10 Best STP Forex Brokers in Comparison (Top List 2026)

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Written by: Andre Witzel
Johannes Striegel
Fact checked by: Johannes Gresham
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Discover the 10 best STP forex brokers in the trading industry right now. Straight-through processing (STP) trading is a cutting-edge model that enhances transparency and speed in forex trading. By transmitting client orders directly to liquidity providers, STP brokers eliminate the need for a dealing desk. Here, WR Trading presents the top 10 best STP Forex brokers for your trading needs.

Based on our analysis at WR Trading, here are our top 10 best STP Forex brokers:

Broker:

Forex Execution:

Advantages:

Account:

Broker:

1. StarTrader

StarTrader logo
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5

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Forex Execution:

STP

Advantages:
  • High Leverage up to 1:1000
  • RAW ECN Spreads from 0.0 pips
  • Fastest execution
  • Attractive Bonus Programs
  • Copy Trading
  • MT4 / MT5
  • Personal support 24/7
  • Wide, accessible selection of payment methods
  • Regulated in multiple regions
  • Broad selection of account base currencies
Account:
› Visit The Broker (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)
Broker:

2. Vantage

Vantage Markets Logo
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Forex Execution:

STP

Advantages:
  • ECN Accounts
  • Spreads from 0.0 Pips
  • Copy Trading available
  • Leverage up to 1:500
  • Low Commission from 1.5$/1 Lot
  • High liquidity and fast execution
  • TradingView, MT4/5, cTrader, Pro Trader
Account:
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Broker:

3. RoboForex

RoboForex Logo
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5

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Forex Execution:

STP

Advantages:
  • Different ECN Accounts
  • Spreads from 0.0 Pips
  • Copy Trading available
  • Leverage up to 1:2000
  • Low Commission from 6$/1 Lot
  • High liquidity and fast execution
  • MT4/MT5/RTrader/CopyFX
Account:
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Broker:

4. Moneta Markets

Moneta Markets Logo
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5

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Forex Execution:

STP

Advantages:
  • ECN/STP Accounts
  • Spreads from 0.0 Pips
  • Leverage up to 1:1000
  • Low Commission from 3$/1 Lot
  • High liquidity and fast execution
  • MT4/5 and Pro Trader
Account:
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Broker:

5. FP Markets

FP Markets Logo
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5

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Forex Execution:

STP

Advantages:
  • 5x regulated broker
  • Spreads from 0.0 Pips
  • More than 10,000 markets
  • Leverage up to 1:500
  • Low Commission from 3$/1 Lot
  • High liquidity and fast execution
  • TradingView, MT4/5, cTrader, IRRES
Account:
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Broker:

6. Pepperstone

Pepperstone Logo
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4.8

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Forex Execution:

STP

Advantages:
  • Tier-1 Regulated Broker
  • Spreads from 0.0 Pips
  • Leverage up to 1:500 (1:30 EU)
  • Low Commission from 3$/1 Lot
  • High liquidity and fast execution
  • TradingView, MT4/5, cTrader
Account:
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Broker:

7. IC Markets

IC Trading Logo
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4.6

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Forex Execution:

STP

Advantages:
  • Raw Spreads from 0.0 Pips
  • Leverage up to 1:500
  • Low Commission from 3$/1 Lot
  • High liquidity and fast execution
  • cTrader, MT4, MT5
Account:
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Broker:

8. Tickmill

Tickmill new logo
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4.7

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Forex Execution:

STP

Advantages:
  • Regulated by multiple authorities
  • Spreads from 0.0 Pips
  • Leverage up to 1:500
  • Commission from $3 per lot
  • Fast execution (0.15 sec)
  • MT4, MT5, Tickmill App
Account:
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Broker:

9. FBS

FBS Broker Logo
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4.7

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Forex Execution:

STP

Advantages:
  • Spreads from 0.0 Pips
  • Leverage up to 1:500
  • Low Commission from 4$/1 Lot
  • High liquidity and fast execution
  • TradingView, MT4/5
Account:
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Broker:

10. VT Markets

12345
4.9

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Forex Execution:

STP

Advantages:
  • Offshore A-Book Broker
  • Spreads from 0.0 Pips
  • Leverage up to 1:500
  • High liquidity and fast execution
  • MT4, MT5
Account:
› Visit The Broker (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk.)

