Forex Trading in Pakistan • A Guide to Pakistan Forex • Benzinga (2024)

Contrary to popular belief, it’s completely legal to trade forex as a resident of Pakistan. As Pakistan’s economy continues to grow and change, more and more Pakistani traders are turning to the forex market for its near-limitless potential. If you’re thinking about getting started trading forex from Pakistan, use our guide to open your account and make your first trade.

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Table of Contents [Show]

  • Get Started with Forex in Pakistan
  • Pakistan Forex Trading Strategies
  • Forex Trading Example in Pakistan
  • Making Money with Forex in Pakistan
  • Best Online Forex Brokers in Pakistan
  • Forex Terminology
  • Trade Forex in Pakistan Today
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Get Started with Forex in Pakistan

There are almost no restrictions on forex trading in Pakistan (though buying and selling cryptocurrencies is currently against the law). Despite national regulations from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) intended to cut down on the amount of fraud and money laundering, many local brokers aren’t registered with the SECP.

As a result, it’s highly recommended that you open an account with a forex broker based outside of Pakistan. It’s legal for international brokers to offer accounts to Pakistani traders, though not every broker chooses to. Here’s the basic setup process you’ll go through when you open an account with an international forex broker:

  • Find a stable internet connection. A reliable, consistent internet connection is the most important prerequisite you’ll need to have before you can trade forex. Set yourself up with a consistent internet connection before you continue.
  • Choose a broker. Most forex traders in Pakistan choose to open an account with an international broker because brokers in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are strictly regulated. Select a broker to open an account with and apply.
  • Select a platform. Though your forex broker might offer its own trading platform, you might also want to use a more comprehensive platform like MetaTrader 4 or 5.
  • Fund your account. After you open your trading account and your broker approves your personal information, you’ll need to fund your account. Most international brokers allow Pakistani traders to fund their account by linking a bank account and converting rupees to USD, GBP or another more liquid currency for trading purposes.
  • Make your first trade. Once your account has been funded, you can officially make your first currency trade.

Pakistan Forex Trading Strategies

Most Pakistani traders choose to trade on the Asian session, when most activity happens on the Tokyo forex exchange. If you’re just beginning with forex trading, it’s recommended that you begin by trading a major currency pair like the USD/EUR or USD/JPY to limit liquidity issues. Most international brokers offering accounts to traders in Pakistan will allow you to deposit USD into your accounts with a bank transfer.

Here are a few technical indicators you might want to use when trading. Though these indicators aren’t foolproof, they can give you a good idea of where to begin developing your technical trading strategy.

Momentum Indicators

A momentum indicator is a technical indicator that measures a sudden change in price movement. A reversal of previous trends may signal that the momentum of a currency is changing directions, which can signal that you should buy or sell. Many traders use momentum indicators when exchanging currencies because these indicators lag behind trends — this means that while you’ll enter later, you’re less likely to misread the signal.

Forex Trading in Pakistan • A Guide to Pakistan Forex • Benzinga (3)Forex Trading in Pakistan • A Guide to Pakistan Forex • Benzinga (4)

Reversal Candlesticks

A reversal candlestick is a signal that may indicate that a trend is changing and that the pattern a currency is following will shift. There are both bearish and bullish reversal candlesticks that may indicate that a currency will stop falling or rising in value. Short-term traders and scalpers often rely on reversal candlesticks instead of momentum indicators because they capitalize on smaller volatile shifts.

Forex Trading Example in Pakistan

Let’s take a look at an example of how you might make money when trading forex as a Pakistani trader.

Most traders in Pakistan choose to convert their native rupees to a more liquid currency like the USD or EUR when trading forex. Imagine that you believe that the value of the EUR is going to rise in relation to the USD. You fund your account with 200,000 rupees and convert your entire lot to USD. When the transaction is complete, you have $1,250 USD.

Your broker offers you 10:1 leverage when trading in USD, which means that you can now trade with the power of $12,500. The USD to EUR conversion rate is currently 1 USD to 1.12 EUR. You convert your entire lot to EUR, leaving you with about 11,160 EUR.

Soon, the value of the EUR begins to rise in comparison with the USD. When 1 USD is equal to 1.20 EUR, you decide to sell. You convert your entire lot of EUR back to USD, leaving you with $13,392. After you return what you borrowed on margin, you’re left with a profit of $892 USD.

Making Money with Forex in Pakistan

There are no legal restrictions that prevent a Pakistani trader from opening an account with an international or domestic broker. There are also no regulations that limit the amount of profit you can take from international currency trades. Though the Pakistani rupee is not generally considered to be a reserve currency or a currency suitable for regular trading, most international brokers allow Pakistani traders to fund their account with USD. This can open a significantly wider world of trading opportunities for native rupee holders.

