ActivTrades Information

Founded in 2001, ActivTrades is a brokerage firm, headquartered in London, with offices in Milan, Nassau, and Sofia. It initially focused on the forex business and then gradually expanded its product ranges, providing trading conditions and service support for clients in more than 140 countries. The company is regulated byFCA (UK) and SCB (Offshore, Bahamas) and offers a range of trading instruments, including Currencies, Commodities, Indices, Shares, Bonds and ETFs. ActivTrades also provides its clients with a variety of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, as well as its proprietary platform, ActivTrader.

Pros & Cons

ActivTrades offers a good range of trading instruments, is regulated by a reputable financial authority, and offers various account types with negative balance protection and segregated accounts.

However, some clients have reported issues with trading platform stability.

Is ActivTrades Legit?

ActivTrades is regulated by both the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom and the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB).

The FCA regulation ensures strict adherence to financial standards and integrity within the UK as a Market Maker. Additionally, SCB regulation allows ActivTrades to hold a Retail Forex License in the Bahamas, providing broader international service under reliable oversight.

Market Instruments

At ActivTrades, you can trade over 1,000 different CFD instruments across 6 asset classes, including Currencies, Commodities, Indices, Shares, Bonds and ETFs. This provides clients with a diversified portfolio and the opportunity to trade a range of different assets.

Accounts

Traders can open either an Individual Account (which allows them to trade small and micro lots) or a Professional Account (minimum financial portfolio size of $500,000, Dedicated Account Manager) with ActivTrades. Beginner traders can test out the trading interface and get a feel for how the broker works with a free demo account. People who adhere to Sharia law can choose from two more account options: an Islamic (Swap-Free) Account.

Leverage

Leverage is capped at 1:30 in line with the EMSA regulations, the maximum leverage is 1:30 for currency pairs, 1:20 for indices and shares, 1:10 for commodities and 1:5 for cryptocurrencies. While only the Pro account holders can enjoy the maximum leverage of 1:400.

It is important to keep in mind that the greater the leverage, the greater the risk of losing your deposited capital. The use of leverage can both work in your favour and against you.

Spreads & Commissions

ActivTrades' currency spreads begin at 0.5 pips, and its spreads on indices and financial CFDs are also 0.5 pips, both of which are competitively cheap.

It's also important to note that this is not a situation that can be fixed overnight (the underlying Futures price already accounts for the adjustment). Commissions for trading shares as CFDs begin at €1 per side, whereas spread betting on shares incurs no fees beyond 0.10% of the transaction value.

Trading Platforms

ActivTrades also stands out due to its platform selection, which features not only the company's proprietary platform - ActivTrader but also the popular MT4 and MT5 platforms, as well as a set of unique Add-Ons.

• Web Trading

The ActiveTrades trading platform is web-based, allowing trades to be made directly in the browser; it also has a dedicated app for the iPhone and iPad. The platform has an easy-to-use design but advanced functionality, such as access to more than 90 technical analysis indicators, for seasoned traders of all trading types.

• ActivTrader

The upgraded ActivTrader platform incorporates cutting-edge tools and features to provide a revolutionary trading environment. You can gain exposure to the Forex, Commodities, Financial & Indices, Shares, and Exchange-Traded Funds markets and trade over a thousand CFDs.

• MetaTrader4

ActivTrades' desktop trading platform MT4 is available to those who prefer a more traditional trading experience. In addition, the technology has been upgraded in accordance with the firm's security standards, and the use of sophisticated charts has made it possible to automate the tactics using EAs.

• MetaTrader5

New and improved features take online trading to a whole new level in MetaTrader5. More than 450 CFDs on equities with diverse characteristics and the option to auto-trade are available on the platform, and trading statements are seamlessly integrated.

Deposits & Withdrawals

ActivTrades accepts deposits via Bank Transfers, Credit/Debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Sofort, and PayPal, while only Sofort is excluded from withdrawal methods.

Base Currencies:

EUR, USD, GBP or CHF

The minimum deposit is as high as $500.

ActivTrades minimum deposit vs other brokers

Deposits via credit/debit card UK&EEA are charged 0.5% fees, while credit/debit card non-EEA are charged 1.5% fees. Other deposits and all withdrawals are free of charge.

Most deposits are said to take 30 minutes (except for Bank Transfer deposits are processed on the same working day), while all withdrawals can be processed on the same working day.

