Is Pepperstone legit?
Pepperstone is a legit UK broker because the Financial Conduct Authority lists Pepperstone Limited as Authorised under firm reference number 684312. Its authorisation dates from 5 August 2015, and it holds permission to handle your money. The Financial Ombudsman Service and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme are available to you if the business fails.
Authorised by the FCAFRN 684312on the register since 5 Aug 20153 clone firms on the register
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. When retail investors trade spread bets and CFDs with this provider, 73.6% of their accounts lose money. You should consider whether you can afford to take on the high risk of losing your own money, and whether you understand the way spread bets and CFDs work.
From pepperstone.com, Pepperstone's own words, read 2 Nov 2026.
How Pepperstone compares on loss rate with the wider field
Firms on the register that copy Pepperstone
The FCA register includes 3 clone firms that use this firm's name or details., and none of them is Pepperstone Limited.
- A clone of an FCA authorised firm: Pepper/Pepperforeign.com. Date listed: 05 Feb 2021.on the register from 05 Feb 2021
- Clones of an FCA authorised firm: Melisfx/FXSM Group. Date listed: 05 Feb 2021.on the register from 05 Feb 2021
- Listed as a Clone of FCA Authorised firm: DIFC Investment. Added 21 Apr 2023.on the register from 21 Apr 2023
FCA Financial Services Register, read 2 Nov 2026, is the source.
What protects your money
| FSCS | For each person, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme can provide cover of up to £85,000 if Pepperstone Limited, an FCA authorised UK firm, fails owing you money. |
|---|---|
| Negative balance protection | Yes, as the broker states |
| Client money | The register shows permission to hold client money |
Read 2 Nov 2026: fscs.org.uk/what-we-cover/investments; pepperstone.com/en-gb/trading/costs-and-fees, read 2 Nov 2026.
If Pepperstone were to fail
The Financial Services Register records FCA permission for Pepperstone Limited to hold and handle client money. Should the firm close, the FSCS covers any shortfall in money or assets held for you. When investment firms fail after 1 April 2019, each eligible person can receive up to £85,000 per firm.
This cover applies only if the FCA regulates both the firm and the work it does for you. When your trades lose value, you can't make a claim for poor investment performance. If the firm is still trading and treats you unfairly because of errors or overcharging, complain to it first. The Financial Ombudsman Service will investigate without charge if the final response doesn't satisfy you.
The Financial Ombudsman Service can review any complaint that the firm hasn't resolved. It can help with an investment problem as long as the FCA regulates the business.
Check the firm and its website
- On register.fca.org.uk, open the FRN 684312 register listing.
- Make sure the listed name is Pepperstone Limited and its status says Authorised.
- Compare the address in your browser with the website shown on the register, www.pepperstone.com.
- Watch out for names from the clone list above, plus calls or messages requesting a money transfer.
Review of Pepperstone: costs, platforms, deposits and withdrawals
Other options besides Pepperstone: other FCA firms that offer spread betting and CFDs
Each firm sits in A to Z order, with none ranked above another.
Common questions answered
Is Pepperstone FCA regulated?
The UK company is Pepperstone Limited, whose official website is www.pepperstone.com. Its selection includes over 2,700 contracts for difference and spread bets across forex, indices, commodities and shares. Retail leverage is capped at 1:30 for major currencies and 1:20 for gold and major indices. Shares have a 1:5 cap, while other commodities have a 1:10 cap. Our Pepperstone review sets out its spreads next to those from FCA regulated forex brokers.
With Pepperstone, is my money protected?
Your trading account is protected from firm failure only when you use Pepperstone Limited, the UK regulated business. Before depositing, you can confirm this in 3 steps. Make sure the provider is authorised, check that your trading activity falls under regulation and request confirmation of your cover from the firm. Negative balance protection also applies to retail accounts. Market losses aren't covered, and When retail investors trade spread bets and CFDs with this provider, 73.6% of their accounts lose money.
Is Pepperstone legitimate, or does it operate as a scam?
Founded in 2010, Pepperstone runs a genuine authorised broker business in the UK rather than a scam. However, the FCA register lists 3 clone firms that copied Pepperstone's identity to deceive UK investors. Check the firm through the FCA Firm Checker before sending even the £10 minimum card deposit. Confirm that the official record shows the same phone number, email address and website.
How do clone firms impersonating Pepperstone try to scam you?
Clone firms are unauthorised copies that steal a real broker's name, address or reference number. Scammers frequently contact you through social media, phone calls or emails sent from Outlook or Gmail accounts. They might say the FCA register has outdated information, although the regulator refreshes it every 24 hours on average. Dealing with a clone means you won't receive ombudsman or compensation cover. Tell the FCA about any suspicious contact on 0800 111 6768.