Skilling is a European-regulated online broker that has steadily built its reputation by combining modern trading technology with a clear and compliant regulatory framework. Operating under the supervision of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Skilling positions itself as a transparent and structurally reliable provider within the global CFD trading space. Since its expansion beyond Europe, the broker has also attracted growing attention from Asian traders seeking a regulated environment without the complexity and opacity often associated with offshore platforms.
Between 60 to 80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
| Regulators | CySEC FCA |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Leverage | Between 1:10 and 1:200 | Payment Methods | Bank Transfer Visa Mastercard Neteller Skrill ApplePay GPay Volt Trustly |
At first glance, Skilling presents itself as a broker focused on functionality and clarity rather than aggressive marketing. The registration process is straightforward, the client area is well-organized, and the platform selection is immediately clear. Instead of overwhelming users with excessive account variations or promotional gimmicks, Skilling emphasizes platform quality, cost transparency, and regulatory discipline. This approach resonates particularly well with Asian traders who increasingly prioritize operational reliability and fair execution over bonus-driven offers.
From a technological standpoint, Skilling stands out by offering three high-quality trading platforms: MetaTrader 4, cTrader, and its own proprietary Skilling Trader platform. This combination allows traders to choose between industry-standard environments and a modern, browser-based solution optimized for speed and usability. For Asian traders operating across different time zones and devices, this flexibility is a meaningful advantage, enabling consistent execution regardless of location or session.
Another defining aspect of Skilling is its structured approach to pricing. The broker clearly differentiates between spread-only accounts and commission-based accounts, allowing traders to select a cost model that aligns with their strategy and capital size. While Skilling does not offer real assets, its CFD coverage across forex, equities, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies provides sufficient breadth for diversified trading strategies within a regulated framework.
Regulation
Skilling operates under a solid dual-regulatory structure that provides meaningful oversight and client protection. The broker is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), two well-established regulators known for enforcing strict compliance standards on retail brokers.
- United Kingdom — Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Cyprus — Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
This regulatory framework ensures that Skilling adheres to key investor protection principles, including the segregation of client funds, capital adequacy requirements, and transparent reporting obligations. FCA oversight, in particular, adds a layer of institutional credibility, as it imposes rigorous operational controls and dispute resolution mechanisms. For Asian traders, this reduces counterparty risk and provides confidence that the broker operates under internationally recognized standards.
While Skilling does not hold additional top-tier global licenses such as ASIC, its FCA and CySEC regulation still places it well above the majority of offshore brokers targeting Asian markets. The broker also complies with European investor protection rules, including negative balance protection for retail clients, ensuring that losses cannot exceed deposited capital.
Opening an Account — Our Experience
The account opening process with Skilling is efficient and fully digital. Registration can be completed in a matter of minutes, with identity verification handled through secure document uploads. During testing, account approval was completed within one business day, reflecting a streamlined but compliant onboarding workflow.
Asian traders benefit from a localized onboarding experience, with clear instructions and intuitive navigation throughout the verification process. Funding options include bank transfers, major credit and debit cards, and a broad range of electronic payment methods such as Skrill, Neteller, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Trustly, Volt, and others, depending on jurisdiction.
Withdrawals are processed through the same payment channels used for deposits, following standard AML procedures. Processing times are competitive, and Skilling does not impose unnecessary administrative hurdles once verification is complete. Overall, the onboarding and account management experience reflects a broker that values operational efficiency without compromising regulatory compliance.
Account Types
Skilling offers a structured range of account types designed to accommodate different trading styles and capital levels. The minimum deposit to open an account is $100, making the broker accessible to newer traders while still offering premium options for more experienced participants.
The core distinction between accounts lies in the pricing model. Some accounts operate on a spread-only basis, while others offer tighter raw spreads combined with per-trade commissions. This transparent differentiation allows traders to choose based on expected trading frequency, position size, and cost sensitivity.
| Account Type | Minimum Deposit | Pricing Model | Typical Spreads | Commission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $100 | Spread-only | From ~0.9 pips | No |
| Premium | Higher deposit required | Tighter spreads | From ~0.7 pips | No |
| Raw | Higher deposit required | Raw spreads | From ~0.4 pips | Yes |
| Elite | Professional-level | Institutional-style | Lowest available | Yes |
This tiered structure rewards higher capital commitment with improved trading conditions, while still maintaining transparency across all account levels. For Asian traders managing different portfolio sizes or transitioning from retail to more advanced strategies, this flexibility is particularly valuable.
Platforms
Skilling’s platform offering is one of its strongest competitive advantages. Traders can choose between MetaTrader 4, cTrader, and the proprietary Skilling Trader platform, each catering to different preferences and workflows.
MetaTrader 4 remains a familiar environment for traditional forex traders, offering broad indicator support and compatibility with expert advisors. cTrader, on the other hand, appeals to more advanced users seeking deeper market depth, faster execution logic, and a modern interface optimized for ECN-style trading.