More details can be found in the table below:

Customer Service

ActivTrades offers 24/5 multilingual customer service via live chat, telephone: +44 (0) 207 6500 567, +44 (0) 207 6500 500, email: englishdesk@activtrades.com, institutional_en@activtrades.com, request a callback, or messaging online. Help Center is also available. You can also follow this broker on social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Company address: The Loom 2.5, 14 Gower's Walk, London, E1 8PY.

Education

ActivTrades provides comprehensive educational resources organized by subject, including webinars, seminars, manuals, news & analysis. In addition, you get access to a demo account, robust analytical and technical analysis tools within the platforms and exclusive add-ons that will help you study and trade more effectively.

Conclusion

As a whole, ActivTrades is a regulated broker that provides a wide range of trading instruments and platforms. The company offers several account types and has competitive trading fees with low spreads. The broker also provides negative balance protection and segregated client accounts.

However, ActivTrades has some negative reviews from clients regarding trading platform. Additionally, the broker charges deposit fees for some payment methods. Overall, ActivTrades may be a good option for experienced traders who prioritize low trading fees and a variety of trading instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information contained in this article is for general information purposes only.

General Information

ADS Securities LLC (“ADSS”) is a limited liability company incorporated under United Arab Emirates law. The company is registered with the Department of Economic Development of Abu Dhabi (No. 1190047) and has its principal place of business at 8th Floor, CI Tower, Corniche Road, P.O. Box 93894, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. ADSS is authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. ADSS began operations from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 2011. Today, the broker has offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and London, UK. It boasts of over 150,000 individual clients and about 400 institutional clients from all over the world.

With tradable assets such as indices, forex, equities, cryptocurrencies, and commodities, traders can diversify their portfolios and take advantage of market opportunities. The company provides multiple account types, including Classic, Elite, and Elite+, to cater to traders with different preferences and capital sizes. Traders can choose between the ADSS Platform and the MT4 platform for their trading activities.

ADSS is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing traders with a level of trust and security. However, it's important to note that the regulatory status of the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) is listed as “Revoked,” which may raise concerns for some traders.

Pros and Cons

ADSS has its strengths and weaknesses. It offers a range of features and services that may appeal to traders, while also having certain limitations that need to be taken into account. It's important for traders to assess the overall picture and consider these factors before deciding to trade with ADSS.

Is ADSS Legit？

ADSS is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Regulation No. 577453) and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (Regulation No. AXC847). However, the regulatory status of the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (license number: AXC847) is abnormal, the official regulatory status is Revoked. Please be aware of the risk!

Market Instruments

ADSS offers a wide range of trading instruments to cater to different market preferences. Traders can access global markets and choose from various options to diversify their portfolios.

Indices: Traders can trade indices CFDs on ADSS's platform, providing exposure to major indices like Nasdaq, S&P, FTSE, and Dax. With competitive spreads and leverage of up to 333:1, traders can take advantage of market moves and trade on both long and short positions.

Forex: ADSS allows traders to trade forex pairs with their user-friendly trading platform. With no hidden fees and competitive spreads, traders can access major, minor, and exotic currency pairs, such as EUR/USD and NZD/CHF. The market-leading leverage of 500:1 on FX majors offers increased trading power.

Equities: Traders can take positions on equities listed on global stock exchanges, including major players from the GCC region. By trading CFDs on equities like Netflix, Tesla, and Apple, traders can capitalize on volatility and benefit from favorable spreads.

Cryptos: ADSS enables traders to participate in the cryptocurrency market by offering CFDs on leading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Traders can take advantage of 24/5 trading, competitive spreads, and the opportunity to go long or short on the price movements of cryptocurrencies.

Commodities: Traders can benefit from market volatility by trading CFDs on spot commodities, futures, and commodity-linked ETFs. With 0% commission on trades, traders can access popular commodities such as gold, oil, and coffee. Trading commodities on ADSS provides a simplified approach compared to commodity futures.

Here is a comparison table of trading instruments offered by different brokers:：

Account Types

ADSS provides a range of account types to suit the diverse needs of traders, including Classic Account, Elite Account, and Elite+ Account.

Classic Account:

The Classic account is designed for traders who want to start with a minimum deposit of $100. This account offers market spreads, allowing traders to participate in the financial markets at favorable rates. With a maximum leverage of 500:1, traders can potentially amplify their trading positions. The Classic account also includes 24/5 support and access to training courses, providing traders with the necessary resources to enhance their trading skills.

Elite Account:

For traders with larger capital and seeking additional benefits, the Elite account requires a deposit of $100,000. With this account, traders enjoy spreads that are 25% lower compared to the Classic account, resulting in potentially reduced trading costs. Similar to the Classic account, the Elite account offers a maximum leverage of 500:1, enabling traders to take advantage of larger trading positions. Elite account holders receive dedicated support from a Senior Manager, ensuring personalized assistance and guidance. They also gain access to exclusive Elite events and have the flexibility of multi-base currency options.

