Best AI Trading Brokers & Platforms in the UK [2024]

If you’re an investor or trader considering integrating AI-driven strategies into your trading, it’s essential to choose a platform that aligns with your goals, from algorithmic trading to fully deploying AI models through APIs.

Top Brokers for AI Trading in 2024

Here are the top automated trading brokers in the UK:

1. Interactive Brokers

Best for Full API Access and Custom AI Integration

If you’re serious about developing AI-driven trading strategies, Interactive Brokers is the best out there. Not only does IBKR give you OpenAPI access, but you can develop in a range of programming languages like Python, Java, and C++. This flexibility lets you implement anything from simple automated strategies to complex machine learning models for predictive trading.

Their platform, Trader Workstation (TWS), supports robust technical analysis, and when paired with platforms like TradingView, it’s powerful. I’ve found that deploying real-time bots using their API is one of the most flexible setups around, especially if you’re into custom-built AI trading systems.

• AI Support: OpenAPI for Python, Java, C++, and more.
• Trading Platforms: TWS, TradingView, MT4.
• VPS Access: Available via third-party solutions.
• Recommendation: Best for advanced traders looking to fully customize their AI trading bots.

2. Pepperstone

Best for Multi-Platform Support: cTrader + TradingView

Pepperstone shines in offering multiple platforms for automated trading. If you’re a fan of cTrader (like I am), you’ll love how you can code in C# using cAlgo, then test and deploy your strategies directly. For AI traders, this makes it super easy to build and fine-tune strategies without needing a separate IDE.

They also support MT4/MT5, which means if you’re already using EAs or scripts in MetaTrader, you can get your bots running right away. On top of that, they’ve integrated TradingView, so if you’re into chart-based automation, this is a really smooth setup.

It’s one of the most reliable brokers for day traders looking to automate their systems.

• AI Support: cAlgo (C#), EAs (MT4/MT5), TradingView.
• Trading Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView.
• VPS Access: Free for qualified traders.
• Recommendation: Best for multi-platform traders, especially those using cTrader.

Sign-Up to Pepperstone

1

Pepperstone

£500 Recommended Deposit 

Best Reputation

Pepperstone is a Melbourne-based broker that offers an excellent selection of trading instruments in the financial trading markets, including commodities, shares, ETFs and more.

4.8

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75.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading on margin with this provider

3. Vantage Markets

Best for VPS Automation with MT4/MT5

Vantage Markets has recently ramped up its offering for AI and automated trading by providing free VPS services. This is unique and shows a commitment to automated trading strategies in my view – which is excellent as the industry becomes more automated. The ability to use MT4 and MT5 makes it easy to automate trading strategies using Expert Advisors (EAs), and they offer probably the widest range of platforms I’ve ever seen! The low-latency environment they offer with their VPS is crucial for deployment and running of your bots.

If you’re a trader looking to run high-frequency strategies or need continuous uptime for your bots, Vantage Markets should be on your list.

• AI Support: EAs for MT4/MT5.
• Trading Platforms: MT4, MT5.
• VPS Access: Yes, free for qualified traders.
• Recommendation: Best for MT4/MT5 traders needing uninterrupted VPS access.

Sign-Up to Vantage Markets

1

Vantage Markets

£500 Recommended Deposit 

Best All-Rounder

Vantage Markets in a seasoned provider of both CFD & Spread Betting tools with a range of over 1000+ instruments to trade

4.8

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70.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs and Spread Bets with this provider.

4. Oanda

Best for Advanced API Use and MT4/MT5 Integration

Oanda offers a great combination of API access and MT4/MT5 support, making it an ideal broker for traders who want to run their Expert Advisors (EAs) or build custom solutions. Their REST API allows you to create more complex algorithms that can integrate with platforms like TradingView and MetaTrader.

Though they don’t offer cTrader, their API access makes it versatile enough for most automated strategies. I’ve used their API for simple bot deployments and found it quite smooth for trades requiring instant execution.

• AI Support: REST API and EAs via MT4/MT5.
• Trading Platforms: MT4, MT5.
• VPS Access: Not directly, but third-party solutions are available.
• Recommendation: Best for traders looking for API access alongside MT4/MT5 support.