1. StarTrader

StarTrader WebTrader STP
StarTrader WebTrader STP

StarTrader is our overall best STP broker at WR Trading, renowned for its transparency and ultra-fast trade execution of around 100 milliseconds. Traders can access over 1000 instruments, including forex pairs, commodities, indices, stocks, and ETFs.

The broker offers two main account types: a Standard STP account with no commission and spreads starting from 1.3 pips, and an ECN account featuring raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a small per-trade commission.

Regulated by ASIC, FSCA, and FSA, StarTrader ensures safe trading, segregated client funds, and negative balance protection, so traders cannot lose more than their account balance. The broker also supports beginners through the StarTrader Academy and offers acopy trading program, allowing traders to replicate the strategies of successful investors.

Key Facts About StarTrader

FeatureStarTrader
STP ExecutionYes (No Dealing Desk intervention)
Founded2013
HeadquartersSeychelles
Trading PlatformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Web Trader, StarTrader App
AccountsStandard STP, ECN, Demo account
Account CurrencyUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD, CAD, NZD, SGD, HKD, PLN
Transaction OptionsBank cards (Visa/Mastercard), Bank transfer, Skrill, Neteller, Perfect Money, Crypto wallets (USDT), etc.
Minimum Deposit$50
LeverageUp to 1:1000
Min Order0.01 lots
SpreadFrom 1.3 pips (Standard), from 0.0 pips (ECN)
InstrumentsForex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs
Liquidity Provider14 Tier-1 liquidity providers
Mobile TradingYes
Affiliate ProgramYes
Trading FeaturesNegative Balance Protection, One-Click Trading, Copy Trading, VPS (for qualifying accounts)
Contests and BonusesDeposit bonuses, loyalty programs, and trading contests
› Sign up for free with StarTrader! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

2. Vantage Markets

Vantage Markets STP Forex Broker
Vantage Markets STP Account

Our second-best STP Forex broker, Vantage Markets, offers over 1,000 trading instruments, including metals, bonds, commodities, Indices, Forex currency pairs, and shares. It provides STP execution through its Standard STP account, connecting directly to top-tier liquidity providers to ensure fast, commission-free trading with no dealing desk intervention.

Furthermore, this broker provides low spreads and fast trade executions, aided by its Equinix Fibre Optic Network for low latency. Vantage Markets also offers comprehensive educational resources for traders via its academy and online courses.

Key Facts About Vantage Markets

FeatureVantage
STP ExecutionYes
Founded2009
HeadquartersAustralia
Trading platformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ProTrader, TradingView, Vantage App
AccountsStandard STP, Raw ECN, Pro ECN, Swap Free
Account currencyUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD, HKD, PLN
Transaction optionsBank cards, bank transfer, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
Minimum deposit$50
LeverageUp to 500:1
Min Order0.01 lots
SpreadFrom 0.0 pips
InstrumentsForex, Commodities, Indices, Cryptos, Shares, ETFs
Liquidity providerMultiple Tier-1 liquidity providers
Mobile tradingYes
Affiliate ProgramYes
Trading featuresNegative Balance Protection, No swap accounts, One Click Trading
Contests and bonusesVantage rewards, refer a friend, deposit bonus
› Sign up for free with Vantage Markets! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

3. RoboForex

RoboForex STP Forex Broker
Currency STP Broker RoboForex

RoboForex is our 3rd best STP Forex broker. It is known for its excellent trading conditions and fast order execution. The broker operates on a hybrid STP/ECN model to provide a No Dealing Desk (NDD) environment. This means that client orders are automatically routed to a pool of liquidity providers, ensuring there is no conflict of interest. 

Besides its conventional accounts, RoboForex allows traders to use demo accounts for practice. In the “market analysis” section of the website, we saw that there is news to help traders make decisions based on market trends. The broker has a civil liability insurance scheme with a limit of 2,500,000 euros, providing coverage for negligence, errors, fraud, and any risks that can cause clients to incur financial losses.