Elite+ Account:

For elite traders with significant capital, the Elite+ account requires a deposit of $250,000. Elite+ account holders benefit from ultra-low spreads, which can further minimize their trading costs. With a maximum leverage of 500:1, traders have the potential to engage in larger trading positions. In addition to personalized support from a Manager and Sales Trader, Elite+ account holders enjoy exclusive Elite events and the convenience of multi-base currency options.

ADSS offers these different account types to accommodate traders with varying capital sizes and provide them with tailored features and benefits that suit their trading objectives and preferences.

How to Open an Account？

1. Visit the ADSS website. Look for the “Open Account” button on the homepage and click on it.

2. Open your account by providing the required information. For UAE residents, ADSS offers the option to register with UAE Pass, making the account setup process convenient and efficient.

3. After filling out the application and uploading documents, the system will open a personal account for the client.

4. Deposit funds into your account using options such as UAEPGS, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay. These payment methods offer flexibility and security, allowing you to easily and securely fund your trading account.

5. Download the platform and start trading

Leverage

ADSS offers leverage for trading in different instruments:

Indices: Trade major indices such as FTSE, S&P500, Dow Jones, German Dax, Nasdaq, and CAC 40 with leverage of up to 333:1.

Forex: Access major currency pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, as well as minor and exotic pairs with leverage of up to 500:1.

Equities: Take positions on UK shares, US shares, German shares, Saudi shares, and other euro shares with leverage ratios varying from 4:1 to 20:1.

Cryptos: Trade popular cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin with leverage ratios ranging from 2:1 to 4:1.

Commodities: Engage in trading commodities such as US Crude, Gold, Silver, Coffee, Natural Gas, and Copper with leverage ratios ranging from 20:1 to 200:1.

Note: Leveraged trading involves risks and should be carefully considered.

Here is a comparison table of maximum leverage offered by different brokers:

Spread & Commissions

ADSS, like most brokers, makes a profit from spreads instead of charging commissions. Prices are competitive and traders can view current prices at any time. For CFDs and forex pairs, you can view the value, the change, the percent change, the open, the high, the low, and the previous. You can also view the required margin in percentage.

The broker does offer variable or fixed spreads. The target spreads for EUR/USD range from 1.6 to 2.4 pips depending on account type.

The Classic Account with a minimum deposit of $100 makes it more affordable for the most conservative traders, yet it carries higher spreads than the Elite account type. In the Classic account, target spreads drop to 1.6 pips on the EUR/USD. In contrast, ADSSs most competitive offering is the Elite account which requires a $200 000 deposit or a trading volume of more than $500 million per month. It comes with perks beyond discounted spreads.

Other spreads that traders can expect when trading with ADS Securities are:

GBP/USD Average: 1.1 pips

USD/JPY Average: 1.1 pips

AUD/USD Average: 0.8 pips

USD/CHF Average: 2.3 pips

Non-Trading Fees

There is a $15 processing fee per withdrawal, plus additional fees may be applied on the bank's side. The broker does not charge commissions for depositing funds, and there are no fees for inactivity on the account.

Trading Platforms

ADSS provides two trading platforms for its clients: ADSS Platform and MT4 (MetaTrader 4)

1. ADSS Platform: The ADSS platform offers essential functionalities such as a product page, order ticket, charting tools, blotters, account summary, and funding options. It provides traders with an overview of relevant information, including price evolution charts, daily statistics, instrument overviews, and product access details. By expanding the view, traders can access additional trading information such as order sizes, margin requirements, commissions (if applicable), and overnight holding costs. The platform also displays any active working orders for efficient position management.

2. MT4 (MetaTrader 4): ADSS offers access to the widely recognized MT4 platform, known for its advanced charting capabilities, fast trade execution, and extensive range of technical analysis tools. Traders can benefit from the features and flexibility of MT4, including its user-friendly interface and robust functionalities. ADSS has customized the MT4 platform to ensure a secure and efficient trading experience for its clients.

Both platforms provide traders with the necessary tools and features to meet their trading needs. They offer charting options, order placement capabilities, and execution efficiency to enhance the overall trading experience.

Deposit & Withdrawal

ADSS offers multiple deposit and withdrawal methods for its clients. Deposits can be made using methods such as bank wire transfer, credit card, online bank transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and Cash U. Notably, ADSS stands out as the only broker in the UAE that provides funding through UAEPGS, a local payment gateway. Clients can also withdraw funds using the same options available for deposits.

