Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
UK Regulated Stockbroker Since 2009 | Client funds held with IG | FSCS protection up to £85,000 | Best CFD Broker 2026
PROFESSIONAL ELIGIBILITY | UK STOCKBROKER
Do you meet the Professional client criteria?
For the Professional trading arrangement available through Guardian, you will need to meet at least two of the following three criteria. Meeting two criteria does not automatically qualify you. Guardian must also assess your expertise, experience and knowledge and be satisfied that you understand the risks involved.
01
Trading activity
You have carried out transactions of significant size on the relevant market at an average frequency of at least 10 per quarter over the previous four quarters.
For the Professional arrangement available through Guardian, a significant trade is currently treated as:
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£10,000 notional for equity trades
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£50,000 notional for other markets such as FX or indices
Trades placed with another broker may count, subject to suitable evidence.
02
Financial instrument portfolio
Your financial instrument portfolio exceeds €500,000.
The FCA definition includes cash deposits and financial instruments.
Examples that may count include:
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cash
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share portfolios
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Stocks & Shares ISAs
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trading accounts
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investment funds
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qualifying financial investments held within SIPPs
Property, physical assets and other non-financial investments do not simply count towards the test.
03
Professional experience
You work, or have worked, in the financial sector for at least one year in a professional position requiring knowledge of the transactions or services being considered.
For a leveraged Professional trading arrangement, this should involve relevant knowledge of products such as spread betting or CFDs.
Guardian may request evidence where this criterion is being relied upon.
GUARDIAN’S ASSESSMENT
More than a numbers test
Meeting two of the three criteria does not automatically qualify you.
Guardian must also assess your expertise, experience and knowledge and have reasonable assurance that you can make your own investment decisions and understand the risks involved.
The assessment may consider your previous trading experience, the products and markets you have traded, your understanding of leverage and margin and any relevant professional experience.
What changes if I qualify?
Professional classification changes some of the regulatory protections that apply to retail leveraged trading accounts.
These include Retail negative balance protection, Retail leverage limits and the FCA’s Retail 50% margin close-out protection.
What evidence might I need?
You may be asked for:
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trading statements or transaction records
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portfolio statements
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evidence of relevant professional employment
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additional information required to complete Guardian’s assessment
