| Updated: Although crucial, risk management and return maximisation can be overwhelming for those who lack the experience or time to commit fully to forex trading. This is where managed accounts come in, offering a potential solution for those who seek exposure to the forex market but cannot trade actively themselves.
With this type of account, a professional money manager or firm trades the forex market on behalf of individual investors. Investors own and control the funds deposited into the account and grant the manager limited power of attorney to place orders on their behalf. On this page, you will find the best brokers offering managed accounts, along with comprehensive information about the costs, advantages and disadvantages associated with their services.
Expert opinion by Christopher Lewis:Below, you can find a list of forex brokers that offer managed accounts:
Top 8 Forex Brokers with Managed Forex Accounts
-
Fusion Markets
- Australia regulated broker
- MT4, MT5, TradingView, Ctrader
- Leverage up to 500
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Commodity CFDs
- Crypto CFDs
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Metal CFDs
- Stock CFDs
-
FP Markets
- Australia and CySEC regulated broker
- MT4/MT5, TradingView, Ctrader, Iress
- EUR/USD spread from 0.0 pips
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Commodity CFDs
- Crypto CFDs
- Energy CFDs
- ETF CFDs
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Metal CFDs
- Stock CFDs
-
BlackBull Markets
- Broker boasting lightning-fast execution speed
- ECN brokers with tight spreads from 0.0 pips
- $0 minimum deposit requirement
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Commodity CFDs
- Crypto CFDs
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Metal CFDs
- Stock CFDs
-
Pepperstone
- Australia and CySEC regulated broker
- MT4/MT5, TradingView, Ctrader, Iress
- EUR/USD spread from 0.0 pips
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Commodity CFDs
- Crypto CFDs
- Energy CFDs
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Metal CFDs
- Stock CFDs
-
Blueberry Markets
- Well-known broker, established in Australia
- Low trading fees
- MT4, MT5, Mobile Trading Platform
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Commodity CFDs
- Crypto CFDs
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Share CFDs
-
IG
- Offers different account types, including DMA (Direct Market Access) one
- Offers turbo warrants on forex pairs, commodities, indices, and equities
- Supports popular platforms like MT4 and TradingView as well as ProRealTime, L2, and more
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Bond Futures
- Bond Options
- Bond Spread Betting
- Bonds CFDs
- Commodity CFDs
- Commodity Futures
- Commodity Options
- Commodity Spread Betting
- Crypto CFDs
- Crypto Options
- Crypto Spread Betting
- Currency Futures
- Energy CFDs
- Energy Futures
- Energy Options
- Energy Spread Betting
- ETF CFDs
- ETF Options
- ETF Spread Betting
- Forex CFDs
- Forex Options
- Forex Spread Betting
- Index CFDs
- Index Futures
- Index Options
- Index Spread Betting
- Interest Rate Futures
- Metal CFDs
- Metal Futures
- Metal Options
- Metals Spread Betting
- Share CFDs
- Stock CFDs
- Stock Options
- Stock Spread Betting
- US Stock CFDs
- US Stock Options
- US Stock Spread Betting
-
Vantage
- Broker offering some of the lowest spreads from 0.0 pips
- Operating in multiple markets under licenses from tier-1 regulators
- Provides a range of account types with great trading conditions
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Commodity CFDs
- Crypto CFDs
- Energy CFDs
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Metal CFDs
- Stock CFDs
-
ActivTrades
- Winner of 20+ Global Awards
- MT4/MT5, TradingView
- Leverage up to 1:400
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Bonds CFDs
- Commodity CFDs
- Crypto CFDs
- ETF CFDs
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Share CFDs
Our 8-step guide to choosing a forex broker
- Verify regulation and authorisation (e.g., FCA, ASIC).
- Check trading costs: spreads, commissions, swaps.
- Compare execution quality: slippage, fills, order types.
- Check platforms and tools: MT4/MT5, cTrader, TradingView.
- Ensure risk controls: stop-loss, guaranteed stops, negative balance protection.
- Review funding and withdrawals: local options, fees, processing times.
- Evaluate research, education, and alerts.
- Prioritise security and support: segregated client funds, two-factor authentication, support hours.