Though the Pakistani forex market is largely unregulated, there are still a few rules you’ll need to follow to document your profits. First, you must keep running documentation of your total profits and you may only open an international account if you are a Pakistani tax filer. Under the Federal Bureau of Revenue’s rules, tax filers may be subject to up to 15% tax on forex profits, so be sure you’re setting aside enough money to pay your taxes. If you are not a tax filer, you may be able to open an account with a domestic broker but you’ll find yourself subject to standard capital gains tax rates.

Best Online Forex Brokers in Pakistan

Though the domestic forex market of Pakistan is growing, many brokers are still operating without oversight from the SECP. We recommend opening an account with an international broker based in a country with stricter fee control and conduct regulations.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, consider a few of our top choices offering accounts to Pakistani traders below.

  • Forex.com

    More Details

    Best For

    Forex Investing

    Overall Rating

    Read Review

    securely through Forex.com's website

    More Details

  • AvaTrade

    More Details

    Best For

    Non US Forex Trading

    Overall Rating

    Read Review

    securely through AvaTrade's website

    More Details

  • eToro Forex

    More Details

    Best For

    Demo Accounts

    Overall Rating

    Read Review

    securely through eToro Forex's website

    More Details

    eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal.

  • OctaFX

    Best For

    Trading in the App

    Overall Rating

    securely through OctaFX's website

Forex Terminology

Before you begin trading forex, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the most common forex trading terms. Below are some terms you’ll hear again and again while trading.

  • Pip: A pip is the smallest possible unit of a currency, usually calculated to the 4th percentage point. For example, $0.0001 is one pip in the context of the USD.
  • Lot size: Your lot size is the total number of units of a currency you’re trading. For example, if you place an order to sell 1,000 Pakistani rupees, your lot size is equal to 1,000. Most regular traders consider 100,000 units of any currency to be a “standard” lot.
  • Order: An order is a specific set of instructions that tells your broker which currency you’d like to buy or sell, the price you need your purchase or sale to be executed at, the number of shares you’re moving and more. There are multiple types of orders and different order types can be used to limit loss and maximize profits.
  • Call: If your equity drops below a certain percentage when using leverage, you may be subject to a margin call from your lender. If you wish to maintain your position, you’ll be required to deposit a set amount of money into your account in addition to your initial deposit. This can quickly wipe out your profits, so be careful when using margin.

Trade Forex in Pakistan Today

With a nearly around-the-clock market and trillions of dollars moving in and out of the market on a daily basis, the forex realm can offer rarely seen opportunities for Pakistani trades. However, it can be even easier to lose money when trading currencies if you aren’t careful. Remember to thoroughly investigate each broker before you open an account and be particularly mindful of any leverage you do decide to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Is forex legal in Pakistan?

A

Yes, Forex is legal in Pakistan.

Q

Is bringing foregin currency into Pakistan illegal?

A

In Pakistan, there is no limit to to bringing in foreign currency; however, you are only allowed to take up to $10,000 (USD) out.

Forex Trading in Pakistan • A Guide to Pakistan Forex • Benzinga (2024)

FAQs

Is Forex Trading Real or fake in Pakistan? ›

Yes, forex trading is legal in Pakistan, albeit with restrictions. The physical exchange of money at a local kiosk or bank is regulated in Pakistan by the SBP and SECP.

What lot size is good for $100 forex? ›

Micro Lots; Micro lots accounts are the most common and are suitable for beginner forex traders. Here is why; a micro lot equals 1,000 units, which is precisely $0.10/pip movement. With this account, you can deposit anywhere from $100 to $500, which is an excellent amount to start with.

What is the secret to successful forex trading? ›

The most important and practical trick from the currency trading secrets is to keep your chart clear. This of course does not mean that you should avoid the placement of the technical indicators and oscillators, it just means that every indicator on your chart should have a clear purpose and aim.

What lot size is good for $200 forex account? ›

If you have $200 you should be trading a position size of 1%-2%, i.e. $2 to $4 per position. Your risk/stop loss should be 1% to 2%. Your profit is always unlimited in theory if the position continues to move your way. That is managed as the trade moves in profit.

How do I know if a forex trader is legit? ›

Before Participating in Forex Trading, Ask, Ask, and Ask Some More!!
  1. Contact the CFTC to check the company's registration status, business background, and disciplinary history.
  2. Ask about the details of the forex trading market and your obligations if you participate.

