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Overall Rating
4.3
4.0
4.0
4.7
4.2
4.0
4.7
5.0
3.8
5.0
How Did We Test and Rate This Broker?
When trading forex and CFDs, understanding a broker's strengths and weaknesses is essential. We developed a proprietary rating system, which is the result of extensive research and hands-on evaluation by our expert reviewers. With a rigorous approach, our reviewers manually assess each broker, investing more than 50 hours per review, checking and testing the broker while analyzing over 250 variables to simplify the broker selection process for you.
The categories we evaluate include trustworthiness, trading platforms, customer support, regulatory oversight, spreads, fees, the variety of instruments offered, education, and research tools. This unique rating system is specifically developed to ensure that the assessment is based on firsthand knowledge and experience. By dedicating a significant amount of time to each review, our team of experts can provide in-depth insights and help you make well-informed decisions when choosing the broker that best suits your trading goals.
Our Take on FBS
FBS is a global forex and CFD broker regulated by multiple financial authorities, including FSC, CySEC, and ASIC. The Belize-based broker offers trading in over 550 CFD instruments across forex, commodities, stocks, indices, and cryptocurrencies.
My tests showed that FBS has reliable customer support, excellent educational materials, and an easy account setup. Active traders can benefit from tight spreads in some instruments, fast order execution, and the robust MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms. FBS also offers MetaTrader MultiTerminal for managing multiple client accounts and a user-friendly proprietary mobile app.
FBS Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Is FBS Right for You?
When reviewing a broker, we assess how it suits different trader profiles and strategies. To achieve this, we evaluate the availability of the necessary features and tools available. Here’s our verdict about FBS:
Beginner: Perfect Match
FBS offers excellent educational materials for beginners, including courses, platform tutorials, and live webinars. FBS also provides solid customer service, with short wait times and helpful agents.
Copy and Social Trading: Acceptable Choice
Trading Signals in MetaTrader allow you to automatically copy the trades executed by other traders in real time. Over 3,200+ free and commercial signals are available, along with detailed performance statistics. However, FBS has not developed a copy trading platform of its own.
Swing Trading: Acceptable Choice
With competitive overnight swap fees, FBS is a viable broker for swing traders who hold positions for days or weeks. The broker also provides a broad range of CFD markets, offering plenty of diversity of instruments for swing trading. However, FBS lacks real stocks and ETFs.
Day Trading: Acceptable Choice
The MetaTrader 5 platform provides one-click trading and trading from the chart, which are essential features for clients making multiple trades throughout the day. The Trading Ideas section within the education section of the website provides a range of day trading strategies to experiment with. However, FBS’ spreads could be slightly elevated for some popular instruments.
Scalping: Perfect Match
Scalpers, who are in and out of the market within seconds, can benefit from fast order execution and tools like depth-of-market (DOM) in MetaTrader 5. VPS hosting also aids scalpers with improved stability and execution speed.
News Trading: Acceptable Choice
MT5 has a built-in economic calendar, helping traders stay on top of news without leaving the platform. FBS also offers live-stream videos on YouTube covering major economic events like Nonfarm Payrolls. FBS could do better by adding more real time news, like a feed from Reuters or Dow Jones.
Algo Trading: Perfect Match
Algorithmic traders can use MetaTrader 5 to backtest and run Expert Advisors (EAs) continuously. FBS also offers VPS hosting, which maximizes trade execution speed and provides protection against power and internet outages.
Investing: Not Recommended
FBS lacks products ideal for long-term investing, like real stocks, ETFs, bonds, and mutual funds. It also has limited tools and research for investors.
What Sets FBS Apart?
FBS is a well-rounded broker that offers a broad range of instruments via MT4, MT5, and the proprietary FBS mobile app. Clients can rely on 24/7 customer support and diverse educational materials to foster their development as traders. This broker also takes a progressive approach to pricing with no inactivity fees and no deposit/withdrawal fees.
FBS Video Review
I performed my tests on an FBS Standard Account, using the desktop and mobile app versions of the MetaTrader 5 platform. The account was opened with the FBS Markets Inc. entity. Some features and services may vary depending on where you reside.
