Execution speed can make or break your trading success. In fast-moving markets, a delay of even a fraction of a second can lead to slippage, missed entries, or worse pricing—especially for scalpers, day traders, or those trading high-impact news. That’s why it’s essential to understand how to compare forex brokers based on their execution speed, and which metrics actually matter.

Why Execution Speed Is Critical

A broker with fast execution:

• Minimises slippage and ensures accurate fills
• Allows you to enter and exit at expected price levels
• Enhances the reliability of automated trading systems
• Helps protect against sudden volatility during economic news releases
• Reduces the risk of requotes and trade rejection

In short, fast execution gives you control—and control leads to better outcomes.

Key Criteria for Evaluating Execution Speed

1. Order Execution Time (Latency)

This refers to how quickly a broker can process your trade order once submitted:

• <100 milliseconds is considered fast for retail forex trading
• <50 ms is ideal for scalping and algorithmic strategies
• Some ECN brokers offer ultra-low latency hosting in Equinix data centres

Ask brokers to provide average execution times or access trade execution reports.

2. Slippage and Fill Quality

Slippage occurs when your order is filled at a price different from what you requested:

• Look for brokers that disclose their average slippage rates
• Choose those with positive or zero slippage most of the time
• Avoid brokers with consistent negative slippage, especially around news events

Some platforms offer slippage control settings or guaranteed fills.

3. No Dealing Desk (NDD) or ECN Execution Models

NDD or ECN brokers:

• Route orders directly to liquidity providers, reducing delay
• Offer market depth and transparency
• Avoid conflict of interest, which can slow execution in market maker models

Check if the broker explicitly states “ECN”, “STP”, or “DMA” in their model.

4. Trade Rejections and Requotes

Requotes happen when the market price moves before your order is filled:

• Reliable brokers have low or zero requote rates
• Some offer “instant execution” but may delay fills under volatile conditions
• Look for a broker that uses “market execution” with slippage tolerance

Requotes are a sign of outdated or overburdened trade infrastructure.

5. VPS Hosting and Server Proximity

Execution speed is improved by:

• Hosting your platform on a Virtual Private Server (VPS)
• Using a broker with servers near Equinix LD4 (London), NY4 (New York), or HK3 (Hong Kong)
• Low ping (<5ms) between your platform and the broker’s servers

This is crucial for EAs and high-frequency trading strategies.

6. Platform Technology and Infrastructure

Execution speed also depends on:

• The platform used (e.g. MT4, MT5, cTrader, or proprietary systems)
• How well it’s integrated with the broker’s liquidity and backend systems
• Whether the broker uses aggregated liquidity to avoid order bottlenecks

Test platform responsiveness in real-time using a demo or live account.

Top Forex Brokers Known for Fast Execution

1. IC Markets

• True ECN broker with ultra-fast execution under 40ms
• Located in Equinix NY4 and LD5 for low-latency routing
• Ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders using MT4, MT5, or cTrader

2. TiBiGlobe

• Professional-grade infrastructure with custom execution configurations
• FIX API and latency-tested trade routing
• Designed for traders who require institutional execution quality

3. Vantage

• Smart Trader Tools include order execution tracking
• ECN model with deep liquidity and fast trade confirmations
• VPS discounts for active traders needing automated execution speed

4. ThinkMarkets

• Proprietary ThinkTrader platform built for lightning-fast order routing
• Also supports MT4/MT5 with minimal requotes and slippage
• Multiple data centres ensure strong global trade response times

5. Intertrader

• UK-based with fixed spread certainty and fast DMA order execution
• Low trade rejection rates and no dealing desk interference
• Suitable for traders who prioritise price certainty and reliability

6. AvaTrade

• Offers market execution with minimal latency
• AvaTradeGO app and MT4/MT5 with high-speed backend integration
• Good for traders seeking mobile execution without delays

How to Test Execution Speed Yourself

1. Open a demo account and place multiple trades across sessions
2. Track the time from click to order fill—is it consistent?
3. Place trades during high-impact news events and watch for slippage
4. Use tools like Myfxbook AutoTrade or third-party execution analyzers
5. Contact the broker and ask for order execution policy details or stats

Red Flags to Avoid

• Frequent requotes or trade rejections, especially during volatility
• No mention of execution times or infrastructure
• Brokers that only offer instant execution without tolerance controls
• Slippage that consistently disadvantages the trader
• Offshore brokers with vague or generic execution claims

Slow or dishonest execution undermines your trading strategy.

Conclusion

In forex, every millisecond counts. Choosing a broker with reliable, high-speed execution helps you protect your strategy from avoidable losses, slippage, and trade delays. By knowing how to compare forex brokers based on their execution speed, you can match your broker to the demands of your trading style—especially if you’re trading fast or frequently.

To learn how to optimise your strategy around execution speed, algorithmic trading, and risk control, enrol in the advanced trader development courses at Traders MBA.