Article details
Poland has set a record annual increase in brokerage accounts, reaching 2.86 million in May 2026, with XTB leading the market by surpassing 1 million domestic accounts. This growth is driven by lower labor costs (40-60% below Western Europe), a skilled workforce, and regulatory advantages like higher leverage (1:100) for experienced retail clients under KNF rules. The shift from Cyprus as the default EU hub for CFD brokers is accelerating due to harmonized capital requirements across the bloc, making Poland a cost-effective alternative.
For traders and brokers, Poland's expanding retail trading base—370,000 active forex clients in 2025—presents opportunities in a market that rivals Germany's. The KNF's 1:100 leverage carve-out for major forex pairs and indices offers a competitive edge over pure ESMA jurisdictions. However, the 30% bank levy on Polish lenders in 2026 may impact standalone brokerages.
The surge in accounts and XTB's 176% YoY profit growth highlight Poland's potential as a CFD hub. Brokers should monitor regulatory changes, labor cost trends, and competition from Germany's slower-growing forex market. The 2.86 million securities accounts figure also suggests untapped derivatives demand.