Which bank allows forex trading in Pakistan? ›

AL-MEEZAN INVESTMENT BANK LTD. ALBARAKA ISLAMIC BANK B.S.C. (E.C.) ALLIED BANK OF PAKISTAN LTD.

What lot size is good for $5000 forex account? ›

Lot size = ($50 / (50 * $0.10)) = 10

Therefore, the appropriate lot size for a 5000 forex account if the trader is willing to risk 1% per trade would be 10 micro lots. It is important to note that the lot size calculation should be done for each trade.

How much can you make day trading with $1000? ›

If you have a profitable trading system averaging 15% return a year: $1000 account will make you $150. $10,000 account will make you $1500. $100,000 account will make you $15,000.

How many lots can I trade with $10000? ›

Therefore, with a $10,000 account and a 3% maximum risk per trade, you should leverage only up to 30 mini lots even though you may have the ability to trade more.

Is there a 100% winning strategy in forex? ›

Implementing a Forex Trading Strategy

There is no such thing as only profitable trades, just as no system is a 100% sure thing. Even a profitable system, say with a 65% profit-to-loss ratio, still, has 35% losing trades. Therefore, the art of profitability is in the management and execution of the trade.

How to win forex everyday? ›

Traders will do well to keep in mind the helpful tips to winning forex trading revealed in this guide:
  1. Pay attention to pivot levels.
  2. Trade with an edge.
  3. Preserve your trading capital.
  4. Simplify your market analysis.
  5. Place stops at genuinely reasonable levels.

What is a forex trader salary? ›

Forex Trader Salary
Annual SalaryHourly Wage
Top Earners$260,000$125
75th Percentile$172,000$83
Average$125,229$60
25th Percentile$54,500$26

Which lot size is better for beginners? ›

Micro lots are recommended for beginners as you can minimize your risk while trading. In addition to the micro-lot, there are also mini-lots, which are 10,000 units of the currency that replenishes your account. This is essentially 10 times larger than the Micro Lot.

How much is 1 lot in usd? ›

Understanding a Standard Lot

A standard lot represents 100,000 units of any currency, whereas a mini-lot represents 10,000 and a micro-lot represents 1,000 units of any currency. A one-pip movement for a standard lot corresponds with a $10 change.

How much money do day traders with $10000 accounts make per day on average? ›

Profit Margins

If you have a trading account of $10,000, a good day might bring in a five percent gain, or $500. But there's also the problem of fixed costs -- specifically, the commissions charged by brokers.

How can I recover my lost money from forex? ›

  1. How do I know all this?
  2. Step 1: Empty your Trading Account.
  3. Step 2: Take a Break.
  4. Step 3: Accept the Loss.
  5. Step 4: Investigate the Root Cause.
  6. Step 5: Build A Fool-Proof Process.
  7. Step 6: Score Small Wins.
  8. Step 7: Manage Risk Aggressively.

What are the most trusted forex brokers? ›

Best Forex Brokers
  • Best Forex Brokers.
  • CMC Markets: Best Overall and Best for Range of Offerings.
  • London Capital Group (LCG): Best for Beginners.
  • Saxo Capital Markets: Best for Advanced Traders.
  • XTB Online Trading: Best for Low Costs.
  • IG: Best for U.S. Traders.
  • Pepperstone: Best for Trading Experience.

What do forex traders look for in a broker? ›

Each forex broker has different account offerings. Here are four areas to consider when comparing features among brokers: leverage and margin; commissions and spread; initial deposit requirements; and ease of deposits and withdrawals.

Can I open a bank account in Pakistan from USA? ›

Can you open a bank account in Pakistan from the USA? Yes, depending on your personal situation and the bank you choose. Many banks offer Roshan Digital Account products² which are aimed at non-resident Pakistanis and people with a POC (Pakistan Origin Card).

Which trading platform is best in Pakistan? ›

Best stock trading apps in Pakistan
  • Interactive Brokers | Best trading app in Pakistan overall. Online broker with a sophisticated trading platform that offers a wide range of products. ...
  • Saxo Bank | Best trading app for advanced traders. ...
  • Pepperstone | Best app for CFDs trading.
Apr 5, 2023

How much is 100 pips in dollars? ›

For the U..S dollar, when it comes to pip value, 100 pips equals 1 cent, and 10,000 pips equals $1. An exception to this rule is the Japanese yen. The yen's value is so low that each pip is not worth a ten-thousandth of a unit but, rather, each pip is 1% of a yen.

How much is 10000 lots in forex? ›

100,000 Units = 1.00 Lot. 10,000 Units = 0.10 Lot. 1,000 Units = 0.01 Lot. Below 1,000 Units = 0.001 Lot.