5. EightCap

Best for Algorithmic CFD Trading

EightCap is great for CFD traders looking to automate their strategies. With full TradingView integration, traders can deploy algorithmic strategies through PineScript which is a fan favourite amongst traders (like me) who use TradingView for charts anyway.

• AI Support: PineScript Strategies in TradingView
• Trading Platforms: TradingView
• VPS Access: Yes, available through third-party.
• Recommendation: Best for CFD traders looking for strong TradingView integration.

Sign-Up to EightCap

1

EightCap

£300 Recommended Deposit 

Best in TradingView

EightCap is our favourite TradingView broker for CFD trading. No spread betting yet, but great for CFD trading on TradingView.

4.0

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70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

6. IG

Best for Multi-Platform Integration and Spread Betting

IG offers a strong mix of spread betting and CFD trading with multiple platforms. You can automate strategies via MT4 and ProRealTime, though cTrader isn’t available. If you’re a spread betting trader or want flexibility across multiple asset classes, IG provides one of the most comprehensive setups.

In terms of AI or algorithmic trading, ProRealTime is fantastic for developing strategies that rely on complex charting and indicators. I personally like how it bridges the gap between manual and automated strategies, especially for spread betting traders.

• AI Support: EAs on MT4 and automation via ProRealTime.
• Trading Platforms: MT4, ProRealTime, proprietary platform.
• VPS Access: Available via third-party providers.
• Recommendation: Best for spread betting and multi-platform traders.

7. XTB

Best for Proprietary Automation in xStation

XTB is unique with its proprietary platform, xStation 5, which offers tools for automated strategies, though not as robust as MT4/MT5. It’s an intuitive platform for those who want a simplified approach to automation without the need for heavy coding. I’ve found xStation 5 to be very user-friendly, and while it lacks deep AI integration, it does provide some light automation capabilities.

However, if you need advanced bot building or AI functionality, this may not be the platform for you. VPS access is not natively supported, but XTB’s xStation is solid for traders who want basic automation without the complexity.

• AI Support: Proprietary automation in xStation 5.
• Trading Platforms: xStation 5, MT4.
• VPS Access: No.
• Recommendation: Best for traders looking for a user-friendly interface with light automation features.

Sign-Up to XTB Markets

1

XTB

£250 Recommended Deposit 

Best for CFD's

XTB offers a proprietary platform with incredible trading resources & educational material in an easy-to-use, low cost trading environment. Perfect for currency traders.

4.5

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76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with XTB Limited. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

8. SpreadEx

SpreadEx is primarily a spread betting platform, so its automation capabilities are more limited compared to the other brokers. If you’re looking to trade manually or manage basic automated strategies, it’s a solid platform but lacks deep AI capabilities.

• Platforms: Proprietary platform.
• AI Support: Basic automation only.
• VPS: No.

For spread betting traders, SpreadEx provides a simple platform, but it’s not ideal for those looking to build AI-driven trading bots.

Sign-Up to SpreadEx

1

SpreadEx

£250 recommended deposit 

Best Service
Founded in 1999, one of the old-heads in the industry, SpreadEx has won multiple accolades for it's outstanding customer service and great range of markets. 

4.3

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64% of retail investors lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.

A Quick Word on AI Trading & VPS

AI trading refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance trading strategies by automating decision-making processes. AI-driven bots analyze vast amounts of historical data, recognize patterns, and make trading decisions, often more efficiently and accurately than human traders. These bots are not only fast but also devoid of emotional biases, which can hinder human decision-making in markets.

In AI trading, you can develop anything from simple automated systems, which react to predefined market conditions, to advanced predictive models using technologies like neural networks, random forests, and reinforcement learning. These more sophisticated models can even learn and adapt to new market conditions over time, which sets AI trading apart from traditional algorithmic or automated trading.

While automated trading—or algorithmic trading—follows fixed rules coded into platforms like MT4, MT5, or cTrader, AI trading builds upon these rules, learning and improving as it interacts with new market data. This makes AI trading more dynamic, as it can adapt in real-time.