Brokers Compared by Spread
FX Brokers’ Deposit Method Comparison
| Brand | Minimum deposit | |
|---|---|---|
| Fusion Markets |  |
$0 |
| FP Markets | |
$50 (AU$100) |
| BlackBull Markets |  |
$0 (Standard)$0 (Prime)$20,000 (Institutional) |
| Pepperstone | |
$10 |
| Blueberry Markets | |
$100 |
| IG | |
$50 |
| Vantage | |
$50 |
| ActivTrades | |
$0 |
Brokers by Regulator
| Brand | Maximum leverage | |
|---|---|---|
| Fusion Markets | |
1:500 (ASIC | Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:500 (VFSC | Retail Account) |
| FP Markets | |
1:500 (CySEC | Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account), 1:500 (FSAS | Retail Account) |
| BlackBull Markets | |
1:500 (FMA), 1:500 (FSAS) |
| Pepperstone | |
1:500 (CySEC | Pro Account), 1:500 (SCB | Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account), 1:30 (DFSA | Retail Account), 1:30 (FCA | Retail Account), 1:200 (SCB | Retail Account) |
| Blueberry Markets | |
1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:500 (FSCM), 1:500 (VFSC) |
| IG | |
1:222 (BaFin | Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:30 (BaFin | Retail Account), 1:200 (BMA | Retail Account), 1:30 (FCA | Retail Account) |
| Vantage | |
1:500 (ASIC | Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:500 (CIMA | Retail Account), 1:30 (FCA | Retail Account) |
| ActivTrades | |
1:400 (CMVM | Pro Account), 1:30 (CMVM | Retail Account), 1:1000 (FSC), 1:200 (SCB) |
Forex Brokers’ Platform Availability
| Brand | FX pairs to trade | |
|---|---|---|
| Fusion Markets | |
cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView |
| FP Markets | |
cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView |
| BlackBull Markets | |
cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView |
| Pepperstone | |
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Mobile, Proprietary Web |
| Blueberry Markets | |
cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView |
| IG | |
MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web, TradingView |
| Vantage | |
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web, TradingView |
| ActivTrades | |
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web, TradingView |
Comprehensive Comparison of the Best Managed Forex Accounts
| Brand | Min. Deposit | Trading Platforms | Spread | Regulation | Trustpilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$0 |
|
AVG 0.91 pips |
|
|
 |
$50 (AU$100) |
|
AVG 1.29 pips |
|
|
 |
$0 (Standard)$0 (Prime)$20,000 (Institutional) |
|
AVG 0.1 pips |
|
|
 |
$10 |
|
AVG 1.1 pips |
|
|
 |
$100 |
|
AVG 1.1 pips |
|
|
 |
$50 |
|
AVG 0.86 pips |
|
|
 |
$50 |
|
AVG 0.08 pips |
|
|
 |
$0 |
|
AVG 0.5 pips |
|
This page explains how managed-account forex brokers work, the different types of managed accounts available, the fees brokers charge and the advantages and disadvantages of using these services. The following sections provide the information readers need to assess managed forex accounts and make informed investment decisions.
Managed Forex Trading Accounts Explained
Managed forex trading accounts are investment vehicles in which a professional trader or investment manager makes trading decisions on behalf of the account holder. They can be an attractive option for individuals who lack the time, expertise or desire to trade actively in the forex market.
The process typically begins with the account holder depositing funds into a managed account. The professional trader or investment manager then uses their expertise and experience to make trading decisions with the aim of generating returns for the account holder.
Managed accounts can be tailored to suit individual investment goals and risk tolerance. Account holders can also typically access their account information and track its performance online. One of the key benefits of managed accounts is that they can provide access to trading strategies and expertise that may not be available to individual traders. Managed accounts can also help reduce the emotional aspect of trading because the professional trader or investment manager is responsible for the trading decisions.
The way managed accounts operate can vary depending on the broker and account type. Some brokers may offer discretionary managed accounts, in which the professional trader or investment manager has complete control over trading decisions. Others may offer non-discretionary managed accounts, in which the account holder retains more control over those decisions. In some cases, managed accounts may be pooled with other accounts, allowing the professional trader or investment manager to oversee a larger pool of funds. Regardless of the account type, the aim is to provide a convenient way for individuals to participate in the forex market and potentially generate returns.
Common Types of Managed Accounts: MAM and PAMM Trading Models
Several types of managed accounts are available, but two of the most common models are the Multi-Account Manager (MAM) and Percentage Allocation Management Module (PAMM).
- A MAM account allows a professional trader or investment manager to manage multiple accounts through a single interface, making it easier to allocate trades and manage risk. This type of account is often used by brokers that offer managed accounts to a large number of clients.
- A PAMM account, on the other hand, allows a professional trader or investment manager to manage a pool of funds from multiple account holders. Each account holder’s returns are based on their share of the total pool. This type of account is often used by brokers that offer managed accounts to individual traders.
Both MAM and PAMM accounts have advantages and disadvantages. MAM accounts can provide more flexibility and control for the professional trader or investment manager but may require a higher minimum deposit. PAMM accounts can offer a more streamlined and efficient way to manage multiple accounts but may be subject to stricter rules and regulations. Ultimately, the choice between an MAM and a PAMM account will depend on the individual’s investment goals and risk tolerance.
What Fees Do Brokers Offering Managed Accounts Charge?
Brokers that offer managed accounts typically charge a range of fees, including management, performance and administrative fees. Management fees are usually charged as a percentage of the account balance and can range from 1% to 5% per annum. Performance fees are typically charged as a percentage of the returns generated by the managed account and can range from 10% to 30% of the profits. Administrative fees may also be charged to cover the costs of maintaining the managed account, including account maintenance and transaction costs.
The fees charged by brokers can vary widely depending on the account type, the broker’s reputation and the level of service provided. Some brokers may also offer tiered fee structures in which fees decrease as the account balance increases. Account holders should carefully review the fee structure before opening a managed account to ensure that they understand all the costs involved. They should also consider the potential impact of fees on their returns and whether those fees are justified by the managed account’s performance.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Managed Forex Trading Accounts
Managed forex trading accounts offer a range of potential benefits, but they also have drawbacks. It is important to weigh these advantages and disadvantages before deciding whether a managed account is right for you.
Advantages
- Potential for Higher Returns: Managed accounts can provide access to trading strategies and expertise that may not be available to individual traders, potentially leading to higher returns.
- Professional Risk Management: By drawing on the expertise and experience of a professional trader or investment manager, managed accounts may help investors manage risk more effectively.
- Increased Convenience: Managed accounts offer greater convenience because account holders do not need to trade actively in the forex market, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their lives.
- Diversification: Managed accounts can provide a way to diversify an investment portfolio across a range of assets and markets, potentially reducing risk and increasing returns.
- Access to Professional Expertise: Managed accounts provide access to professional traders and investment managers with the expertise and experience to navigate the complex and volatile forex market.
- Regular Portfolio Rebalancing: Managed accounts can provide regular portfolio rebalancing, helping the account remain aligned with the account holder’s investment goals and risk tolerance.
- Tax Efficiency: Managed accounts may offer tax efficiency because the professional trader or investment manager can consider tax implications when making trading decisions.
Disadvantages
- Lack of Control: One of the main disadvantages of managed accounts is the lack of control. Account holders have limited input into trading decisions, which can concern some investors.
- High Fees: Managed accounts can be expensive, with high fees and charges reducing returns. This can be a significant drawback for some investors.
- Risk of Poor Trading Decisions: The professional trader or investment manager may make poor trading decisions, resulting in losses for the account holder.
- Limited Transparency: Some managed accounts may offer limited transparency, making it difficult for account holders to understand the trading decisions and strategies being used.
- Conflict of Interest: A conflict of interest may arise between the professional trader or investment manager and the account holder. The manager may be incentivised to take greater risks to generate higher returns rather than prioritising the account holder’s investment goals.
- Minimum Investment Requirements: Managed accounts often have minimum investment requirements, which can be a barrier for investors who do not have sufficient funds.
- Lock-Up Periods: Some managed accounts may have lock-up periods that restrict the account holder’s ability to withdraw funds, which can concern investors who need access to their money.
Overall, managed forex trading accounts can be a suitable option for investors who want to participate in the forex market without trading themselves. However, it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages carefully before making a decision. It is also important to conduct thorough research and choose a reputable and experienced professional trader or investment manager to handle your account.
FAQs
What is a managed forex trading account?
A managed forex trading account is a type of investment vehicle in which a professional trader or investment manager makes trading decisions on behalf of the account holder.
How do I choose a managed-account forex broker?
When choosing a managed-account forex broker, it is essential to consider factors such as the broker’s reputation, experience and fee structure. You should also review the broker’s performance track record and read reviews from other clients.
What are the risks associated with managed forex trading accounts?
The risks associated with managed forex trading accounts include potential losses, a lack of control and the possibility that the professional trader or investment manager will make poor trading decisions.
Can I withdraw my funds from a managed account at any time?
Most managed-account forex brokers allow account holders to withdraw their funds, although restrictions or penalties may apply to early withdrawals.
How do I monitor the performance of my managed account?
Most managed-account forex brokers provide online access to account information, allowing account holders to monitor performance and track returns in real time.
Conclusion
Managed-account forex brokers offer a practical solution for individuals who want to participate in the forex market without trading themselves. By understanding how managed accounts work, the different types available, the fees charged by brokers and the advantages and disadvantages of these services, account holders can make informed decisions about their investment options. Although managed accounts can provide benefits such as access to professional expertise and risk management, they also have drawbacks, including limited control and high fees. Ultimately, whether a managed account is suitable will depend on the individual’s investment goals, risk tolerance and personal circumstances.
Why You Should Trust RationalFX
When it comes to making informed decisions about forex brokers, it's essential to rely on trustworthy sources. RationalFX, a company with over 20 years of experience since its founding in 2005, has established itself as a credible authority in the industry. With an impressive collection of over 2500 reviews on Trustpilot, boasting a score of 4.2, it's clear that Rational FX has built a reputation for providing reliable and unbiased information.
What sets Rational FX apart is its rigorous evaluation process, which considers over 30 different criteria when selecting forex brokers. This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of a broker's service is taken in consideration, including regulation, forex spreads, trading platforms, deposit methods, and reputation. With its wealth of experience, transparent review process, and outstanding customer feedback, Rational FX is a trusted source for anyone seeking reliable information on forex brokers. You can reach us via e-mail at feedback@rationalfx.com or contact us through our social media accounts here: Facebook, YouTube, or leave a feedback here.