Hirose Halts UK Retail Trading Amid Market Shift

Hirose Financial UK Retail Suspension

Hirose Financial has suspended onboarding of new retail clients under its UK and Labuan entities, raising questions about the brokers long‑term retail strategy. Notices on its websites present conflicting messages: one states the application process has been “permanently closed,” while another suggests a temporary pause ahead of a “new and improved service.”

The suspension, which appears to have taken effect between late July and early August 2025, does not impact Hirose‘s Japanese operations. The broker continues to operate under licences from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Malaysias Labuan regulator, both of which oversee forex and CFD trading services.

Confusion Over Retail Access

The ambiguity surrounding whether the suspension is permanent or temporary has unsettled retail forex traders. While Hiroses UK entity has confirmed the halt in retail forex services, it has not clarified if institutional clients remain unaffected. The company has historically offered both retail and B2B institutional forex trading, making the scope of the suspension a key concern for market participants.

Industry analysts note that Hirose‘s move follows a broader trend of UK forex broker suspensions and exits. AETOS, for example, shuttered its UK operations earlier this year, while other firms such as Ultima Markets and Moneta Markets have recently secured FCA licences, signaling that opportunities remain for brokers willing to navigate the UK’s regulatory landscape.

Revenue Growth and Strategic Shift

Despite the retail suspension, Hiroses UK entity reported strong financial performance. For the fiscal year ending 31 March 2025, turnover nearly doubled to £1.38 million, with net profits climbing to £701,000. In its Companies House filings, the broker emphasized a pivot toward “B2B market opportunities” to expand its institutional client base.

This strategic redirection suggests Hirose may be prioritizing institutional forex services over retail operations, aligning with broader market trends where compliance costs and regulatory scrutiny have pressured retail‑focused brokers.

About Hirose Financial

Founded in Japan, Hirose Financial provides forex and CFD trading services across multiple jurisdictions. The company operates under FCA regulation in the UK, Labuan oversight in Malaysia, and maintains a strong retail presence in Japan. Its UK arm has recently highlighted institutional trading as a growth priority.