Best Market Maker Brokers 2025

Minimum Deposit	Leverage	MT4	MT5
10$	1:2000	✅	✅
100$	1:500	❌	❌
10$	1:1000	✅	✅
5$	1:500	✅	✅
1$	1:3000	✅	✅
1$	1:3000	✅	✅
100$	1:500	❌	❌
1$	1:2000	✅	✅
200$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:300	✅	✅
5$	1:1000	✅	✅
100$	1:1000	✅	✅
200$	1:500	✅	✅
50$	1:500	✅	✅
5$	1:1000	✅	✅
50$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
1$	1:500	✅	✅
1$	1:2000	✅	✅
10$	1:1000	✅	✅
25$	1:1000	✅	✅
10$	1:2000	✅	✅
100$	1:30	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
10$	1:1000	❌	❌
250$	1:30	✅	✅
25$	1:400	✅	✅
25$	1:400	✅	✅
5$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:1000	✅	❌
10$	1:100	❌	❌
100$	1:30	✅	✅
1$	1:1000	✅	✅
100$	1:30	✅	✅
10$	1:500	✅	✅
10$	1:500	✅	❌
1 USDT	1:125	❌	❌
50$	1:500	✅	❌
0.001₿	1:500	✅	✅
0$	1:500	✅	✅
20$	1:1000	✅	✅
10$	1:200	✅	✅
1$	1:500	✅	❌
20$	1:30	✅	✅
50$	1:1000	✅	✅
10$	1:500	✅	✅
10$	1:1000	✅	❌
1$	1:400	❌	❌
100$	1:500	✅	✅
5$	1:1000	✅	✅
1$	1:200	✅	✅
1$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
25$	1:1	❌	❌
100$	1:500	✅	✅
1$	1:100	✅	✅
1$	1:400	✅	✅
1$	1:1000	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
10$	1:1000	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
1$	1:1000	✅	✅
10$	1:1000	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
200$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
50$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:1000	✅	✅
200$	1:400	❌	❌
100$	1:500	✅	✅
200$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:200	✅	❌
100$	1:500	✅	✅
50$	1:500	✅	✅
200$	1:500	✅	✅
200$	1:500	✅	❌
200$	1:500	✅	✅
200$	1:30	✅	✅
200$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	❌
200$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:300	✅	❌
100$	1:200	✅	❌
100GBP	1:30	❌	❌
100$	1:500	✅	✅
50$	1:200	✅	✅
0$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:100	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	❌
10$	1:500	✅	❌
10$	1:500	❌	❌
10$	1:1000	✅	❌
50$	1:500	✅	❌
10$	1:500	❌	❌
10$	1:500	❌	❌
10$	1:1000	❌	❌
10$	1:500	❌	❌
100$	1:500	✅	❌
100$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
10$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
500$	1:500	✅	❌
50$	1:500	✅	✅
100$	1:500	✅	✅
200$	1:200	✅	✅
1$	1:1000	✅	✅
10$	1:500	✅	❌
100$	1:500	✅	✅
10$	1:200	✅	✅
100$	1:400	✅	✅
50$	1:400	✅	❌

Article Overview show

Pros and Cons

Pros

Low Spreads: Market maker brokers typically offer tight spreads, especially for popular currency pairs.
Faster Order Execution: Orders are often executed instantly since the firm acts as the counterparty to trades.
Risk Management Features: Many brokers provide advanced risk management tools such as negative balance protection.
User-Friendly Platforms: These brokerages tend to cater to beginners, offering easy-to-use trading platforms.
Low Minimum Deposit: Most market makers require low minimum deposits, making them accessible to a wide range of customers.
Wide Range of Assets: Market makers often provide access to multiple asset classes such as forex, commodities, and indices.

Cons

Potential for Conflict of Interest: Since the company is the counterparty to trades, there could be a perceived conflict of interest.
Wider Spreads on Exotic Pairs: Some market makers may offer wider spreads on less liquid currency pairs.
Limited Transparency: Market maker brokers may not offer the same level of transparency as ECN or STP brokers.

