews, here’s a sneak peek of the top licensed crypto exchanges and brokers this year.
| Binance | World’s largest crypto exchange by volume |
| FP Markets | Ultra-low spreads for CFD trading |
| OKX | Advanced Web3 and DeFi functionality |
| XTB | Intuitive xStation 5 platform for feature-rich trading |
| Bybit | Derivatives-focused, low-fee trading for offshore users |
| Pepperstone | Ultra-fast execution and institutional-grade performance |
| Admiral Markets | Strong regulation with powerful educational tools |
Understanding Regulated Crypto Brokers and Exchanges
While they both offer financial services, crypto brokers and crypto exchanges have different purposes. Here’s how they differ and why regulation matters.
What Is a Regulated Crypto Broker?
A regulated crypto broker is a licensed financial services provider that acts as a middleman and facilitates trading in cryptocurrencies or crypto-related products, such as contracts for difference (CFDs).
These entities operate under the watchful eye of various financial authorities, such as the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).
The regulatory oversight from these bodies provides you with multiple protections:
- Client fund protection: Your funds are usually kept separate from the broker’s operational capital, protecting them in case of insolvency.
- Transparency: Regulators ensure that brokers engage in fair pricing and transparent practices, reducing the risk of fraud.
- Risk-management tools: Many regulated brokers offer tools like negative balance protection and stop-loss orders to help prevent significant losses.
For beginners, these brokers also offer educational resources like trading courses and user-friendly interfaces. However, they sometimes have a more limited range of assets, and their pricing often includes a premium (or spread), which can make them more expensive than exchanges.
👇 Click here for key differences between crypto exchanges and crypto brokers 👇
How Crypto Exchanges Differ From Brokers
In contrast, a crypto exchange is a digital marketplace where traders can buy, sell, and swap cryptocurrencies directly with each other using order books. Unlike brokers who can set their own prices, the prices on exchanges are based on real-time supply and demand.
Key features of exchanges include the following:
- Direct asset ownership: You directly own the asset you purchase, meaning you can transfer it to your own secure crypto wallet for extra protection.
- Wider asset selection: Generally, exchanges offer a much broader choice of cryptocurrencies, including newly launched cryptocurrencies.
- Market-driven pricing: Exchange fees are usually lower and more transparent, and are often based on a maker/taker model.
The main trade-off is a steeper learning curve and potentially less regulatory oversight. While some of the largest crypto exchanges are becoming more regulated, some still operate with few restrictions, which can expose you to hacking or fraud risks.
Regulated Crypto Brokers vs Crypto Exchanges
Here’s a TL;DR summary table comparing the main differences between brokers and exchanges.
| Feature | Regulated Brokers | Crypto Exchanges |
|---|---|---|
| Direct asset ownership | Varies by platform | Yes |
| Pricing | Broker-set (with spreads) | Market-driven |
| Ease of use | User-friendly | Complex |
| Asset variety | Limited | Extensive |
| Leverage | Often higher | Moderate (if available) |
| Security | Higher (due to regulation) | Varies by platform |
How to Verify a Crypto Broker’s License
To ensure a broker is regulated and legitimate, it’s essential that you verify their license. Simply follow these steps:
- Check the broker’s website: Look for regulatory details under sections like ‘Regulation’ or ‘About Us’. If you can’t find this information, treat it as a red flag.
- Verify information on the regulator’s website: Cross-check the broker’s claims on the regulator’s official register:
- CySEC: Navigate to ‘Investment Firms’ under ‘Regulated Entities.’
- FCA: Use the FCA Financial Services Register.
- ASIC: Check the ASIC Professional Registers.
- Review key details:
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- Ensure the license is active.
- Make sure the broker is licensed for crypto-related activities, like CFDs or derivatives.
- Cross-reference the broker’s details, like its name, address, and license number, with the regulator’s records.
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Unregulated brokers may falsely claim they are licensed, so checking these details directly with the regulatory authority is vital to avoid scams and illegal brokers.
Top 7 Best Crypto CFD Brokers for 2025
With all that out of the way, let’s dive into our list of the top regulated crypto brokers and exchanges.
