Ultima Markets, a global multi-asset broker, has officially received authorisation from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to offer contracts for difference (CFDs), signaling its ambitious expansion into one of the world’s most tightly regulated—and competitive—trading environments.
The FCA approved the “Ultima Markets” trading name on 21 July 2025, according to the official register. Industry sources suggest the firm has also acquired the UK operations of Tiger Brokers, though it remains unclear whether the transaction involved the full infrastructure and client base, or simply the regulatory license.
Ultima is expected to begin onboarding UK clients in early 2026 under its newly minted FCA status.
A New Entrant with Global Ambitions
Founded in 2016, Ultima Markets already holds licenses in South Africa and Mauritius, and has built a strong presence across the Asia-Pacific region—a key revenue-generating area for many retail brokers.
Now, with its sights set on the UK, Ultima is entering a landscape long dominated by institutional giants like IG Group, CMC Markets, and Saxo. It’s a bold move—especially at a time when many brokers are pulling back from the UK due to rising operational costs and increasing regulatory scrutiny.
Swimming Against the Tide
Ultima Markets’ arrival comes as several foreign brokers exit the UK market entirely. Most recently, AETOS Capital voluntarily surrendered its FCA license, joining the likes of ADSS, TrivePro, and ICM.com, all of which have wound down their UK retail operations in recent years. Some firms have shifted their focus to professional clients only, while others have withdrawn entirely due to the FCA’s increasingly strict compliance standards.
Adding to the trend, the FCA recently confirmed that none of the 100 EU-based CFD brokers operating under the post-Brexit Temporary Permissions Regime opted to pursue full FCA authorisation.
A Contrarian Strategy in a Compliant Landscape
Ultima’s UK move is notable for its timing and ambition. In a jurisdiction known for high regulatory barriers, many brokers view the cost of compliance as prohibitive. Ultima, however, appears ready to play the long game—investing in what it sees as a high-value, reputation-driven market.
The UK remains one of the most respected regulatory hubs for financial services globally. For traders, FCA-authorised brokers signal a level of trust, client protection, and oversight not always guaranteed in other jurisdictions.
What’s Next for Ultima Markets?
As the broker prepares for its 2026 UK rollout, the industry will be watching closely to see whether Ultima’s contrarian bet pays off. With expansion plans also underway across Asia-Pacific and Africa, the company is positioning itself as a next-generation broker willing to go where others won’t.
In a tightening regulatory landscape, that willingness could prove to be Ultima’s greatest differentiator.
About Ultima Markets
Founded in 2016, Ultima Markets is a globally regulated CFDs broker offering access to forex, indices, commodities, and crypto markets. The company holds licenses in South Africa and Mauritius and is expanding rapidly across APAC, LATAM, and now the UK. Ultima Markets is committed to delivering secure, transparent, and high-performance trading environments for retail and professional clients alike.
Learn more: www.ultimamarkets.com