Choosing a Regulated FX & CFD Broker in the Netherlands

When selecting a forex and CFD broker in the Netherlands, regulatory oversight is paramount to ensuring the safety of your funds and fair trading conditions. The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) serves as the primary regulator, working in conjunction with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) guidelines to create one of the safest trading environments in Europe.

This comprehensive guide examines the top 10 regulated brokers available to Dutch traders in 2025, highlighting their unique strengths, regulatory compliance, and suitability for different trading profiles.

AFM & ESMA Regulatory Framework

ESMA provides the regulatory framework that governs CFD trading across all EU member states, while the AFM implements and enforces these rules in the Netherlands.

Key ESMA protection measures for retail traders include:

• Leverage Limits: 30:1 for major forex pairs, 20:1 for minor pairs and gold, and lower for other assets.
• Negative Balance Protection: Ensures traders cannot lose more than their account deposit.
• Margin Close-Out Rule: Brokers must close positions if equity drops to 50% of the required margin.
• Ban on Bonuses: Prohibits promotional incentives that could encourage reckless trading.

Top 10 FX & CFD Brokers in the Netherlands

Here is a detailed breakdown of the leading brokers, assessing their core offerings, strengths, and potential drawbacks for Dutch traders.

1. INFINOX

INFINOX stands as the best CFD broker in the Netherlands, offering a powerful combination of value, innovation, and security under the ESMA framework. Its regulation by the UK's FCA ensures adherence to the highest European standards, including segregated client funds and negative balance protection. The broker’s key advantage lies in its versatile account structure: a zero-commission STP account for straightforward trading and a raw-spread ECN account for professionals.

Furthermore, INFINOX distinguishes itself with the proprietary IX Social platform, an award-winning copy trading solution that enables traders to learn from and replicate the strategies of market experts. This combination of competitive costs, robust regulation, and cutting-edge technology makes INFINOX a superior partner for traders at all levels.

Key Pros

• Strong multi-jurisdictional regulation including the FCA, ensuring high safety standards.
• Offers a true zero-commission trading account, providing excellent value.
• Advanced proprietary social and copy trading platform (IX Social).
• High leverage options are available for eligible professional clients.

Key Cons

• Regulation by FSC Mauritius for its international entity offers less stringent oversight than its EU/UK counterparts.

2. XTB

XTB is a top choice for Dutch traders, operating with full AFM registration and a strong European regulatory footprint. A key advantage is its offering of 0% commission on real stocks and ETFs (up to €100k/month), alongside a comprehensive CFD suite. Its award-winning proprietary platform, xStation 5, is celebrated for its intuitive design and integrated analytical tools, making it a superb all-in-one choice for Dutch investors and traders.

Key Pros

• Registered with the Netherlands' AFM.
• 0% commission on real stocks and ETFs.
• Award-winning, user-friendly xStation 5 platform.

Key Cons

• Does not offer the popular MetaTrader platforms.

3. IG

IG is an industry titan with a dedicated Dutch entity (IG Europe GmbH Netherlands) regulated by the AFM. It offers an unparalleled selection of over 17,000 markets. Its proprietary platform is renowned for its advanced research tools and powerful charting. IG’s extensive educational content and unwavering commitment to security make it a top choice for traders at all levels who prioritize deep market access and local regulation.

Key Pros

• Directly regulated by the Netherlands' AFM.
• Massive range of tradable instruments across all asset classes.
• Excellent educational resources and award-winning research.

Key Cons

• Spreads are competitive but not as low as ECN-focused specialists.

4. Saxo Bank

Saxo Bank is a fully licensed Danish bank with a direct AFM-regulated branch in the Netherlands (Saxo Bank Nederland). It offers an institutional-grade investment experience. Crucially, due to Dutch regulations, Saxo Bank does not offer CFDs to retail clients in the Netherlands. It remains a top choice for trading real stocks, bonds, futures, options, and non-CFD forex.

Key Pros

• Fully licensed bank with a direct AFM-regulated Dutch branch.
• Exceptional proprietary platforms and market research.
• Vast portfolio of non-CFD instruments for investment.

Key Cons

• Does not offer CFDs to retail clients in the Netherlands.

5. Pepperstone

Pepperstone is a top-tier broker with direct BaFin registration, serving Dutch clients under EU passporting. It is renowned for its high-speed execution and exceptionally low-cost trading. Its Razor account offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips with very low commissions, making it a favorite among scalpers and algorithmic traders. With support for a wide range of advanced platforms, it is ideal for technically-focused traders.

Key Pros

• Registered with Germany's BaFin, providing strong EU oversight.
• Extremely fast execution speeds and access to deep liquidity.
• Very competitive raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips.

