5 Best Forex Brokers in Japan

Edited by: Marlie Rosset

Japan

 

We’ve listed the 5 Best Forex Brokers in Japan that provide secure, transparent, and internationally regulated access to global financial markets. Forex trading in Japan is legal and strictly regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA). However, many traders still choose reputable international brokers that meet robust global standards for fund protection, regulatory compliance, and execution quality. Trading in Japan offers access to major and minor forex pairs, along with CFDs on indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and global shares, through brokers recognized for tight spreads, reliable execution, and advanced, user-friendly trading platforms.

 

5 Best Forex Brokers in Japan (2025)

 

  1. Axi – Overall, the Best Forex Broker in Japan.
  2. XM – Fast execution with strong platform stability.
  3. IG – Strong regulatory standing, including Japan-focused operations.
  4. FBS – Multiple account types for different trading styles.
  5. FP Markets – Appeals to both scalpers and advanced traders.

 

10 Best Forex Brokers – Globally

 

 

Pros and Cons of Forex Brokers in Japan – Immediate Advantages and Disadvantages

 

✓ Pros✕ Cons
Access to well-regulated local and international brokers overseen by the FSA and top-tier global authorities.Strict FSA rules impose low leverage limits for retail traders.
Support for advanced platforms such as MT4, MT5, and proprietary Japanese trading systems.Fewer high-leverage options compared to offshore jurisdictions.
Broad access to forex pairs, indices, commodities, and global share CFDs.Some international brokers restrict services to Japanese residents.
Highly transparent pricing, stable execution, and robust trading infrastructure.Account opening can involve detailed verification and longer approval times.
Strong investor protection, segregation of client funds, and strict compliance standards.Limited flexibility for speculative products under local regulations.

 

Forex trading in Japan is fully legal and tightly regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA). While many traders favor locally licensed brokers, some still consider internationally regulated providers for expanded market access. Overall, Japan offers a highly secure, transparent, and technologically advanced trading environment, characterized by robust investor protection and a global market presence.

 

1. Axi

Axi operates as a global forex broker with reputable regulation in multiple jurisdictions and does accept traders from 🇯🇵 Japan through its global entity for certain services, though local regulation by the 🇯🇵 Financial Services Agency is not held. Traders should check eligibility and account terms.

 

TopicInfo
Japan FSA LicenseNot held
Account AccessAccepted via global
entity
Global RegulationYes, UK and AU
regulators
Platform AvailabilityMT4
MT5
Local ProtectionLower than domestic
brokers

 

★★★★
Minimum Deposit: $5
Regulated by: ASIC, FCA, DFSA, VFSC
Crypto: Yes

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is Axi regulated for traders in Japan?

Axi holds strong regulation in jurisdictions like the UK and Australia, but it does not have direct authorization from the 🇯🇵 Financial Services Agency. Japanese traders rely on the global entity’s rules, not local FSA licensing.

 

Can a trader in Japan open an account with Axi?

Japanese residents can access Axi’s trading platform and open accounts with the global entity where permitted, but services vary, and local regulatory protections differ from those offered by domestic brokers.

 

Axi

 

★★★★
Minimum Deposit: $5
Regulated by: ASIC, FCA, DFSA, VFSC
Crypto: Yes

 

Pros and Cons

 

✓ Pros✕ Cons
Global broker with broad regulationNo 🇯🇵 FSA authorization
Platform access for Japan residentsLocal legal protection differs
MT4 and MT5 supportedService terms vary by region
Competitive pricing internationallyMay not offer all products in 🇯🇵
Multi‑language support availableRegulatory safeguards differ

 

Our Insights

Axi stands out as a globally regulated forex broker that accepts traders from Japan via its international entity, but it is not licensed under the 🇯🇵 Financial Services Agency. Japanese traders should understand regulatory differences and confirm eligibility before trading.

 

#CriteriaScore
1Overall Rating and Trust Score⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
2Range of Investments, Platforms and Tools⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
3Commissions, Fees, and Bonus Offers⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
4Research and Education⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
5Mobile Trading and User Experience⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
6Customer Support and Regulatory Compliance⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7Deposit and Withdrawal Option⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
8Execution Speed and Order Types⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
9Risk Management and Safety Measures⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10Markets Analysis and Trading Tools⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

 

2. XM

XM stands as a large global forex broker with regulation in major jurisdictions, but does not hold a retail license from the 🇯🇵 Financial Services Agency. Japanese residents can open accounts with XM’s international entities where permitted, though local protection differs from domestic regulation.

