South Africa’s first regulated broker-matcher

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Exness Broker Review

4.4

/ 5

1500
matches to this broker

Score out of 2,500: This reflects how many South African traders would likely match with this broker, based on an algorithm that compares the broker’s offering to the typical needs of South African traders.

Heinrich Le Roux

Reviewed by

In this review

Minimum deposit

ZAR 186
USD 10

Platforms

MT4, Web Trading, MT5, Proprietary Trading Platform, Mobile App Trading

Regulation

FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles), FSC (British Virgin Islands), FSC (Mauritius), CySEC (Cyprus), FCA (UK), CMA (Kenya), CBCS (Curaçao and Sint Maarten), JSC (Jordan)

Tradable Markets

Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares / Equities, Crypto

TradeFX Rating

4.4

/ 5

TFX Overall Score

The TradeFX score is calculated using our independent methodology, based on multiple broker criteria including regulation, fees, platform features, and trader experience.

We review and update our data regularly to keep comparisons current.

Exness scores strongly on TradeFX because it’s built around the stuff that matters day-to-day for South African traders: practical account setup, a wide CFD market range, and a platform lineup that covers both “keep it simple” and “get technical.” Costs can be competitive if you pick the right account type (especially the professional-style options), and the funding experience is generally designed to be quick and automated.

On top of that, Exness has clear South Africa-facing regulation details via its local FSCA-authorised entity, which helps when you’re trying to separate “marketing” from actual trust signals.

SA Focused

Exness works well for South African traders because it’s set up with a local-facing presence and SA-specific support content, and it’s designed to keep deposits/withdrawals feeling like less of an admin mission. Exness also supports ZAR as an account currency option (entity/account dependent), which can reduce conversion friction if you’re funding locally.

What stands out locally is the combination of (1) FSCA authorisation for its South Africa entity and (2) a growing local presence (including a Cape Town hub), which is not something every international CFD broker invests in.

Quick takeaway: For SA traders who want a “log in, fund, trade” experience with fewer moving parts, Exness is usually a practical fit.

How we rated Exness
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A quick look at Exness

Exness is a multi-asset CFD broker that’s been around long enough to have built out a fairly “complete” trading setup: multiple platforms, multiple account styles, and a funding flow that’s designed to run automatically most of the time. For SA traders, the main appeal is that it doesn’t force you into one way of trading — you can keep things simple on standard accounts, or go more cost-focused on professional-style accounts.

On the markets side, Exness is primarily about CFDs across the everyday categories: forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and crypto (availability can vary by entity and platform). That means you’re generally getting leverage-based derivative trading rather than “owning” the underlying asset.

From a South African practicality angle, Exness promotes local/global payment rails and automated withdrawals, and it also publishes SA-focused product content — including ZAR examples — which is helpful when you’re trying to avoid guesswork around setup and funding.

Overall, Exness tends to suit traders who want choice without a complicated admin mission: pick a platform, pick an account, fund it, and you’re moving — as long as you’re clear on which entity you’re signing under and what that means for protections and leverage.

Bottom line: Flexible, platform-rich CFD broker — but always confirm your entity and conditions before you deposit.

Standout features for South African traders

  • FSCA-authorised South Africa entity (FSP)

  • Local SA presence (Cape Town hub)

  • Strong platform mix (MT4/MT5 + Exness Terminal + Exness Trade app)

  • Fast, automated withdrawals + segregated accounts messaging

Exness summed up

Accepts South African Clients

Yes

Has Local Office

Yes

Trading Platforms

MT4, Web Trading, MT5, Proprietary Trading Platform, Mobile App Trading

Mobile Trading

Yes

Tradable Markets

Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares / Equities, Crypto

Account Types

Standard, Cent, Raw Spread, Pro, Zero Spread, Islamic (Swap-Free), Copy Trading

Demo Account

Yes

Account Base Currencies

USD, ZAR, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, AUD, CHF

Regulatory Bodies

FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles), FSC (British Virgin Islands), FSC (Mauritius), CySEC (Cyprus), FCA (UK), CMA (Kenya), CBCS (Curaçao and Sint Maarten), JSC (Jordan)

