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Is JustMarkets Legal in Germany? Here's What You Need to Know

Yes, JustMarkets is not legally authorized to offer financial services directly to retail traders in Germany. While the platform may accept signups from users worldwide, it is not regulated by BaFin—Germany’s financial regulatory authority—meaning that it operates outside the legal framework required to serve German residents with financial services like CFD trading, forex trading, or brokerage. In this article, we'll break down exactly why that matters, what the legal status of JustMarkets in Germany means for traders, and what alternatives German investors should consider if they want to trade legally and safely.

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What Is JustMarkets?

JustMarkets is an online trading platform offering access to forex, CFDs, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. It claims to provide fast execution, low spreads, high leverage (up to 1:3000), and a wide variety of account types.

Originally known as JustForex, the company has rebranded as JustMarkets and has grown its global user base in recent years. However, its core regulatory status remains tied to offshore jurisdictions, primarily the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles.

This is a critical issue when evaluating its legality in stricter regulatory environments like Germany.

Is JustMarkets Regulated in Germany?

No, JustMarkets is not regulated in Germany.

Germany’s financial markets are overseen by BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority). Any broker that wants to offer financial services to German residents must either:

  1. Be directly licensed by BaFin, or

  2. Have a valid EU/EEA license and passporting rights (prior to Brexit), and comply with MiFID II regulations.

As of the time of writing, JustMarkets does not appear in the BaFin register of authorized financial services providers. Its offshore license from Seychelles’ FSA does not hold legal authority within the European Union, including Germany.

Therefore, offering financial services to German residents without authorization is technically illegal under German law.

Why Is This Important?

The regulatory framework in Germany exists to protect consumers from fraud, market abuse, and unethical trading practices. Brokers licensed by BaFin or operating under EU regulations must follow strict rules, including:

  • Segregation of client funds

  • Negative balance protection

  • Leverage caps (usually 1:30 for retail traders)

  • Transparent reporting and dispute resolution

  • Investor compensation schemes

JustMarkets, being regulated by an offshore authority, is not bound by these investor protections. This presents significant risks for German users, such as:

  • No legal recourse in case of fund loss or malpractice

  • High leverage that can lead to rapid capital depletion

  • Unclear dispute resolution mechanisms

  • No deposit protection schemes like those offered in the EU

Can Germans Use JustMarkets Anyway?

Technically, German residents can access the JustMarkets website, create an account, and even deposit funds. However, that does not make it legal.

It is the responsibility of the broker to obtain regulatory approval before marketing or offering services to residents of Germany. Accepting clients without proper registration is considered an unauthorized financial activity under BaFin regulations.

BaFin has previously issued public warnings about offshore brokers illegally targeting German users. These warnings highlight the real risks faced by consumers, including total loss of capital.

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Has BaFin Issued a Warning About JustMarkets?

As of now, BaFin has not issued a specific warning about JustMarkets. However, this does not mean it is approved. In fact, many unregulated brokers operate under the radar until enough consumer complaints surface.

Moreover, BaFin continuously monitors and investigates platforms that solicit clients without proper registration, especially when high-leverage CFD products are involved. Using such platforms can put a trader at risk of legal complications or financial loss.

What Happens If You Use JustMarkets in Germany?

If you use JustMarkets as a German resident, you’re doing so at your own risk. While the platform might not actively block German users, it is still:

  • Operating without a legal license in Germany

  • Exposing you to high-risk products with no regulatory oversight

  • Offering no protection if something goes wrong

In worst-case scenarios, users of unauthorized brokers have faced:

  • Account freezes or sudden fund losses

  • Lack of support or withdrawal denial

  • Inability to file legal claims

  • Violations of German and EU investor protection laws

Why Do Some Traders Still Use JustMarkets?

There are several reasons why some traders—especially beginners or high-risk seekers—still use JustMarkets, even in Germany:

  1. High leverage options: Up to 1:3000, much higher than allowed in the EU.

  2. Lower entry requirements: Some account types start with as little as $1.

  3. Attractive bonuses and promotions: Unregulated brokers often offer bonuses banned in the EU.

  4. No stringent KYC processes: Offshore brokers may allow faster signup.

However, these features often come at the cost of safety and legal protection.

What looks like “freedom” in trading often leads to unregulated practices, which is why many European regulators have cracked down on such brokers.

Legal Alternatives to JustMarkets in Germany

If you’re in Germany and want to trade forex or CFDs, choose a broker regulated by BaFin or another respected EU regulator.

Here are some features to look for in a legal broker:

  • BaFin regulation or MiFID II-compliant license

  • Transparent fee structures and moderate leverage

  • Negative balance protection and investor compensation

  • Good reputation and customer support

Well-known regulated brokers in Germany include:

  • IG Markets

  • XTB

  • Saxo Bank

  • CMC Markets

  • eToro (regulated by CySEC, ESMA-compliant)

All these platforms offer fully legal services in Germany with strong user protection, although they typically provide lower leverage and fewer “bonuses” compared to offshore brokers like JustMarkets.

Conclusion: Is It Worth the Risk?

JustMarkets is not legally authorized to offer trading services in Germany. It operates under an offshore license that carries no legal weight in the EU, and users have no protection under German law if things go wrong.

While it may be tempting to chase high leverage or bonuses, the lack of regulation, legal uncertainty, and potential for fraud make it a risky choice—especially for beginner or retail traders.

If you're based in Germany and want to trade safely, your best bet is to stick with a BaFin-regulated broker or one licensed under MiFID II from another EU country.

Bottom line: JustMarkets is not legal in Germany—and using it puts your money at serious risk.

Final Tips for German Traders

  • Always check BaFin’s registry before choosing a broker

  • Read the fine print about regulation and licensing

  • Avoid any platform that offers “too good to be true” conditions

  • Don’t trust unregulated brokers with large deposits

  • If in doubt, consult a financial advisor or legal expert.

 ✅ Trade with JustMarkets now: Open An Account or Visit Brokers 👈

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