What is ActivTrades？

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 by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies.

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. The broker aims to provide its clients with a safe and transparent trading environment, offering segregated accounts, negative balance protection, and a range of educational resources.

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.

ActivTrades Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to ActivTrades depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• Darwinex - a regulated broker that offers unique social trading features, with a focus on transparency and competitive pricing.

• Dukascopy - a Swiss-based broker that provides excellent trading technology, including a proprietary trading platform, but it has high account minimums and limited product offerings.

• Hantec Markets - a UK-based broker that offers a user-friendly trading platform and competitive pricing, but its educational resources are limited compared to some other brokers.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is ActivTrades Safe or a Scam？

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.

These dual regulations underscore ActivTrades' commitment to maintaining high regulatory standards and ensuring client security across multiple jurisdictions.

Market Instruments

At ActivTrades, you can trade over 1,000 different CFD instruments across 7 asset classes, including forex, shares, indices, ETFs, commodities, bonds, and spread betting. 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.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

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.

Overall, ActivTrades' trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. See the trading platform comparison table below:

Trading Tools

In addition to the robust platform itself, a plethora of utility extensions is available to further develop trading functionalities and automation features, as well as to provide decision-making and signaling instruments. The term “indicators” can refer to a wide variety of tools, from those used for making decisions to those used for trading.

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:

See the deposit & withdrawal fee comparison table below:

Note: Fees and charges are subject to change. This table is only for informational purposes and may not reflect the latest fee structure of the brokers mentioned. It is recommended to always check with the brokers directly for the latest fees and charges.

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.

Overall, ActivTrades' customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with ActivTrades' customer service.

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.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some users have reported scams. Please be aware and exercise caution when investing. You can check our platform for information before trading. If you find such fraudulent brokers or have been a victim of one, please let us know in the Exposure section, we would appreciate it and our team of experts will do everything possible to solve the problem for you.

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.

What is LBLV？

LBLV, founded in 2017 and registered in Seychelles, is a financial brokerage offering a range of trading instruments, including currencies, indices, stocks, metals, commodities, and digital currencies. It provides six account types to suit different trading needs. The company previously operated under the regulation of the Financial Services Authority (FSA). But this regulation has been revoked.

Additionally, LBLV is not available to residents and citizens of certain regions, including the USA and North Korea, due to regulatory restrictions.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Wide Range of Instruments: LBLV offers trading in various markets, including forex, indices, stocks, metals, commodities, and even digital currencies, providing flexibility for investors seeking diversification.

• Multiple Contact Channels: LBLV provides various customer support channels, including a phone number, email, live chat, and presence on social media platforms, which is beneficial for quick and convenient assistance.

• Diverse Account Types: LBLV offers diverse account types to cater to the varying needs of traders, including Rookie, Basic, Premier, Elite, Elite Plus, and VIP.

Cons:

• Revoked Regulation: The most significant concern is the revoked regulation by the Seychelles FSA. This raises serious doubts about investor protection and the company's legitimacy.

• High Minimum Deposit: The $5,000 minimum deposit is far above the industry average, making it a significant barrier to entry for many potential investors, especially beginners.

• Regional Restrictions: LBLV restricts residents of certain regions, including the US, from trading on their platform, limiting their reach and accessibility.

• Exposure of Inability to Withdraw: There are six pieces of exposure of inability to withdraw on WikiFX, which indicates risks to fund safety.

Is LBLV Safe or Scam？

LBLV is highly likely to be unsafe for several reasons.

Their previously claimed regulation by the Seychelles FSA, which is already considered low-tier, has been revoked, leaving investors practically unprotected in case of disputes or fraudulent activity.

There are six pieces of exposure on WikiFX alleging difficulty withdrawing funds, which is a significant red flag, indicating risks about the company's financial stability and manipulation of funds.

Additionally, the $5,000 minimum deposit is far above the industry average, creating a significant barrier to entry and potentially making it difficult to recover even a portion of your investment if things go wrong.

Market Instruments

LBLV offers over 1400 trading instruments across six different markets, providing traders with ample opportunities to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of various investment options.

Currencies: Take advantage of investment opportunities by engaging in the buying and selling of currencies through trading major or minor currency pairs like EURUSD, AUDGBP or USDJPY.

Indices: Trade on the performance of multiple stock companies as a whole and invest in global indices like S&P 500, Nasdaq, and FTSE by monitoring local economic conditions.

Stocks: Experience greater flexibility without buying the underlying assets by investing in big tech firms and other popular stock companies like Amazon, Microsoft and Apple.

Metals: Trade different spot metals where you can speculate Gold (XAU) or Silver (XAG) against major currencies. Invest in other precious metals like Aluminium and Platinum.

Commodities: Get more exposure to a wide variety of commodities and invest in agricultural and energy derivative contracts. Trade different commodities like Brent oil, coffee or gas.

Digital Currencies: With digital currencies, you can go long or short and trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and Cardano. Make the most out of the volatile market with the right tools and platform.

