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Forex trading in Canada has grown in popularity in recent years. Multiple online brokers and trading platforms are available to Canadian traders, but which is best in 2024? This guide will explain how to start forex trading in Canada for beginners, including the best brokers, mobile apps, accounts and tax implications.
Top Forex Brokers in Canada
As of March 2024 we have reviewed almost 500 brokers and have found these to be the top 3 forex brokers for Canadian traders:
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The Best Forex Brokers in Canada
What Is Forex Trading In Canada?
FX traders in Canada look to profit from price movements in international currency markets. Enabling this are online brokers who provide access to the market through trading accounts and platforms, where users can undertake analysis and take positions.
Canadian Dollar
Forex investors in Canada usually sign up to brokerages that offer the Canadian dollar (CAD) as a currency. This can reduce trading costs and conversion fees.
The Canadian dollar is the 6th most traded currency and forms 2% of the global currency reserves held by banks. The biggest influence on the CAD is the domestic economy, which is driven largely by oil, gas, and mining export operations. With that in mind, forex traders should pay particular attention to the price of crude oil and gold, which directly impact the value of the CAD.
Is Forex Trading Illegal In Canada?
FX trading is, in fact, legal in Canada. However, the laws and regulations can appear complex. The IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada) is the national regulator. But each region also has its own local regulator.
The three provincial agencies that regulate forex in Canada are:
- Toronto – Ontario Securities Commission
- British Columbia – British Columbia Securities Commission
- Montreal & Quebec – Autorité des Marchés Financiers
Licensing
Before you start forex trading in Canada, check the broker is licensed with the IIROC. To do this, look for confirmation in the risk disclosure found on the bottom of a broker’s website. Alternatively, search for a broker on the IIROC’s ‘Dealers We Regulate’ page. When a broker does not hold a license with the IIROC, each local regulator has the authority to decide whether a broker can operate within that area.
Note to start trading in Alberta, Canada, you must also qualify as an ‘accredited investor’. To do that, you need to satisfy at least one of the following:
- Received a minimum income of $200,000 across the last two years
- Hold at least $1,000,000 in financial investments
- Hold at least $5,000,000 in property investments
- Be a bank or financial institution
Leverage
Rule 100.2(d) limits leverage and margin levels to 50:1 when forex trading in Canada. This is the same limit applied in the US while in Europe currency leverage limits are 30:1.
A lower margin rate equates to a higher leverage ratio. For example, a 2% margin rate would work out as a leverage ratio of 50:1, allowing you to take a $50 position with a $1 margin. In contrast,a 3% margin equates to a 33:1 leverage ratio.
Brokers
Which broker to choose for forex trading in Canada requires careful consideration. The best brokers provide all the tools and security needed to operate effectively.
Traders can choose between providers based in Canada or offshore companies. The advantage of offshore providers is that they are usually regulated in multiple jurisdictions, bringing an added layer of trust. Still, make sure the broker you do choose is licensed with the IIROC. Your cash will then be secured up to $1 million should your broker go bankrupt.
When you register with a broker, IIROC’s ‘Know your Client Rule’ dictates they must verify a range of personal information, including:
- Age
- Identity
- Occupation
- Marital status
- Number of dependents
- Social Insurance Number
- Source of account funds
- Income & net worth
- Risk tolerance
- Investment objectives
- Investment knowledge & experience
- That neither yourself or family members are ‘politically exposed persons’
For further guidance on finding the best forex brokers, including reviews, see here.
Accounts
Forex trading accounts in Canada vary depending on the broker. But you’ll usually find at least one of the below available:
- Micro or mini account – Good for beginners, a micro or mini account usually has lower minimum deposit requirements, ranging from $100 to $250. They also allow traders to take smaller position sizes.
- Standard account – For more experienced investors, a standard account usually comes with access to more tools and tradable assets. Minimum deposit requirements normally start between $500 and $1,000.
- VIP account – For advanced traders wanting dedicated support and competitive fees, a VIP account can be a sensible option. But VIP accounts do normally require investments in the tens of thousands of Canadian dollars.