Key Facts About RoboForex

FeatureRoboForex
STP ExecutionYes
Founded2009
HeadquartersBelize
Trading platformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, R StocksTrader, R MobileTrader, R WebTrader, cTrader
AccountsProCent, Pro, ECN, Prime, R StocksTrader
Account currencyUSD, EUR, GOLD
Transaction OptionsSkrill, Perfect Money, Visa/Mastercard, Neteller, AdvCash, AstraPay, NganLuong Wallet, JCB, SEPA, Bank transfer,
Minimum deposit$10
Leverage1:2000 
Min Order0.01 lots
SpreadFloating from 0.0 pips
InstrumentsETFs, Oil CFDs, Forex, Index CFDs, CFDs on European and U.S. stocks, Real securities
Liquidity providerNot specified
Mobile tradingYes
Affiliate ProgramYes
Trading featuresNegative Balance Protection, No swaps on Islamic accounts, Up to 20% loyalty for affiliates, One Click Trading
Contests and bonusesCashbacks, Free VPS server, welcome bonus, withdrawals at 0%
› Sign up for free with RoboForex! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

4. Moneta Markets

Moneta Markets STP Forex Broker
Moneta Markets STP Account

Moneta Markets, our 4th-best STP broker, executes orders in seconds. It achieves this rapid execution through its Direct STP account, which operates on a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model, routing orders directly to a pool of top-tier liquidity providers without manual intervention. Due to this reputation, it records more than one million trades per month.

The broker offers access to 1000+ financial instruments cutting across shares, commodities, ETFs, bonds, and indices. Moneta Markets renders its services according to the standards stipulated by the FSCA and SLIBC. Client funds are held in segregated accounts with an AA-rated global bank, ensuring protection and reliability.

Key Facts About Moneta Markets

FeatureMoneta Markets
STP ExecutionYes
FoundedOver 10 years ago 
HeadquartersSouth Africa 
Trading platformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ProTrader, AppTrader
AccountsStandard, True ECN, Islamic
Account currencyUSD, EUR
Transaction OptionsBank transfer, Credit/Debit card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
Minimum deposit$50
Leverage1:1000 
Min Order0.01 lots
SpreadFrom 0.0 pips
InstrumentsForex, Commodities, Indices, Cryptos, ETFs, Bonds
Liquidity providerMultiple Tier-1 liquidity providers
Mobile tradingYes
Affiliate ProgramYes
Trading featuresNegative Balance Protection, No swap accounts, One Click Trading
Contests and bonusesCashback bonus
› Sign up for free with Moneta Marktes! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

5. FP Markets 

FP Markets STP Forex Broker MetaTrader 5
FP Markets WebTrader STP

FP Markets, our 5th choice at WR Trading, has been a top-class Australian Forex broker for about two decades. This broker enables fast trade executions from an NY4 server facility, using an STP execution model where orders are routed directly to a pool of liquidity providers. It allows the use of Auto trading, scalping, and expert advisors, strategies that traders use to benefit from the NDD (No Dealing Desk) STP environment.

Its provision of STP services helps ensure competitive pricing and fast execution, though it is important to note that the conditions in a real market (as opposed to a dealing desk environment) can lead to slippage, particularly during volatile periods, as there’s no dealing desk to intervene.

Key Facts About FP Markets

FeatureFP Markets
STP ExecutionYes
Founded2005
HeadquartersAustralia
Trading platformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader, TradingView, cTrader
AccountsStandard, Raw ECN
Account currencyAUD 100 or equivalent
Transaction OptionsBank transfer, Credit/Debit card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
Minimum deposit$100 AUD or equivalent
LeverageUp to 500:1
Min Order0.01 lot
SpreadFrom 0.0 pips
InstrumentsForex, Commodities, Indices, Cryptos, Metals, Bonds, ETFs
Liquidity providerMultiple Tier-1 liquidity providers
Mobile tradingYes
Affiliate ProgramYes
Trading featuresNegative Balance Protection, No swap accounts, One Click Trading
Contests and bonusesWelcome Bonus
› Sign up for free with FP Markets! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

6. Pepperstone

Pepperstone STP Forex Broker
High Order Book Fill with Pepperstone STP

The sixth STP forex broker on our list is Pepperstone. It is known for a 99.9% fill rate, fast trade execution, tight spreads, deep liquidity, and zero dealing desk involvement. Pepperstone ensures it offers STP execution by connecting traders directly to 22 top-tier banks and liquidity partners, utilizing a strict No Dealing Desk (NDD) model. This means the broker does not take the other side of a trader’s trade.

This broker offers trading platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradingView. This gives traders many ways to get to the raw market environment that its STP trading model provides.

