Overview
Axi (formerly AxiTrader) is an Australian ECN/STP broker founded in 2007 and one of the most established MetaTrader-oriented providers. For algo traders, Axi offers a solid foundation: the Pro account delivers raw spreads from 0.0 pips, EAs are permitted without restriction, and a free VPS is available for active traders. The clear focus is on MT4 (long the core terminal), supplemented by MT5 since 2024; the in-house Axi platform integrates TradingView charting. With 220+ instruments — including 70+ FX pairs, indices, commodities, and share and crypto CFDs — the range is solid but deliberately focused.
Regulation & Safety
Axi operates through several licensed entities: ASIC (Australia, 318232), FCA (UK, 466201), DFSA (Dubai, F003742), plus an FMA licence (New Zealand, 518226). Since 2026 EU clients have their own entity: Solaris EMEA Ltd, licensed by CySEC (433/23) and reachable at axi-solaris.com/eu — so DACH traders are covered by the ESMA framework including negative balance protection. The regulatory base is therefore broad — the FCA and ASIC rank among the most reputable regulators worldwide, and UK clients trade within the fully protected FCA framework including negative balance protection.
The usual trade-off concerns leverage: under FCA/ESMA the retail maximum of 1:30 applies; the advertised 1:500 is reserved for the offshore entities. Client funds are held segregated. On balance, Axi sits among the well-regulated brokers.
Costs
For algo traders the Pro account is the relevant one: raw spreads from 0.0 pips (averaging ~0.2 pips on EUR/USD) at a commission of 2.25 USD per lot per side (4.50 USD round turn; older support articles still quote 7 USD). That yields effective all-in costs of roughly 0.65 pips on EUR/USD — on par with the cheapest providers such as Fusion Markets. The Standard account foregoes commission and prices spreads from ~0.4 pips — usable for occasional traders, but usually more expensive for active EAs.
Execution
Axi uses No-Dealing-Desk execution and is praised in independent reviews for reliable, requote-light fills. For most trend, grid, and swing EAs the profile is robust; high-frequency scalpers should briefly validate latency in their own region. Combined with the free VPS, this creates a stable environment for continuous operation.
EA & Algo Suitability
The core requirements are met: EAs, scalping, and hedging are permitted without restriction. The emphasis is clearly on MetaTrader — MT4 as the long-standing core terminal, plus MT5 (in the EU as well). The most noticeable weakness for algo traders is the absence of cTrader; TradingView is integrated only via the Axi platform, not as a standalone terminal. Anyone working cAlgo/PineScript-centric finds no native option here. For classic MQL EA portfolios, however, the setup is rock-solid, and the free VPS (15 lots in the previous month or a 500 USD starting deposit, on request) ensures 24/7 operation. Comparable with the other ECN brokers for EAs.
Conditions, Deposits & Support
In the EU the Pro account requires a 100 USD minimum deposit; for the Standard account Axi inconsistently states 5 or 100 USD. Accounts come in numerous base currencies (incl. USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, CHF, HKD, SGD, ZAR), and swap-free Islamic variants are available. Deposits and withdrawals run via bank transfer, card, and e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller), and are generally free. Support is multilingual and reliably reachable. US clients are not served.
Verdict
Axi is an established, well-regulated MetaTrader broker and a solid choice for classic MQL EA traders: Pro raw spreads from 0.0 pips, FCA/ASIC protection, a free VPS, and full EA support. The main consideration is the absence of cTrader; on commission Axi is level with Fusion Markets at USD 2.25 per lot per side. Those needing cTrader or PineScript will look more towards Fusion Markets or Pepperstone; but anyone seeking a long-established, broadly regulated MetaTrader broker with a free VPS is well served by Axi. See also our comparison of the best EA brokers.