Top 2025 Brokers for Trading in Ireland

A trading broker is a financial intermediary that allows you to place orders on the markets and trade many assets such as CFDs, Forex, cryptocurrencies or commodities, as an individual.

But what is trading and how does it work? How to choose the right broker to practice online trading?

Discover the top-rated brokers for this year, those who stand out for their quality of service, reliability, and ability to adapt to different market trends. On this page, we have compared brokers with user-friendly platforms, tight spreads, access to MetaTrader 4 or 5, or those offering a unique social experience with copy trading.

What is a Trading Broker? Trading Definition

In English, the term "trading" refers to buying and selling operations carried out in financial markets.

Individuals or professionals who carry out these operations are called "traders."

Trading can be carried out by professional traders who speculate from the trading floor or on behalf of a financial or stock market institution, but also by individual and independent traders who use online trading platforms for this purpose.

Good to know

Trading differs from traditional investment in that it aims for shorter-term gains and uses specific tools such as leverage to increase market exposure.

Trading Broker: Definition and Role

A broker is a financial intermediary that allows investors to buy and sell assets in financial markets. These assets can be diverse: stocks, currencies, commodities, indices, and more. The main role of a broker is to facilitate access to the markets for individual and institutional traders, by providing the platform, tools, and services necessary to carry out transactions.

Brokers play an essential role in the trading ecosystem. They provide trading platforms that allow users to view real-time prices, place orders, and analyse markets using technical indicators. Furthermore, they serve as a link between investors and stock exchanges, transmitting traders' orders to the markets, often in near real-time.

In addition to these basic functions, brokers may offer additional services, such as investment advice, market analysis, or training for beginners. They also play an essential role in ensuring the security of transactions and offering leverage that allows traders to increase the value of their positions, although this can increase risks.

What are the best trading brokers in Ireland in 2025?

Choosing the best broker depends on your trading strategy and the assets you are interested in. Whether you are interested in Forex, copy trading, cryptocurrencies, or whether you prefer to use a specific platform like MetaTrader, some brokers stand out for the quality of their services. Here is a selection of the best brokers in Ireland in 2025, according to the types of trading practiced.

Best broker for Forex trading

The foreign exchange (Forex) market attracts many traders due to its high liquidity and extended hours. To get the most out of Forex trading, several criteria must be taken into account before choosing a Forex broker:

• Competitive spreads on major currency pairs (like EUR/USD) help reduce transaction costs, especially for short-term strategies.
• Fast order execution is essential in such a volatile market to limit slippage and ensure precise entry and exit points.
• High leverage, although risky, can be a strategic lever for experienced traders looking to maximize their exposure with limited capital.
• Reliable regulation (Central Bank of Ireland, FCA, ASIC...) guarantees the protection of funds and compliance with industry best practices.
• Recognized platforms like MetaTrader 4 or 5 (MT4/MT5), or cTrader, offer powerful technical analysis tools and an interface suitable for all trader profiles.

Certain Forex brokers combine these advantages to offer an optimal experience, both for beginners and more advanced traders.

Best Broker for Copy Trading

Copy trading is an ideal solution for investors who want to benefit from the experience of professional traders without actively managing their portfolio. It allows you to automatically replicate the strategies of more experienced traders, while maintaining complete control over the amounts invested.

Here are the main criteria to consider when choosing a href="https://hellosafe.fr/investissement/trading/copy-trading" data-name="/investissement/trading/copy-trading" data-description="WP page">broker suitable for copy trading:

• Integrated copy trading platforms: Some brokers offer their own social platforms, while others rely on recognised external solutions such as ZuluTrade or Myfxbook.
• Fee structure: Fees can vary between simple spreads, commissions on profits made, or copy fees charged on each transaction copied.
• Variety of assets offered: A versatile broker allows you to copy strategies across different markets such as Forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies or indices.
• Regulation: As with any financial service, it is essential to ensure that the broker is properly regulated by a recognised authority (FCA, CBI, ASIC, etc.).

Best Broker for Crypto Trading

Cryptocurrency trading is increasingly attracting investors, drawn by price volatility and opportunities for quick gains. To choose the right crypto broker, several criteria must be taken into account:

• Number of cryptos available: A varied offering allows you to diversify your portfolio beyond the classic Bitcoin or Ethereum, with altcoins with high potential.
• Competitive trading fees: Brokers generally apply spreads or commissions. Comparing fees is essential to optimise profitability.
• Trading platform: An intuitive, fluid interface equipped with technical analysis tools is a real asset, especially for active traders.
• Regulation and security: Even in the crypto universe, it is preferable to go through a regulated intermediary, which guarantees the protection of funds and compliance with compliance standards. In Ireland, the regulatory body is the Central Bank of Ireland.