How many pips make a lot? ›

How do I calculate pip size for a lot? The majority of currency pairs have a standard pip value of 0.0001 and are measured to five decimal places. 1 lot is 100,000 units of a currency. If you prefer to open smaller positions, you can choose to trade either mini lots (10,000 units) or even micro lots (1000 lots).

Can you make a million a day from day trading? ›

Many people have made millions just by day trading. Some examples are Ross Cameron, Brett N. Steenbarger, etc. But the important thing about day trading is that only a few can make money out of day trading and the rest end up losing their entire capital in day trading.

Is it possible to make 100k a day trading? ›

The middle of the road trader can expect to make between 100k and 175k, if successful. Lastly, if you are below average, expect to get a pink slip. But wait – there's more. If we extend our research beyond New York, you will see the average salary for a “Trader” is around $84,000.

Is it possible to make $100 a day day trading? ›

A day trader might make 100 to a few hundred trades in a day, depending on the strategy and how frequently attractive opportunities appear. With so many trades, it's important that day traders keep costs low — our online broker comparison tool can help narrow the options.

Why do I need $25 000 to day trade? ›

Why Do I Have to Maintain Minimum Equity of $25,000? Day trading can be extremely risky—both for the day trader and for the brokerage firm that clears the day trader's transactions. Even if you end the day with no open positions, the trades you made while day trading most likely have not yet settled.

What is the best lot size in forex? ›

A standard lot in forex is equal to 100,000 currency units. It's the standard unit size for traders, whether they're independent or institutional.

What leverage is good for $100? ›

Many professional traders say that the best leverage for $100 is 1:100. This means that your broker will offer $100 for every $100, meaning you can trade up to $100,000. However, this does not mean that with a 1:100 leverage ratio, you will not be exposed to risk.

Why do 95 of forex traders lose money? ›

Lack of a trading plan

The most obvious reason that explains why almost 95% of traders fail in forex trading is down to a lack of a proper trading plan. The only way you will manage to become a consistent and profitable trader is by treating trading like a real business.

What is the most successful forex strategy? ›

Position Trading Strategy

Unlike day trading, position trading requires you to hold a position for weeks or even years. It is the best forex strategy ever, as traders don't have to deal with short-term price changes. This strategy is best for patient traders.

Why am I not winning in forex? ›

The reason many forex traders fail is that they are undercapitalized in relation to the size of the trades they make. It is either greed or the prospect of controlling vast amounts of money with only a small amount of capital that coerces forex traders to take on such huge and fragile financial risk.

Can you make $10,000 a day with forex? ›

Success in terms of profit can differ vastly in the Forex world. A Forex trader and make 10.000$ a day, while another, using the same strategies makes 10.000$ a month. Therefore is not only about what strategies you use, however also about different factors like experience, execution, decision making, and more.

What is the fastest way to learn forex? ›

Tips for Forex Trading Beginners
  1. Know the Markets. We cannot overstate the importance of educating yourself on the forex market. ...
  2. Make a Plan and Stick to It. ...
  3. Practice. ...
  4. Forecast the “Weather Conditions” of the Market. ...
  5. Know Your Limits. ...
  6. Know Where to Stop Along the Way. ...
  7. Check Your Emotions at the Door. ...
  8. Keep It Slow and Steady.

How many pips per day is good? ›

The Stop Loss (15-20 pips) to Take Profit (30-40 pips) ratio is 1 to 2. The traders need to weigh this against the available equity and risk-management in use. Making a conclusion, we can say that 30-pips-a-day is an interesting and aggressive strategy to make good profit with each trade.

Can you make a living off forex? ›

Forex trading may make you rich if you are a hedge fund with deep pockets or an unusually skilled currency trader. But for the average retail trader, rather than being an easy road to riches, forex trading can be a rocky highway to enormous losses and potential penury.

What is the highest forex salary? ›

The annual salary for foreign exchange traders ranges from $86,000 to $153,000 per year.

How much do forex traders make a month? ›

According to a survey conducted by the financial services company, Forex Brokers, the average forex trader earns around $1,000 per month. However, this figure can vary widely depending on the trader's level of experience and skill.

What lot size is good for $10 forex account? ›

These lot sizes will allow you to trade efficiently with a small initial investment. Opening a position with a 0.01 lot size, for example, would cost $1,000 or $10 with leverage.

What is the best lot size for $10 000? ›

For example, if your account has $10 000, the approximate position size should be 2 mini lots (1 micro lot x 20=20 micro-lots = 2 mini lots).