FBS Main Features
| ☑️ Regulations | IFSC (Belize), ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus) |
| 🗺 Supported Languages | English, Indonesian, Portuguese, Thai, Spanish, Malaysian, Filipino, Tagalog |
| 💰 Products | Currencies, Stocks, Indices, Commodities |
| 💵 Min Deposit | $5 |
| 💹 Max Leverage | 1:3000 (IFSC), 1:500 (ASIC), 1:500 (CySEC) |
| 🖥 Trading Desk Type | No dealing desk, STP |
| 📊 Trading Platforms | MT5, MT4, Proprietary |
| 💳 Deposit Options | Maestro, Wire Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, Credit Card, Cryptocurrencies, PerfectMoney, SticPay |
| 💳 Withdrawal Options | Wire Transfer, Neteller, Skrill, Credit Card, Debit Card, Cryptocurrencies, SticPay, PerfectMoney |
| 🤴 Demo Account | No |
| 🗓 Foundation Year | 2009 |
| 🌎 Headquarters Country | Belize |
Risk DisclosureCFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
FBS Full Review
Trust
4
How Did We Test the Broker's Trustworthiness?
Assessing a broker's trustworthiness with your funds is vital. To help you make the right decision, we carefully checked each broker's regulatory license and examined how well they protect traders. Moreover, we looked at the broker's stability by studying their business history, corporate structure, and industry experience. Finally, we thoroughly reviewed all of the broker's legal documentation, including terms, conditions, and fees, and evaluated their transparency based on our analysis. Our hands-on approach ensures that even novice traders have the knowledge they need to make smart decisions.
With a solid operating history of over 15 years, FBS is an experienced broker governed by three regulators globally. The broker holds client funds in segregated accounts and provides a negative balance protection. In addition, my research showed that FBS is transparent in key areas like fees.
| Entity | FBS Markets Inc. | Tradestone Ltd. | Intelligent Financial Markets Pty Ltd. |
| Country | Belize | Cyprus | Australia |
| Regulation | FSC | CySEC | ASIC |
| Segregated Funds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Negative Balance Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compensation Scheme | No | ICF Up to €20,000 | No |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:3000 | 1:500 | 1:500 |
FBS Regulators
- FBS Markets Inc. is regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize under license number 000102/460. We rate FSC as a Tier 3 regulator.
- Tradestone Ltd. is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under license number 331/17. We rate CySEC as a Tier 1 regulator.
- Intelligent Financial Markets Pty Ltd. is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) under ABN: 48 155 185 014. We rate ASIC as a Tier 1 regulator.
Why is It Important to Know Where Your Broker Subsidiary (Entity) is Regulated?
To serve clients worldwide, brokers must have multiple regional entities. The level of client protection guaranteed by regional regulators varies widely. Here are some of the key features to check on at your broker`s regional entity:
- Segregation of client funds. Segregating client funds from the operating capital of a broker prevents misuse, ensuring that traders’ funds can not be used for operational expenses or speculative investments. At FBS, all client funds are held in segregated accounts away from the company’s funds.
- Negative balance protection. This is a guarantee that clients cannot lose more than their account balance, even if the market unexpectedly makes a massive move or gaps. At FBS, all clients benefit from negative balance protection.
- Compensation scheme. A compensation scheme protects client funds in the unlikely event that the broker becomes insolvent. Only clients of the European entity (Tradestone Ltd.) benefit from a compensation scheme of up to €20,000.
- Maximum leverage. Limiting leverage controls the level of risk traders can take on. The higher the leverage, the higher the potential profits and losses. The maximum leverage at the FBS Markets Inc. entity is 1:3000.
Stability and Transparency
In our tests for the Trust category, we also cover factors relating to stability and transparency. Here, we focus on the brokers’ business longevity, the company’s size, and their transparency regarding readily available information. brokers’ business longevity, the company’s size, and their transparency regarding readily available information.
Founded in 2009, FBS has a substantial operating history and a client base numbering in the millions, according to its website. The company’s LinkedIn page lists the number of employees as 201-500, reflecting a mid-sized brokerage firm.
From looking at the FBS website (fbs.com) and social media presence, I judged that this broker has an adequate level of transparency relating to its fees, regulatory status, and the overall background of the company. Information and materials were clearly laid out and easy to find.