 

TopicInfo
🇯🇵 Japan FSA LicenseNot held
Account AccessAccepted globally where allowed
Global RegulationYes, multi‑jurisdictional
Platform AvailabilityMT4 and MT5
Local ProtectionLower than domestic brokers

 

★★★★★
Minimum Deposit: $5
Regulated by: FSC
Crypto: Yes

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is XM regulated for traders in Japan?

XM holds licenses in jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Australia, and others, but it is not regulated by the 🇯🇵 Financial Services Agency. Therefore, it operates for Japanese residents through its global structure without local licensing protections.

 

Can a trader in Japan open an account with XM?

Yes. Japanese residents can register and trade with XM’s global entity, where allowed, though domestic legal protections do not apply and regulatory conditions differ from brokers licensed inside Japan.

 

XM

 

★★★★★
Minimum Deposit: $5
Regulated by: FSC
Crypto: Yes

 

Pros and Cons

 

✓ Pros✕ Cons
Global regulation in major marketsNot regulated by 🇯🇵 FSA
Accepts Japanese residentsLower local legal protection
MT4 and MT5 platforms availableTerms vary by region
Competitive trading conditionsDomestic broker limits apply
Large asset selectionBonus terms may differ

 

Our Insights

XM functions as a globally regulated broker and does accept traders from Japan through its international entity, but it does not have a direct retail license from the 🇯🇵 Financial Services Agency. Japanese traders should understand the regulatory differences and personal risk tolerance before trading.

 

#CriteriaScore
1Overall Rating and Trust Score⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
2Range of Investments, Platforms and Tools⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
3Commissions, Fees, and Bonus Offers⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
4Research and Education⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5Mobile Trading and User Experience⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
6Customer Support and Regulatory Compliance⭐⭐⭐☆☆
7Deposit and Withdrawal Option⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
8Execution Speed and Order Types⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
9Risk Management and Safety Measures⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
10Markets Analysis and Trading Tools⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

 

3. IG

IG operates as one of the world’s most established forex brokers with licenses from many top regulators, including registration in 🇯🇵 Japan through IG Securities Ltd under the Financial Services Agency. Japanese residents can open and trade with IG directly in Japan under local regulation, enjoying regulated forex and CFD services.

 

TopicInfo
🇯🇵 Japan FSA LicenseHeld locally
Local EntityIG Securities Ltd
Account AccessYes, available
PlatformsProprietary and MT4
Local ProtectionClient compensation scheme

 

★★★
Minimum Deposit: $250
Regulated by: FCA, ASIC, CFTC, NFA, BaFin
Crypto: Yes

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is IG regulated for traders in Japan?

Yes. IG operates a Japan‑based entity, IG Securities Ltd, that is authorised and regulated by the 🇯🇵 Financial Services Agency and is registered as a Financial Instruments Business Operator. This means Japanese traders get local regulatory protections and compliance.

 

Can a trader in Japan open an account with IG?

Yes. Residents in Japan can open and maintain live forex and CFD accounts directly with IG’s Japan entity. Local licensing ensures IG operates under Japanese rules, including investor protection systems and specific leverage limits.

 

IG Overview

 

★★★
Minimum Deposit: $250
Regulated by: FCA, ASIC, CFTC, NFA, BaFin
Crypto: Yes

 

Pros and Cons

 

✓ Pros✕ Cons
Licensed by 🇯🇵 FSA locallyLeverage limited by local rules
Direct access for Japan residentsProduct range varies by region
Strong investor safeguardsSome instruments restricted locally
Proprietary trading platforms availableTrading fees can be higher in Japan
Client fund segregationCrypto access limits under local rules

 

Our Insights

IG offers fully regulated forex and CFD trading for Japanese residents through its Japan‑based subsidiary. The broker complies with local regulatory requirements, provides platform access, and serves Japanese traders under strong investor protection standards.

