Your complete guide to FXCM Trading Station 2 — the proprietary trading platform that gives you access to forex, CFDs, and more. Learn about its features, how to access and set it up, broker regulation checks, and the key risks of online trading.
FXCM (Forex Capital Markets) is a globally recognised online broker that provides forex and CFD trading services to retail and institutional clients. Founded in 1999, FXCM has over 25 years of operational history and serves clients in more than 180 countries. The broker offers trading on a wide range of instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies, through platforms such as MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), Trading Station, and TradingView.
FXCM has experienced significant corporate changes over the years, including a restructuring and rebranding of its UK entity to Stratos Markets Limited. Despite its tumultuous past, FXCM remains operational and regulated in multiple jurisdictions. The broker is known for its competitive pricing, fast execution, and a range of proprietary tools designed to enhance the trading experience.
Trading Station 2 is FXCM's flagship proprietary trading platform, offering a unique set of features that differentiate it from third-party platforms like MetaTrader. This guide focuses on Trading Station 2, covering its features, setup, and how it fits into your trading strategy.
Trading Station 2 is FXCM's proprietary trading platform, designed to provide a comprehensive and intuitive trading experience. It is available as a desktop application for Windows and macOS, as well as a web-based version and mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Key features of Trading Station 2 include:
Trading Station 2 is designed for traders who prefer a platform that is both powerful and intuitive. It is particularly well-suited for traders who value a clean interface and advanced order management.
Getting started with FXCM Trading Station 2 is straightforward. Follow these steps to access and set up the platform.
Visit the FXCM website and click "Open Account." Complete the registration form, choose your account type, and complete KYC verification. Once approved, you will receive your trading account credentials.
Enter your trading account number and password. Select the correct server (e.g., FXCM-Live or FXCM-Demo). Click "Login" to access your account.
Set up your charts, indicators, and watchlists. Trading Station 2 allows you to customise your layout, including multiple chart windows, order entry panels, and market depth displays.
With your workspace configured, you can begin placing trades. Select an instrument, choose your order type, set your trade size, and click "Buy" or "Sell." Use stop-loss and take-profit levels to manage your risk.
Trading Station 2 offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to both beginner and experienced traders. Below is a summary of the key tools available.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Charting | Multiple chart types (candlestick, bar, line), 9 timeframes, 30+ technical indicators, and drawing tools. |
| Order Types | Market, limit, stop, trailing stop, and OCO (one-cancels-other) orders. |
| Market Depth | View the depth of market to see liquidity and potential support/resistance levels. |
| Trading Signals | Access to trading signals and market analysis directly within the platform. |
| One-Click Trading | Execute trades quickly with a single click. |
| Customisable Workspace | Personalise your layout with multiple chart windows and order entry panels. |
| Economic Calendar | Built-in economic calendar to stay updated on key market events. |
| Push Notifications | Receive alerts for price levels and order executions. |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Not supported — Trading Station 2 is a manual trading platform. |
Unlike MetaTrader, Trading Station 2 does not support Expert Advisors (EAs) or automated trading. It is designed for traders who prefer manual execution and a clean, intuitive interface.
Before trading with any broker, it is essential to verify its safety and legitimacy. FXCM is a regulated broker, but the level of protection varies by entity.
| Regulator | Entity | Licence Number | Client Protection | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCA (UK) | Stratos Markets Ltd (formerly FXCM UK) | 217689 | FSCS protection up to £85,000, negative balance protection, strict segregation of client funds | UK / Europe |
| CySEC (Cyprus) | FXCM EU Ltd | 392/20 | Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) up to €20,000, negative balance protection, MiFID II compliance | EU / EEA |
| ASIC (Australia) | FXCM Australia Pty Ltd | 309763 | Segregated client funds, ASIC regulation | Australia |
| FSCA (South Africa) | FXCM South Africa (Pty) Ltd | 46534 | Segregated client funds | South Africa |
All these entities are required to hold client funds in segregated accounts, separate from the company's operational funds. However, the compensation schemes differ: FCA clients have the strongest protection (FSCS up to £85,000), CySEC clients have ICF protection (up to €20,000), while ASIC and FSCA clients have no compensation scheme.