Key Facts about Pepperstone

FeaturePepperstone
STP ExecutionYes
Founded2010
HeadquartersAustralia
Trading platformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView
AccountsStandard, Razor, Swap-Free
Account currencyUSD, EUR
Transaction OptionsBank transfer, Credit/Debit card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
Minimum deposit$0 
LeverageUp to 500:1
Min Order0.01 lots
SpreadFrom 0.0 pips
InstrumentsForex, Commodities, Indices, Cryptos
Liquidity providerMultiple Tier-1 liquidity providers
Mobile tradingYes
Affiliate ProgramYes
Trading featuresNegative Balance Protection, No swap accounts, One Click Trading
Contests and bonusesWelcome Bonus, Refer a friend
› Sign up for free with Pepperstone! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

7. IC Trading 

ICTrading STP Forex Broker
Fast Order Execution with IC Trading STP

According to our analysis at WR Trading, IC Trading is the 7th best STP Forex broker. The broker was founded in 2007 by professionals with years of extensive experience in the financial industry. It has a license from the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius. As an STP brokerage, IC Trading automatically sends all client orders to its network of liquidity providers, ensuring transparent, real-time market execution without manual intervention.

IC Trading tailors its operations to meet the needs of institutional and retail clients. It is also an optimal option for scalpers and high-volume traders, as the NDD STP environment facilitates rapid order fulfillment and reduces the risk of price manipulation. This broker offers traders over 2,250 tradable assets and tight spreads because of its link to 25 liquidity providers.

Key Facts About IC Trading

FeatureIC Trading
STP ExecutionYes
Founded2007
HeadquartersFeature
Trading platformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader, cTrader
AccountsStandard, Raw Spread
Account currencyUSD, EUR, AUD, NZD, JPY, CAD, CHF, SGD, HKD, GBP
Transaction OptionsBank cards, PayPal, Visa, Neteller, Wire transfer, Broker to Broker,
Minimum deposit$200
Leverage1:1000
Min Order0.01 lots
SpreadFrom 0.0 pips
InstrumentsForex, Commodities, Indices, Cryptos, Stocks, Bonds
Liquidity providerMultiple Tier-1 liquidity providers
Mobile tradingYes
Affiliate ProgramYes
Trading featuresNegative Balance Protection, No swap accounts, One Click Trading
Contests and bonusesWelcome Bonus
› Sign up for free with IC Trading! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

8. Tickmill

Tickmill STP Forex Broker
Tickmill STP Forex Broker

Tickmill, a renowned STP broker with stellar records, is our 8th-best STP Forex broker. It provides STP execution through a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model, routing orders to Tier-1 liquidity providers. It has a presence in more than 180 countries, with an average trade execution interval of 0.20s and an average monthly trading volume of $129 billion.

The tradable assets on Tickmill include ETFs, stocks, indices, commodities, futures, and cryptocurrencies. The low-latency connectivity offered by its STP environment is particularly beneficial for scalping, algorithmic trading, and other high-volume strategies. This broker offers access to a trading toolkit that contains Forex calculators, an economic calendar, and an Autochartist.

Key Facts About Tickmill

FeatureTickmill
STP ExecutionYes
Founded2014
HeadquartersSeychelles
Trading platformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader, Tickmill Mobile App
AccountsClassic, Raw, Swap Free
Account currencyUSD, EUR
Transaction OptionsBank transfer, Credit/Debit card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
Minimum deposit$100
Leverage1:1000 
Min Order0.01 lots
SpreadFrom 0.0 pips
InstrumentsForex, Commodities, Indices, Cryptos, Bonds, Stocks
Liquidity providerMultiple Tier-1 liquidity providers
Mobile tradingYes
Affiliate ProgramYes
Trading featuresNegative Balance Protection, No swap accounts, One Click Trading
Contests and bonusesWelcome bonus
› Sign up for free with Tickmill! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

9. FBS

FBS STP Forex Broker
FBS STP Broker

FBS is our 9th-best STP broker. This company has gained the trust and cooperation of over 700,000 partners and more than 27 million traders. It provides STP execution through a No Dealing Desk (NDD) system, connecting client orders directly to the interbank market via multiple liquidity providers. 

It offers access to hundreds of trading instruments, including stocks, metals, Indices, and Forex. FBS helps its clients stay ahead via real-time market information, technical analysis tools, and daily articles.