The company’s regulatory status can be viewed in the footer of the website. All the information relating to fees can be found in the Client Agreement/Terms and Conditions on the Documents page.
Is FBS Safe to Trade With?
To summarize, I rate FBS as relatively trustworthy and stable due to the following:
- Regulated by two top-tier agencies
- 15-year operating history
- All entities segregate funds
- All entities provide negative balance protection
- Transparent in essential areas like fees
Fees
4
How Did We Test the Broker's Fees and Commissions?
Broker commissions and fees can be challenging to understand. To simplify this for you, we carefully examined all the broker's fee-related documentation and presented it in a clear, easy-to-understand format. Furthermore, we conducted hands-on tests on spreads and commissions for the most common instruments during both London and New York trading sessions. We then compared these real-time test results to the market benchmark we've established through our extensive experience evaluating the industry.
FBS offers better-than-average spreads in some instruments, like forex majors, but there is room for improvement in other asset classes. The broker does not charge for deposits and withdrawals, and there are no account maintenance or inactivity fees. Swap fees are slightly better than average for the industry.
FBS Trading Fees
I tested the spreads at FBS across various markets during the London open and after the New York open on 2 August 2024. At these times, the market is typically highly liquid with the tightest spreads.
| Instrument | Live Spread AM | Live Spread PM | Industry Average |
| EUR/USD | 1.1 Pips | 1 Pip | 1.08 Pips |
| GBP/JPY | 2.5 Pips | 2.1 Pips | 2.44 Pips |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 38 Cents | 30 Cents | 42 Cents |
| WTI Oil (XTIUSD) | 5 Cents | 3 Cents | 3 Cents |
| Apple (AAPL) | n/a | 16 Cents* | 33 Cents |
| Tesla (TSLA) | n/a | 25 Cents* | 50 Cents |
| Dow Jones 30 (US30) | 6.1 Pips | 5.8 Pips | 3.3 Pips |
| Dax 40 | 4.1 Pips | 4.1 Pips | 2.4 Pips |
| Bitcoin | $38.92 | $43.46 | $35.50 |
*Note: A 0.7% commission is applied to CFDs on shares in addition to the spread.
FBS’s spreads are the most competitive in major forex pairs and commodities like gold. In my tests, the spreads in CFDs on indices were rather wide.
FBS Swap Fees
The table below shows an example of the swap fees at FBS. Swaps represent the fees charged (or credit earned) for holding a position overnight.
The values listed below are for one full contract (100,000 units) of the base currency. The values listed below are for one full contract (100,000 units) of the base currency.
| Instrument | Swap Long | Swap Short |
| EUR/USD | Charge of $5.46 | Credit of $0.61 |
| GBP/JPY | Credit of $7.60 | Charge of $35.39 |
My live tests showed that FBS’ swap fees are slightly better than the industry average.
FBS Non-Trading Fees
FBS has no deposit or withdrawal fees and no inactivity or account maintenance fees.
Are Fees at FBS Competitive?
Overall, I rate the fees at FBS as relatively competitive for the following reasons:
- Tight spreads in popular instruments like EUR/USD and gold
- Fair overnight swap fees
- No deposit/withdrawal fees
- No inactivity fee
Platforms and Tools
4.7
How Did We Test the Broker's Trading Platforms?
We understand that platforms play a crucial role in your trading experience. That's why we spent many hours testing the broker's web, desktop, and mobile trading platforms to gain a real understanding of their usability, functionality, and overall performance. From experimenting with different order types to testing execution speeds, charting, and other features, we thoroughly examined every aspect of these platforms based on our trading expertise, helping you make an informed choice.
FBS provides the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms for desktop, web, and mobile users. These platforms cater to advanced traders and those employing automated strategies. Additionally, FBS has developed an innovative proprietary mobile app that is intuitive and serves as a valuable resource for beginners.
| Platform/Tool | Suitable For |
| MetaTrader 4 (Desktop, Web, Mobile) | Experienced Traders, Day Trading, Scalping, Algo Trading |
| MetaTrader 5 (Desktop, Web, Mobile) | Experienced Traders, Day Trading, Scalping, Algo Trading, CFDs on Shares* |
| FBS Mobile App | Beginners and Experienced Traders, Mobile Trading |
*CFDs on shares are only available via the MT5 platform.