FXCM has a history of regulatory actions that traders should be aware of:
Trading Station 2 can be applied to various trading strategies, from short-term speculation to longer-term hedging. Below is a practical scenario illustrating how a trader might use the platform.
Trader profile: Elena is a retail trader from Spain with a €1,000 account on FXCM EU Ltd (CySEC entity). She uses Trading Station 2 to trade EURUSD CFDs.
Setup: Elena analyses the 15-minute chart using Trading Station 2's charting tools. She identifies a resistance level at 1.1050 and expects a break above to rally to 1.1080.
Action: She opens a buy CFD of 0.10 lots on EURUSD at 1.1050, setting a stop-loss at 1.1020 (30 pips) and a take-profit at 1.1080 (30 pips). With 1:30 leverage, the margin required is approximately €370. The spread on EURUSD is 1.3 pips (Standard account).
Outcome: The price breaks resistance and rallies to 1.1080, hitting her take-profit. The gross profit is $30 (30 pips × $1 per pip for 0.10 lots). After accounting for the spread cost (~$1.3), her net profit is approximately $28.7.
Lesson: This scenario illustrates how a well-defined trading plan with clear risk parameters can generate a positive return. It also highlights the importance of controlling risk through stop-loss and take-profit orders.
FXCM offers competitive trading conditions, though costs vary by account type. The table below compares the Standard and Active Trader accounts.
| Feature | Standard Account | Active Trader Account |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 (or equivalent) | $5,000 (or equivalent) |
| Spreads from (EURUSD) | 1.3 pips | 0.8 pips |
| Commission | None | $2.50 per side |
| Maximum Leverage (Retail) | 1:30 (FCA/CySEC) / 1:400 (professional) | 1:30 (FCA/CySEC) / 1:400 (professional) |
| Base Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, etc. | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, etc. |
| Islamic (Swap-Free) | Available | Available |
| Instrument Range | 150+ instruments | 150+ instruments |
In addition to spreads and commissions, FXCM charges swap (overnight) fees on positions held beyond the daily cutoff. Triple swaps apply on Wednesday nights. The Active Trader account offers lower spreads but requires a higher minimum deposit.
Trading forex, CFDs, and other derivatives on Trading Station 2 carries a high level of risk. Leverage, market volatility, and other factors can lead to substantial losses, potentially exceeding your initial deposit.
According to regulatory disclosures, 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with FXCM. Before trading, carefully consider your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance.
FXCM Trading Station 2 is the proprietary trading platform offered by FXCM. It is available as a desktop application, web-based platform, and mobile app. It provides advanced charting, market depth, and one-click trading.
Yes, Trading Station 2 is free to download and use. However, you will need a funded FXCM trading account to trade real instruments.
No, Trading Station 2 does not support Expert Advisors (EAs) or automated trading. It is a manual trading platform. For automated trading, you need to use MetaTrader 4 or 5.
Trading Station 2 runs on Windows 7 or later and macOS. It requires a minimum of 1 GB RAM and an internet connection.
Yes, Trading Station 2 uses 256-bit SSL encryption to protect your data. FXCM is also regulated by multiple authorities, ensuring high security standards.
Yes, Trading Station 2 is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The mobile app provides full trading functionality, including charting and order management.
Yes, Trading Station 2 supports both Standard and Active Trader accounts, as well as demo accounts.
First, check that you are using the correct trading account number and password. Ensure you have selected the correct server (Live or Demo). If the issue persists, clear your browser cache (for web version) or reinstall the app. Contact FXCM support if the issue continues.
📚 About this guide: This article is based on publicly available information from FXCM's official website, regulatory disclosures from the FCA, CySEC, ASIC, and the FSCA, and general educational materials from the CFTC and ESMA. Platform features, trading conditions, fees, spreads, leverage, and account availability are subject to change. Readers are strongly encouraged to verify all current details directly with the official FXCM website and the relevant regulator's register before making any trading decisions. This content is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice.