Top AMF-Regulated FX & CFD Brokers for Traders in France

The French forex and CFD market is one of Europe's most mature and securely regulated environments. Under the dual oversight of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) and the broader European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) framework, French traders are afforded exceptional levels of protection, transparency, and access to world-class financial providers.

This guide provides an in-depth, updated analysis of the top 10 brokers serving the French market in 2025. By evaluating each provider on their verified regulatory status, trading costs, platform technology, and unique strengths, this review will equip you with the essential information to choose a trading partner that perfectly aligns with your strategy.

AMF & ESMA Regulatory Framework

ESMA provides the regulatory framework that governs CFD trading across all EU member states, while the AMF implements and enforces these rules in France, often with additional national requirements.

Key ESMA protection measures for retail traders include:

• Leverage Limits: 30:1 for major forex pairs, 20:1 for minor pairs and gold, and lower for other assets.
• Negative Balance Protection: Ensures traders cannot lose more than their account deposit.
• Margin Close-Out Rule: Brokers must close positions if equity drops to 50% of the required margin.
• Sapin II Law: French law mandates that brokers must offer guaranteed stop-loss orders to retail clients.

Top 10 FX & CFD Brokers in France

Here is a detailed breakdown of the leading brokers, assessing their core offerings, strengths, and potential drawbacks for French traders.

1. INFINOX

INFINOX stands as the best CFD broker in France, delivering a powerful blend of value, innovation, and security under the ESMA framework. Its regulation by the UK's FCA ensures adherence to the highest European standards, including segregated client funds and negative balance protection. The broker’s key advantage lies in its versatile account structure: a zero-commission STP account for straightforward trading and a raw-spread ECN account for professionals seeking deep liquidity.

Furthermore, INFINOX distinguishes itself with the proprietary IX Social platform, an award-winning copy trading solution that enables traders to learn from and replicate the strategies of market experts. This combination of competitive costs, robust regulation, and cutting-edge technology makes INFINOX a superior partner for traders at all levels.

Key Pros

• Strong multi-jurisdictional regulation, including the FCA, ensures high safety standards.
• Offers a true zero-commission trading account, providing excellent value.
• Advanced proprietary social and copy trading platform (IX Social).
• High leverage options are available for eligible professional clients.

Key Cons

• The total range of instruments is more focused on major markets compared to brokers with tens of thousands of assets.

2. CMC Markets

CMC Markets is a top-tier broker with direct AMF authorization, making it one of the most trusted choices for French traders. It offers an enormous product range, including an market-leading 330+ forex pairs. Its proprietary "Next Generation" platform is a powerhouse of analytical tools, featuring advanced charting and integrated trade signals, making it ideal for serious, diversified traders who prioritize local regulation.

Key Pros

• Directly registered with France's AMF and Germany's BaFin.
• Massive instrument range, especially in forex.
• Advanced proprietary platform with exceptional analytical tools.

Key Cons

• The platform can be feature-heavy and complex for absolute beginners.

3. Saxo Bank

Saxo Bank operates as a fully licensed French bank (Saxo Banque France), offering the highest possible level of local regulatory oversight and security. It is best suited for experienced, well-capitalised traders who demand institutional-grade tools, extensive market access (over 70,000 instruments), and sophisticated platforms like SaxoTraderPRO. It is the premium choice for serious portfolio management.

Key Pros

• Holds a full French banking license from AMF & ACPR.
• Exceptional proprietary platforms and award-winning market research.
• Vast portfolio of tradable instruments beyond CFDs.

Key Cons

• High minimum deposit and pricing structure favor larger, more experienced traders.

4. Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is the gold standard for professional traders and sophisticated investors, serving France through its Irish-regulated entity. As a NASDAQ-listed company, it offers unparalleled global market access and institutional-grade pricing. Its flagship Trader Workstation (TWS) platform is designed for complex, algorithmic, and multi-asset strategies.

Key Pros

• Unrivaled access to global stocks, options, futures, and forex.
• Industry-leading low commissions and tight spreads.
• Highly advanced and customizable trading platform (TWS).

Key Cons

• The TWS platform has a very steep learning curve and is not suitable for beginners.

5. eToro

eToro is the world's leading social trading platform and is notably registered with the AMF as a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) in France. Its flagship CopyTrader™ feature allows users to automatically replicate the trades of successful investors. Offering 0% commission on real stocks and direct crypto investment, it is an excellent platform for beginners and multi-asset investors.

Key Pros

• The world's leading platform for social and copy trading.
• Holds AMF DASP registration for crypto services in France.
• Offers 0% commission on real stocks and ETFs.

Key Cons

• CFD spreads are wider than specialist forex brokers.
• Non-EUR deposits and withdrawals may incur a conversion fee.

6. XTB

XTB is a publicly-traded European broker operating in France via its KNF license and EU passporting rights. It is known for its award-winning proprietary platform, xStation 5, and its offering of 0% commission on real stocks and ETFs. It's a strong all-around choice for investors who want to combine CFD trading with long-term stock investing in one account.

Key Pros

• 0% commission on real stocks and ETFs.
• Award-winning, user-friendly xStation 5 platform.
• Publicly listed company with strong regulatory oversight.

Key Cons

• Does not offer the popular MetaTrader platforms.

7. IG

IG is an industry giant with direct AMF registration in France. It offers a market-leading selection of over 17,000 instruments and is highly regarded for its award-winning educational content. Its robust proprietary platform and unwavering commitment to security and compliance make it a top choice for traders at all levels who value deep market access.

Key Pros

• Directly registered with France's AMF.
• Massive range of tradable instruments across all asset classes.
• Excellent educational resources and award-winning research.

Key Cons

• Spreads are competitive but not as low as ECN-focused specialists.

8. Admirals

Admirals is a well-regulated broker operating in France via its CySEC license, with a strong emphasis on the MetaTrader experience. Its "MetaTrader Supreme Edition" plugin provides over 60 additional tools, significantly boosting the platform's analytical capabilities. With a huge range of over 8,000 instruments, it is a strong choice for serious technical traders.

Key Pros

• Powerful MetaTrader Supreme Edition plugin offers advanced tools.
• Excellent educational content and market analysis.
• Wide range of over 8,000 instruments, including real stocks.

Key Cons

• Can charge inactivity fees.

9. AvaTrade

AvaTrade serves French clients via its Irish-regulated entity, offering a multi-platform environment with a focus on user-friendliness. Its key differentiator is the use of fixed spreads, which provides cost certainty. Unique tools like AvaProtect™, a form of trade insurance, make it an attractive option for risk-conscious traders and those new to the markets.

Key Pros

• Offers fixed spreads for predictable trading costs.
• Innovative risk management tools like AvaProtect™.
• Strong EU regulation via the Central Bank of Ireland.

Key Cons

• Fixed spreads are typically wider than the variable spreads offered by ECN brokers.

10. Capital

Capital.com stands out with its innovative, AI-powered trading platform designed to provide personalized feedback and trading insights. Operating under CySEC regulation for French clients, it offers a zero-commission model with competitive spreads. The platform's machine learning algorithms analyze trading behavior to help users identify and overcome potential biases, making it a unique tool for trader development.

Key Pros

• AI-driven platform provides personalized trading insights.
• Excellent educational resources and a user-friendly interface.
• Full integration with the powerful TradingView platform.

Key Cons

• MetaTrader 4 is not offered to French clients due to regulatory interpretation.

How to Choose the Best Forex Broker for Your Needs

Selecting the right broker is a personal decision that depends on a trader's strategy, experience level, and financial goals. Industry experts suggest evaluating brokers based on a few core principles.

1. Prioritise AMF & ESMA Regulation: The safety of funds is non-negotiable. Always choose a broker that is either directly registered with the AMF (like CMC Markets or Saxo Bank) or fully compliant with ESMA rules via another top-tier EU regulator like CySEC or the FCA. This ensures you receive all mandatory protections, including negative balance protection and guaranteed stops as required by French law.
2. Analyse the Full Cost of Trading: It is important to look beyond advertised spreads. Traders should consider commissions, overnight swap fees, and any potential inactivity charges. A zero-commission account, such as the INFINOX STP account, can offer significant value and simplicity, while an ECN account may be more cost-effective for high-volume trading.
3. Assess the Trading Style: A trader's approach is paramount. For example, a beginner might prefer the community features of eToro, while an active trader needs the low costs of an ECN broker. For those seeking a blend of low costs and innovative tools, a platform like IX Social from INFINOX provides an ideal solution.
4. Evaluate Platforms and Tools: The trading platform is the trader's gateway to the markets. It is crucial to test a broker’s platform through a demo account to ensure it is stable, intuitive, and equipped with the necessary tools. INFINOX provides both the industry-standard MT4/MT5 and its innovative IX Social and IX SYNC platforms to cater to diverse needs.

Ultimately, the best broker is one that aligns with a trader's journey. By offering a blend of competitive costs, advanced technology, and unwavering support, INFINOX positions itself as a trusted partner in the financial markets.

Broker Comparison Table (2025)