MetaTrader 5 Desktop
In my live tests, I used the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform. It is available in 52 languages, from Arabic to Vietnamese, and provides popular features such as:
- Alerts. This feature updates traders when an instrument reaches a specific price level.
- Watchlists. Traders can create a list of their favorite instruments and follow live quotes in a market watch panel.
- One-Click Trading. This feature allows traders to execute orders with a single click and no secondary confirmation. This feature enables traders to operate faster and is especially useful for short-term traders.
- Trading from the Chart. MT5 also allows users the convenience of trading directly from the chart.
The MarketWatch panel enables traders to stay on top of their favorite instruments at a glance.
Charting features are robust. MetaTrader 5 offers:
- 38 Technical Indicators. These include classic trend indicators, volume indicators, and oscillators.
- 44 Analytical Objects. These include lines, channels, Gann, and Fibonacci tools.
- 21 Time Frames. Traders can choose from many time frames, from one minute to one month.
- 3 Chart Types. Traders can use Bar Charts, Japanese Candlestick Charts, and Line Charts.
MetaTrader is also popular due to its copy trading and automated trading features.
- Trading Signals. Signals in MetaTrader 5 allow users to copy other traders’ activity in real time.
- Automated Trading. MetaTrader 5 allows users to develop, test, and apply Expert Advisors (EAs). EAs are programs that monitor and trade markets using algorithms.
MT5 Desktop Orders
MetaTrader 5 delivers when it comes to the range of available order types. The platform offers the following:
- Market Order. Traders use market orders to buy or sell an instrument at the best current price.
- Limit Order. Traders use limit orders to buy or sell an instrument at a specified price or better.
- Stop Loss Order. Traders use stop-loss orders to buy or sell an instrument when its price reaches a specified level.
- Stop Limit Order. Traders can manage risk more precisely with stop limit orders, which combine the features of a stop-loss with those of a limit order.
- Trailing Stop Order. Traders use trailing stop-loss orders as a stop-loss order at a defined percentage or dollar amount away from an instrument’s current market price. This order type allows traders to secure profits when they are in a winning trade while not having to exit the position.
My Key Takeaways after Testing the MT5 Desktop Platform
The MetaTrader 5 desktop platform is one of the most feature-rich and popular retail trading platforms. However, it may present a steep learning curve for beginners. MT5 offers a greater number of technical indicators, graphical objects, and analytical objects than MT4. It also has great additional features like an economic calendar and market depth (DOM).
MetaTrader 5 WebTrader
From the FBS client portal, traders can easily access the MetaTrader 5 WebTrader platform.
The MT5 web platform is very different from the desktop and has a more intuitive and user-friendly interface. It allows you to trade without any additional software – only an internet connection is required. The Web Platform allows users to trade directly from any browser and operating system.
Popular features of the WebTrader platform include
- One-click trading
- Trading from the chart
- Watchlists with real-time quotes
- Trade History
- Advanced charting
Charting via the WebTrader platform is outstanding. Traders can make use of:
- 31 Technical Indicators. These include classic trend indicators, volume indicators, and oscillators.
- 4 Analytical Objects. These include trend lines, regression channels, Gann, and Fibonacci tools.
- 9 Time Frames. Traders can choose from nine time frames, from one minute to one month.
- 3 Chart Types. Traders can use Bar Charts, Japanese Candlestick Charts, and Line Charts.
MT5 WebTrader Orders
The WebTrader platform provides standard order types including market orders, limit orders, and stop loss orders. Time-in-force conditions like Good-Til-Canceled (GTC) or a specified date can be applied to pending orders.
FBS offers the MetaTrader 5 mobile app for mobile trading, which is available for Android and iOS. The app offers popular features such as alerts, 1-click trading, and trading from the chart.
The MT5 mobile app also provides many order types, including pending and stop orders. However, trailing stop-loss orders are only available from the desktop. To change the language of the MT5 app, you must change the language for your entire phone.
Overall, the MT5 app offers an above-average range of features. I rate it as a well-designed app and appreciate the wide range of technical indicators and the option of trading from the chart.
