Ultima Markets enters the UK and gains the FCA license

Ultima Markets has secured authorization from the FCA to offer CFDs to retail clients in the United Kingdom, marking its entry into one of the worlds most heavily regulated and competitive markets. According to the FCA register, the trading name “Ultima Markets” was approved on 21 July 2025.

A Strategic Move Amidst Industry Withdrawals

While Ultima Markets presses ahead, several prominent CFD providers have been retreating from the UK. Australia-based AETOS recently surrendered its FCA licence and is winding down local operations.

Regulatory Profile and Corporate Background

Ultima Markets Ltd is authorised and regulated in Mauritius by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) as a full-service investment dealer under licence GB 23201593. The group also holds authorisation from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa, underpinning its presence in the Asia-Pacific and African regions. In addition, Ultima Markets operates under a Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) licence, reflecting its multi-jurisdictional footprint (as disclosed by the broker).

About Ultima Markets

• Leverage: Up to 1:2000 on select instruments, significantly higher than the UKs default 30:1 cap for retail CFD clients (professional clients may access higher limits).
• Spreads: Starting from 0 pips on major currency pairs, subject to the account type chosen.
• Minimum deposit: USD 50 to open a live trading account.
• Platform: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), supporting desktop, web, and mobile access.
• Instruments: Forex, precious metals and commodities, global indices, and individual shares.

What is Next

Entering in 2026, Ultima Markets will face a mature marketplace dominated by incumbents such as IG Group and CMC Markets. Yet its decision to invest in FCA compliance may reflect a belief in long-term demand for leveraged products among UK traders, despite recent regulatory tightening and industry consolidation.