Key Facts about FBS

FeatureFBS
STP ExecutionYes
Founded2009
HeadquartersBelize
Trading platformsMetaTrader 4, Meta Trader 5
AccountsCrypto, Standard, Zero Spread
Account currencyUSD, EUR
Transaction Options Bank transfer, Credit/Debit card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
Minimum deposit$5 
Leverage1:3000
Min Order0.01 lots
SpreadFrom 0.7  pips
InstrumentsForex, Commodities, Indices, Cryptos
Liquidity providerMultiple Tier-1 liquidity providers
Mobile tradingYes
Affiliate ProgramYes
Trading featuresNegative Balance Protection, No swap accounts, One Click Trading
Contests and bonusesWelcome bonus
› Sign up for free with FBS! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

10. VT Markets

VT Markets STP Forex Broker
VT Markets STP Account

As our 10th-best STP Forex broker, VT Markets offers access to more than 1,000 assets, including commodities, bonds, ETFs, indices, and CFD shares. It provides STP execution by sourcing prices from a wide range of top-tier liquidity providers and operating a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model, which ensures rapid order filling without manual intervention. 

Traders can access platforms like TradingView, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5. The broker offers algorithmic trading with the MQL5 language, a process that benefits significantly from the NDD STP environment’s consistent and direct market access. VT Markets also offers access to social copy trading and a decent amount of educational resources.

Key Facts About VT Markets

FeatureVT Markets
STP ExecutionYes
Founded2015
HeadquartersCyprus
Trading platformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, WebTrader
AccountsWelcome bonus, deposit bonus, loyalty program, and Refer a friend bonus
Account currencyUSD, GBP, AUD, CAD, JPY, EUR
Transaction Options Bank Cards, bank transfer, Fasapay, UnionPay, Neteller, Skrill
Minimum deposit$100
Leverageup to 500:1
Min Order0.01 lots
SpreadFrom 0.0
InstrumentsForex, Indices, Energies, precious metals, soft commodities, ETFs
Liquidity providerMultiple Tier 1 providers
Mobile tradingYes
Affiliate ProgramYes
Trading featuresCopy trading, risk management schemes 
Contests and bonusesWelcome bonus, deposit bonus, loyalty program, Refer a friend bonus
› Sign up for free with VT Markets! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk.)

What is STP Trading?

A Straight-Through Processing (STP) Forex broker uses a fully automated system to handle your orders. Its key feature is the No Dealing Desk (NDD) model, which means the broker does not take the opposite side of your trade. Instead, your orders are passed directly to external liquidity providers.

An STP broker acts like a middleman, sending your order straight to large external liquidity providers, like banks and financial institutions. This setup creates an open and transparent trading process that helps avoid the issues often associated with desk-based brokers.

The STP system collects different price quotes from all its liquidity partners and shows you the best price available. When you place an order, it goes “straight through” to the partner who can fill it at the best price.

The broker makes money by adding a small amount to the spread they receive from their partners or by charging a commission based on your trade size. This means the broker makes money from the trading activity itself, not from your losses.

How We Tested the Best STP Forex Brokers

The best STP Forex Brokers are known for their excellence in certain key areas. At WR Trading, we consider several factors before recommending STP Forex Brokers. Some of them include:

  • Costs
  • Trade Execution
  • Tradable Instruments
  • Regulation
  • Support

The Spread, Commission, and Other Costs

We checked all our selected STP Forex brokers for tighter spreads, lower commissions, and minimal overhead charges, which offer a more favourable trading experience.

FBS Spreads and Conditions for Trading
FBS Trading Spreads

Trade Execution Speed and Slippage 

At WR Trading, we prioritise a broker’s trade execution speed. In volatile markets or when using trading techniques such as scalping, fast execution speeds mean accurate prices. While slippage cannot be avoided entirely, all selected Forex brokers have a low incidence of this phenomenon.

Variety of Tradable Instruments and Trading Tools

Another central focus was the availability of several tradable products, including oil, stocks, shares, and commodities. A wide variety of tradable instruments on an STP Forex broker means that clients will get what they want. 

Trading Platforms

Furthermore, we paid attention to the availability of trading platforms, such as MetaTrader 5, along with additional technical and fundamental analysis tools.