FBS Mobile App
In addition to the MetaTrader 4 and 5 apps, FBS provides a feature-rich proprietary app. It is available for Android and iOS and allows clients to trade on the go with the full range of standard order types (market, limit, and stop-loss orders). Powered by TradingView, the charting features are top-notch, offering over 90 technical indicators.
Account stats like account equity, margin, free margin, and floating P&L are all viewable within the app. Beyond trading itself, users can top up their accounts by making deposits via the app and also contact 24/7 customer support via live chat.
My Key Takeaways after Testing the FBS Mobile App
I assessed the FBS app to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it a great alternative to the MetaTrader 4 and 5 apps. I liked the wide range of features including deposits, live chat, and robust charting from TradingView.
FBS Order Execution Model
FBS uses Market Execution of orders that are executed at factual market prices and without requotes. Orders are executed within the NDD (Non-Dealing Desk) and STP (Straight Through Processing) technologies and offset directly into the systems of the liquidity providers.
Tradable Instruments
4.2
How Did We Test the Broker's Tradable Instruments?
For this section, we examined the broker's market offering, assessing the variety and depth of instruments and asset classes available for trading. Through our proprietary database, we then compared the results with other brokers. This comprehensive analysis allows you to determine if the broker offers the specific instruments and trading options you're looking for.
FBS covers a wide variety of markets, including forex and CFDs on stocks, stock indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The number of instruments is better than average in every asset class.
| Instrument | Types | Number | Industry Average |
| Forex Pairs | Major, Minor, Exotic | 72 | 30–75 |
| Commodities | Metals, Energy | 11 | 5–10 |
| Indices | Major Global Indices | 11 | 5–10 |
| Stocks | US and European Exchanges | 474 | 200–300 |
| Cryptocurrencies | Major | 5 | 10–20 |
We rated FBS as especially strong in the areas of forex and crypto.
What are CFDs?
A Contract for Difference (CFD) is an agreement specifying that the buyer must pay the seller the difference between an asset’s current value and its value at the time the contract was initiated. Like futures and other derivative financial instruments, CFDs allow traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset.
What Can You Trade with FBS?
In the tables below, you can see a selection highlighting the variety of instruments available at FBS:
| Forex Majors | Forex Exotics |
| EUR/USD | GBP/USD | USD/CAD | USD/RUB | CNH/JPY | EUR/TRY |
| Indices | Cryptocurrencies |
| HK50 | JP225 | AUS200 | Ethereum | Dash | Bitcoin |
| Commodities | Shares |
| UK Brent Oil | Gold | Silver | Facebook | Goldman Sachs | Nike |
My Key Takeaways After Exploring FBS Tradable Instruments
I liked the broad range of instruments and the availability of shares from international markets.
However, some instruments, such as bonds and exchange traded funds (ETFs) are not available, and the overall number of instruments could be improved.
Customer Support
4
How Did We Test the Broker's Customer Support?
Traders often underestimate the importance of customer support, yet it proves to be a critical aspect during times of crisis. We put the broker's customer support to the test ourselves using all possible channels, such as chat, phone, and others. Our evaluation focused on the accessibility of live agents, as well as the helpfulness and professionalism of their responses. This way, we provide you with comprehensive insights into whether a broker can deliver full support when you need it most.
FBS offers 24/7 support via phone, live chat, and email. Responses were super-fast via chat and email, and answers were helpful. Overall, I had a positive experience over my two-week testing period, and I rate FBS support as better than average for the industry.
| Languages |
| English, Spanish, Portuguese, Indonesian Bahasa, Malay Bahasa, Thai, Swahili, Filipino and Tagalog |
FBS Customer Support Test
Support is a key component of a broker’s offering – whether you are a new trader looking for guidance on how to use the platform or an experienced trader who needs help fast to exit their positions in the event of a technical glitch.
I tested support at FBS over the phone, live chat, and email, with multiple inquiries. Responses were quick, with helpful and courteous agents. With live chat, you do not have to answer a bot before being connected to a live representative. I received replies to emails within minutes and chat replies in under a minute. However, I was not able to reach an agent by phone.
Deposit and Withdrawal
5
How Did We Test the Broker's Deposit and Withdrawal Process?
The deposit or withdrawal process can be tricky since you may encounter hidden fees or longer than expected processing time. To assess the broker's offerings, we examined their deposit and withdrawal options and conditions. Using our proprietary database, we then compared these results with those of other brokers.
