Is City Index Safe? – UK Review 2025
Quick Answer: Can I Trust City Index With My Money?
City Index is a well-established UK broker with over 40 years of experience. Regulated by the FCA and fully ownedby Nasdaq-listed StoneX, it offers segregated client accounts, transparent fees, and secure platforms, making it a reliable choice for both retail and corporate traders.
What has been my personal experience assessing trustworthiness?
Having used City Index for both CFD and spread betting, I found the platform highly reliable. Trades execute swiftly, client funds remain secure, and regulatory compliance is transparent. The combination of advanced tools and solid support enhances confidence in the broker’s overall trustworthiness.
City Index Overview
City Index is a well-established UK broker and part of the NASDAQ-listed StoneX Group. Founded in 1983, it is FCA-regulated and trusted by over 1 million clients worldwide. The broker offers a wide range of markets, award-winning platforms, and extended trading hours — giving traders more flexibility and access than many competitors.
- Minimum Deposit: £0
- Regulation: FCA (UK)
- Trading Platforms: WebTrader, TradingView, MT4 (Note: no MT5 support)
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Market Access:
- 13,500+ markets
- Forex, Shares, Indices, Commodities, Metals
- Spread betting available for UK clients
- Extended Trading Hours: Access to after-hours trading on major US shares, one of the few UK brokers to offer this level of coverage.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. CFD and Forex Trading are leveraged products and your capital is at risk. They may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved by reading our full risk warning.
Who are City Index?
City Index, part of StoneX Group (NASDAQ: SNEX), is a veteran of the trading industry with over 40 years of experience. Offering CFDs, spread betting, forex, shares, and commodities, it provides multiple platforms including WebTrader, MT4, TradingView, and a mobile app for UK traders.
What does FCA UK regulation mean for traders?
FCA regulation ensures City Index complies with strict UK financial laws, maintains segregated client accounts, and adheres to capital adequacy requirements. Traders are protected from mismanagement, and operations are regularly audited, reducing risks associated with fraud or operational failures.
How does regulation protect UK traders from fraud and mismanagement?
Regulatory oversight enforces transparency in trading practices, safeguarding client funds, ensuring fair execution, and requiring accurate reporting. In case of broker insolvency, eligible UK clients benefit from compensation schemes like FSCS, providing additional protection against loss of capital.
Table: Key Regulatory Information for City Index
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| FCA UK | Yes, FCA Register Number: 446717 |
| Parent Company | StoneX Group (NASDAQ: SNEX) |
| Segregated Accounts | Yes, client funds held separately from company funds |
| FSCS Protection | Up to £85,000 per eligible UK client |
How Are Client Funds Protected?
At City Index, protecting client funds is a top priority. We hold all client money in segregated accounts, completely separate from our own corporate funds, ensuring they are never used for business activities. As part of StoneX Group Inc.—a publicly listed and regulated financial company—City Index operates with full transparency and strong financial oversight. Eligible UK clients are also protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000, providing an additional layer of reassurance.
What does it mean that client funds are held in segregated accounts?
Segregated accounts ensure client money is never used for company operations. In the event of insolvency, these funds remain protected, providing traders with peace of mind that their deposits are secure and separate from the broker’s business finances.
How does FSCS protection apply for UK traders?
Eligible UK clients are covered up to £85,000 per account. This government-backed scheme compensates clients if City Index were to fail financially, offering a layer of protection against potential losses unrelated to trading activities.
What Security Measures Does City Index Implement?
City Index prioritizes cybersecurity across all its platforms. From login to trade execution, the broker uses advanced encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and continuous system monitoring. Regular security audits ensure that personal and financial data remain secure from unauthorized access or breaches.
How is personal and financial data protected (encryption, 2FA)?
City Index employs AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard data in transit and at rest. Two-factor authentication adds an additional login layer, preventing unauthorized access. Sensitive information, such as banking details and personal documents, is securely stored and processed in compliance with data protection regulations.
What platform safeguards exist against hacking or unauthorized access?
The broker’s platforms implement firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and account activity monitoring to prevent hacking attempts. Regular penetration tests and updates ensure vulnerabilities are minimized, while robust login protocols and session management reduce the risk of unauthorized account access.
How does City Index ensure ongoing cybersecurity and audits?
City Index undergoes regular third-party and internal audits to test system security. Continuous monitoring of platform performance, real-time alerts for suspicious activity, and employee cybersecurity training further strengthen the broker’s defenses, ensuring clients can trade confidently.
Is City Index Transparent and Reliable?
City Index maintains a transparent fee structure and reliable trading environment. Spreads, commissions, and overnight financing are clearly outlined. The broker’s history of high execution speed, minimal slippage, and positive user feedback indicates consistent platform performance and trustworthiness for UK traders.
How fast and reliable is trade execution?
Over 99% of trades execute in less than a second. This high-speed execution ensures minimal slippage, even during volatile market conditions. Reliable servers, low-latency connections, and performance-optimized trading platforms allow active traders to enter and exit positions effectively.
How transparent are fees (spreads, commissions, overnight financing)?
City Index clearly publishes all spreads, commissions, and overnight financing costs. Traders can access fee calculators and platform tools to assess trading expenses upfront. There are no hidden charges, providing transparency and enabling better cost management for both short-term and long-term strategies.
What do historical performance and user feedback indicate about platform stability?
Historical execution data and client reviews demonstrate a consistently stable platform. Users report minimal downtime, accurate pricing, and reliable reporting. The combination of positive feedback and industry awards confirms City Index’s platforms maintain high operational standards.
Final Thoughts: Is City Index Safe?
City Index is a highly regulated, transparent, and secure broker. With FCA oversight, segregated accounts, FSCS protection, strong cybersecurity, and reliable platforms, UK traders can trust their funds are protected. Both retail and professional traders benefit from this robust, well-established trading environment.
Trade Global Markets With Confidence
- £0 Minimum Deposit
- 13,500+ Global Markets
- Extended Trading Hours
69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider
FAQs
Is City Index FCA-regulated?
Yes, City Index is fully regulated by the FCA in the UK, providing compliance with strict financial conduct and investor protection standards.
Can I trade CFDs and spread bets safely?
Yes, with proper risk management, trading through City Index’s regulated platforms allows safe access to CFDs and spread betting markets.
Are my funds protected with FSCS coverage?
Eligible UK clients receive FSCS protection up to £85,000 per account, in addition to segregated accounts ensuring funds remain secure.
Does City Index offer a demo account?
Yes, a risk-free demo account is available, allowing traders to test strategies and platform features without risking capital.
How can I verify the security and legitimacy of City Index?
Check FCA registration (FCA Register Number: 446717), review segregated accounts and FSCS coverage, and verify platform security features like encryption and 2FA.