The Skilling Trader platform provides a clean, browser-based alternative designed for ease of use and rapid execution. Its interface is intuitive, with fast chart loading, simplified order management, and integrated risk controls. For Asian traders who frequently trade from laptops or mobile devices, this proprietary platform offers a balanced combination of accessibility and performance.
Across all platforms, execution remains consistent, and account synchronization ensures that traders can switch environments without friction. This multi-platform flexibility supports diverse trading styles, from discretionary day trading to more systematic approaches.
Assets
Skilling provides access to a diversified range of CFD instruments, covering the most actively traded global markets.
Available Assets
Below you can see which assets are available for trading with Skilling:
| Asset | Availability |
|---|---|
| Currencies | 72 |
| Real Stocks | ✗ |
| Stock CFDs | ✓ |
| Commodities | ✓ |
| Indices | ✓ |
| Real ETFs | ✗ |
| ETFs CFDs | ✓ |
| Futures | ✗ |
| Options | ✗ |
| Bonds | ✗ |
| Cryptocurrency CFDs | ✓ |
| Real Cryptocurrencies | ✗ |
*Availability of certain assets may vary based on account type, platform, or region.
The broker’s asset coverage includes forex pairs, global equity CFDs, stock indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. While Skilling does not offer real shares or ETFs, its CFD selection is sufficient for speculative and hedging strategies across multiple asset classes.
For Asian traders, this multi-asset access allows exposure to global macro themes without the need to maintain multiple brokerage relationships. Currency traders can focus on major and minor pairs, while index and commodity traders can diversify portfolios within the same margin environment.
Spreads
Skilling’s spread structure reflects its transparent pricing philosophy. Spread-only accounts offer simplicity, with costs embedded directly into the bid-ask spread. For traders seeking tighter pricing, commission-based accounts provide access to raw spreads at the cost of a fixed per-lot fee.
Spreads Offered
Below a visual representation of Skilling's spreads across several currency pairs:
*Spreads are variable and may change based on market conditions, account types and trading volumes.
Major forex pairs typically display spreads starting around 0.9 pips on standard accounts, tightening further on premium and raw accounts. This range places Skilling competitively within the regulated broker landscape, especially considering its FCA oversight.
Other Trading Costs
Beyond spreads and commissions, Skilling maintains a relatively clean fee structure. There are no account maintenance fees, and deposits are generally free of charge. Withdrawals may incur third-party processing fees depending on the payment method, but these are clearly disclosed.
Overnight swap rates apply to positions held beyond the trading day and are transparently listed within the platform. These swaps align with prevailing interbank rates, ensuring that carrying costs remain predictable for longer-term positions.
Trading Conditions
Skilling operates a no-dealing-desk execution model, reducing potential conflicts of interest between the broker and its clients. Orders are executed at market prices, with slippage possible during volatile conditions but without artificial price manipulation.
The maximum leverage available to retail clients is capped at 1:200, which strikes a balance between flexibility and risk control. While lower than some offshore alternatives, this leverage level aligns with responsible risk management practices and is sufficient for most trading strategies.
Execution speed is stable across platforms, and infrastructure reliability remains consistent during major market sessions. For Asian traders operating during overlapping European and Asian trading hours, this stability is critical for strategy execution.
Is Skilling a Good Option for Asian Traders?
Yes. Skilling is a solid option for Asian traders who value regulation, platform flexibility, and transparent pricing. Its FCA and CySEC oversight provides a strong regulatory foundation, while its multi-platform offering supports a wide range of trading styles.
Although the broker does not offer real assets and limits leverage to 1:200, these constraints reflect a conservative and compliance-focused operating model rather than structural weakness. For traders prioritizing safety and execution quality over aggressive leverage, Skilling presents a balanced and credible alternative.
Our Verdict
Skilling combines regulatory reliability with modern trading infrastructure and a clear pricing structure. Its support for MT4, cTrader, and a proprietary platform allows traders to tailor their experience without sacrificing execution quality.
For Asian traders seeking a regulated broker with transparent costs, reasonable leverage, and strong platform support, Skilling represents a dependable choice within the CFD trading ecosystem. While it may not suit investors looking for real asset ownership, it excels as a technically sound and compliance-driven trading venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skilling regulated and safe to trade with?
Yes. Skilling is regulated by the FCA in the UK and CySEC in Cyprus, providing strong investor protection and regulatory oversight.
What is the minimum deposit at Skilling?
The minimum deposit to open a Skilling account is $100.
Does Skilling offer MetaTrader and cTrader?
Yes. Skilling supports MetaTrader 4, cTrader, and its own proprietary Skilling Trader platform.
What leverage does Skilling provide?
Retail clients can access leverage of up to 1:200, depending on jurisdiction and asset class.
Does Skilling offer real stocks or ETFs?
No. Skilling operates exclusively with CFDs across all supported asset classes.
Note: Any opinions expressed in this article are not to be considered investment advice and are solely those of the authors. Singapore Forex Club is not responsible for any financial decisions based on this article's contents. Readers may use this data for information and educational purposes only.
