Methodology
How We Test
At ForexPolicy.com, our mission is simple: help traders like you choose the right forex broker with confidence. We know how overwhelming the decision can be. That’s why we’ve built a rigorous, unbiased, and transparent review process rooted in real data and hands-on testing. Every broker featured on our site is evaluated using the same criteria: no shortcuts, no favoritism.
We’re editorially independent. That means our reviews aren’t influenced by advertising dollars or affiliate commissions. If a broker scores well, it’s because they earned it. If they fall short, we’ll tell you exactly why.
And we’re always improving. As the forex market evolves, so does our methodology. We continuously refine how we test to make sure our reviews remain accurate, relevant, and truly helpful.
Our Testing Philosophy
Our approach to broker reviews is guided by four core principles:
- Accuracy: Every claim, feature, and number is verified. We don’t rely on marketing material. We dig into the details ourselves.
- Transparency: You’ll always know how we arrived at a score. We explain what we tested, how we weighted it, and why it matters.
- Consistency: Every broker goes through the same testing process. This ensures fair comparisons and reliable rankings.
- User-Centricity: Our ratings reflect what matters most to real traders: trust, cost, platform quality, tools, and support.
And here’s something important: we do not accept payment for favorable ratings. Our reviews are built on facts, not deals.
Research & Data Collection Process
Before we ever open a trading account, we do our homework.
We gather information from:
- Broker websites and official documentation.
- Regulatory filings and public records.
- Trading platforms and mobile apps.
- Customer agreements and fee schedules
Data Points
We track over 100 unique variables for each broker. Everything from spreads and commissions to platform features and education tools.
Fact-Checking
Every detail is manually validated and cross-checked with official sources. If we can’t verify it, we don’t include it.
Update Frequency
We update our reviews at least annually, but we also monitor brokers continuously. If there’s a major change (like a regulatory shift or platform overhaul), we update the review right away.
Product Testing & Hands-On Evaluation
This is where the real work happens. We don’t just read about brokers. We use them.
What We Do
- Open real or demo accounts with each broker
- Test deposits and withdrawals (including speed and fees)
- Execute trades to evaluate order quality and slippage
- Contact customer support via chat, email, and phone
- Navigate web platforms, desktop apps, and mobile apps
Our Setup
We test across multiple environments to mirror real-world conditions:
- Operating Systems: Windows 11, macOS, Android 14, iOS 17
- Browsers: Chrome, Safari, Edge (latest versions)
- Internet: High-speed fiber connection for consistent performance
What We’re Looking For
Usability matters. We evaluate:
- How easy it is to navigate the platform
- How fast trades execute
- How reliable the overall experience is, especially during peak hours
Regulatory & Trust Evaluation
Trust is everything in forex trading. That’s why regulation is one of the most heavily weighted factors in our reviews.
Why Regulation Matters?
A well-regulated broker means your funds are safer, complaints are handled more seriously, and the broker operates under strict oversight.
ForexPolicy Trust Score
We assign each broker a Trust Score based on:
- Regulatory licenses (and the tier of those regulators)
- Company history and ownership transparency
- Complaint records and disciplinary actions
- Fund protection measures like segregation and compensation schemes
Regulator Tiers
Not all regulators are created equal. We categorize them into Tier 1 through Tier 5, with Tier 1 being the most rigorous (e.g., FCA, ASIC, SEC) and Tier 5 offering minimal oversight.
Brokers regulated by Tier 1 authorities score higher in our trust evaluation.
Scoring Framework
Our final broker score is built from a combination of quantitative data and qualitative analysis.
i) Yes/No Scoring
We evaluate brokers across 100+ binary features. Does the broker offer this tool? Support this asset? Include this protection?
Each feature is assigned a weighted point value based on its importance to traders.
ii). Opinion Scoring
Our expert reviewers assign scores from 1 to 10 (with half-points allowed) based on:
- Quality of design and user experience
- Depth and usefulness of features
- Overall performance and reliability
iii) Final Weighted Score
We combine the binary and opinion scores, apply category-specific weightings, and convert the result into a percentage or star rating.
This ensures every broker gets a fair, data-backed evaluation.
Categories We Test
Each broker is evaluated across seven key categories, each with its own weighting based on trader priorities.
| Category | Weighting | What We Test |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | 25% | Licenses, history, fund safety, transparency, complaints |
| Commissions & Fees | 11% | Spreads, commissions, overnight fees, deposit/withdrawal charges |
| Trading Platforms & Tools | 11% | Desktop and web platforms, charting tools, order types, execution quality |
| Mobile Trading Apps | 16% | App design, speed, features, ease of use across iOS and Android |
| Research | 16% | Market analysis, news feeds, trading signals, proprietary insights |
| Education | 11% | Tutorials, webinars, courses, glossaries, beginner-friendly content |
| Range of Investments | 10% | Forex pairs, CFDs, commodities, indices, stocks, crypto availability |
Each category is scored independently, then combined into the broker’s overall rating.
Data Integrity & Editorial Independence
Let’s be clear: we are not paid by brokers to write favorable reviews.
ForexPolicy.com operates independently. Our editorial team makes all final decisions about ratings, and those decisions are based purely on testing data and expert analysis, not advertising budgets.
Our Process
- Reviews are written by experienced analysts
- Scores are audited internally before publication
- Any conflicts of interest are disclosed upfront
We believe transparency builds trust. And trust is the foundation of everything we do.
Continuous Improvement
We don’t believe in “set it and forget it.”Our methodology evolves based on:- Reader feedback and questions
- Advances in trading technology
- Changes in industry standards and regulations
- Data analytics showing what traders care about most
Disclaimer
Forex trading carries significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors.
The reviews and ratings published on ForexPolicy.com are for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always do your own research and consider your financial situation before choosing a broker or placing a trade.
We provide the facts. You make the decision.