Regulation

It is important to trade with a licensed and reputable STP broker. The availability of a license from a centralised authority ensures that the broker will not go below specific standards. Consequently, all our recommended STP brokers have licenses from reputable international organisations.

Customer Support 

If things go wrong, a client may need to contact their broker promptly. Therefore, we checked for the presence of multiple customer support channels and tested their responsiveness speed.

Tickmill Multilingual Customer Support Page
Tickmill Multilingual Support

Pros and Cons of STP Trading

STP trading provides access to deeper liquidity, fosters a high-trust broker-trader relationship, and gives all round direct market access. Let’s look at these benefits in more detail:

Pros

  • Direct Market Access
  • High Trust
  • Access to Higher Liquidity 
  • Highest Effectiveness of News Trading and Scalping
  • Fairer Trading Environment 

Cons

  • High Slippage
  • No Guarantee of Stop losses
  • Little Control over Liquidity Providers 
  • Variable Spreads

Advantages

STP trading has some benefits, which include:

  • During STP trading, orders are routed directly to liquidity providers without the involvement of a dealing desk. This setup promotes better trading conditions since you can likely access actual market prices. Orders will get executed faster, with zero need for manual intervention. STP trading helps clients trust their brokers because they can see prices that represent the actual market conditions. Therefore, traders can be assured that their broker is transparent and reliable.
  • Brokers can create a large pool of liquidity from various sources. Therefore, there is a high probability of getting tighter spreads, particularly for larger trades. News trading and Scalping are high-frequency techniques that rely on quick execution. STP brokers tend to allow these techniques, while non-STP brokers might not.
  • There is less conflict of interest in STP trading than in dealing. Since the broker acts as a counterparty to the trader in desk dealing, the company may manipulate prices to gain while the trader loses. In the STP model, the broker doesn’t tamper with the trader’s order. Therefore, the trader is confident about the broker’s reliability.

Disadvantages

While STP trading offers great benefits, it has a potential for high slippage, gives brokers little control over liquidity providers, and can not guarantee that clients will get their trades triggered at the prices they request. Let’s explore these cons in some more detail:

  • Although STP trading aims to execute orders quickly, it carries a risk of incurring high slippage. High slippage is especially common during periods of fast-moving markets or big financial news. As a trader, you have no control over the liquidity provider that your STP provider will utilise. The quality of trade execution differs from one liquidity provider to another. 
  • Therefore, some liquidity providers might offer tighter spreads and faster trade execution times, while others may not. Additionally, different liquidity providers assign varying prices to the same currency pair at a given time. Depending on the broker’s choice of liquidity provider, a trader might not get the best possible price.
  • Compared to dealing, STP trading brokers do not always guarantee their clients the ability to stop losses. When prices rise or fall sharply in highly volatile markets, traders will not be able to cap their losses.
  • In STP Trading, the spread will vary based on market conditions. The spread can become wide during periods of high volatility. This phenomenon is disadvantageous to STP broker clients due to the high trading costs associated with it.

STP vs. ECN vs. Market Maker

There are distinct differences between STP, ECN, and the market maker trading model. In the market maker model, the forex broker “makes” the market by setting the ask and bid prices and displaying them on their screen. 

The transaction takes place between the client and the broker. Therefore, the broker provides liquidity by routing all orders through their dealing desk. Consequently, the trader is unable to access real market quotes.

ECN stands for Electronic Communications Network. An ECN broker typically displays prices from various financial institutions, including banks and market makers. The broker then selects and disseminates the best bid, asking for quotes on its platform. The goal of ECN trading is for market participants to obtain the best available offer at any given time. ECN brokers profit from the commissions charged on transactions. STP trading involves transferring the client’s orders straight to a liquidity provider without the intervention of a dealing desk. This form of trading enables traders to view real-time market prices

The table below gives a summary of the differences between the three models.

FeatureStraight Through Processing (STP)Electronic Communication Network (ECN)Market Maker
Order executionOrders are routed to liquidity providers without desk dealingMatching of sell and buy orders among market participantsA broker serves as the counterparty to trades
PricingAggregate prices from various liquidity providersAggregate prices from banks, traders, hedge funds, and other market participantsThe broker sets prices
SpreadsVariable spreads (depending on market conditions)Tighter spreadsVariable or fixed spreads (including markups)
Conflict of InterestLowLowHigh
Market DepthIt depends on the broker’s liquidity providerHigh market depth because of ask/bid prices from various partiesDepends on the broker’s liquidity
Fees and CommissionsMay charge a commissionUsually charges a commission per trade  with tighter spreads Earns via spreads and other extra fees

STP vs. ECN Brokers

The biggest difference between STP and ECN brokers is in how they source external liquidity and the prices they offer to traders. Both STP and ECN brokers operate a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model. This means there is no conflict of interest, and your orders are filled at real market prices. However, the ECN model is often seen as a more direct and clear link to the interbank market.