Platforms
Your forex platform is where you’ll spend the majority of your trading hours, so you’ll want the best tools available. FX platforms can be downloaded to desktop and mobile devices, or accessed through a browser.
Top forex platforms will have:
- A user-friendly design – You’ll want a platform that’s straightforward to navigate, so managing trades and conducting analysis is a smooth experience.
- Charts & graphs – Used to identify price trends, the best forex platforms have multiple charts and timeframes to choose from.
- Indicators and signals – Technical indicators help you analyse price information. Popular platforms, such as MetaTrader 4 & 5, have upwards of 30 built-in indicators and dozens of custom indicators.
- Costs – When forex trading in Canada, costs usually come in the form of spreads and commissions. Spreads can either be fixed or variable. Fixed spreads are normally higher, but they do mean traders are aware of the costs before they enter a trade. Variable spreads, on the other hand, are usually lower but can spike in periods of high market volatility.
- Risk management features – In case the market moves dramatically, stop-loss and stop-limit orders can be used to limit losses and lock in profits.
- Automated trading capabilities – Following preset criteria, algorithms will automatically enter and exit trades on your behalf.
- Copy trading – Particularly useful for beginners, you can replicate the trades and strategies of other users.
- Additional tools – Live news feedshelp you keep pace with market triggers while economic calendars can help you plan for major financial events.
- Customer support – Most FX brokers in Canada and offshore companies offer customer support via telephone or live chat.
MetaTrader 4 is the most popular online forex trading platform in Canada, delivering a breadth of tools while being easy-to-use and reliable. However, a growing number of providers are building their own proprietary platforms to meet the needs of their clients.
Overall, the most important thing is to find a platform you’re comfortable using.
Mobile Apps
The best forex trading apps in Canada allow users to seamlessly manage trade operations from a mobile device. Today most brokers offer a mobile app available on Android and Apple devices. Look for apps that offer a slick transition from your desktop computer, allowing you to run price and chart analysis, take positions, and monitor trades.
How To Start Forex Trading In Canada
For beginners learning forex trading in Canada, there’s a range of online resources and schools of thought available. For a formal learning environment, try training courses at an online academy. Alternatively, forums are a great trading prop, providing somewhere to interact with and get tips from experienced traders.
But arguably the greatest place to test your learning is on a demo account. Using historical and real-time data, you can test a strategy using virtual money. Once you’re confident, you can then upgrade to a real live account.
Taxes
Tax reporting on forex trading in Canada is straightforward. Any income or salary earned is subject to capital gains tax and forex traders should be prepared to pay up to 50% on profits. To make the annual tax filing process stress-free, keep a track of trades, profits, and losses throughout the year.
A professional tax advisor can help provide clarity if you’re unclear about your obligations, for example, if you also have other jobs that may impact what you owe.
For further guidance on taxes, see here.
Final Word
Forex trading in Canada is highly regulated with multiple trustworthy brokers and platforms available to retail investors. However, traders should be aware of the limits to leverage ratios and relatively high tax obligations. For beginners setting out, make the most of online training courses and demo accounts.
FAQ
What is forex trading in Canada?
Forex trading in Canada is popular among retail investors, with brokers connecting traders to international currency markets via an online platform. Traders can then analyse the markets through technical and fundamental analysis, and take positions.
Is forex trading legal in Canada?
Forex trading is legal in Canada. The IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada) oversees the forex industry on a national level, but local regulators also exert control. Canadian FX traders should check a broker is licensed with the IIROC before they open an account.
How do I start forex trading in Canada?
To start forex trading in Canada, shop around online for a domestic or offshore forex broker. Then get familiar with technical and fundamental market analysis. Demo accounts and online training courses are an excellent way to learn the basics and practice strategies.
How do I open a forex trading account in Canada?
To open a forex trading account, sign up on a broker’s website. You will need to submit basic personal information to satisfy several requirements, including to verify your identity, trading objectives, risk appetite, and source of capital. When you do register for a new account, check the broker is licensed with the IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada).
Can you make money forex trading in Canada?
Yes – you can generate income forex trading in Canada. However, most FX traders lose money. New traders should enter the forex market aware of the risks and should not invest more than they can afford to lose.