FBS offers over 200 payment methods, including bank wire, credit card, digital wallet, crypto, and many regional-specific payment methods. Deposits and withdrawals at FBS are processed relatively fast, and no fees are charged. I rate the payment process to be better than the industry average.
FBS does not take any charges on financial transactions. Commissions are applied only by the payment system.
FBS Deposit Methods
| Method | Commission | Processing Time |
| Bank Wire | 0% | Instant |
| Bitcoin | 0% | 15-20 Minutes |
| Skrill | 0% | Instant |
| USDT (TRC20) | Network fee only | 15-20 Minutes |
| Bitcoin Cash | Network fee only | 15-20 Minutes |
| Ethereum | Network fee only | 15-20 Minutes |
| Litecoin | Network fee only | 15-20 Minutes |
| NETELLER | 0% | Instant |
| Visa, Mastercard | 0% | Instant |
| Perfectmoney | 0.5 – 1.99% | Instant |
| Sticpay | 0% | Instant |
| USDT (ERC20) | Network fee only | 15-20 Minutes |
Processing times for deposits at FBS are better than the industry average.
FBS Withdrawal Methods
| Method | Commission | Processing Time |
| Bank Wire | 0% | 15-20 Minutes (Max 48 hours) |
| Bitcoin | 0% | 15-20 Minutes |
| Skrill | 1-2% + 0.29 EUR | 15-20 Minutes |
| USDT (TRC20) | 0% | 15-20 Minutes |
| Bitcoin Cash | 0% | 15-20 Minutes |
| Ethereum | 0% | 15-20 Minutes |
| Litecoin | 0% | 15-20 Minutes |
| NETELLER | 2% (Min 1 – Max 30 USD) | Instant |
| Visa, Mastercard | 0.5 EUR | 15-20 Minutes |
| Perfectmoney | 0.5% | 15-20 Minutes |
| Sticpay | 0% | 15-20 Minutes |
| USDT (ERC20) | 0% | 15-20 Minutes |
FBS does better than average by not charging a withdrawal fee and having better-than-average processing times.
Account Types and Terms
3.8
How Did We Test the Broker's Account Types and Terms?
When it comes to achieving your trading goals, choosing the proper account is essential. We initiated our evaluation by personally opening an account with the broker, which allowed us to gain firsthand experience of the process and accurately asses, how fast and easy it is. In addition, we carried out an in-depth analysis of the account types and features offered by the broker, including spreads, maximum leverage, minimum deposits, and more. For a comprehensive comparison, we turned to our proprietary database and examined how this broker's account offerings and processes stacked up against other brokers.
Opening an account with FBS is fast and easy, and the process is fully digital. After entering your name and email, you can access the client portal, where you can complete the verification process. For this, you will need to upload an image of your driver’s license, ID card, or passport.
What is CFD leverage?
One of the reasons that traders are attracted to the forex and CFD markets is the high degree of available leverage. Leverage is the use of borrowed funds to increase the size of your trading positions beyond what would be possible using only the cash in your account.
For clients of the FBS Markets Inc. entity, the maximum leverage is 1:3000. This means that with an account of $1,000, you can control up to $3000,000 worth of positions in the market. Leverage is often described as a ‘double-edged sword’ as it can hurt you as much as it helps you. Traders should keep in mind that it can amplify both their profits and their losses.
FBS Maximum Leverage by Asset Class
Available leverage differs according to the asset class, with the most leverage available with CFDs on forex and the least with CFDs on shares.
| Asset Class | Maximum Available Leverage |
| Forex | 1:3000 |
| Metals | 1:500 |
| Crypto | 1:500 |
| Indices | 1:500 |
| Energies | 1:200 |
| Shares | 1:100 |
Demo Account
FBS offers free demo accounts that can be used via the MetaTrader 4 and 5 platform and the FBS mobile app.
Demo accounts are especially important for beginners as they allow them to practice their strategies and get comfortable with the trading platform without risking real money.
The demo account features live quotes and simulates live market conditions in assets like forex and CFDs on commodities, indices, and stocks. Once users are up to speed on a demo, they can easily switch to a live account.