 

#CriteriaScore
1Overall Rating and Trust Score⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2Range of Investments, Platforms and Tools⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3Commissions, Fees, and Bonus Offers⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
4Research and Education⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5Mobile Trading and User Experience⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6Customer Support and Regulatory Compliance⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7Deposit and Withdrawal Option⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
8Execution Speed and Order Types⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
9Risk Management and Safety Measures⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10Markets Analysis and Trading Tools⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Top 3 Forex Brokers in Japan – Forex Face-Off

 

BrokerAxi SmallXM SmallIG Small
Minimum Deposit0 USD – 25,000 USD5 USD250 USD
Spreads From0.0 pips0.6 pips (majors)0.6 pips
Commissions$7 round turn (Pro, Elite)None on most accountsNone
LeverageUp to 1:500 (entity-based)Up to 1:888Up to 1:30 (retail)
Swap FeesVariesVariesVaries
Margin RequirementsVariesVariableFixed by regulation
CFDs AvailableForex and CFDs1,000+17,000+
Trading PlatformsMT4, MT5MT4, MT5MT4, IG Platform, ProRealTime
Account SegregationYesYesYes
Negative Balance ProtectionYesYesYes
Investor ProtectionYesYesYes
Regulation🇦🇺 ASIC
🇬🇧 FCA
🇦🇪 DFSA
🇻🇺 VFSC
🇧🇿 FSC
🇲🇺 FSC
🇸🇨 FSA
🇬🇧 FCA
🇦🇺 ASIC
🇺🇸 CFTC
🇺🇸 NFA
🇩🇪 BaFin
Open an AccountOpen AccountOpen AccountOpen Account

 

4. FBS

FBS operates globally under offshore regulation and accepts traders from 🇯🇵 Japan through its international entity. However, it does not hold a license from the 🇯🇵 Financial Services Agency, so local protections differ from domestic brokers, and traders must consider regulatory implications.

 

TopicInfo
🇯🇵 Japan FSA LicenseNot held
Account AccessAccepted via global entity
Offshore RegulationYes, CySEC and IFSC
PlatformsMT4 and MT5
Local ProtectionLower than domestic brokers

 

★★★★★
Minimum Deposit: $5
Regulated by: FSC, CySEC, ASIC
Crypto: Yes

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is FBS regulated for traders in Japan?

FBS holds a license in jurisdictions such as Cyprus and Belize, but it does not have formal approval from the 🇯🇵 Financial Services Agency. Japanese traders rely on the global entity, which operates under offshore regulation rather than local licensing protections.

 

Can a trader in Japan open an account with FBS?

Yes. Japanese residents can open accounts and trade through FBS’s international entity. However, these accounts do not carry the same protections as brokers licensed in Japan, and regulatory safeguards differ from domestic requirements.

 

FBS

 

★★★★★
Minimum Deposit: $5
Regulated by: FSC, CySEC, ASIC
Crypto: Yes

 

Pros and Cons

 

ProsCons
Offshore regulation availableNo 🇯🇵 FSA licensing
Accepts Japanese tradersLocal legal protections differ
Competitive trading conditionsFunds may lack segregation in Japan
MT4 and MT5 supportedProduct range limited in Japan
Large global user basePotential payment restrictions

 

Our Insights

FBS functions as a global forex broker and accepts traders from Japan via its international entity. While it offers access to MT4 and MT5 platforms and competitive conditions, it does not provide full regulatory protections under the 🇯🇵 Financial Services Agency.

 

#CriteriaScore
1.Overall Rating and Trust Score⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
2.Range of Investments, Platforms and Tools⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
3.Commissions, Fees, and Bonus Offers⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
4.Research and Education⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
5.Mobile Trading and User Experience⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
6.Customer Support and Regulatory Compliance⭐⭐⭐☆☆
7.Deposit and Withdrawal Option⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8.Execution Speed and Order Types⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
9.Risk Management and Safety Measures⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
10.Markets Analysis and Trading Tools⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

 

5. FP Markets

FP Markets operates as a globally regulated forex and CFD broker under top regulators, including 🇦🇺 ASIC, 🇨🇾 CySEC, 🇿🇦 FSCA, and St Vincent and the Grenadines registration. Japanese residents can open accounts through FP Markets’ global entity, though local protections differ from those offered under the 🇯🇵 Financial Services Agency.

