Over five years, the market has nearly tripled in size, becoming one of the biggest in Europe, catching up with the UK.
The ratio of losing to profitable traders stood at 4 to 1, highlighting that CFDs are a high-stakes, high-risk game.
The number
of active Forex traders in Poland surged by 40% in 2024, reaching nearly
117,000 participants, while total losses simultaneously rose by 18% to a
staggering 1.29 billion zlotys ($325 million), according to new data from
Poland's Financial Supervision Authority (KNF).
Poland's CFD Trader Count
Hits 117,000 Amid 18% Loss Expansion
The
regulator's annual report on the retail Forex (FX) and contracts for difference
(CFDs) market reveals a complex picture of rapidly expanding participation amid
persistent profitability challenges. The number of active Polish traders jumped
from approximately 83,000 in 2023 to 116,903 in 2024, reflecting growing
interest in trading despite the well-documented risks.
When we
take into account not only Polish residents but also foreign ones, this number
increases from 175,000 to nearly 247,000.
Jacek Jastrzębski, the KNF Chairman
“We're
witnessing an unprecedented expansion in market participation, but the
financial outcomes remain concerning,” the KNF commented in the report
seen by FinanceMagnates.com. “While the percentage of profitable traders
improved slightly, the absolute value of losses continues to climb as more
individuals enter the market.”
The
detailed figures show that Polish residents' losses on CFD transactions
increased from 1.05 billion zlotys in 2023 to 1.29 billion zlotys in 2024,
representing an 18% year-over-year increase. During the same period, total
profits among successful Polish traders grew more modestly, rising from 249.8
million zlotys to 305.7 million zlotys.
Again, when
including all clients of Polish FX and CFD brokers, also foreign ones, the loss
reached 2.08 billion zlotys.
As the regulator explains, the analysis includes “not only CFD contracts but also other OTC derivatives offered by KNF-supervised brokerage houses and firms through trading platforms.”
What The KNF Report Shows
The KNF
data reveals several noteworthy trends in this rapidly expanding market:
The number
of profitable Polish traders increased by 53% year-over-year, from 22,812 to
34,827
The number
of unprofitable Polish traders grew by 36%, from 60,271 to 82,076
Despite
more traders finding success proportionally, the average profit per successful
trader fell by 20%, dropping from 10,950 zlotys to 8,778 zlotys
Average
losses per unsuccessful trader improved slightly, decreasing from 17,456 zlotys
to 15,749 zlotys
Arkadiusz Jóźwiak
“A record number of active FX and CFD clients from Poland is certainly encouraging; it shows that, as a nation, we want to invest actively,” Arkadiusz Jóźwiak, the Editor-in-Chief of the retail investor media outlet Comparic.pl, commented for FinanceMagnates.com. “The XTB effect likely plays a significant role here—the broker has become a leader in the local market, attracting more and more clients through passive investments, who then also become interested in CFDs.”
The
advantage over other major European markets is clearly visible. According to
the latest Investment Trends report, in Germany—despite its much larger
population than Poland’s—the
FX and CFD market attracted only 63,000 active traders.
Polish FX and CFD Market
Growth Outpaces Profitability
The
five-year data signals that while the percentage of profitable Polish traders
has improved from 22.6% in 2020 to 29.8% in 2024, the total financial impact on
the market has grown substantially. The absolute number of Polish residents
losing money on CFD transactions has nearly tripled since 2020, growing
from 30,365 to 82,076.
Total
losses increased from 661 million zlotys in 2020 to 1.29 billion zlotys in 2024
(96% increase). At least Polish traders are getting smarter about how they lose
money. The average winner's take home shrank dramatically—from 18,383 zlotys to 8,778 zlotys (down 52%).
Moreover,
the total number of active Polish traders nearly tripled from 39,226 in 2020 to
116,903 in 2024. This represents a compound annual growth rate of approximately
31%.
The number
of active Forex traders in Poland surged by 40% in 2024, reaching nearly
117,000 participants, while total losses simultaneously rose by 18% to a
staggering 1.29 billion zlotys ($325 million), according to new data from
Poland's Financial Supervision Authority (KNF).
Poland's CFD Trader Count
Hits 117,000 Amid 18% Loss Expansion
The
regulator's annual report on the retail Forex (FX) and contracts for difference
(CFDs) market reveals a complex picture of rapidly expanding participation amid
persistent profitability challenges. The number of active Polish traders jumped
from approximately 83,000 in 2023 to 116,903 in 2024, reflecting growing
interest in trading despite the well-documented risks.
When we
take into account not only Polish residents but also foreign ones, this number
increases from 175,000 to nearly 247,000.
Jacek Jastrzębski, the KNF Chairman
“We're
witnessing an unprecedented expansion in market participation, but the
financial outcomes remain concerning,” the KNF commented in the report
seen by FinanceMagnates.com. “While the percentage of profitable traders
improved slightly, the absolute value of losses continues to climb as more
individuals enter the market.”
The
detailed figures show that Polish residents' losses on CFD transactions
increased from 1.05 billion zlotys in 2023 to 1.29 billion zlotys in 2024,
representing an 18% year-over-year increase. During the same period, total
profits among successful Polish traders grew more modestly, rising from 249.8
million zlotys to 305.7 million zlotys.
