Forex trading remains entirely legal in Australia, governed strictly by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). To operate lawfully, brokers must hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) and meet rigorous requirements — including adequate capital, segregated client funds, transparent disclosures, and ongoing compliance audits under the Corporations Act 2001. Retail traders also benefit from ASIC’s product intervention measures, such as leverage caps (30:1 on major pairs) and mandatory negative balance protection.

The best forex brokers in Australia are those regulated by ASIC, ensuring reliable execution, fair practices, and client protections. Reputable firms support popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and 5 and comply with strict financial and ethical standards. These standards are further reinforced through regular ASIC audits and the availability of dispute resolution through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

Although some unlicensed providers attempt to operate illegally, ASIC’s enforcement remains firm. Any entity offering margin FX or CFDs to Australian clients without holding an AFSL faces serious consequences. For this reason, choosing legal forex brokers ensures traders have access to a secure and transparent trading environment — with confidence in fund safety, execution reliability, and legal recourse if needed.