An STP broker usually sends orders to its own small group of partner banks and liquidity providers. It makes money by adding an extra amount to the spread it gets from them.

An ECN broker connects its clients to a large, interconnected network of banks, other brokers, and individual traders, where participants all trade directly with each other by offering their own prices. This usually gives traders the tightest spreads.

Here is a comparison of their key differences:

FeatureSTP BrokerECN Broker
Execution ModelStraight-Through Processing; routes to specific Liquidity Providers (LPs).Electronic Communication Network; matches orders within the network.
Dealing DeskNo Dealing Desk (NDD)No Dealing Desk (NDD)
PricingSourced from a pool of LPs with a markup applied.True interbank market prices (raw spreads).
SpreadsVariable spreads, usually with a markup (wider than ECN raw spreads).Very tight, raw spreads (often from 0.0 pips).
CommissionsTypically commission-free. Fees added to spreadsAlways charges a fixed commission per trade volume.
AnonymityThe broker may be the counterparty to the trade internally before routing.Full anonymity within the network.

STP vs. Market Maker Broker

The main difference between an STP broker and a Market Maker broker is in whether or not they create an internal market for clients within the brokerage before routing your trades externally.

  • An STP broker acts like a bridge. It automatically sends your orders straight to its outside partners, which are usually big banks. This is called a No Dealing Desk (NDD) setup. The STP broker makes money by adding a small fee to the spread.
  • A Market Maker, on the other hand, does something very different. It creates its own internal market for its clients, takes the other side of every trade you make, and fills your orders inside the brokerage without always sending them out to the main market.This gives the Market Maker control of the prices and service it offers you.

This difference in how they work creates a possible problem for Market Makers. Since they profit when you lose a trade, their business model can be less transparent than an STP broker’s. STP brokers make money from your trading activity, not your losses. This means their success is tied to your success.

Also, Market Makers can sometimes change prices or step in to slow down orders, especially when markets are moving fast, to protect themselves. The NDD STP model avoids this completely. It gives you real market prices and conditions, including the chance for slippage.

Here is a comparison of their key differences:

FeatureSTP BrokerMarket Maker Broker
Execution ModelRoutes orders directly to external liquidity providers.Fills orders internally; acts as the counterparty.
Dealing DeskNo Dealing Desk (NDD)Yes, uses a dealing desk
Conflict of InterestMinimal; profits from volume/commission.Potential for high conflict; profits from client losses.
PricingReal market prices sourced externally.Internally generated prices (can be subject to manipulation).
SpreadsVariable spreads based on market conditions.Fixed or variable spreads, determined by the broker.
RequotesRare; filled at the next best market price (slippage occurs instead).Possible during volatility or certain conditions.
TransparencyHigh transparency; direct market access.Lower transparency; internal control over execution.

How Do STP Brokers Make Money?

STP brokers make money in two ways. The first is through a commission-free model. The broker adds a small, fixed amount to the spread it gets from banks. This slightly wider spread is your trading cost.

For example, when a bank gives the broker a spread of 0.2 pips. The broker might show you a spread of 0.4 pips, keeping the 0.2 pip difference as its profit. This is common in “Standard STP” accounts. The broker earns money every time you trade, no matter if you win or lose.

Another way is by offering raw spreads with a commission. The broker gives you very tight spreads it gets from its liquidity provider, sometimes as low as 0.0 pips. In exchange, you pay a fixed fee for each trade you make.

Example: A broker might charge $3.50 per standard lot traded. This model is very straightforward and is often preferred by high-volume traders, scalpers, and bot traders who need the tightest spreads to be profitable.

Is STP The Best Execution Model For Forex Trading?

It depends on your trading needs. The STP model is clear and fast because it connects you directly to real market prices using a No Dealing Desk (NDD) setup. This removes the chance of price tricks or requotes. For many traders who want honesty and direct market access, the STP model offers a great mix of simple pricing (often with no commission) and good performance.