Best Trading Broker with MT4 or MT5

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are essential platforms in the world of online trading. Known for their stability, compatibility with Expert Advisors (EAs), and advanced technical analysis tools, they are used by both beginners and experienced traders.

To get the most out of these platforms, it is recommended to choose a broker that:

• Offers MT4 and/or MT5 without restrictions, with all the functionalities available (customisable indicators, automated trading, advanced order management, etc.);
• Offers competitive spreads, particularly on major markets such as Forex, indices or commodities;
• Has a leverage adapted to the user's profile (with options up to 1:30 in some cases);
• Is regulated by a recognised authority, guaranteeing the security of funds and the reliability of the platform.

How to find the best broker for trading?

Choosing the best broker for trading is important if you want to succeed in your investments. A good broker will allow you to maximise your chances of gains while minimising the risks, thanks to powerful tools, competitive fees, and quality customer support. Here are the main criteria to consider when finding the broker that best suits your needs and your investor profile.

• Regulation and Security: The first criterion to verify is the broker's regulation. It must be regulated by a recognised financial authority, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK or CySEC in Cyprus. Solid regulation ensures that the broker adheres to strict standards of transparency, fund security and fair treatment of clients. The security of your funds and personal data should always be the priority.
• Fees and commissions: Fees represent a significant portion of your trading costs. These include commissions per transaction, spreads (difference between the buy and sell price), and possibly account management fees. Opt for a broker whose fees are clear and competitive, in order to minimise the impact of these costs on your potential gains. Watch out for brokers who offer very tight spreads but impose high commissions, and vice versa.
• The trading platform: The quality of the trading platform is another fundamental element. A good platform must be intuitive, reliable and offer rapid access to market information. It should offer technical analysis tools (indicators, advanced charts), an ergonomic interface, and the ability to use advanced orders such as stop or limit orders. Some brokers offer popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 or 5, while others have developed their own tools.
• Available assets: Depending on your investment strategy, you will want to choose a broker that offers a wide range of assets: stocks, Forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, etc. Check if the assets you are interested in are available, and if the broker offers advantageous trading conditions on these assets (leverage, spreads, etc.). The diversity of financial products allows you to vary strategies and spread risks.
• Leverage and margins: Leverage allows you to amplify your exposure to the market, which can increase your gains but also your losses. Some brokers offer higher leverage than others, which may be attractive to experienced traders but risky for beginners. Check that the broker offers leverage levels that are in line with your risk tolerance, and that it provides clear explanations of the margins required. The maximum leverage allowed for retail traders in Ireland is according on the regulation.
• Customer service and educational resources: Good customer service is essential, especially in the event of a technical problem or urgent question. Check that the support is easily reachable, ideally in several languages, and that the response times are reasonable. In addition to support, some brokers offer educational resources: tutorials, webinars, articles, to help you develop your trading skills. For beginners, these resources are a valuable asset.
• User reviews: User reviews and online tests are also a good source of information. They allow you to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each broker according to the experience of real customers. Keep in mind, however, that each experience is subjective: you must cross-reference several sources of opinion to obtain a global and balanced picture.

How to Trade with an Online Broker

Embarking on online trading involves several key steps: from opening an account to using the trading platform, including managing funds and risks. Here is an overview of the standard process offered by most online brokers.

1. Open a Trading Account

The first step is to open an account with a regulated broker. This process generally includes:

• Online Registration: You need to fill out a form with your personal information (name, email address, phone number), then choose your country of residence.
• Identity Verification (KYC): To comply with international regulations, it is mandatory to provide a valid identity document and proof of address. This verification ensures account security and prevents fraud.
• Choosing an Account Type: Brokers offer different account types (standard, commission-free, with reduced spreads, etc.) adapted to various trader profiles.

2. Depositing Funds

Once the account is activated, the next step is to fund it:

• Deposit Methods: most brokers accept payments by bank card, bank transfer or e-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller or PayPal.
• Minimum amount required: the minimum initial deposit varies depending on the broker, but is often around 100 to 250. It is advisable to start with sufficient capital to properly manage the risk, especially when using leverage.

