Was checkiong my broker's web site today. A lot of PR blah (http://www.alpari-idc.com/en/company-news/240.html) but one interesting point : as they are regulated, they put 5000$ of your money in a "segregated account" so that if all their financial reserve were given to M.Madoff, you won't get wiped.

Is it a common thing ? Basically, does this mean that as long as you use a broker regulated by the UK authority, you get this 5k protection ?