1. Binance – World’s Largest Crypto Exchange by Volume
Supported crypto assets: 500+ cryptos, 1.5K+ trading pairs, including $BTC, $ETH, $BNB, and $XRP
Platform: Web, MT5 gateway, iOS and Android apps, API
Min. deposit: None
Best for: Beginners and high-volume traders
Binance is the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume, its website stating an average daily trading volume of $65B in trades per day and more than 280M customers across 180+ countries.
Its ecosystem includes spot, margin, and futures trading, along with staking, copy trading, and Binance Square, a content-sharing platform designed to foster a crypto-focused community.
It also supports a whole host of crypto assets, including 500+ cryptocurrencies and 1.5K+ trading pairs, including $BTC, $ETH, $DOGE, and $PEPE, providing options to a variety of different trading preferences.
Binance is one of the best exchanges for beginners, thanks to its educational resources like Binance Academy and its Learn and Earn initiative, which rewards users in tokens for completing crypto courses. You will, however, have to complete know-your-customer (KYC) verification to qualify for the rewards.
Binance takes security seriously and uses multiple features to protect users’ funds.
| Cold Storage Facility | User funds are stored in air-gapped wallets with multi-signature support. |
|---|---|
| Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | Requires multiple verification methods to secure account access (SMS, authenticator apps, and biometrics) |
| Passkeys | Uses cryptographic key-based authentication for enhanced user login security. |
| Device History | Tracks login attempts to connected devices, allowing you to monitor and manage account access. |
| Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU) | A $1B reserve fund to cover potential losses from hacks. |
| Bug Bounty Program | Developers are rewarded with $BNB if they identify and report potential vulnerabilities, improving overall security. |
Binance’s native token, $BNB, is the sixth largest crypto by market cap ($122B), currently around $118B. Moreover, holding $BNB grants exclusive benefits, including staking, fee discounts, and other financial services.
Advanced features include Binance Earn for passive income through staking, savings, and yield farming. There’s also copy trading, where you can automatically mirror the trades of the platform’s most successful traders (in return for 10–30% of the profits).
Despite its strength, mandatory KYC may deter privacy-conscious users. Plus, Binance is not available in regions like Ontario, Canada. However, its scale, security, and versatility make it a top choice for both beginners and seasoned traders.
2. FP Markets – Ultra-Low Spreads for CFD Trading
Supported crypto assets: 30+ CFDs including $BTC, $ETH, $XRP, $LTC, and $BCH
Platform: MT4, MT5, cTrader, IRESS, Web
Min. deposit: $100 AUD
Best for: Cost-conscious CFD and forex traders
With more than 20 years of trading experience and 60+ international awards, including ‘Most Trusted Broker’ at the Finance Magnates Annual Awards 2024, FP Markets stands out as a globally recognized CFD broker, with a Trustpilot rating of 4.9/5.
FP Markets caters to numerous trading styles through its diverse range of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and 5, cTrader, and TradingView, which are all available on desktop and mobile platforms.
It’s a great choice for cost-conscious and high-frequency traders, with spreads as low as 0.0 pips on its Raw accounts ($3 per lot per side commission) and 1.0 on its Standard accounts. Both accounts offer leverage of up to 500x, and there’s fast execution via an N4 server.
FP Markets offers some standout advanced features that enhance trading flexibility. For example, algorithmic traders benefit from low-latency execution through its Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting for faster trade processing.
Beginners can use the automated copy trading feature to copy an unlimited number of successful traders with a single click, while experienced traders can earn commission by becoming a signal provider on MetaTrader platforms.
It also has a Traders Hub, where you can find useful information like educational resources, technical and fundamental analysis, and market reports.
3. OKX – Advanced Web3 and DeFi Functionality
Supported crypto assets: 350+ cryptos & 650+ trading pairs, including $BTC, $ETH, $SOL, and $XRP
Platform: Web, iOS and Android apps, API
Min. deposit: None
Best for: DeFi, NFT, and experienced derivatives traders
OKX is the eighth-largest crypto exchange by derivatives trading volume with $36B+ daily turnover, and it serves more than 400M clients across 30 EEA countries.
