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.

Dukascopy Bank stands as an innovative Swiss online banking institution, with its headquarters situated in Geneva, Switzerland. The bank specializes in providing cutting-edge internet-based and mobile trading services, with a strong focus on foreign exchange, CFDs, and binary options. Additionally, the bank offers a wide range of banking and financial services, all supported by their in-house technological solutions.

Dukascopy Bank was established on November 2, 2004, in Geneva by Andre and Veronika Duka, both Swiss nationals residing in Geneva who continue to maintain a 99% ownership stake in the company. Dukascopy Bank is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA both as a bank and a securities firm.

Dukascopy Bank fully owns Dukascopy Europe IBS AS, a European licensed brokerage company based in Riga and Dukascopy Japan, a Type-1 licensed broker located in Tokyo. In addition to its Geneva Headquarters, Dukascopy Bank has offices in Riga, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Currently, Dukascopy Group employs over 300 staff.

The Dukascopy Group primarily offers online and mobile trading services through the SWFX - Swiss FX Marketplace, which is Dukascopy's proprietary ECN (Electronic Communication Network) technological solution and a registered trademark.

What you will get

Dukascopy offers an exceptional trading experience that is worth every trader's attention. With a client-first approach, Dukascopy provides numerous advantages, making them a standout choice for anyone looking to enter the financial markets. Dukascopy's commitment to cost-efficiency is evident through their low spreads, allowing for savings on trading costs. Swift execution ensures obtaining the best possible prices, providing a competitive advantage in trades. Additionally, with deposit protection of up to CHF 100,000, you can trade with peace of mind.

The unique trading platform, JForex4, Dukascopy's proprietary solution, is user-friendly, making trading accessible even for beginners. JForex4 presents over 200 technical indicators and trading widgets to help in staying informed about potential opportunities. With support for minute timeframes like ticks and seconds, it is perfect for scalping. Dukascopy's 19 years of experience and Swiss banking license instill trust and security. With over 1200 instruments, leverage up to 1:200, and 24/7 live trading support, Dukascopy stands as a trusted partner to guide traders through their trading journey. 

Moreover, Dukascopy offers a great feature – detailed historical price feed data makes it easier to develop and test trading strategies. This data covers various financial instruments, helping traders make informed decisions and reducing the risk of price manipulation. Dukascopy's extensive data archive is a useful resource for creating trading strategies, especially for high-frequency trading, and provides practical insights.

With such a comprehensive offering, Dukascopy is the go-to choice for transparent and professional trading services. Make a smart move and open an account today!

Dukascopy regulations 

Dukascopy is strictly supervised and regulated by esteemed regulatory bodies. The regulatory authorities play a pivotal role in ensuring Dukascopy’s compliance with the highest standards of financial and securities industry practices.

Dukascopy's international presence is underlined by its licenses and oversight by regulatory authorities in different parts of the world:

• Dukascopy Bank SA is licensed and regulated as a bank and as a securities firm by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), which is classified as a Tier-1 regulator.

• Dukascopy Europe IBS AS is licensed and regulated by the Bank of Latvia, also recognized as a Tier-1 regulator. 

• Dukascopy Japan K.K. is licensed and regulated by the Financial Services Agency of Japan (JFSA), known as a Tier-1 regulator.

These regulatory bodies set specific requirements for Dukascopy, and the company has diligently complied with them since 2004. It is important to note that failure to comply with these requirements could result in the withdrawal of the bank's license. Regular audits are conducted to ensure adherence to Swiss laws. Dukascopy also ensures client security by providing deposit protection for amounts up to CHF 100,000, in line with Swiss financial service provider requirements.

Dukascopy is widely regarded as one of the safest brokerage firms. They maintain strict safety standards and hold official licenses from respected financial regulators. Routine audits by PKF for internal affairs and KPMG for financial records further solidify their commitment to safety and financial integrity.

In summary, Dukascopy's reputation as a trusted and stable entity is due to its adherence to three top-tier regulations, regular audits, stringent safety standards, and a strong commitment to transparency. These qualities make Dukascopy a reputable choice for investors around the world.

Trading terms for Dukascopy clients

Traders opt for Dukascopy due to its well-established reputation for providing a secure trading environment. Dukascopy Bank SA, headquartered in Switzerland, operates under the regulation of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). This regulatory oversight ensures strict adherence to financial standards and secures client accounts up to CHF 100,000.

Dukascopy takes pride in delivering favorable trading terms to its clients. By offering narrow spreads, cost-effective commissions, and access to abundant liquidity from numerous providers, Dukascopy enables traders to execute trades at competitive rates, ultimately increasing their profitability.

Dukascopy also permits traders to select from a range of trading accounts, including Standard, ECN, and Islamic accounts, to suit various trading styles and preferences.

Furthermore, in addition to the widely-used MT4 platform, Dukascopy presents its proprietary JForex4 trading platform, available for both desktop and mobile devices. This platform grants traders the flexibility to monitor and participate in the markets from anywhere, ensuring they never miss a trading opportunity. Dukascopy's JForex4 mobile platform offers real-time quotes, comprehensive order management features, and full account accessibility.

With Dukascopy, you can transfer funds directly from the JForex platform to a multi-currency banking account (MCA), without any associated fees. The MCA account supports various payment methods, including card and cryptocurrency transactions.