Swap-free (Islamic) Account
FBS offers a swap-free feature for Islamic traders, helping them adhere to the principles of Sharia law.
FBS Restricted Countries
FBS Markets Inc. does not offer financial services to residents of certain jurisdictions, including, but not limited to: the USA, the EU, the UK, Israel, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Myanmar.
Research
4.7
How Did We Test the Broker's Research Tools?
Research options offered by brokers may not be seen as the most important feature for some traders, but they can provide a competitive advantage. To assess the broker's research offerings, we personally explored and tested both proprietary and third-party tools and content, such as Fundamental and Technical Analysis, Market News, educational videos, and webinars. After evaluating the availability and quality of the overall research offering, we compared the results with our benchmark to provide a comprehensive analysis of the broker's research capabilities.
FBS provides trade ideas and market analysis articles via the research section of the website. Funded account holders can also receive daily market reports via email with insights from FBS analysts. The broker also offers useful live streams on YouTube covering major economic events and standard tools like an economic calendar
The Trade Ideas section provides technical analysis highlighting conditions like price/oscillator divergence and citing support/resistance levels and potential price moves. Trade Ideas are a great way for traders to learn about technical analysis and potential opportunities in current market conditions.
The Market Insights section goes into greater depth combining fundamental and technical analysis. I appreciated the coverage of a wide range of markets – from stocks to forex and commodities – and that major news and economic data are integrated into the reports.
FBS financial analyst Adetola Freeman provides a market outlook ahead of and after major economic releases like Nonfarm Payrolls via YouTube live streams. In addition to market analysis, the sessions feature live trading.
FBS also offers classic research tools such as an economic calendar (covering currencies, stocks, and dividends), as well as a forex calculator and currency converter. Trader tools can be found on the website under the Analytics and Education tab.
My Takeaways from Exploring FBS Research Content
I found the research materials useful, and I liked that they included actionable concepts. Traders can find direction with the Trade Ideas and Market Insights reports, and there is a steady flow of content each day. The YouTube live streams are a great resource for traders. FBS could do even better by adding third-party research materials like Trading Central and Autochartist.
Education
5
How Did We Test the Broker's Education Offering?
Gaining knowledge about trading in the financial markets can make the difference between success and failure. To assess the broker's educational offerings, we personally tested and evaluated the quality of the content provided, considering its relevance for both novice and experienced traders. We explored the range of materials available, such as articles, videos, webinars, and courses. After evaluating the content's volume, update frequency, and overall quality, we compared the results with our benchmark to provide a well-rounded analysis of the broker's education offerings.
FBS has a robust education section serving both beginners and experienced traders. Clients can take advantage of a range of courses, webinars, platform tutorials, and guides. I rate the quality and volume of the content as better than average for the industry.
FBS checks all the boxes when it comes to educational materials. Resources include:
- Articles
- Video guides
- Trading ideas
- Webinars
- Platform tutorials
- Courses
- Telegram group
Articles within the Trader’s blog section cover topics like market basics, psychology, strategy, and risk management. I found the material to be well written, with helpful insights for both beginners and experienced traders. With dozens of articles, there is a solid amount of content to work through.
The courses within the client portal include basic modules like an Introduction to Online Trading to advanced material like Algo Trading with MQL5. The material is broken down into short lessons with a summary at the end, making it easy to digest.
The MetaTrader platform can be challenging for new traders. The platform tutorials available on the FBS YouTube channel help take the friction out of getting started and making the most of the software.
The Telegram group allows clients to easily keep up with the latest ideas from FBS analysts and also receive support from the community of traders.
The Bottom Line
As a multi-regulated global broker with 15 years of experience and transparent practices, FBS earned a solid trust rating in our review.
The broker offers competitive fees, an advanced platform, fast execution speeds of under 30 milliseconds, and tools like VPS hosting. These features make it suitable for experienced, highly active traders.
At the same time, I experienced refreshingly reliable chat support and rated the educational resources as innovative and practical, making FBS a great choice for beginners.
Overall, I judged FBS to be a strong performer. However, it could enhance its services by adding private account insurance for the offshore entity’s clients, integrating third-party research tools, and offering tighter spreads.
FAQ
Where is FBS based?
