FXCM enables currency trading with a number of margin settings which permit a high degree of leverage.* Traders can adjust their margin requirement from 3% (33:1) to a maximum of 0.5% (200:1). The margin is simply set aside for the duration of individual trades. The default setting for new accounts is approximately 0.5% of the trading volume. 

In order to trade with 10,000 units of the base currency per lot, you do not need the 10,000 units in your account, just the margin requirement. The margin requirement varies between individual currency pairs and account denominations and may change slightly from time to time.

*Without proper risk management this high leverage can produce both negative and positive results.

How Traders Can Change Their Margin Requirements:

Traders may change their margin requirements either by submitting a form or online through MyFXCM.com. The changes are made based on account equity (including open positions).

To change the margin requirement, please fill out the following form and send it either by mail or fax (+44 20 7398 4051) to FXCM. You can also send the form as an e-mail attachment (JPG, GIF, BMP, DOC, PDF – please deactivate password protection) to info(at)fxcm.co.uk. 

 Changing the margin requirement   

MyFXCM.com – the Online Administration Area:

Your margin requirement can also be changed online at MyFXCM.com. 

Changing the margin requirement – step by step: 

1. Go to www.myfxcm.com. 

2. To log in, use the access data for your live trading account. 

3. Choose from the rubric "Account Settings", by left-clicking the "Change Margin Request" button. 

4. Then select your new margin requirement and confirm the change by clicking on the "Submit" button.

5. Once the request has been processed you will receive an e-mail confirming your new margin requirement. The change generally takes 1-2 working days. 

6. When you visit your personal MyFXCM administration area please update your contact information if necessary.