Minimum Deposit

ZAR 186

Local Deposits Available

Yes

Local Withdrawals Available

Yes

Same-Day Withdrawals

Yes

Islamic / Swap-Free Accounts

Yes

Automated Trading Allowed

Yes

Negative Balance Protection

Yes

Guaranteed Stop Loss

No

Promotions

Deposit Bonus, Trading Credits

Our services relate to complex derivative products which are traded outside an exchange. These products come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage and thus are not appropriate for all investors. Under no circumstances shall Exness have any liability to any person or entity for any loss or damage in whole or part caused by, resulting from, or relating to any investing activity.

Video review: 
Watch Exness in action

How to open an account with Exness — Step by Step

Step 1: Go to Exness and start your registration

Head to Exness and create your profile. If you’re in South Africa, you’ll usually be routed through the SA-facing experience, but the entity you end up under can still vary — so read the legal entity details during signup.

Step 2: Choose account type + platform

Pick whether you want a Standard-style account (simpler, typically commission-free) or a Professional-style account (often tighter spreads + commission). Then choose your platform: MT4/MT5, Exness Terminal (web), or the Exness Trade app.

Step 3: Select your base currency (mention ZAR if available)

When you create the trading account inside your Personal Area, choose the account currency you want to keep funds in — this can’t be changed later, so it’s worth getting right. SA traders often prefer ZAR where available to reduce conversion friction.

Step 4: Complete verification (KYC)

You’ll typically need to verify identity and address before you can fully fund and withdraw smoothly.

  • ID / passport: Upload a clear copy/photo of your ID or passport.
  • Proof of address: Provide a recent utility bill/bank statement or equivalent document (usually within the broker’s accepted date range).
  • Payment method proof (if required): Some payment methods may require extra proof or verification steps (it’s usually prompted inside your Personal Area).

Step 5: Fund your account

Initiate deposits inside your Personal Area. Payment method availability, limits, and processing times are shown there and can change depending on your region and method.

Step 6: Download platform/app + log in

Install MT4/MT5, use Exness Terminal in-browser, or trade through Exness Trade. If you want copy trading, use the Copy Trading app and connect it to your Exness profile.

Bonus tip: Open a demo first, then mirror the same platform + account type when you go live — it saves you from “why does it feel different?” surprises.

Broker Trust and Regulation

Exness operates through multiple regulated entities, so the exact regulator that applies depends on which entity your account is opened under. For South African traders, Exness has an FSCA-authorised local entity (FSP) and also references FSCA ODP authorisation via an Exness trading entity — so the “who regulates me?” answer is account/entity-specific. Always confirm your exact legal entity and regulator inside your client portal or legal documents before depositing.

Exness’ UK (FCA) and Cyprus (CySEC) entities are listed as not offering services to retail clients, so they’re not usually the entity a South African retail trader ends up under.

Regulator Entity (Legal Name) Licence / Ref Region Notes
FSCA Exness ZA (PTY) Ltd FSP 51024 South Africa Acts as intermediary (not a market maker / product issuer)
FSCA Exness (SC) Ltd ODP authorised (FSCA) South Africa ODP authorisation referenced alongside SC entity
FSA (Seychelles) Exness (SC) Ltd SD025 Seychelles Common offshore trading entity in many regions
CBCS Exness B.V. 0003LSI Curaçao & Sint Maarten Securities Intermediary authorisation
FSC (BVI) Exness (VG) Ltd 2032226 / SIBA/L/20/1133 British Virgin Islands Offshore regulatory entity
FSC (Mauritius) Exness (MU) Ltd 176967 / GB20025294 Mauritius Listed, but notes it does not currently provide retail services
CySEC Exness (Cy) Ltd 178/12 Cyprus (EU) Does not offer services to retail clients
FCA Exness (UK) Ltd FRN 730729 United Kingdom Does not offer services to retail clients
CMA Exness (KE) Limited 162 Kenya Authorised as non-dealing online FX broker
JSC Exness Limited Jordan Ltd 51905 Jordan Regulated by Jordan Securities Commission

Platforms and Tools

MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

MT4 is the “classic” option for forex-first traders who want a lightweight platform with a big ecosystem of indicators and EAs. It’s still widely used for simple execution and automation setups.

MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

MT5 is the newer MetaTrader with more modern tooling and broader market features. If you’re planning to expand beyond basic FX trading or want a more updated experience, MT5 is usually the better long-term pick.

Mobile trading (Android & iOS)

You can trade through MT4/MT5 mobile, or use the Exness Trade app for a more “broker-native” mobile setup. For many SA traders, mobile is mainly about monitoring and quick actions — not full analysis — and Exness covers that use-case well.

Exness app and client portal tools

Exness pushes most of your “admin” into the Personal Area: account creation, funding, withdrawals, and method availability. This matters because payment options and limits are shown there and can be region/method dependent.

Copy trading and add-ons

Exness offers copy trading via its Copy Trading app / Investment area, which is useful if you want exposure without placing every trade manually (still risky, just a different workflow).

Bottom line: Exness covers the full spread — MT4/MT5 for traditional traders, plus broker-native web/mobile tools for everyday convenience.

Fees and Spreads

Spreads (what to expect)

Exness uses variable pricing (spreads widen/narrow with volatility). Account choice matters: Standard-style accounts are typically simpler (often no separate commission), while Zero/Raw Spread accounts focus on tighter pricing with commissions.

Commission

On commission accounts, costs are charged per side per lot (amount depends on the account). Exness’ help center highlights that Zero accounts target zero spread on certain instruments most of the day, but still carry commission.

Swap fees (overnight fees)

If you hold positions overnight, swaps can apply (unless you have swap-free status on eligible instruments). Exness notes swap-free status availability and that it applies on specific instruments/categories.

Other costs to keep in mind

  • Currency conversion can apply if you deposit/withdraw in a different currency to your account currency.
  • Payment method limits/availability are shown in your Personal Area and can change.
  • Market volatility can widen spreads even on normally tight instruments.

 

Quick takeaway: Exness can be cost-competitive, but the “best” pricing depends heavily on picking the right account type for your style.

 

Tradable Instruments

Exness focuses on the everyday CFD markets most SA traders actually use — with the usual note that you’re trading derivatives (so leverage and overnight fees are part of the deal). What you can access can vary by entity and platform.

What you can trade with Exness (overview)

Market What it includes Popular examples
Forex CFDs Major/minor pairs (and more) EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/ZAR
Commodities CFDs Metals + energies Gold, Oil
Indices CFDs Global indices US500, NAS100
Stocks CFDs Single-stock CFDs Large global names (platform/entity dependent)
Crypto CFDs Major crypto CFDs BTCUSD, ETHUSD

Instrument depth (the “how much is there?” question)

Exness positions itself as multi-asset across these CFD categories, but depth (how many symbols) can differ depending on your account setup and entity — so always check the instrument list inside your platform before committing funds.

A quick note for SA traders

If you’re trading something SA-specific like USD/ZAR, treat leverage and spreads with extra respect — EM pairs can move fast, and pricing can be more sensitive in volatile periods.

*Instrument availability depends on your account entity and platform.

Bottom line: Exness covers the main CFD categories most SA traders want — just confirm the exact instrument list in your platform.

Trader Support

Support Channels

Exness offers support through live chat, email, and phone (plus Help Center / ticketing).

Availability

Support is offered 24/7 in several major languages (and available in multiple languages overall).

What they help with

Expect help with account setup, verification steps, deposits/withdrawals, and platform issues. For trading-condition questions (like margin or swaps), support can usually point you to the right rule or help article.

