In short
- The figure is the share of a provider's retail CFD/spread bet accounts that lost money over the last 12 months.
- It's updated quarterly.
- Across UK providers it typically sits between about 60% and 80%.
- It says more about clients' results than about the broker's quality.
Why the warning exists
Since the regulator introduced its permanent rules for retail CFDs, every provider must show a standardised risk warning that includes its own percentage of losing retail accounts. The aim is to make the risk concrete: most people who trade these products lose money.
Examples from brokers we list (October 2026)
| Provider | Retail accounts losing money |
|---|---|
| Spreadex | 61% |
| CMC Markets | 69% |
| IG | 70% |
| Pepperstone | 72.9% |
| XTB | 74% |
Figures change every quarter — check each provider's website.
Why the numbers differ
- Client mix: brokers with more experienced or wealthier clients often show lower percentages.
- Products: share-heavy or longer-term clients may fare differently from short-term FX traders.
- Market conditions: volatile years can move the figure several points.
- Account definitions: how accounts are counted (e.g. inactive accounts) affects the result.
How to use it
Treat it as a reminder of the odds, not a ranking. Choose a broker on regulation, costs, platform and service — then manage your own risk with sensible position sizes and stop-losses.
Frequently asked questions
How often is the percentage updated?
Providers calculate it over the previous 12 months and update it every quarter.
Is a broker with a lower percentage safer?
Not necessarily. The figure reflects clients' trading results, which depend heavily on client mix, products and behaviour — not on the broker's financial safety.
CFDs and spread bets are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Most retail investor accounts lose money when trading these products. You should consider whether you understand how they work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.