FBS Markets Inc. is situated at 2118 Guava Street, Belize Belama Phase 1, Belize.
Is FBS safe?
I concluded that FBS can be considered quite safe because it offers negative balance protection and segregates clients’ money from company funds.
What is the minimum deposit for FBS?
The minimum deposit at FBS is $5.
How do I deposit funds into an FBS account?
Funds can be deposited via bank wire, credit card, digital wallet, and cryptocurrencies.
How do I withdraw money from FBS?
Withdrawals can be made via bank wire, credit card, digital wallet, and cryptocurrencies.
How long does it take to withdraw money from an account at FBS?
Most withdrawals are processed within 15-20 minutes.
How much is the maximum leverage at FBS?
FSB offers a maximum leverage of 1:3000.
What platforms does FBS offer?
FBS offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and the FBS Mobile App.
Is FBS good for beginners?
With strong educational resources, the user-friendly FBS mobile app, and reliable customer support, I rate FBS as a good choice for beginners.
Does FBS offer a demo account?
Yes, it does.
Is FBS suitable for scalping?
Thanks to platforms with low chart timeframes, one-click trading, and execution speed under 30 milliseconds, I rate FBS as suitable for scalping.
Is FBS suitable for automated trading?
Yes, auto trading is available via MetaTrader 5 Expert Advisors (EAs).
Is FBS suitable for hedging?
Yes, hedging is allowed with FBS.
Is FBS suitable for spread betting?
No. Spread betting is not available with FBS.
Does FBS provide VPS?
Yes, FBS offers VPS hosting.
Is FBS a market maker?
At FBS orders are executed within the NDD (Non-Dealing Desk) and STP (Straight Through Processing) technologies and offset directly into the systems of liquidity providers.
Does FBS operate a bank?
No, FBS does not operate a bank.
See FBS Full Information
Headquarters Country | Belize |
Foundation Year | 2009 |
Regulations | IFSC (Belize), ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus) |
Publicly Traded | No |
Number Of Employees | 201 |
Trading Desk Type | No dealing desk, STP |
Trading Platforms | MT5, MT4, Proprietary |
Restricted Countries | North Korea, Iran, United States, Russian Federation, Myanmar, Syria, Cuba, China, India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Belize, Serbia, Cyprus, United Kingdom |
Supported Languages | English, Indonesian, Portuguese, Thai, Spanish, Malaysian, Filipino, Tagalog |
Min Deposit | $5 |
Max Leverage | 1:3000 (IFSC), 1:500 (ASIC), 1:500 (CySEC) |
Deposit Options | Maestro, Wire Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, Credit Card, Cryptocurrencies, PerfectMoney, SticPay |
Withdrawal Options | Wire Transfer, Neteller, Skrill, Credit Card, Debit Card, Cryptocurrencies, SticPay, PerfectMoney |
Time to Withdrawal | 2 |
Time to Open an Account | 8 |
Products | Currencies, Stocks, Indices, Commodities |
Demo Account | No |
OCO Orders | No |
Offers Hedging | Yes |
Automated Trading | Yes |
API Trading | No |
Guaranteed Stop Loss | Yes |
Guaranteed Limit Orders | Yes |
Guaranteed Fills / Liquidity | No |
Economic calendar | Yes |
Trading From Chart | Yes |
One-Click Trading | Yes |
Expert Advisor | Yes |
Social Trading | Yes |
Autochartist | No |
Trading Signals | Yes |
Platform Languages | Portuguese, Thai, English, Spanish, Malaysian, Indonesian |
24 Hours Support | Yes |
Support During Weekends | Yes |
Live Chat | Yes |
Daily Market Commentary | Yes |
News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes |
Webinars | Yes |
Deposit Fee | No |
Withdrawal Fee | No |
Inactivity Fee | Yes |
About the Author
Dan BlystoneBroker Analyst
Dan Blystone began his career in the trading industry in 1998 on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Later Dan gained insight into the forex industry during his time as a Series 3 licenced futures and forex broker. He also traded at a couple of different prop trading firms in Chicago. Dan is well-equipped to recommend the best forex brokers due to his extensive experience and understanding of the brokerage industry.
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Before you start trading, you should completely understand the risks involved with the currency market and trading on margin, and you should be aware of your level of experience.