Introduction to market maker brokers

Market maker brokers are a crucial part of the financial trading landscape, providing liquidity for traders by acting as the counterparty to their transactions.

They create a market within their platforms, ensuring that trades are executed without relying on external liquidity providers.

This approach contrasts with ECN (Electronic Communication Network) or STP (Straight Through Processing) brokers, who pass client orders directly to liquidity providers in the interbank market.

A key feature of market maker brokers is their ability to offer fixed spreads and fast order execution.

They can do this because they don’t need to match customer orders with external buyers or sellers.

Instead, they buy from or sell to their clients directly, taking the opposite side of each trade.

For retailers, especially those new to the financial markets, this can be a significant advantage, as it provides more predictable trading costs and quicker execution times.

However, this model also raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Since the broker profits from the spread between the bid and ask prices, and because they are the counterparty to their clients’ trades, traders may worry that the company could manipulate prices to its advantage.

Despite these concerns, they operate with transparency and integrity, particularly those regulated by reputable financial authorities.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the workings of market maker brokers, their advantages, disadvantages, and provide comparisons of some top firms in this category.

We will also explore key features to look for when choosing a broker, as well as how to evaluate whether this type is right for your trading needs.

best-market-maher-brokers

How do market maker brokers work?

Market maker brokers play an essential role in ensuring liquidity for financial markets.

Their primary function is to provide immediate buy and sell options for traders.

When you place a trade with a market maker broker, you are effectively buying or selling directly from the broker, as they take the opposite side of your trade.

For example, if you wish to buy EUR/USD, the brokerage sells it to you.

Conversely, if you sell EUR/USD, the company buys it from you.

This process guarantees that orders are filled promptly, regardless of market conditions or liquidity.

The benefit of this structure is that it allows individuals to execute their orders instantly.

Unlike ECN or STP brokers, who pass orders through to liquidity providers (which may lead to delays during volatile market conditions), market maker brokers can execute trades directly on their platform, providing immediate results.

This is especially important for users who rely on speed, such as scalpers and day traders, where even minor delays can impact profitability.

However, it’s important to note that market makers make their money from the spread—the difference between the buy (bid) and sell (ask) prices.

As the counterparty to every trade, the broker profits when clients lose, which raises the potential for conflicts of interest.

In the worst cases, unscrupulous brokers might manipulate spreads or prices to increase their profits.

That said, reputable, regulated companies must adhere to strict standards to ensure fair trading conditions.

Example of a market maker trade

To illustrate how market maker brokers work, consider the following example:

A trader wants to buy 1 lot of EUR/USD at a current price of 1.1000.
The dealing desk broker quotes a spread of 2 pips, so the trader can buy EUR/USD at 1.1002.
The trader places a buy order, and the broker sells 1 lot of EUR/USD at the quoted price of 1.1002.
The broker holds the position until the trader decides to close it.
When the trader sells the EUR/USD position, the broker buys it back, profiting from the spread.

As you can see, the firm does not need to match the order with an external liquidity provider.

This enables instant execution and guarantees liquidity, even during market volatility.

Advantages of market maker brokers

Market maker brokers offer several benefits that appeal to both new and experts.

Below are some of the most notable advantages:

1. Guaranteed liquidity

One of the most significant advantages of market maker brokers is the guarantee of liquidity.

Since they take the opposite side of every trade, they ensure that there is always a buyer or seller available, regardless of market conditions.

This is particularly beneficial for retailers, as it ensures that trades are executed immediately, even during periods of low liquidity.

In contrast, ECN or STP brokers may struggle to find a counterparty in illiquid markets, leading to delays in order execution.

Guaranteed liquidity is one of the standout features of market maker brokers, ensuring trades are always filled promptly, even during volatile market conditions.

2. Fixed spreads

Many market maker brokers offer fixed spreads, which is a significant advantage for those who prioritize cost predictability.

Fixed spreads remain constant, even during periods of high market volatility.

This contrasts with variable spreads, which can widen significantly during volatile periods, increasing the cost of trading.

With fixed spreads, users can more accurately calculate their trading costs, allowing for better risk management and planning.