Account Types

LBLV offers 6 account types to suit different trading needs. The accounts offered by LBLV share several common features, such as Islamic Account options, mobile trading capabilities, 24-hour dedicated support, access to account managers, technical indicators, and technical analysis tools. Additionally, all account holders have the option to open an EU Private Bank Account and access the services of a personal banker for assistance.

The Rookie Account, with a minimum deposit of $5,000 USD, is ideal for beginner traders or those with limited investment capital.

Moving up the ladder, the Basic Account requires a minimum deposit of $25,000 USD and targets traders with some experience and a slightly larger investment capital.

The Premier Account, with a minimum deposit of $50,000 USD, targets more experienced traders with a larger investment capital.

For seasoned traders or high-net-worth individuals, the Elite Account requires a minimum deposit of $100,000 USD.

The Elite Plus Account, with a minimum deposit of $250,000 USD, targets high-net-worth individuals or institutional traders.

At the top tier, the VIP Account requires a minimum deposit of $1,000,000 USD and is targeted at high-net-worth individuals or institutional traders seeking the most exclusive benefits.

Leverage

LBLV offers leverage of up to 1:400, enabling traders to amplify their trading positions significantly with a relatively small amount of capital. Leverage is a double-edged sword, as while it can magnify profits, it also increases the risk of substantial losses.

Spreads & Commissions

LBLV claims to offer low trading commissions, allowing traders to increase their market exposure to all accessible instruments without incurring high fees. Additionally, the platform promises zero hidden fees, ensuring transparency in trading costs. However, detailed information about spreads and commissions is not readily available on the LBLV website.

Trading Platforms

LBLV provides a flexible platform system suitable for all types of traders, offering a sophisticated toolkit accessible on any device.

The platform is cross-platform, meaning it can be accessed and used on various devices seamlessly. It offers various charts and timeframes, enabling traders to analyze market trends and make informed trading decisions. Traders can manage multiple trades simultaneously, enhancing their trading efficiency and flexibility.

LBLV's platform ensures security through SSL encryption, protecting traders' sensitive information and transactions. The platform also provides flexible layouts, allowing traders to customize their trading environment according to their preferences. Additionally, efficient indicators and tools are integrated into the platform to assist traders in conducting technical analysis and making informed trading decisions.

Trading Tools

LBLV provides many trading tools to help you process your trades.

Contract Expiries: Check the expiration dates of the futures contract you are investing in.

Calendar: With the regular use of the economic calendar, you can follow the release schedule of numerous economic indicators and get ready for significant market movements. Economic indicators help you consider trades in the context of economic events and understand price actions during these events.

Trading Hours: Monitor the opening and closing hours of global market exchanges.

Deposits & Withdrawals

The deposit methods are funding via credit or debit cards (Visa and MasterCard), bank transfers, and digital-currency wallets. Available currency options include EUR, USD, GBP, JPY, and AUD. In order to avoid conversion fees, choose a currency for your account that is the same as the currency you use for deposits and withdrawals.

Customer Service

LBLV provides customer support through various channels to cater to the diverse needs of its clients.

Traders can reach out to the support team via email, with dedicated email addresses for different languages and regions, includingclientservices-th@lblv.com, clientservice-ru@lblv.com, clientservice-pt@lblv.com, and clientservices@lblv.com.

Additionally, traders can contact LBLV's customer support team by phone at +1 8447924568, providing a direct and immediate way to seek assistance.

LBLV also offers live chat support, allowing traders to engage with a support representative in real-time for quick assistance.

Moreover, LBLV maintains a presence on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

Conclusion

LBLV presents an array of trading instruments and diverse account options, which can be enticing for traders seeking flexibility. However, there are significant red flags that cast doubt on its safety and legitimacy. The most concerning aspect is the revoked regulation by the Seychelles FSA, leaving investors with minimal protection. This, coupled with reports of difficulty withdrawing funds and a high minimum deposit, makes LBLV a highly risky choice for most investors.

We strongly advise to avoid LBLV and prioritize platforms with robust regulatory oversight and a commitment to investor protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is LBLV regulated？

A: No, LBLV was previously regulated by FSA, but its regulation has been revoked.

Q: What trading instruments are available on LBLV？

A: LBLV offers a wide range of trading instruments, including currencies, indices, stocks, metals, commodities, and digital currencies.

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

A: $5,000.

Q: Are there any restrictions on who can trade with LBLV？

A: LBLV is not available to residents and citizens of certain regions, including the USA and North Korea.

Q: What leverage is available on LBLV？

A: LBLV offers leverage of up to 1:400.

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 provided in this review may be subject to change due to the constant updating of the company's services and policies.

In addition, the date on which this review was generated may also be an important factor to consider, as information may have changed since then. Therefore, readers are advised to always verify updated information directly with the company before making any decision or taking any action. Responsibility for the use of the information provided in this review rests solely with the reader.