How many dollars is 0.01 lot size? ›

0.01 is a micro lot in forex which is 1,000 units of currency. So 0.01 lot size would be around $1,000. The value of the pip for a micro-lot is roughly $0.10 based on the EUR/USD. This is usually the value most beginner traders start with.

How much is a mini lot in forex? ›

A mini lot is a currency trading lot size that is one-tenth the size of a standard lot of 100,000 units—or 10,000 units. One pip of a currency pair based in U.S. dollars is equal to $1.00 when trading a mini lot, compared to $10.00 when trading a standard lot.

What are pips in forex? ›

A pip measures the amount of change in the exchange rate for a currency pair, and is calculated using last decimal point. Since most major currency pairs are priced to 4 decimal places, the smallest change is that of the last decimal point which is equivalent to 1/100 of 1%, or one basis point.

How many hours do day traders work? ›

Most independent day traders have short days, working two to five hours per day. Often they will practice making simulated trades for several months before beginning to make live trades. They track their successes and failures versus the market, aiming to learn by experience.

What is the best Internet speed for day trading? ›

The minimum internet speed that is needed for trading is 40 Mbps. This is the bare minimum traders need to avoid latency and data loss. However, we recommend having a speed of at least 100 Mbps for a smooth trading experience.

What percentage of day traders are successful? ›

The success rate for day traders is estimated to be around only 10%. So, if around 90% of day traders are losing money in general, how could anyone expect to make a living this way?

Are forex traders fake? ›

Many scams in the forex market are no longer as pervasive due to tighter regulations, but some problems still exist. One shady practice is when forex brokers offer wide bid-ask spreads on certain currency pairs, making it more difficult to earn profits on trades. Be careful of any offshore, unregulated broker.

Does Islam allow forex? ›

In Islam, making money through trading is permissible, as long as the trading is conducted in accordance with Islamic principles. The Quran states that "Allah has allowed trading and has forbidden usury" (2:275). Usury, or riba, refers to the charging of interest, which is considered to be exploitative and unfair.

Is Forex Trading profitable in Pakistan? ›

Moreover, we hereby warn you that trading on the Forex and CFD markets is always a high risk. According to the statistics, 75-89% of customers lose the funds invested and only 11-25% of traders earn a profit. That is why you should only invest money that you are prepared — or can afford — to lose at such high risks.

Is making money on forex real? ›

Forex trading may make you rich if you are a hedge fund with deep pockets or an unusually skilled currency trader. But for the average retail trader, rather than being an easy road to riches, forex trading can be a rocky highway to enormous losses and potential penury.

What does the Bible say about forex trading? ›

Investing in forex trading can be found in Ecclesiastes 11 verses 1 and 2. From the Good News Translation bible, it reads that "Invest your money in foreign trade, and one of these days you will make a profit."

Why do I keep losing money in forex? ›

The reason many forex traders fail is that they are undercapitalized in relation to the size of the trades they make. It is either greed or the prospect of controlling vast amounts of money with only a small amount of capital that coerces forex traders to take on such huge and fragile financial risk.

What does Allah say about trading? ›

(12) “Oh Muslims! trade should be regarding your will and consent, don't usurp other's money. (It is fair in case of trade only)”. (13) Allah prohibits us to earn money illegally But allows us for trade (that is selling and purchasing) should be according to your consent so that your money may be increased.

What type of forex is halal? ›

Halal forex accounts are those that operate within the parameters of Islamic finance. That is, they do not charge or accrue interest, they are not related to gambling or haram industries, and they are not speculative. In addition, no form of swap commissioning is charged to the investors.

Is forex halal income? ›

In Islamic law, there is a rule of “riba”, which prohibits the use of specific interest or fees. The Qur'an considers interest unjust for the persons paying the riba. That is why to keep your trading halal, you need to use a Forex account without interest.

Who is the biggest trader of Pakistan? ›

Since 2012, China has emerged as Pakistan's largest trading partner replacing the United States. In recent years, the biggest trade deficits were recorded with China, India, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Malaysia.

Which trading is most profitable in Pakistan? ›

If you want to be a part of the most profitable business in Pakistan, you should follow the below-mentioned information to invest your money wisely.
  • Trading (Import and Export) ...
  • Retail Industry. ...
  • Agriculture. ...
  • Solar Energy Production Company. ...
  • Local Tourism Companies. ...
  • Real Estate Brokering. ...
  • Mental Health Education Service.

What is the life of a forex trader? ›

Professional forex traders live an affluent lifestyle but pay the price with many hours of research and market watching. Sleep deprivation is common for these individuals until they build the trust required to allow their trading strategies and risk management to work without constant monitoring.

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