Forex & CFD broker
AvaTrade Canada (Friedberg Direct) Review: CIRO-Registered, Fees & Platforms
By ForexCanada Editorial Team · Updated
Canada check
The Canadian offering at avatrade.ca is provided by Friedberg Direct, a CIRO dealer member. International AvaTrade entities do not onboard Canadian residents.
- Canadian status
- CIRO-registered
- Canadian entity
- Friedberg Mercantile Group Ltd. (Friedberg Direct, powered by AvaTrade)
- CIPF coverage
- Yes (eligible accounts, within CIPF limits)
- OBSI complaints
- Yes — free, independent dispute resolution
- Accepts Canadians
- Accepts Canadian residents
- Founded
- 2006
- Headquarters
- Dublin, Ireland (group); Toronto, ON (Canadian dealer)
- Ownership
- Friedberg Mercantile Group Ltd. (Canadian dealer); AvaTrade technology
Our take on AvaTrade Canada (Friedberg Direct)
AvaTrade is one of the largest global CFD brands, and in Canada it operates through Friedberg Direct, the same CIRO-registered dealer that carries FXCM. The practical upshot is that Canadians can use AvaTrade's popular MT4 and MT5 set-ups, its web platform and mobile app while their account is held with a Canadian dealer member and covered by CIPF within its limits. AvaTrade's education library and demo accounts are among the better options for newcomers. Be aware that the Canadian product list and leverage are narrower than what AvaTrade advertises internationally, and certain global features may not be available here.
Verdict
One of the easiest ways for a Canadian to trade on MetaTrader with a regulated local dealer. Compare its spreads with FOREX.com and CMC before committing, especially if you trade frequently.
What we like
- +MT4 and MT5 through a CIRO dealer member
- +Beginner-friendly education and demo accounts
- +Well-known global brand with long track record
- +CAD and USD accounts
Watch out for
- −Canadian product range is narrower than AvaTrade's global offer
- −Spread-only pricing can cost more for very active traders
- −Minimum deposit higher than some rivals
How AvaTrade Canada (Friedberg Direct) scores
Canadian protection carries 40% of the weight, so an unregistered firm can't outrank a registered one on price alone. See the full methodology.
Accounts, markets & platforms
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, Proprietary web, Mobile app
- Markets
- Forex (50+ pairs) · CFDs
- Pricing
- Spread-only pricing
- Minimum deposit
- About C$300 / US$250 (check current terms)
- Leverage
- Set by CIRO margin rates
- CAD / USD accounts
- ✓ CAD | ✓ USD
- Demo account
- Available
Figures are taken from the broker's own disclosures at our last review (2026-09) and change often — always confirm on the broker's website. Spot an error? Tell us.
Verify AvaTrade Canada (Friedberg Direct) yourself
- Look for the firm on CIRO's list of dealers it regulates.
- Search the legal entity name in the CSA National Registration Search and check it is registered in your province.
- Confirm CIPF membership in the CIPF member directory.
- Search the CSA investor alerts for the brand name and any look-alike websites.
- Make sure the account agreement you sign names the same legal entity — not an offshore affiliate.
AvaTrade Canada (Friedberg Direct): frequently asked questions
Is AvaTrade Canada (Friedberg Direct) regulated in Canada?
Yes. Canadian clients are served by Friedberg Mercantile Group Ltd. (Friedberg Direct, powered by AvaTrade), a registered investment dealer and member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). You can confirm this on CIRO's list of dealers it regulates and in the CSA National Registration Search.
Is my money protected with AvaTrade Canada (Friedberg Direct)?
Eligible accounts at CIRO dealer members are covered by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) if the firm becomes insolvent — generally up to $1 million per account category. CIPF does not cover trading losses.
Does AvaTrade Canada (Friedberg Direct) offer MetaTrader?
Yes — AvaTrade Canada (Friedberg Direct) supports MT4 and MT5.
What is the minimum deposit at AvaTrade Canada (Friedberg Direct)?
About C$300 / US$250 (check current terms). Minimums change, so confirm on the broker's website before funding.
Canadian trader reviews
Reviews are submitted by readers and moderated by our editors for relevance and abuse. They are opinions, not verified facts, and never affect our score.
Loading reviews…