As the first global crypto exchange to receive the EU’s MiCA license, it offers spot, margin, futures, and options trading, as well as DeFi features like staking (up to 20% on assets like $ETH, $DOT, and $SOL) directly through its Web3 wallet, making it one of the best DeFi staking platforms.
The platform supports 350+ cryptocurrencies and 650+ trading pairs of 0.08% (maker) and 0.1% (taker). While competitive, Binance has the edge here, offering maker and taker fees of 0.02% and 0.05% respectively.
OKX’s NFT marketplace supports 13 different blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Polygon. Its zero-fee trading on platforms like OpenSea, LooksRare, and MagicEden makes it ideal for both creators and enthusiasts.
Advanced tools on offer include order sharing, where traders can share their trading strategies in real time, chase limit orders to track the best bid/ask prices, and SKDJ technical indicators for trend analysis.
4. XTB – Intuitive xStation 5 platform for Feature-Rich Trading
Supported crypto assets: 40+ crypto CFDs, including $BTC, $ETH, $LTC, $XRP, and $ADA
Platform: Web, xStation 5, MT4, iOS and Android apps
Min. deposit: None
Best for: Beginners and advanced traders
XTB was founded in 2002 in Poland and has since become a globally recognized forex and CFD broker. It serves over 1.7M clients across more than 15 countries and offers over 7.3K trading instruments through its proprietary xStation 5 trading platform.
The browser-based platform is ideal for advanced traders and is divided into three modules:
- Chart window: A customizable market analysis module where you can see charts, widgets, and other analytical tools
- Market watch: For managing trades and tracking market prices, including forex, commodities, and indices
- Terminal: For editing positions and managing pending orders, cash operations, and your overall balance and equity
XTB is also a great choice for beginners, as it provides a free demo account to practice trading without risking funds and a trading academy with e-books and webinars.
Fees are competitive with standard accounts offering zero commissions, and spreads starting at 0.5 pips for forex and 0.22% for crypto CFDs. The pro account offers slightly tighter spreads, starting at 0.1 pips, but charges $7 per round-turn trade.
For security, XTB protects your funds with SSL encryption, 2FA, and segregated accounts. Plus, negative balance protection ensures that you never lose more than you’ve deposited.
While XTB excels in many areas, it does have some downsides. It lacks the advanced algorithmic copy trading features of competitors like Binance, and you can’t change the default leverage settings. It also has limited availability in some jurisdictions, like the US.
5. Bybit – Derivatives-Focused, Low-Fee Trading for Offshore Users
Supported crypto assets: 700+, including $BTC, $ETH, $SOL, and $XRP
Platform: Web, iOS and Android apps, API
Min. deposit: None
Best for: Derivatives and high-leverage traders
Based in Dubai, Bybit is one of the top ten crypto exchanges with a 24-hour derivative trading volume of $34B. Although less regulated than some competitors, it’s trusted by over 70M users around the world and excels in spot, margin, futures, and options trading.
Bybit’s spot trading fees start at 0.1% (maker/taker), and VIP tiers reduce fees to 0.015% (taker) and 0.005% (maker) for Pro 6 traders (requiring trades of $1B+ in 30 days).
Bybit’s VIP tiers offer many other benefits, including higher deposit and withdrawal limits (up to $12M daily on Supreme VIP) and access to a dedicated VIP ambassador and priority live chat.
Beyond standard trading, Bybit has an extensive peer-to-peer marketplace that supports over 300 cryptocurrencies, 70 fiat currencies, and 600 payment methods. Here, you can trade directly with other users with zero fees and strict KYC for added security.
Bybit’s risk-management tools include stop-loss, take profit, trailing stops, and dual price protection to prevent unfair liquidations.
For trading flexibility, there are advanced features like trading bots, TradeGPT AI, and TradeFi on MT5 with up to 500x leverage to maximize traditional trades using $USDT.
6. Pepperstone – Ultra-Fast Execution and Institutional-Grade Performance
Supported crypto assets: 20+ crypto CFDs, including $BTC, $ETH, $LTC, $XRP and $DASH
Platform: MT4, MT5, cTrader, Web, iOS and Android apps
Min. deposit: $200
Best for: CFD traders wanting low spreads and high-speed execution
Founded in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a leading forex and CFD broker that serves close to half a million clients across 170+ countries. It offers over 1,350 tradable assets and boasts an average execution speed of 30 ms, making it ideal for volatile crypto markets.
Backed by 25 liquidity providers from tier-1 banks and non-bank institutions, Pepperstone ensures tight spreads (0.0–0.3 pips for $EUR/$USD; 0.17% for $BTC/$USD), a 99.98% fill rate, and ultra-fast execution (30 ms), even during traffic-heavy events like Bitcoin halvings.
Pepperstone offers three account types, catering to different trading styles:
- Standard: Forex spreads start from 1.0 pips; zero commissions; supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader; no TradingView; suitable for beginners
- Razor: Forex spreads start from 0.0 pips and approximately 0.17% for crypto CFDs, commission starts at $3.50 per lot per side or $7 per round-turn trade, includes TradingView, ideal for advanced traders
- Spread betting (UK only): Same as the standard account, but more tax-efficient
While Pepperstone excels at CFD trading and offers over 20 crypto CFDs, its asset selection is limited compared to competitors like XTB, which offers 40+. It also lacks real stock and ETF trading.
Some of the platform’s more advanced features include Capitalise.ai for code-free trading automation and a VPS for high-volume traders (5–15 lots per month).
Pepperstone’s security features, like segregated accounts and SSL encryption, show it takes security seriously, but the high swap fees on crypto positions are a drawback.
7. Admiral Markets – Strong Regulation with Powerful Educational Tools
Supported crypto assets: 40+ crypto CFDs, including $BTC, $ETH, $LTC, $XRP, and $BCH
Platform: MT4, MT5, Web, iOS and Android apps
Min. deposit: $100 for standard accounts
Best for: Experienced traders wanting advanced automation and charting tools
Founded in Estonia in 2001, Admiral Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker, serving over 200K clients across 130+ countries with over 8K instruments, including crypto CFDs, forex, shares, and ETFs.
It has a host of beginner-friendly educational material, a straightforward mobile app, and a demo account. However, with its focus on CFD trading and the MetaTrader platform, beginners might still find Admiral Markets complex to use because of their advanced features.
That said, for advanced crypto CFD trading, MT4 and MT5 provide real-time P&L tracking, 50+ volatility indicators, and risk-management tools like stop-loss, take-profit, and trailing stops. The MetaTrader Supreme edition has even more features to further enhance your trading strategies.
The Trade.MT4 account focuses on forex and crypto CFDs with 0.22% spreads for $BTC/$USD and no commissions. The Trade.MT5 account may suit traders looking to diversify, as it supports a broader range of assets – over 8K instruments.
The Zero.MT4/MT5 accounts start at 0.0 pips; however, the commissions range between $0.05 and $3 per lot, per side.
While Admirable Markets’ mobile app is convenient, it’s not as feature-rich as the desktop version. For example, it lacks OCA orders, which allow you to set more than one exit strategy for a single position without having to intervene manually.
How to Choose a Regulated Crypto Broker
Choosing the right regulated crypto broker for you depends on your needs. Here are some of the factors you should consider when making your selection.
Regulatory compliance
Using a regulated broker can help protect you from insolvency and fraud, and help mitigate your losses. Check the broker’s website for licenses and verify the details on the relevant authorities’ registers.
Security features
To ensure your funds are protected against hacks and fraud, look for a broker that offers features like 2FA, cold storage, and segregated accounts.
Fees and spreads
Brokers tend to be more expensive than exchanges. Compare trading costs, including premiums and commissions, and read the Ts & Cs to ensure there are no hidden costs. Aim for spreads below 0.5% for crypto CFDs.
Asset selection
Make sure the broker offers your preferred cryptocurrencies. If you prefer lesser-known altcoins and meme coins, an exchange may be a better bet.