Again, when
including all clients of Polish FX and CFD brokers, also foreign ones, the loss
reached 2.08 billion zlotys.
As the regulator explains, the analysis includes “not only CFD contracts but also other OTC derivatives offered by KNF-supervised brokerage houses and firms through trading platforms.”
What The KNF Report Shows
The KNF
data reveals several noteworthy trends in this rapidly expanding market:
The number
of profitable Polish traders increased by 53% year-over-year, from 22,812 to
34,827
The number
of unprofitable Polish traders grew by 36%, from 60,271 to 82,076
Despite
more traders finding success proportionally, the average profit per successful
trader fell by 20%, dropping from 10,950 zlotys to 8,778 zlotys
Average
losses per unsuccessful trader improved slightly, decreasing from 17,456 zlotys
to 15,749 zlotys
Arkadiusz Jóźwiak
“A record number of active FX and CFD clients from Poland is certainly encouraging; it shows that, as a nation, we want to invest actively,” Arkadiusz Jóźwiak, the Editor-in-Chief of the retail investor media outlet Comparic.pl, commented for FinanceMagnates.com. “The XTB effect likely plays a significant role here—the broker has become a leader in the local market, attracting more and more clients through passive investments, who then also become interested in CFDs.”
The
advantage over other major European markets is clearly visible. According to
the latest Investment Trends report, in Germany—despite its much larger
population than Poland’s—the
FX and CFD market attracted only 63,000 active traders.
Polish FX and CFD Market
Growth Outpaces Profitability
The
five-year data signals that while the percentage of profitable Polish traders
has improved from 22.6% in 2020 to 29.8% in 2024, the total financial impact on
the market has grown substantially. The absolute number of Polish residents
losing money on CFD transactions has nearly tripled since 2020, growing
from 30,365 to 82,076.
Total
losses increased from 661 million zlotys in 2020 to 1.29 billion zlotys in 2024
(96% increase). At least Polish traders are getting smarter about how they lose
money. The average winner's take home shrank dramatically—from 18,383 zlotys to 8,778 zlotys (down 52%).
Moreover,
the total number of active Polish traders nearly tripled from 39,226 in 2020 to
116,903 in 2024. This represents a compound annual growth rate of approximately
31%.
Damian's adventure with financial markets began at the Cracow University of Economics, where he obtained his MA in finance and accounting. Starting from the retail trader perspective, he collaborated with brokerage houses and financial portals in Poland as an independent editor and content manager. His adventure with Finance Magnates began in 2016, where he is working as a business intelligence analyst.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Executive Interview | Jas Shah | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Jas Shah | FMLS:25
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Vitalii Bulynin Talks About Versus Trade, New Pairs, and Big Plans
Vitalii Bulynin Talks About Versus Trade, New Pairs, and Big Plans
In this interview, Versus Trade Co-Founder Vitalii Bulynin explains how the company got its license fast, why its trading pairs are fresh and fun, and what the team will build next.
He also discusses the most active pairs, the IB and MIB plans, and hiring needs for new markets.
Watch the whole talk to learn more about how Versus Trade works and where it is heading.
#financemagnates #VersusTrade #TradingPairs #BTCvsGold #goldtrading #innovation
In this interview, Versus Trade Co-Founder Vitalii Bulynin explains how the company got its license fast, why its trading pairs are fresh and fun, and what the team will build next.
He also discusses the most active pairs, the IB and MIB plans, and hiring needs for new markets.
Watch the whole talk to learn more about how Versus Trade works and where it is heading.
#financemagnates #VersusTrade #TradingPairs #BTCvsGold #goldtrading #innovation
Marketing in 2026 Audiences, Costs, and Smarter AI
Marketing in 2026 Audiences, Costs, and Smarter AI
As brokers eye B2B business and compete with fintechs and crypto exchanges alike, marketers need to act wisely with often limited budgets. AI can offer scalable solutions, but only if used properly.
Join seasoned marketing executives and specialists as they discuss the main challenges they identify in financial services in 2026 and how they address them.
Attendees of this session will walk away with:
- A nuts-and-bolts account of acquisition costs across platforms and geos
- Analysis of today’s multi-layered audience segments and differences in behaviour
- First-hand account of how global brokers balance consistency and local flavour
- Notes from the field about intelligently using AI and automation in marketing
Speakers:
-Yam Yehoshua, Editor-In-Chief at Finance Magnates
-Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X
-Jo Benton, Chief Marketing Officer, Consulting | Fractional CMO
-Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive
-Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance
-Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #FintechMarketing #AI #DigitalStrategy #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
As brokers eye B2B business and compete with fintechs and crypto exchanges alike, marketers need to act wisely with often limited budgets. AI can offer scalable solutions, but only if used properly.
Join seasoned marketing executives and specialists as they discuss the main challenges they identify in financial services in 2026 and how they address them.
Attendees of this session will walk away with:
- A nuts-and-bolts account of acquisition costs across platforms and geos
- Analysis of today’s multi-layered audience segments and differences in behaviour
- First-hand account of how global brokers balance consistency and local flavour
- Notes from the field about intelligently using AI and automation in marketing
Speakers:
-Yam Yehoshua, Editor-In-Chief at Finance Magnates
-Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X
-Jo Benton, Chief Marketing Officer, Consulting | Fractional CMO
-Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive
-Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance
-Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #FintechMarketing #AI #DigitalStrategy #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