The helpful extra

Because payment method rules and availability are shown inside the Personal Area, support can be useful when your preferred method disappears temporarily (maintenance happens).

Bottom line: Support coverage is strong — but for anything important, get the answer in writing (ticket/email) and keep it for your records.

Deposits and Withdrawals

Deposits

Deposits are typically initiated inside your Personal Area, where Exness shows the methods available to you, plus limits and processing times. That list can be region- and method-dependent.

Withdrawals

Exness positions withdrawals as heavily automated (often processed immediately on their side), but the actual time to receive funds still depends on the payment method you used. Also, withdrawals generally need to go back to accounts in your own name — that’s standard AML “rules of the road.”

Local SA tip

If you want fewer surprises: keep your deposit and withdrawal method consistent, and don’t wait until “withdraw day” to verify your bank/card/e-wallet details. Method availability is displayed in your Personal Area.

Fees to keep in mind

  • Exness markets deposits/withdrawals as generally commission-free on their side, but third-party/payment-provider fees can still exist.
  • Currency conversion costs may apply if your payment currency differs from your account currency. 

Bottom line: The flow is designed to be quick and automated — but timing still depends on your chosen method and your verification status.

Account Types

Exness offers two broad “styles”: Standard accounts for simpler, commission-free trading, and Professional accounts for traders who care more about tight pricing (usually with commission).

Account type Best for What to expect
Standard Newer traders / general use Commission-free; spreads start higher than pro-style accounts
Standard Cent Smaller sizing / practice with real money Cent-style sizing; lower barrier to entry
Pro Active traders who want tighter pricing without commission (often) Tighter spreads than Standard; eligibility/requirements can vary
Raw Spread Cost-focused traders Very tight spreads + commission per lot
Zero Scalpers/cost purists on key instruments Zero spread on certain instruments most of the day + commission
Copy Trading “Follow a strategy” style investing Copy other traders’ strategies via app/Investment area
Islamic (Swap-Free) Traders needing swap-free conditions Swap-free status available on eligible instruments

How to choose the right one

If you’re new, start with Standard or Standard Cent so you can learn platform behaviour without over-optimising for spreads. If you’re trading frequently (or scalping), compare Zero vs Raw Spread and watch the commission math — the “cheapest” account depends on your average trade size and how long you hold positions. And if your plan is hands-off, copy trading can work as a workflow — just don’t mistake it for “low risk.”

Bottom line: Exness gives you real choice — match the account type to your trade frequency, position size, and holding time.

Exness vs. Top Competitors

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From a South African Perspective

Exness tends to suit two main SA trader profiles: (1) people who want a clean, practical setup with familiar platforms (MT4/MT5), and (2) more active traders who care about pricing and want pro-style account options. The platform range is strong, and the overall “day-to-day” experience is designed to reduce friction — especially around funding and withdrawals.

For SA traders, max leverage is up to 1:2000 (product/entity dependent), and the minimum deposit starts from around R190 (method/account dependent).

The main rule: always confirm which entity you’re signing under and what that implies for protections, complaints processes, and product access. Exness has an FSCA-authorised South Africa entity (FSP) and also references FSCA ODP authorisation via an Exness trading entity — but the details that matter are still account-specific.

Final verdict: If you want platform choice, multi-asset CFDs, and a funding flow built for speed, Exness is usually a solid practical option for South Africans — with entity-dependent fine print you should check before committing meaningful capital.

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People also ask

Can I change my account currency?
You cannot change the currency of an existing trading account; a new account must be created for a different currency.
How long does verification take?
Verification documents are usually reviewed quickly, but manual checks can take up to 24 hours.
Can I have multiple accounts with one email?
You can only have one Personal Area per email address, although the same phone number and documents can be used for multiple Personal Areas.
What is the minimum deposit?
Minimum deposits start at $10 for Standard accounts, while professional accounts generally require a minimum of $200, though this can vary by region and payment method.

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