Brokers that support AI-driven trading offer the tools and API access that allow retail traders to integrate AI strategies seamlessly into their trading workflows, whether they’re running simple algorithmic systems or building complex AI models for predictive analytics.

Why a Good VPS is Crucial for Algorithmic and AI Trading

When it comes to algorithmic and AI trading, having a reliable and fast VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a game-changer. Here’s why: algorithmic trading strategies depend on precise timing and quick execution. Every millisecond counts—especially in high-frequency trading, where the difference between profit and loss can be decided in fractions of a second. A VPS offers low-latency execution, meaning your trades are processed faster than they would be on a typical home or office internet connection.

Additionally, a good VPS provides continuous uptime, ensuring your bots run 24/7 without interruptions. This is particularly important for AI-driven strategies that constantly monitor data, make decisions, and execute trades based on market movements. With a VPS, your algorithms remain active even if your local device experiences connectivity issues, power outages, or maintenance downtime.

In short, a VPS not only keeps your trading bots running but enhances their speed and reliability, which is crucial when every second can impact your trading outcomes.

How to Choose the Best AI Trading Platform?

When selecting a broker for AI trading, consider the following:

1. API Access: If you want to fully deploy AI models, Interactive Brokers is the best choice due to its OpenAPI and extensive coding support.
2. Algorithmic Trading: Brokers like Pepperstone and XTB provide solid options for automated strategies via MT4 and proprietary platforms.
3. Ease of Use: For those unfamiliar with coding, EightCap with TradingView provides a user-friendly option for building automated strategies without writing a single line of code.
4. Advanced AI Models: If you want to build machine learning-based trading bots, Python with platforms like ng>IBKR will provide the most flexibility.

Key Takeaways

1. Interactive Brokers tops the list due to its OpenAPI support, allowing traders to deploy custom AI models in Python, Java, or C++. This makes it ideal for building complex machine learning and AI-driven strategies with full control over data flow and integration.
2. Pepperstone stands out for offering multi-platform support with MT4/5, cTrader, and TradingView—a rare combination that allows traders to run diverse algorithmic strategies with ease, especially if you’re utilizing C# in cAlgo. It’s a great choice if you want flexibility without building full AI models.
3. Vantage Markets excels with MT4/5 and TradingView integration alongside VPS services, ensuring smooth algorithmic execution for high-frequency traders. Its SmartTrader Tools also add extra functionality for traders looking to automate strategies.
4. Oanda is a strong contender with its REST API, allowing advanced traders to code and deploy custom solutions. It supports both MT4/5 for Expert Advisors, though VPS services aren’t directly offered.
5. EightCap provides strong TradingView integration for CFD traders which makes it a beginner-friendly option for algorithmic trading.
6. IG is ideal for spread betting traders, offering MT4 and ProRealTime, making it a versatile platform for traders who use charting and automation together. However, it lacks a proprietary API.
7. XTB is ranked lower due to its lack of cTrader and limited automation functionality, but its proprietary xStation 5 is user-friendly for light automation.
8. SpreadEx caters primarily to spread betting but offers limited automation. It’s suited for traders looking for simplicity, not those seeking advanced AI or automated strategies.

Summary

• Top Pick: Interactive Brokers—Best for fully customizable AI and advanced algorithmic trading with full API access.
• Best for Multi-Platform Support: Pepperstone—For traders needing MT4/5, cTrader, and TradingViewflexibility with VPS options.
• VPS Automation: Vantage Markets—Offers VPS for MT4/5 and TradingView, ideal for high-frequency automated strategies.
• Best for Spread Betting: IG—A solid option for traders focused on spread betting with automation via MT4and ProRealTime.

By considering the platforms offered, VPS availability, and the level of AI and algorithmic support, you can select the best broker for your trading style. Whether you’re running simple EAs or deploying sophisticated AI models, there’s a solution here for you!

Author Profile

James Warwick

Director of SpreadBet & Experienced Trader at Spread Bet | Website

James is a former FTSE100 AI Director and trader with 10+ years trading his own capital. He is the Managing Director of SpreadBet.AI and currently trades his own capital through both CFD trading & spread betting as well as working with one of the leading prop firms in the world.