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BEST GLOBAL STOCK BROKERS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Thinking about trading international shares beyond the JSE? Our ranking of the best global stock brokers in South Africa helps investors explore opportunities across major markets in the US, Europe and Asia. We evaluated safety standards, user-friendly platforms, fair fees and the quality of local customer support. Alongside these, we examined international coverage, currency conversion efficiency and access to highly liquid shares. These brokers give South African traders the gateway they need to diversify globally and manage cross-border portfolios seamlessly.

2025-10-29

A good choice

Ranking Methodology

To compile the ranking, we rely on a professional criterion that follows these steps:

We test the platforms based on several basic parameters (see list).
We test the platforms based on ranking-specific parameters.
We ensure the results are accurate (consistency and absence of outliers).
We verify on social media and forums that our parameters are socially sound and that no relevant negative reviews exist.
We present and publish the ranking.

Basic Testing Parameters for Apps Included in the Ranking

They allow accounts to be opened by local clients; meaning we exclude platforms not available in certain countries.
Regulatory compliance and security.
Transparency, reputation, and data protection.
Total costs (commissions, spreads, non-trading fees, deposits/withdrawals).
User experience (UX/UI), stability, and performance (uptime, latency).
Platform and tools (charts, alerts, backtesting, mobile, desktop, API).
Execution and liquidity (order quality, slippage, depth).
Customer support (languages, coverage, response times).
Education and resources (guides, research, demos, simulators).

Specific Parameters for the Global Equities Ranking

Coverage of international markets (US, Europe, Asia, Latin America, etc.).
Access to multiple foreign exchanges with real-time data.
Availability of complementary global instruments (ADRs, GDRs, international ETFs).
Multi-currency capabilities (trading in different currencies, efficient conversion).
Comparative analysis tools between global markets.
International order execution and routing (quality across multiple exchanges).
Access to global research and news (macro, geopolitics, sectors).
Fees associated with global trading (international custody, FX conversion, cross-border transfers).

Our ranking

TOP PICKS

Ranking

# 1

eToro

eToro tops this ranking for global stock trading by offering seamless access to markets across North America, Europe, and Asia—all from a single, regulated platform. With over 6,000 listed equities available, investors can diversify across borders without managing multiple accounts or dealing with complex conversions. Its advanced tools and community features empower traders to explore international markets while benefiting from real-time pricing and fractional ownership.The platform’s Smart Portfolios allow investors to gain instant exposure to global themes—such as tech, renewable energy, or banking—curated by financial experts. Regulated by the FCA, CySEC, ASIC, and FINRA, eToro combines cross-border accessibility with strict compliance and transparency. Add zero-commission trading, strong execution, and a social environment where global investors learn from each other, and it’s clear why eToro stands at the top for worldwide equity access in this ranking.

More details View review

# 2

FxPro

FxPro is a global broker headquartered in Cyprus with offices in the United Kingdom, the Bahamas, and South Africa. Regulated by CySEC, FCA, and other authorities, it operates under a No Dealing Desk model with access to forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and crypto CFDs. With spreads starting at 0.3 pips and advanced platforms like cTrader, MT4, and MT5, FxPro is ideal for experienced traders seeking direct execution and powerful tools.

TRY IT

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# 3

XM is a global broker with over 10 million users, regulated in Australia, Cyprus, Belize, and the UAE, with an active presence in more than 190 countries. It offers more than 1,000 instruments including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and crypto CFDs. Its low initial deposit, robust educational platform, and compatibility with MT4/MT5 make it ideal for beginner traders as well as more advanced operators.

TRY IT

More details View review

Not sure?

How to open an Investment Account

In South Africa, setting up an investment account is simple once you’ve chosen a provider. The steps apply across asset classes including stocks, bonds, ETFs, futures, options, indices, commodities, crypto and real estate.

Visit the official site: Click “Open account” or “Get started”.
Complete registration: Provide name, email, phone, country. You’ll need a South African ID or passport, plus proof of address such as an Eskom electricity bill or a bank statement issued within 3 months.
Approval: Immediate for some, a few days for others.
Set preferences: Adjust account settings once verified.
Fund account: Deposit by card, EFT, or wallet.

And you’re ready to start investing.