While ADSS offers a diverse selection of deposit and withdrawal methods, it's important to consider that the broker applies a withdrawal fee of $15 for all withdrawal transactions. This withdrawal fee has had a negative impact on the broker's overall rating. On the other hand, ADSS does not impose any charges on deposits, although clients should be aware that their payment providers may apply fees.

There are many ways to deposit funds into ADSS accounts, so clients will have enough options to choose from. As a MENA-focused broker, ADSS provides the opportunity to use the local UAEPGS (UAE Payment Gateway Services) solution. Traders should note that there is no deposit fee at ADSS.

The same options that are available for deposits can be used for withdrawals. Traders should note that ADSS charges a $15 withdrawal fee for all withdrawal methods.

Customer Support

The ADSS customer support team is multilingual and can be reached 24/5. The quickest way to get support is to use the instant web chat facility on the website. There is also an 'Enquiry form' on the 'Contact us' page of the website. A support representative will respond by email or by calling the enquirer. There are several phone lines provided by the support team. They can also be reached through email and fax. On social media, ADSS is on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Client Enquiries:

Email: ts@adss.com

Phone: +971 2 657 2414

Address:

8th floor, CI Tower

Corniche Road, PO Box 93894

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Educational Resources and Community Support

ADSS provides a range of educational resources and community support to help traders enhance their skills and knowledge:

1. Learning Materials: ADSS offers a variety of learning materials, including trading guides, video tutorials, and a comprehensive financial glossary. These resources empower traders by providing them with the necessary information and understanding of trading terms and concepts.

2. Seminars and Webinars: ADSS organizes seminars and webinars conducted by industry experts. These events serve as valuable learning opportunities for both beginner and experienced traders. Participants can gain insights, learn new strategies, and stay updated on market trends.

3. FAQ Section: ADSS has a dedicated page that addresses common questions and provides answers related to ADSS, trading account information, and trading basics. This section aims to assist prospective clients and beginner traders by addressing their queries and providing helpful information.

4. MT4 Platform Tutorials: ADSS offers tutorials specifically designed for traders who are new to the MT4 platform. These tutorials provide step-by-step guidance on using the platform effectively, helping traders navigate its features and functions.

5. Educational Webinars: ADSS conducts educational webinars that cover various topics, including the risks and rewards of trading. These webinars provide valuable insights and guidance to traders, enabling them to make informed trading decisions.

6. Training Workshops: ADSS organizes training workshops in the UAE and UK, offering traders the opportunity to enhance their trading skills through practical training sessions.

These expert educational resources, seminars, webinars, tutorials, and workshops collectively support the ADSS trading community, fostering continuous learning and improvement among traders.

User Experience and Additional Features

ADSS offers a range of user experience enhancements and additional features to support traders in their trading activities. Traders can access exclusive market analysis provided by the research team, which includes daily and weekly market emails. These emails provide insights into market trends, fundamental analysis, and market sentiment on widely traded instruments. This information can assist traders in staying informed about the market conditions.

Furthermore, ADSS offers daily analysis and trading ideas delivered directly to traders' inboxes. This feature keeps traders updated on the latest market developments and provides potential trading opportunities. Additionally, ADSS provides technical data, including forex analysis via Autochartist trade set-ups, which can help traders analyze market trends and make informed trading decisions.

These user-friendly features and additional resources aim to enhance the trading experience for ADSS clients. By providing market analysis, trading ideas, and technical insights, ADSS supports traders in their decision-making process and helps them stay informed about market conditions.

Conclusion

ADSS is a regulated brokerage company that provides traders with access to various financial markets and a range of account types to suit their needs. While it offers advantages such as competitive spreads, leverage, and multilingual support, there are also disadvantages to consider, including the abnormal regulatory status of the SFC and the withdrawal fee. Traders should carefully evaluate these factors before deciding to trade with ADSS.

FAQs

Q: Is ADSS regulated？

A: ADSS is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC). However, it's important to note that the regulatory status of the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) is listed as “Revoked.”

Q: What are the tradable assets offered by ADSS？

A: ADSS offers indices, forex, equities, cryptocurrencies, and commodities as tradable assets.

Q: What are the different account types offered by ADSS？

A: ADSS provides Classic, Elite, and Elite+ account types to cater to traders with different capital sizes.

Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with ADSS？

A: The minimum deposit required to open an account with ADSS is $100.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by ADSS？

A: ADSS offers leverage of up to 500:1.