 

TopicInfo
🇯🇵 Japan FSA LicenseNot held
Account AccessAccepted via global entity
Global RegulationASIC
CySEC
FSCA
PlatformsMT4
MT5
cTrader
IRESS
Local ProtectionLower than domestic brokers

 

★★★★★
Minimum Deposit: $100
Regulated by: ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, FSA, FSC, CMA
Crypto: Yes

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is FP Markets regulated for traders in Japan?

FP Markets holds reputable regulation in multiple jurisdictions, but does not have approval from the 🇯🇵 Financial Services Agency. Japanese traders rely on the global entity, which operates under offshore regulation rather than local licensing protections.

 

Can a trader in Japan open an account with FP Markets?

Yes. Japanese residents can open accounts and trade through FP Markets’ global entity. However, these accounts do not carry the same protections as brokers licensed in Japan, and regulatory safeguards differ from domestic requirements.

 

FP Markets

 

★★★★★
Minimum Deposit: $100
Regulated by: ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, FSA, FSC, CMA
Crypto: Yes

 

Pros and Cons

 

✓ Pros✕ Cons
Well‑regulated globallyNo 🇯🇵 FSA licensing
Accepts Japanese tradersLocal legal protections differ
Multiple platforms supportedProduct range may vary in Japan
Tight spreads and ECN pricingRegulatory safeguards lower
Large range of tradable assetsMust follow global entity terms

 

Our Insights

FP Markets functions as a globally regulated forex broker and accepts traders from Japan via its international entity. While it offers access to multiple platforms and competitive conditions, it does not provide full regulatory protections under the 🇯🇵 Financial Services Agency.

 

#CriteriaScore
1Overall Rating and Trust Score⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
2Range of Investments, Platforms and Tools⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3Commissions, Fees, and Bonus Offers⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
4Research and Education⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
5Mobile Trading and User Experience⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
6Customer Support and Regulatory Compliance⭐⭐⭐☆☆
7Deposit and Withdrawal Option⭐⭐⭐☆☆
8Execution Speed and Order Types⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9Risk Management and Safety Measures⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
10Markets Analysis and Trading Tools⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

 

5 Best Forex Brokers in Japan – A Comparison

 

Axi SmallStrong global reputation
with transparent, no
dealing-desk execution
Open AccountRead Review
XM SmallLarge global client base
with beginner-friendly
trading conditions
Open AccountRead Review
IG SmallOne of the most
established brokers
globally with decades of
experience
Open AccountRead Review
FBS SmallHigh-leverage trading
options outside strict
local frameworks
Open AccountRead Review
FP Markets SmallBroad platform support
including MT4, MT5,
cTrader, and TradingView
Open AccountRead Review

 

Forex Trading in Japan – Quick Overview

Forex trading in Japan is one of the most mature and regulated trading environments globally. The country operates under strict oversight from the Financial Services Agency (FSA), ensuring high transparency, strong investor protection, and disciplined market practices. Japanese traders have access to major and minor currency pairs, advanced trading platforms, and highly liquid markets.

While leverage limits are conservative, Japan remains attractive for traders who prioritize stability, regulation, and long-term market integrity over high-risk speculation.

 

Forex Trading in Japan - Quick Overview

 

Pros and Cons of Forex Trading in Japan

 

✓ Pros✕ Cons
Strict regulation ensures high trader protectionLow leverage limits for retail traders
Highly transparent pricing and executionFewer high-risk trading products
Stable and liquid trading environmentLimited flexibility for aggressive strategies
Advanced technology and platformsSlower account approval processes
Strong global market accessLess appeal for high-leverage traders

 

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In Conclusion

Forex trading in Japan offers a highly secure, transparent, and disciplined trading environment backed by strong regulation and advanced infrastructure. While leverage restrictions limit aggressive trading styles, the benefits of stability, investor protection, and market reliability make Japan an excellent choice for traders focused on long-term growth and responsible trading.

Faq

Yes, forex trading is fully legal and strictly regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA).

The Financial Services Agency oversees licensing, compliance, and investor protection standards.

Yes, retail leverage is capped, typically up to 1:25, to reduce excessive risk.

Yes, Japan is beginner-friendly due to strong regulation, education resources, and platform reliability.

Some traders choose international brokers for flexibility, but many prefer locally regulated firms for security.

HFM

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