3. Using the Trading Platform (e.g. MT4/MT5)

Once the funds have been deposited, you can access the chosen trading platform. The most common are MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5):

• Installation and connection: The platforms are available for download on your computer or in a web version. Once installed, simply log in with the credentials provided by the broker.
• Interface Discovery: MT4/MT5 offer advanced features: real-time charting, technical indicators, analysis tools, window customization, fast order execution, and automated management via trading robots (EAs).
• Demo accounts: It is strongly recommended to start with a demo account to familiarize yourself with the interface, test strategies, and understand market mechanics without risking your capital.

4. Practical Example: Forex Trading on EUR/USD

Let's take the example of a typical transaction on the Forex market, trading the EUR/USD pair:

• Market Analysis: Before opening a position, it is strongly advised to perform a technical analysis. With MT5, you can use technical indicators (such as moving averages or Bollinger bands) to identify a trend. Suppose you identify a bullish signal indicating that the euro could strengthen against the dollar.
• Placing a Buy Order: On Eightcap's MT5 platform, click on "New Order". Select EUR/USD and choose the trading volume (for example, 0.1 lot). Then click on "Buy" to open a long position.
• Risk Management: To protect your capital, we recommend placing a stop loss. Imagine you place a stop loss at 50 pips below your entry point to limit your potential losses. You can also set a take profit at 100 pips above your entry point, to lock in your gains if the market moves in your favor.

5. Monitoring and Closing the Position

• Monitoring : with MT5, you can track the progress of your position in real time. The charts allow you to see if the trend is evolving as expected. You can also adjust your stop loss or take profit according to market movements.
• Closing the position : when the EUR/USD pair reaches your target or you deem the moment opportune, you can manually close the position by clicking on "Close Position". If the take profit or stop loss are reached, the position will close automatically.

6. Analysis of results and adjustments

Once the position is closed, analyse the result:

• Gains or losses: Suppose the EUR/USD has reached your 100-pip profit target. This means that, depending on your position size, you have made a proportional profit. For example, with a volume of 0.1 lot, 100 pips could be equivalent to approximately $100 in profit.
• Trading journal: Use the journal integrated into MT5 to review all the decisions made during this transaction. Understanding what worked well and what can be improved is essential for developing your trading skills.

Good to know

If you are a beginner, we advise you to choose an online broker that will also allow you to follow a trading course and will offer you a demo account.

Are trading brokers safe in Ireland?

Security is a primary concern for investors when selecting a trading broker. In Ireland, brokers are subject to stringent regulations enforced by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) to ensure the protection of investor funds and a secure trading environment. Here's an overview of the key measures and regulations that safeguard trading brokers in Ireland:

• Regulation and Supervisory Authorities: Trading brokers operating in Ireland must be authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland under relevant legislation such as the Investment Intermediaries Act 1995 or the European Union (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2017. The CBI supervises these firms to ensure compliance with standards of transparency, risk management, and client protection.
• Segregation of Client Funds: Authorised brokers are required to keep client funds separate from their own operational funds. This segregation ensures that investor deposits are held in distinct accounts, protecting them even if the broker encounters financial difficulties.
• Investor Compensation Scheme (ICS): In the event that an authorised investment firm is unable to return client assets, the Investor Compensation Scheme provides compensation up to 90% of the net loss, capped at €20,000 per investor. This scheme is administered by the Investor Compensation Company DAC (ICCL).
• Negative Balance Protection: While not mandated by Irish regulation, some brokers offer negative balance protection voluntarily. This feature ensures that traders cannot lose more than the capital they have invested, even in volatile market conditions.
• Transparency of Information: Brokers authorised by the CBI must provide clear and detailed information about their trading conditions, including fees, spreads, leverage, and associated risks. This transparency enables traders to make informed decisions and understand the full cost and risk of their investments.
• Data Protection and Technological Security: Brokers in Ireland are expected to implement advanced security measures to protect clients' personal and financial data. This includes data encryption, secure storage, and robust cybersecurity protocols to prevent unauthorized access.
• CBI's Warning List: To protect investors from scams and unauthorized brokers, the Central Bank of Ireland maintains a list of firms that are not authorised to provide financial services. Before opening an account, traders should verify whether the broker is authorised by checking the CBI's registers.

What are the fees charged by brokers for trading?

Here is a table summarizing the different types of fees charged by online brokers, with average rates or amounts as well as an example for each type of fee. This table is designed to give you an idea of the costs you might encounter when using a trading broker.