However, high-volume traders or scalpers might prefer the ECN model. It offers raw, tighter spreads, even though you pay a commission per trade.

STP is a good choice

In the end, for most average traders who want a fair, simple, and fast trading environment, the STP model is seen as an excellent choice.

Is STP Trading Used By Professionals?

Yes, STP trading is widely used by professional traders, large firms, and experienced individual traders. Professionals like the NDD setup because it is compatible with their complex strategies and prevents extra price jumps caused by the broker. They also value the fast order fills that come with direct market access. 

This is very important for strategies that need speed, like high-frequency trading or automated systems. Beginners can also use the STP model. Its straightforward and stress-free setup allows new traders to focus on learning the market and building their strategy, without worrying about unfair broker practices.

Do STP Brokers Use the A-book System? 

Yes, all STP brokers use the A-book system. In this system, brokers send orders directly to multilateral trading facilities or liquidity providers without internalising any trades.

Conclusion 

After careful consideration, our top STP Forex brokers in order are StarTrader, Vantage Markets, RobForex, Moneta Markets, and FP Markets. These STP Forex brokers offer numerous advantages, including direct market access, transparency, and faster trade executions, all of which are beneficial for traders seeking a fair environment with minimal conflict of interest.

However, traders should consider potential drawbacks, such as variable spreads and high slippage. Choosing a reputable STP broker, such as WR Trading, can significantly enhance your trading experience by providing access to a diverse range of instruments and robust trading tools.

List of the Top 10 STP Forex Brokers:

  • StarTrader Has a deep liquidity pool of 14 Tier-1 providers
  • Vantage MarketsKnown for its multi-social trading platforms
  • RoboForex offers a wide range of tradable assets
  • Moneta MarketsGlobal CFD broker with low trading fees
  • FP MarketsGood customer support and responsiveness
  • PepperstoneSTP Forex broker with minimal withdrawal requirement
  • IC TradingProminent MT4 Forex CFD broker
  • Tickmillknown for its competitive pricing
  • FBSoffers diverse account types
  • VT MarketsPopular for its transparency

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is The Difference Between ECN And STP Trading?

STP trading is a transaction model in which a broker transmits a trader’s order directly to a liquidity provider, eliminating desk dealing operations. ECN Trading is a system that encompasses several individual traders, brokers, and other liquidity providers, allowing different parties to choose the optimal buy or sell price.

Is STP Trading Suitable For Beginners?

Yes. STP trading can benefit amateur traders because it offers a fair and transparent financial environment. Nevertheless, such beginners should still be aware of the basics of trading. They should note the probability of slippage and variable spreads. However, one primary step is to choose a reputable STP Forex broker.

How Do I Identify A Good STP Broker?

You can identify a good STP broker by checking its website and reading online testimonials. Good brokers will always provide the necessary details on their trading model, liquidity providers, and policies. We recommend checking for direct market access, as well as fairness and transparency in its market order execution.

What Kind of Trading Accounts Do STP Brokers Offer?

Examples of various account types on STP broker websites include professional accounts, expert accounts, standard accounts, and STP/ECN hybrid accounts. STP brokers offer a range of account types tailored to meet traders’ needs based on spreads, available currencies, minimum deposits, and commissions.

What are The Advantages and Disadvantages of STP Trading?

Some of the benefits of STP trading include reduced potential conflict between the broker and trader, no dealing desk intervention, transparency, and fast trade execution. The disadvantages of STP Trading include the potential for higher spreads during periods of low liquidity, limited control over the liquidity providers used, and a high probability of slippage.

Andre Witzel
Trader and Founder
Andre Witzel is a trader and the founder of WR Trading. He started trading in 2015 next to his bachelor degree in economics. He is specialized on day trading and scalping the S&P500 Index. With high risk reward ratios he developed a strategic approach to beat the market and find the right directions.
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Andre Witzel Potrait
Andre Witzel Trader and Founder
Andre Witzel is a trader and the founder of WR Trading. He started trading in 2015 next to his bachelor degree in economics. He is specialized on day trading and scalping the S&P500 Index. With high risk reward ratios he developed a strategic approach to beat the market and find the right directions.
Johannes Striegel
Johannes Gresham
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