Key Cons

• Educational resources are less comprehensive than some competitors.

6. AvaTrade

AvaTrade serves Dutch clients via its Irish-regulated entity, offering a multi-platform environment with a focus on user-friendliness. Its key differentiator is the use of fixed spreads, which provides cost certainty. Unique tools like AvaProtect™, a form of trade insurance, make it an attractive option for risk-conscious traders and those new to the markets.

Key Pros

• Offers fixed spreads for predictable trading costs.
• Innovative risk management tools like AvaProtect™.
• Strong EU regulation via the Central Bank of Ireland.

Key Cons

• Fixed spreads are typically wider than the variable spreads offered by ECN brokers.

7. Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is the gold standard for professional traders, serving the Netherlands through its Irish-regulated entity under AFM supervision. As a NASDAQ-listed company, it offers unparalleled global market access and institutional-grade pricing. Its flagship Trader Workstation (TWS) platform is designed for complex, algorithmic, and multi-asset strategies.

Key Pros

• Unrivaled access to global stocks, options, futures, and forex.
• Industry-leading low commissions and tight spreads.
• Highly advanced and customizable trading platform (TWS).

Key Cons

• The TWS platform has a very steep learning curve and is not suitable for beginners.

8. FxPro

FxPro is a highly reputable broker known for its professional trading environment and commitment to no-dealing-desk (NDD) execution. A key strength is its exceptional platform diversity, offering MT4, MT5, cTrader, and its own FxPro Edge platform. This caters to all trading styles, from EA users on MetaTrader to scalpers who prefer the advanced order types on cTrader.

Key Pros

• Excellent selection of trading platforms, including cTrader.
• No-dealing-desk execution model enhances transparency.
• Strong regulatory oversight from CySEC and the FCA.

Key Cons

• Spreads on MetaTrader accounts are wider than on the commission-based cTrader platform.

9. IC Markets

IC Markets is globally renowned for its institutional-grade "True ECN" trading environment. It is a top choice for traders who prioritize ultra-low costs, offering some of the tightest spreads and lowest commissions in the world. Its infrastructure is built for speed and reliability, making it ideal for algorithmic traders and scalpers.

Key Pros

• Globally recognised for its extremely low spreads and commissions.
• True ECN model with deep liquidity and fast execution.
• Excellent selection of advanced trading platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader).

Key Cons

• Not directly registered with the AFM (operates via EU passporting).

10. Capital

Capital.com stands out with its innovative, AI-powered trading platform designed to provide personalized feedback. It offers a zero-commission model with competitive spreads and supports local payment methods like iDEAL. The platform's machine learning algorithms analyze trading behavior to help users identify and overcome potential biases, making it a unique tool for trader development.

Key Pros

• AI-driven platform provides personalized trading insights.
• Supports local Dutch payment method iDEAL.
• Full integration with the powerful TradingView platform.

Key Cons

• Not directly registered with the AFM.

How to Choose the Best Forex Broker for Your Needs

Selecting the right broker is a personal decision that depends on a trader's strategy, experience level, and financial goals. Industry experts suggest evaluating brokers based on a few core principles.

1. Prioritise AFM & ESMA Regulation: The safety of funds is non-negotiable. Always choose a broker that is either directly regulated or registered with the AFM (like IG or XTB) or fully compliant with ESMA rules via another top-tier EU regulator like CySEC or the FCA. This ensures you receive all mandatory protections. A globally respected regulator like the UK's FCA, held by INFINOX, also signifies high safety standards.
2. Analyse the Full Cost of Trading: It is important to look beyond advertised spreads. Traders should consider commissions, overnight swap fees, and any potential inactivity charges. A zero-commission account, such as the INFINOX STP account, can offer significant value and simplicity, while an ECN account may be more cost-effective for high-volume trading.
3. Assess the Trading Style: A trader's approach is paramount. For example, a scalper needs the fast execution and low costs of IC Markets, while a beginner might prefer the AI insights of Capital.com. For those seeking a blend of low costs and innovative tools, a platform like IX Social from INFINOX provides an ideal solution.
4. Evaluate Platforms and Tools: The trading platform is the trader's gateway to the markets. It is crucial to test a broker’s platform through a demo account to ensure it is stable, intuitive, and equipped with the necessary tools. INFINOX provides both the industry-standard MT4/MT5 and its innovative IX Social and IX SYNC platforms to cater to diverse needs.

Ultimately, the best broker is one that aligns with a trader's journey. By offering a blend of competitive costs, advanced technology, and unwavering support, INFINOX positions itself as a trusted partner in the financial markets.

Broker Comparison Table (2025)