Best Brokers with Professional Account 2026
ESMA-exempt leverage up to 500:1 for traders who qualify as professional clients.
Quick Answer
The best EU-regulated forex brokers offering a Professional Account in 2026 are IG, Exness, Saxo Bank. Typical pricing on this account model is Same as retail equivalent with Same as retail equivalent, and minimum deposits range from EUR 1,000 - EUR 10,000+.
This page ranks brokers that operate a professional tier. The qualification test itself differs by regulator — the MiFID II two-of-three criteria do not apply outside the EU and UK. Professional trading account rules by region sets out the EU, UK, Singapore, Australian, Swiss and US tests side by side.
What is a Professional Account?
A Professional Account at an EU-regulated broker lets qualifying traders opt out of ESMA's retail protections in exchange for significantly higher leverage (up to 500:1), access to bonuses and incentives, and a simplified disclosure environment. To qualify, you must meet two of three criteria: a portfolio of EUR 500,000 or more, at least 10 significant trades per quarter over the past year, or at least one year's experience working in the financial industry. Professional accounts are not suitable for most retail traders but are essential for experienced traders who want maximum capital efficiency.
Typical Spread
Same as retail equivalent
Typical Commission
Same as retail equivalent
Typical Min Deposit
EUR 1,000 - EUR 10,000+
Typical Features
- ✓Leverage up to 500:1 on major forex pairs (vs 30:1 retail)
- ✓Exempt from bonus ban and other ESMA retail restrictions
- ✓Access to higher-risk products that are restricted for retail
- ✓No automatic negative balance protection (broker may still offer it)
- ✓Simplified regulatory disclosures
- ✓Dedicated account manager at many brokers
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Up to 500:1 leverage for capital-efficient trading
- ✓Exempt from ESMA bonus ban
- ✓Access to restricted products like binary options and higher-leverage CFDs
- ✓Dedicated support and account management
- ✓No cost difference versus retail accounts
Cons
- ✗Loss of mandatory negative balance protection at some brokers
- ✗Must meet two of three strict eligibility criteria
- ✗Higher leverage magnifies losses as well as gains
- ✗Not suitable for anyone still learning to trade consistently
- ✗Formal application and documentation required
Who Should Use a Professional Account?
Experienced traders with a proven trading history, substantial capital (EUR 500K+ portfolio), or financial-industry backgrounds. Not appropriate for beginners or anyone who has not completed at least a full year of consistent live trading.
Top 3 Brokers for Professional Account
Full Comparison Table
All EU-regulated brokers offering a professional account, ranked by the quality of their offering for this account model.
| # ▲▼ | Broker ▲▼ | Score ▲▼ | Cost/Lot ▲▼ | Min Deposit ▲▼ | EUR/USD ▲▼ | Max Leverage ▲▼ | Regulators ▲▼ | Platforms ▲▼ | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 9.4 | $7.00 | $10 | From 0.0 pips (Raw Spread), from 0.1 pips (Pro), from 0.2 pips (Standard) | Up to 1:30 | FSASeychelles | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Exness Terminal, Exness App | |
| 2 |  | 9.2 | $9.00 | None | 0.6–0.9 pips minimum (0.6 at IG UK and IG International; 0.9 at IG Europe) | Up to 1:30 | BaFinGermany | IG Platform, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | This broker does not accept new clients from your region |
| 3 |  | 9.0 | $11.00 | None | 0.8–1.6 pips (Classic minimum by country: UK 0.8; Saxo Bank A/S 1.1; France 1.6); lower on Platinum/VIP | Up to 1:30 | Danish FSADenmark | SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, SaxoInvestor | This broker does not accept new clients from your region |
| 4 |  | 8.7 | $8.00 | €100 | 0.9 pips typical | Up to 1:30 | Central Bank of IrelandIrelandCySECCyprus | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, AvaTradeGO, WebTrader, AvaOptions, AvaSocial | |
| 5 |  Vantage MarketsNot EU | 8.5 | $6.00 | $50 | From 0.0 pips (Raw ECN), from 1.4 pips (Standard STP) | Up to 1:30 | ASICAustraliaCIMACayman IslandsVFSCVanuatu | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, ProTrader | This broker does not accept new clients from your region |
| 6 |  | 8.5 | $5.70 | $50 | From 0.57 pips (0.005% of price at EUR/USD 1.14) | Up to 1:30 | CySECCyprus | eToro Platform, eToro App | This broker does not accept new clients from your region |
| 7 |  | 8.4 | $4.50 | None | From 0.0 pips (Pro), from 0.6–0.68 pips (Standard) | Up to 1:30 | CySECCyprus | MetaTrader 4, Axi Copy Trading App | This broker does not accept new clients from your region |
| 8 |  | 8.1 | $8.00 | €100 | From 0.8 pips (variable) | Up to 1:30 | CySECCyprus | Risk-free demo account, Plus500 Platform, Plus500 App |
Risk warnings
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. A high percentage of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. A high percentage of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. A high percentage of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. A high percentage of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. A high percentage of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. A high percentage of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. A high percentage of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
81% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I qualify as a Professional Client in the EU?
Is a Professional Account worth it?
Do Professional accounts have higher costs?
Which brokers offer Professional accounts in the EU?
Explore Other Account Types
CFD Risk Warning
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. A high percentage of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
This website is for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute investment advice. Trading leveraged products carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. EU retail leverage limits apply (ESMA): up to 30:1 on major FX pairs, 20:1 on minor FX, 20:1 on major indices, 10:1 on commodities, 5:1 on equities, 2:1 on crypto.