6 minute read
Is Pocket Option Available in Europe? A Comprehensive Review
from Pocket Option
Yes, Pocket Option is available in Europe, but with some important limitations. Although the platform accepts traders from several European countries, it does not operate under an EU financial license, and certain countries are restricted due to regulatory frameworks. If you’re located in Europe and considering using Pocket Option for binary options or forex trading, there are crucial details you need to understand regarding its legal status, accessibility, and risks.
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What Is Pocket Option?
Pocket Option is an online trading platform offering binary options, forex, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrency trading. Launched in 2017 by Gembell Limited, it quickly gained popularity for its user-friendly interface, low minimum deposit ($5), and wide range of trading instruments.
The platform is not regulated by top-tier authorities like CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) or FCA (Financial Conduct Authority, UK). Instead, it is regulated by the International Financial Market Relations Regulation Center (IFMRRC) — a private, non-governmental organization. This distinction is crucial for European users, as financial services in Europe are subject to strict legal and consumer protection standards.
Is Pocket Option Legal in Europe?
Not EU-Regulated
Pocket Option is not licensed to operate by any European Union financial authority. That means it does not comply with MiFID II (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive), the EU’s key regulation for trading platforms. Without this regulation, Pocket Option cannot legally offer financial services in most EU countries, at least not without specific cross-border permissions.
Country-Specific Access
Despite the lack of EU regulation, some European traders can still access Pocket Option’s services. The platform does not automatically block all EU IP addresses, and users from countries like Germany, Italy, Spain, and several Eastern European nations can create accounts and trade.
However, Pocket Option is explicitly unavailable in a few European countries, including:
The United Kingdom (due to FCA rules on binary options)
France
Netherlands
Belgium
In these jurisdictions, access to binary options trading through offshore, unregulated platforms is either banned or tightly restricted. If you attempt to access Pocket Option from these countries, the website may be blocked or display a notice of non-availability.
Can European Traders Use Pocket Option Legally?
The legality of using Pocket Option as a European resident depends on your country’s financial laws and your personal risk tolerance.
What the Law Says
Most European financial regulators prohibit or warn against using unregulated offshore trading platforms. That doesn’t always mean it’s illegal for individuals to access them, but:
You may not be protected by law if the broker disappears or mismanages your funds.
There is no guarantee of compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) or know-your-customer (KYC) regulations.
You cannot file a complaint to a national financial ombudsman or regulator.
Essentially, using Pocket Option from Europe is a “use at your own risk” decision unless you're in a country where local laws specifically prohibit it.
Why Do European Traders Still Use Pocket Option?
Despite the lack of EU regulation, thousands of European traders continue to use Pocket Option. Why?
1. Accessibility and Simplicity
The platform is extremely beginner-friendly. Signing up takes only a few minutes, and the minimum deposit is just $5 — far lower than what most EU-regulated brokers require.
2. High Payout Rates
Pocket Option offers payouts of up to 92% on winning trades, which is higher than many regulated platforms.
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3. Wide Asset Selection
European traders can access hundreds of assets, including major forex pairs (EUR/USD, GBP/USD), European stocks, and cryptocurrencies — all from one account.
4. Crypto-Friendly
Unlike many EU-regulated brokers, Pocket Option allows crypto deposits and withdrawals, which appeals to tech-savvy traders.
5. Bonuses and Social Trading
Pocket Option offers generous bonuses, contests, and social trading features — perks that are often restricted by European regulators due to consumer protection rules.
What Are the Risks of Using Pocket Option in Europe?
While the features are appealing, there are serious risks associated with trading on Pocket Option from Europe:
1. Lack of Regulatory Protection
You won’t benefit from the investor compensation schemes or dispute resolution services that come with regulated EU brokers.
2. Binary Options Are High-Risk
Binary options have been banned in the EU for retail traders since 2018 by ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority), due to their speculative nature. Platforms offering binary options without EU authorization are bypassing this rule.
3. No Legal Recourse
If something goes wrong — such as your account being frozen or funds being withheld — you cannot turn to your national regulator or EU courts for help.
4. Marketing Practices
Many offshore brokers, including Pocket Option, use aggressive affiliate marketing, which may not always be transparent. Traders can be lured into risky decisions by misleading reviews or influencer promotions.
How Can You Check if Pocket Option Is Allowed in Your Country?
If you’re unsure whether Pocket Option is accessible or legal in your European country, follow these steps:
Try visiting the site — If your country is blocked, you’ll see a notice.
Read your national financial regulator’s website — Look for warnings or blacklists mentioning Pocket Option or binary options.
Contact support — Ask Pocket Option’s live chat or email support if your country is supported.
Use VPN cautiously — Some traders use VPNs to bypass location blocks, but this may violate Pocket Option’s terms of service.
Alternatives to Pocket Option in Europe
If you’re based in Europe and want a safer, regulated trading experience, consider these alternatives:
IQ Option (regulated by CySEC): Offers options, CFDs, and a modern interface.
eToro (regulated by CySEC and FCA): Best for social trading and long-term investing.
Plus500 (regulated across multiple EU countries): Ideal for CFD trading.
Deriv.com (regulated in various jurisdictions): Offers synthetic indices and options under tighter controls.
These platforms are fully licensed within the EU or have passporting rights that allow them to legally serve European clients.
Final Verdict: Should You Use Pocket Option in Europe?
If you are located in a European country where Pocket Option is not explicitly banned, you technically can create an account and trade. However, you must weigh the risks carefully.
Pocket Option is attractive for its simplicity, asset variety, and high returns, but it lacks the regulatory safeguards European traders are used to. If you prioritize security, transparency, and legal protection, a regulated broker may be a better choice.
Summary:
✅ Pocket Option is available in some parts of Europe.
❌ It is not licensed by any EU financial authority.
⚠️ Use comes with regulatory and financial risks.
📵 Banned or restricted in the UK, France, Netherlands, Belgium.
💡 Many traders still use it for its features — at their own risk.
Final Thoughts
Binary options trading is inherently high-risk. While Pocket Option offers exciting features and broad access, European users must approach it with caution and full awareness of their local laws. Always do your due diligence, read user reviews, and understand the regulatory implications before depositing your money on any offshore platform.
If you’re an EU-based trader, think twice before sacrificing legal protection for ease of access. Sometimes, what’s easy isn’t what’s safest.
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