For example, XM and FBS are known for offering fixed spreads on specific accounts, providing consistency and predictability for their clients.

While fixed spreads might be slightly higher than the tight variable spreads offered by ECN brokers, they offer peace of mind, especially for investors who want to avoid sudden increases in trading costs.

3. Fast execution times

Because market maker brokers handle trades internally, they can offer instant execution.

This fast execution is especially beneficial for individuals who use short-term strategies such as scalping or day trading, where speed is critical.

The ability to execute trades quickly, without having to wait for external liquidity providers, ensures that traders can take advantage of market opportunities as soon as they arise.

In contrast, ECN and STP brokers might experience slight delays as they match trades with external counterparties.

While these delays are often minimal, they can still impact high-frequency trading strategies.

With market makers, clients can rest assured that their orders will be filled almost instantly.

Feature	Market Maker Broker	ECN/STP Broker
Liquidity	Guaranteed	Dependent on external liquidity providers
Spreads	Fixed or variable	Variable
Execution	Instant	May experience slight delays

4. User-friendly platforms

Market maker brokers tend to cater to retailers, especially those who are new to the financial markets.

As such, many of these trading companies offer user-friendly platforms that are easy to navigate and understand.

Platforms such as MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are commonly provided by market makers, as they are intuitive and offer a wide range of tools for both beginners and experts.

In addition to MT4 and MT5, some market maker brokers also offer proprietary platforms designed to simplify the trading process.

For example, eToro’s platform is renowned for its simplicity and ease of use, particularly for those interested in social trading and copy trading.

The platform allows users to copy the trades of successful traders automatically, making it an excellent choice for beginners who are eager to learn from skilled investors.

5. Low minimum deposit requirements

Another advantage of market maker brokers is their low minimum deposit requirements.

Many firms in this category allow users to open accounts with as little as $1, making it easy for beginners to start trading without committing a significant amount of capital upfront.

This low barrier to entry is particularly attractive to new customers who want to test the waters before committing larger sums.

For example, JustMarkets and FBS offer minimum deposits as low as $1 on certain account types, providing an accessible entry point for those just starting in the world of trading.

These brokers also offer micro and cent accounts, allowing anybody to trade with smaller positions while learning the ropes.

Disadvantages of market maker brokers

While market maker brokers offer several benefits, there are also potential downsides that market participants should consider before choosing this type of broker.

1. Conflict of interest

One of the most significant concerns with market maker brokers is the potential conflict of interest.

Since the broker takes the opposite side of the trade, they stand to profit when the client loses.

This has led to concerns that market makers may manipulate prices or spreads to increase their profits.

While this is less of an issue with regulated companies who must adhere to strict guidelines, it is still something that traders should be aware of.

To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to choose a firm that is regulated by a reputable financial authority.

Regulatory bodies such as the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) in the UK or ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) in Australia impose strict rules to ensure fair and transparent trading conditions.

By choosing a regulated company, customers can reduce the likelihood of encountering unfair practices.

Cons

Potential conflicts of interest exist with market maker brokers, as they profit from the spread and may benefit when clients lose money. However, choosing a regulated firm can mitigate this risk.

2. Wider spreads on less liquid assets

While market maker brokers often offer competitive spreads on popular currency pairs like EUR/USD or GBP/USD, they may widen the spreads on less liquid assets such as exotic currency pairs or commodities.

This can increase the cost of trading for those who prefer to trade more obscure instruments.

For example, traders looking to trade exotic pairs such as USD/ZAR (US Dollar/South African Rand) or USD/TRY (US Dollar/Turkish Lira) may find that the spreads offered by dealing desk brokers are significantly wider than the ones offered by ECN brokers.

As a result, it’s essential for individuals to compare spreads across different brokers and instruments to ensure they are getting the best deal.

3. Lack of transparency

Another potential downside of market maker brokers is the lack of transparency compared to ECN or STP brokers.

Since market makers do not route orders to external liquidity providers, traders do not have access to the interbank market.

This lack of transparency can be a drawback for those who prioritize knowing exactly how their orders are being executed.

With ECN brokers, users can see the depth of the market, meaning they have visibility into the available buy and sell orders at various price levels.

This transparency allows investors to make more informed decisions and provides a greater sense of fairness in the execution process.

Market makers, on the other hand, operate within their own internal system, which may lead to concerns about whether trades are being executed at the best possible price.

How to choose the best broker

With so many firms available, selecting the right one can be a daunting task.

However, by considering several key factors, people can narrow down their options and choose one that aligns with their trading goals and preferences.

1. Regulation and trustworthiness

The first and most important factor to consider when choosing a market maker broker is regulation.

A regulated company is required to adhere to strict rules and guidelines that ensure fair and transparent trading conditions.

Reputable regulatory bodies, such as the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission), impose stringent requirements on brokers to protect users from fraud and malpractice.

Before opening an account, always verify that they are regulated by a reputable authority.

This information is typically displayed on the website, and you can cross-check it with the regulator’s official database.

Regulation is a critical factor when choosing a market maker broker, as it ensures that the company operates in compliance with strict guidelines designed to protect investors.

2. Spreads and fees

Another crucial factor to consider are spreads and fees.

Since market maker brokers make their money from the spread, it’s essential to choose one that offers competitive pricing on the instruments you plan to trade.

Exness and IC Markets, are known for their low spreads on major currency pairs, making them ideal for those who want to minimize their trading costs.

In addition to spreads, be sure to check for any other fees they may charge, such as swap fees for holding positions overnight or inactivity fees for dormant accounts.

These additional fees can add up over time, so it’s important to be aware of them before opening an account.

3. Order execution and reliability

Fast and reliable order execution is crucial for individuals who rely on speed to take advantage of market opportunities.

Market maker brokers that offer instant execution without requotes are ideal for people who use short-term strategies like scalping or day trading.

Be sure to choose one with a proven track record of reliable execution, particularly during periods of high market volatility.

4. Educational resources and support

For beginners, access to educational resources is essential.

FBS and JustMarkets, offer webinars, tutorials, and market analysis tools to help traders strengthen their skills and make more informed decisions.

These resources can be invaluable for new customers who are still learning the ropes of trading.

Additionally, consider the level of customer support offered.

Reliable customer service can make a significant difference, especially if you encounter issues with your account or trades.

Seek companies that offer 24/7 support and multiple contact options, such as live chat, email, and phone.

Comparing top market maker brokers

In this section, we will compare some leading dealing desk brokers in the industry, focusing on their key features, advantages, and disadvantages.

This comparison will help you make an informed decision when choosing the best brokerage for your trading needs.

Exness

Exness is a highly popular market maker broker known for its low spreads and high leverage offerings.

With leverage of up to 1:2000, Exness is an attractive option for those looking to maximize their returns with a smaller initial investment.

It also offers competitive spreads on major currency pairs, starting from as low as 0.1 pips.

Exness provides access to a wide range of assets, including forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and indices.

The broker supports both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, allowing traders to choose the platform that best suits their needs.

Feature	Exness
Leverage	Up to 1:2000
Spreads	Starting from 0.1 pips
Platforms	MT4, MT5

JustMarkets

JustMarkets is another top-tier market maker broker that offers a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

The firm is known for its low minimum deposit requirement, which starts at just $1, making it highly accessible to beginners.

JustMarkets offers high leverage of up to 1:3000, providing traders with the opportunity to maximize their returns on smaller accounts.

It also provides access to both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, as well as its proprietary mobile trading app.

Feature 1Feature 2Feature 3

Low minimum deposit of $1, making it accessible for beginners.

High leverage of up to 1:3000 for retailers.

Offers both MT4 and MT5 platforms, along with a mobile app.

IC Markets

IC Markets is a globally recognized company known for offering both ECN and market maker accounts.

While it is primarily an ECN broker, IC Markets also provides market maker services for market participants who prefer more predictable trading costs.

The firm is known for its low spreads, starting from 0.0 pips on major currency pairs, making it an ideal choice for scalpers and day traders.

IC Markets supports 4 platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader.

Each platform offers advanced charting tools, multiple order types, and the ability to use automated trading strategies.

eToro

eToro is a unique market maker broker that has gained widespread popularity due to its social trading platform.

The company allows customers to copy the trades of professionals using its innovative Copy Trader feature.

This makes eToro an excellent option for beginners who are keen to learn from successful traders while still engaging in real trading.

In addition to social trading, eToro offers a wide range of assets, including stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs.

The platform is user-friendly and designed to cater to users of all experience levels.

FBS

FBS is a global trading company that has gained popularity in emerging markets, including Asia and Africa.

The broker offers a range of account types, each tailored to different trading styles and levels of experience.

FBS is known for its low minimum deposit requirements, starting at just $1, and its generous bonus programs.

In addition to its competitive spreads, FBS provides extensive educational resources, including webinars, tutorials, and market analysis tools.

It supports both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, as well as its proprietary mobile app.

XM

XM is a globally recognized dealing desk broker known for its transparency and no-requote policy.

The firm offers a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and stocks.

XM is also one of the few companies that offer negative balance protection, ensuring that clients cannot lose more than their initial deposit.

It provides access to both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms and offers a range of account types, catering to individuals with different needs and experience levels.

Conclusion

Market maker brokers play a crucial role in the financial markets by providing liquidity and ensuring that trades are executed promptly.

They offer several advantages, including guaranteed liquidity, fixed spreads, and fast execution times, making them an attractive option for retailers.

However, potential downsides such as conflicts of interest and wider spreads on less liquid assets must also be considered.

By carefully evaluating factors such as regulation, spreads, order execution, and customer support, clients can choose a market maker broker that best suits their needs.

Whether you prioritize low trading costs, fast execution, or access to educational resources, there is a dealing desk broker that can meet your requirements.

Ultimately, the key to successful trading lies in selecting the right broker and understanding the unique characteristics of market makers.

By doing so, traders can improve their overall trading experience and achieve their financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a market maker broker?

A market maker broker provides liquidity to the market by taking the opposite side of trades placed by clients. They create a 'market' for traders, ensuring that buy and sell orders are always matched.

Are these brokers safe?

Yes, as long as they are regulated by reputable financial authorities. Regulation ensures they operate fairly and transparently.

Do market maker brokers manipulate prices?

While there are concerns about price manipulation, regulated market makers must follow strict guidelines to ensure fair pricing for their clients.

What are the main advantages of using a dealing desk broker?

The main advantages include low spreads, fast execution, and a variety of trading tools designed for beginners.

Can I trade large positions with market makers?

Yes, but many clients may prefer ECN brokers for deeper liquidity and more competitive spreads on high-volume trades.

Do market makers charge commissions?

Most market maker brokers earn through spreads and do not charge separate commissions.

Is it better to use a market maker or an ECN broker?

It depends on your trading style. Market makers are great for beginners, while ECN brokers offer tighter spreads and greater transparency.

User Reviews

“I’ve been trading with a market maker broker for over a year, and I find their platforms easy to use. The low minimum deposit was a gigantic draw for me when I was starting out. I also appreciate the fast execution of my trades. However, I did notice wider spreads on some exotic currency pairs. Overall, I’m happy with the service.”

Theron B.

“My experience with dealing with desk trading firms has been great. As a beginner, the user-friendly platform made it simple to get started. I also love the fact that they provide plenty of educational resources. The only downside is the occasional slippage during high volatility periods.”

Zephyr I.

“I switched to a market maker broker last year and haven’t looked back. Their customer support is excellent, and I like the variety of assets I can trade. The low minimum deposit and risk management features like stop-loss orders are really helpful.”

Indira F.

“Market makers are perfect for smaller players like me. The low spreads on popular forex pairs help keep costs down, and the instant trade execution is reliable. I do wish they had tighter spreads on commodities, though.”

Cassius M.

“Trading with a market maker company has been a smooth experience. I appreciate the simplicity of their platform, and my trades are executed quickly. I haven’t encountered any major issues, but I’ve heard that larger customers might prefer other types.”

Anouk S.

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Last updated: September 7, 2025