The UK Financial Conduct Authority says some CFD brokers may be charging retail clients excessive overnight funding fees without explaining them clearly. Of 81 firms surveyed, only 12% said they had changed their charges.
The UK Financial Conduct Authority warned that some CFD brokers may be charging retail clients excessive overnight funding fees and failing to explain these costs clearly. The regulator also questioned charges on matched or hedged positions, where clients hold open buy and sell CFDs on the same asset.
The findings follow the FCA's November 2025 review, which identified inconsistent charges and weaknesses in how providers assessed fair value under the Consumer Duty.
Only 12% of surveyed firms changed charges
The FCA surveyed 81 firms in May 2026 to assess their response to that review. Most had made changes or planned to do so, but only 12% said they had changed their charges.
Most firms focused on explaining existing rates rather than changing them. Measures taken or planned by the 12% included reducing fees on matched positions, lowering charges for certain asset groups and introducing interest payments on cash balances.
Funding fees look high against base rates
The FCA said some funding fees appeared high relative to prevailing base rates and peer comparisons. Mark-ups remained largely opaque, and only a minority of firms had added annual percentage rates to help clients compare financing costs.
Most firms also continued to apply overnight fees to matched positions, often using the same funding charge spread as for ordinary long or short trades. The FCA questioned whether this offered fair value, particularly when firms encouraged matched positions through reduced or waived margin requirements. Clients may incur additional spreads and funding fees by keeping both trades open.
Regulator wants clearer disclosures
The regulator called for clearer fee disclosures on websites and deal entry screens, including explanations of how charges are calculated. It will continue monitoring firms' pricing practices and contact individual providers where necessary.
Source: Finance Magnates
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