• Spreads: Spreads are fees levied by brokers automatically on each position taken by the trader. It represents a slight difference between the buying price and the selling price of a financial product. Depending on the broker, and depending on the asset chosen, the spread can be fixed or variable. In the case of a variable spread, the cost of this spread will vary depending on the volatility of the market. Spreads represent the broker's main remuneration.
• Swap fees: The swap is a fee levied on a position between two market sessions. They mainly concern traders practicing swing trading. Thus, and each time you keep a position open from one day to the next, fees are levied on your account as a charge. The amount of these fees varies according to the broker's internal policy as well as according to volatility.
• Withdrawal fees: If they are not applied by all brokers and for all types of withdrawals, these fees may be levied when the trader withdraws money from their trading account. Note, however, that depending on the withdrawal method chosen, it is possible to obtain free withdrawals from most brokers.
• Conversion fees: As the name suggests, these fees are applied to currency exchanges. A conversion may in particular be applied by a broker if you invest in an asset denominated in dollars with the euro. 
• Account maintenance fees: While these fees have become increasingly rare over time, some brokers still charge them and these are general fees. They can be charged monthly, quarterly or annually.
• Inactivity fees: Some brokers also charge inactivity fees which are applied when the trader does not use their trading account for a certain time. Most often, these fees are only charged after 12 months or 24 months of inactivity. But some brokers apply them from 6 months. The amount of inactivity fees will also vary depending on the broker's policy and we advise you to check these before registering.
• Specific stock fees: Stock trading will also involve certain specific fees at some brokers. This may include subscription fees or additional commissions to the spread. Most often, these are fees levied in order to have access to foreign market data in real time.
• Guaranteed stop-loss order fees: Finally, some brokers also charge for the use of guaranteed stop-loss orders even if this practice is also increasingly rare.

Which broker is best for trading with a demo account?

One of the most effective ways to learn online trading is to use a demo account free demo account. These accounts are offered by many brokers and allow you to both test the proposed platform and practice using different strategies before betting your own money. 

The demo account is funded with virtual capital which can be unlimited or limited. This is virtual money that you will use to make your investments under real market conditions. Likewise, the duration of use of a demo account will vary from one broker to another.

The trading demo account allows you to enjoy various advantages including:

• The opportunity to learn without taking risks: A demo account allows you to speculate in real market conditions without risking your own capital and potentially losing it.
• The opportunity to learn how to use the platform: Also from a demo account, you will also be able to test most of the features offered by your broker's trading platform. This will allow you to practice using its features and tools safely.
• The opportunity to test trading strategies: Finally, the demo account also has the advantage of allowing you to test different trading strategies in parallel in order to detect the best solution and the best method.

How much can you earn with a trading broker?

It is, of course, difficult to say exactly how much you can earn from trading, as your earnings depend primarily on your experience, your level of knowledge, and your initial investment.

If you take the time to educate yourself and practice using a demo account, your potential earnings will also depend on the type of strategy you implement.

• With a strategy, you can expect an optimal return of around 10% per month.
• With a strategy, you can expect an approximate return of 30% or more per month, spending 5 to 6 hours a day trading.

Of course, the amount you can earn as a retail trader will also depend on the amount you invest on the trading platform. Indeed, a 10% return on an account with a deposit of 1,000 represents only 100 while if you deposit 10,000 you could earn up to 1,000 per month with an effective strategy.

Are Trading Profits Taxable in Ireland?

Yes, trading profits are taxable in Ireland. The taxation depends on the nature of your trading activities and whether they are considered as part of a trade or as investment activities. Here's an overview of how trading gains are taxed:

• Income Tax on Trading Profits: If your trading activities are frequent, systematic, and carried out with the intention of making a profit, they may be considered a trade. In such cases, profits are subject to Income Tax at your marginal rate, which can be up to 40%, along with Universal Social Charge (USC) and Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI).
• Capital Gains Tax (CGT): If your trading activities are more occasional and resemble investment activities, profits may be subject to CGT at a rate of 33%. Each individual has an annual CGT exemption of €1,270.
• Determining the Nature of Your Activities: The classification between trading and investment is based on several factors, including the frequency of transactions, the intention behind the purchases, and the level of organization. Revenue provides guidelines to help determine whether an activity is considered a trade.
• Record Keeping: It's essential to maintain accurate records of all your trading transactions, including dates, amounts, and associated costs, to ensure correct tax computation and compliance.
• Tax Filing and Payment Deadlines: For CGT, if you dispose of an asset between 1 January and 30 November, payment is due by 15 December of the same year. For disposals in December, payment is due by 31 January of the following year. The tax return should be filed by 31 October of the following year.

All our guides on trading in Ireland

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.