Platform usability
Look for an interface and mobile app that’s intuitive enough for beginners without compromising on more advanced features like MT4/MT5 or TradingView for experienced traders.
Risk-management
Check for stop-loss orders, negative balance protection, and other tools to limit losses in volatile crypto markets.
Risks of Trading with Unregulated Crypto Brokers
Trading with unregulated crypto brokers poses significant risks due to a lack of oversight and consumer protections.
- Lack of accountability: Unregulated brokers operate without scrutiny from regulatory bodies, meaning they don’t have to adhere to strict financial standards or conduct regular audits.
- Fund mismanagement: Client funds may not be segregated, leaving them vulnerable if the broker becomes insolvent.
- Fraudulent practices: Unregulated brokers may engage in practices like price manipulation, hidden fees, or even exit scams, where they disappear with investors’ funds.
- Inadequate security: Without regulatory requirements, these platforms may have weak security measures, making them frequent and easy targets for hackers and cyberattacks.
Trends Shaping Regulated Crypto Brokers in 2025
The regulatory crypto space is constantly evolving. Here are some of the key trends shaping the environment in 2025.
Regulatory Frameworks
Stricter and more comprehensive regulations are emerging globally, such as President Trump’s plan for a national Bitcoin reserve and the EU’s MiCA framework.
This more crypto-friendly environment brings greater legal clarity, increasing market stability, and attracting institutional investors.
Increased Institutional Adoption
The successful launch of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs has brought more institutional capital into the market. For example, BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust ETFs grew from 1.1M $ETH in January 2025 to 3.6M $ETH in August 2025.
This has prompted brokers to start offering specialized services like custodial solutions, tokenized securities like XTB’s tokenized assets (crypto CFDs tied to ETF price feeds), and integration with traditional markets.
Meme Coin Domination
Meme coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu have seen rapid growth in popularity, prompting regulated brokers to expand their offerings. For example, Dogecoin has seen an all-time growth of approximately 41,000%.
However, meme coins are highly speculative, so it’s vital that you do your own research before investing in anything crypto-related.
Better User Experience and Educational Tools
Thanks to the increased adoption of crypto, brokers are focusing on making crypto trading more accessible to new and less seasoned investors. This includes providing better educational content, intuitive interfaces, and features like copy trading and portfolio management tools.
Wrapping Up Our Guide to the Top Regulated Crypto Brokers
There you have it, a comprehensive list of the top regulated crypto brokers. It’s important that you use regulated ones, as they offer secure and transparent platforms for trading cryptocurrencies. However, choosing the right one depends on your investment goals.
Exchanges like Binance and OKX excel if you’re looking for direct exposure and a wide selection of assets. For simple CFD trading, brokers like XTB or Pepperstone may suit you better.
While crypto trading carries risk – 70–90% of retail traders lose money – the top regulated crypto brokers provide tools to minimize fraud and enhance safety.
Always verify a broker’s license and prioritize platforms with strict security and decent risk-management tools.
FAQs
1. What are the most trusted regulated crypto brokers?
The most trusted regulated crypto brokers – like Binance, FP Markets, and XTB – are licensed by top-tier authorities (for example, FCA, ASIC, and CySEC). They offer secure, user-friendly platforms with features for beginners and experienced traders alike.
2. Are crypto brokers better than exchanges?
Neither brokers nor exchanges are better than the other. The choice depends on your specific use case. Brokers offer simplicity and regulatory oversight, making them ideal for beginners.
Exchanges, on the other hand, provide lower fees, a broader asset range, and direct ownership, and are best suited for advanced traders.
3. How do I choose a regulated crypto broker?
The best way to choose a regulated crypto broker is to verify its license, assess security measures (like 2FA and cold storage), compare fees, and check that the platform’s features (for example, MT4/MT5 and risk tools) align with your trading needs.
4. Can I access regulated crypto brokers in the US?
Yes, you can access regulated crypto brokers in the US, but availability varies. Use the BrokerCheck by FINRA to verify US-registered brokers. Some platforms, like XTB, are unavailable in the US due to regulatory restrictions.
