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FMA (NZ) regulated forex brokers

Financial Markets Authority · 🇳🇿 New Zealand

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA (NZ)) is the financial regulator for New Zealand, established in 2011. ForexLicenses.com classifies it as tier 2 (strong regulation). We currently match 8 brokers in our database to an FMA (NZ) licence.

New Zealand tightened its rules after a wave of offshore brokers used the Financial Service Providers Register as a marketing badge. Since 2014 anyone issuing derivatives to retail clients must hold a Derivatives Issuer licence from the FMA. Note that mere registration on the FSP Register is NOT a licence — a distinction scammers exploit. Check the FMA's licensed-entity lists and the FSP Register for the specific 'Derivatives Issuer' licence.

Key rules for retail clients

Tier: Tier 2 — Strong regulation
Compensation: No compensation scheme; approved dispute resolution schemes
Leverage: No fixed statutory cap; conduct and disclosure rules apply
Negative balance protection: Not a regulatory requirement
Client money: Client money rules for derivatives issuers
Complaints: Approved dispute resolution schemes (e.g. FSCL, IFSO)

Brokers licensed by the FMA (NZ) 8

Broker Licences on record Licence Score Actions

1 I IG Spread betting & CFD provider, since 1974 ASIC BaFin CFTC / NFA FCA FINMA JFSA+5 93Very strong Licences Visit site

2 P Plus500 Forex & CFD broker, since 2008 ASIC CFTC / NFA FCA MAS CySEC DFSA+4 92Very strong Licences Visit site

3 CM CMC Markets Spread betting & CFD provider, since 1989 ASIC BaFin CIRO FCA MAS FMA (NZ) 86Very strong Licences Visit site

4 MG MultiBank Group Forex & CFD broker, since 2005 ASIC BaFin MAS CySEC FMA (NZ)CIMA+1 80Very strong Licences Visit site

5 A Axi Forex & CFD broker, since 2007 ASIC FCA DFSA FMA (NZ) 71Strong Licences Visit site

6 EM EC Markets Forex & CFD broker, since 2011 ASIC FCA FMA (NZ)FSCA 69Strong Licences Visit site

7 H Halifax Multi-asset broker, since 2008 ASIC FMA (NZ) 62Strong Licences Visit site

8 BM BlackBull Markets Forex & CFD broker, since 2014 FMA (NZ)FSA (Seychelles) 45Moderate Licences Visit site

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if a broker is FMA (NZ) regulated?

Search the firm's name or licence number on the FMA (NZ) official register (https://fsp-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/), confirm the status is current and that the website domain you're using is listed, then check the FMA (NZ) warning list for clones.

Does the FMA (NZ) offer investor compensation?

No compensation scheme; approved dispute resolution schemes

What leverage do FMA (NZ)-regulated brokers offer?

No fixed statutory cap; conduct and disclosure rules apply

Is negative balance protection required by the FMA (NZ)?

It is not a regulatory requirement under the FMA (NZ), though some brokers offer it contractually.