1Top-tier

CBI regulated forex brokers

Central Bank of Ireland · 🇮🇪 Ireland

The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) is the financial regulator for Ireland, established in 1943. ForexLicenses.com classifies it as tier 1 (top-tier regulation). We currently match 2 brokers in our database to an CBI licence.

The Central Bank of Ireland supervises MiFID investment firms in Ireland and became an important EU hub for brokers after Brexit. Ireland applied some of the strictest CFD restrictions in the EU in 2019, and its Client Asset Requirements regime is modelled on the UK's CASS rules. Irish-authorised firms can passport services across the EEA. The online registers let you confirm a firm's MiFID authorisation and the Central Bank maintains a public list of unauthorised firms that have been warned about.

Key rules for retail clients

Tier
Tier 1 — Top-tier regulation
Compensation
Investor Compensation Company (ICCL) — 90% of loss up to €20,000
Leverage
30:1 on major FX pairs (ESMA rules)
Negative balance protection
Required for retail clients
Client money
Client asset requirements (CAR) apply
Complaints
Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman

Brokers licensed by the CBI 2

Broker Licences on record Licence Score Actions
1 A AvaTrade Forex & CFD broker, since 2006 ASICCBIJFSAFSCAFSRA (ADGM)ISA+3 83Very strong Licences Visit site
2 IB Interactive Brokers Multi-asset broker, since 1978 ASICCBICFTC / NFACIROFCAJFSA+2 83Very strong Licences Visit site

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if a broker is CBI regulated?

Search the firm's name or licence number on the CBI official register (https://registers.centralbank.ie/), confirm the status is current and that the website domain you're using is listed, then check the CBI warning list for clones.

Does the CBI offer investor compensation?

Investor Compensation Company (ICCL) — 90% of loss up to €20,000

What leverage do CBI-regulated brokers offer?

30:1 on major FX pairs (ESMA rules)

Is negative balance protection required by the CBI?

Yes. Negative balance protection is required for retail clients of CBI-regulated firms.

Risk warning: CFDs and leveraged forex are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Most retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Consider whether you understand how they work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Read more.