FBS is one of those brokers you’ll see everywhere, from flashy YouTube ads to TikTok influencers touting wild profits. Founded in 2009, FBS has built a large global following, especially in Asia and parts of Africa, thanks to aggressive marketing, high leverage, and localised bonuses.
But behind the noise, what do you actually get?
FBS offers access to Forex, metals, indices, stocks, and crypto CFDs, and supports both MT4 and MT5 platforms. On paper, it ticks a lot of boxes, low spreads, cent accounts for beginners, and a range of account types. It's also regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including by ASIC and CySEC, which gives some peace of mind (though its main entity is still offshore in Belize).
That said, not everything is smooth sailing. If you're in the UK or EU, you might hit roadblocks signing up unless you go through a specific entity (like their ASIC arm). And while their bonus promotions may look tempting, they come with heavy strings attached, often locking your funds in ways that aren’t obvious upfront. For the purpose of this review we are going to focus on their Belize entity.
FBS operates under a patchwork of global licenses, which makes their setup a bit complex and worth understanding if you're considering using them.
FBS gives you choices but with those choices come trade-offs. The Belize entity is flexible and loose, the CySEC arm adds some EU-level protection, and the ASIC license brings stronger oversight and structure. Just be sure you’re aware which license you're choosing and what each one truly offers (or doesn’t). Lets check out the account opening process for the Belize entity.
FBS are regulated by:
Signing up with FBS’s Belize entity is fairly straightforward and quick. You’ll start by providing your basic details, but don’t forget you’ll need to submit ID and proof of address to fully verify your account before you can start trading. The process isn’t complicated, but having your documents ready will save you some waiting time. I’ll guide you through each step so you know exactly what to expect along the way.
Signing up to enter the Dashboard is the simplest of forms I’ve ever seen for a broker sign up. Once your email is verified, you have access to the Dashboard.
Here we can see that FBS set you up with a real account upon sign up, but also a demo account with $20,000 virtual funds. I like this as it gives the trader an opportunity to test platforms on a demo account so they are comfortable with FBS and their offering moving forward prior to testing. (Some traders do forget they can create a demo account!).
Now, all features will be disabled until you complete the ‘Express Verification’. Once again, this is an incredibly simple form to fill in. Once completed, you can deposit a maximum of $2000 using one of the available deposit methods (more on this later!).
The full verification involves the standard procedure we see at all offshore brokers. KYC documents and a little more information required. But then you’re in! Let’s check out deposits and withdrawals with FBS.
FBS offers a decent range of deposit and withdrawal options, but there are a few things you’ll want to be aware of especially if you’re signing up through the Belize entity.
Once you’re in, funding your account is pretty easy. FBS supports popular methods like:
One thing to note: while FBS promotes “zero commission” deposits and withdrawals; in reality, you might still see fees from your bank or payment provider especially with crypto or international wire transfers.
Whilst we’re looking inside the Dashboard, we have a Rewards Section (which looks extremely bare and inactive) and an Analysis and Education section which covers no Analysis and once again looks pretty deserted in terms of education and helping the trader understand the markets.
FBS serves up some seriously spicy trading conditions under its Belize entity—if you're after high leverage and low entry costs, this is where it shows its cards.
Even though FBS brags about low spreads and fast trades, traders often warn about spread widening during hot market events and slippage, especially on tight-zero accounts. Some report stop-loss being triggered early thanks to spread spikes.
On paper, FBS offers some of the best conditions out there: ultra-high leverage, a range of account types starting from $1, and zero-commission options. But in real trade conditions, expect volatility in pricing, occasional execution quirks, and the usual offshore caveats. If you’re aligning your risk and know what you’re doing, FBS can be a powerful engine but it’s not the smoothest ride.
Here’s where FBS shines a little brighter — platform simplicity and variety.
By default, new accounts get MT5 access — so if you want MT4, make sure to select it early.
Assets Offered
It’s a well-rounded offering. You won’t get 10,000+ stocks, but for retail CFD trading, it covers most bases. And for traders who want to stay mobile, the FBS app performs better than most broker apps I’ve tested.
For me, solid customer support isn’t just a bonus — it’s a must. When you’re dealing with real money and real-time markets, having quick, helpful support can be the difference between solving a problem fast or losing a trade entirely. FBS offers support through several channels—24/7 live chat, email, phone lines (Cyprus +357 number and Belize +501 line), plus callback requests (which is a feature I really admire!) and even handles queries via Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp and other social platforms. According to user reports, live chat response times are brisk, often under a minute.
Their FAQ-rich hub covers everything from verification to withdrawals and bonus terms.
However, I did try and ask a couple of questions via the live chat, which on the whole was useful. But I couldn’t speak to someone directly.
PROS
CONS
FBS seems to offer a mixed experience. On one hand, the platform access is solid (MT4, MT5, and a surprisingly usable app), and the ability to get started with just a few dollars is great for testing strategies. But the super high leverage and flashy bonuses come with a catch, they’re more of a marketing hook than real trader value. Add in some inconsistencies with spreads and offshore regulation, and it’s clear this broker suits a certain type of trader. If you know what you’re doing and accept the risks, FBS can work, but I wouldn’t recommend it to beginners expecting a safety net.
FAQs
1. Is FBS regulated by trusted authorities?
FBS operates through multiple regulatory entities, including the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) in Belize. The exact level of protection and leverage limits depend on which entity you register with. For example, European clients fall under CySEC rules, while the Belize entity offers higher leverage and more flexible conditions.
2. What platforms and apps does FBS offer?
FBS provides access to both MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), as well as its own mobile FBS App, which combines account management and trading in one place. This allows traders to monitor markets, place trades, and manage funds directly from their smartphones.
3. What are the account types available at FBS?
FBS offers a wide range of account types to suit different trading styles and experience levels. Depending on your jurisdiction, you can choose from Cent, Standard, Micro, Zero Spread, and ECN accounts. Each comes with its own conditions for spreads, commissions, and leverage, allowing flexibility for both new and experienced traders.
4. What are the deposit and withdrawal options at FBS?
Deposit options vary depending on your region but generally include bank transfer, debit/credit cards, and popular e-wallets. Withdrawals are processed through the same method used for deposits, and processing times are typically short, though this may vary by payment provider and regulatory entity.
