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.

It is important to 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.

In this review, if there is a conflict between the image and the text content, the text content should prevail. However, we recommend that you open the official website for further consultation.

Pros and cons of SBI SECURITIES

Pros:

• Wide range of financial products available for investment

• Clear and specific fee structure for each financial product

• User-friendly and reliable trading platform developed by the company

• Efficient and helpful customer support available 24/7

• Regulated by the FSA, ensuring a high level of security and trustworthiness

Cons:

• Lack of transparency regarding minimum deposit amount and trading account types

• Limited educational resources for investors who are new to the market

• No information provided on deposit and withdrawal methods, potentially causing inconvenience for clients

• Maximum leverage of 1:25, which may not be as attractive for experienced traders looking for higher leverage ratios.

What type of broker is SBI SECURITIES？

SBI SECURITIES is a Market Making (MM) broker, which means that it acts as a counterparty to its clients in trading operations. That is, instead of connecting directly to the market, SBI SECURITIES acts as an intermediary and takes the opposite position to its clients. As such, it can offer faster order execution speed, tighter spreads and greater flexibility in terms of the leverage offered. However, this also means that SBI SECURITIES has a certain conflict of interest with their clients, as their profits come from the difference between the bid and ask price of assets, which could lead to them making decisions that are not necessarily in the best interests of their clients. It is important for traders to be aware of this dynamic when trading with SBI SECURITIES or any other MM broker.

General information and regulation of SBI SECURITIES

SBI Securities was founded in 1988, changed its name to E-Trade Securities Co. in 1999, and launched its Internet service in July of the same year. In 2000, SBI Securities was granted full membership of the Osaka Securities Exchange, and in 2001, its assets increased to 11,501 million yen. In 2003, SBI Securities was granted the integrated trading status of the Nagoya Stock Exchange and became a specific general member of the Tomioka Stock Exchange. In 2006, SBI Securities, as a professional online securities company, exceeded the total number of securities accounts of one million for the first time and changed its name from E-Trade Securities Ltd. to SBI E-Trad Ltd. in July. 2007, SBI E-Trad Ltd. and SBI In 2014, the platform's net securities first consolidated securities account traded over 3 million accounts. In 2010, Net Securities' first consolidated securities account traded more than 5 million accounts. SBI Securities currently hold a retail foreign exchange license (license number: 3010401049814) issued by the Financial Services Agency of Japan.

In the following article, we will analyse the characteristics of this broker in all its dimensions, providing you with easy and well-organised information. If you are interested, read on.

Market instruments

SBI Securities offers a wide range of financial products for investors to choose from, including domestic and foreign stocks, investment trusts, bonds, foreign exchange, futures/options, CFDs, gold, silver, warrants, and insurance. This allows investors to diversify their investment portfolio and take advantage of different market conditions. SBI Securities also provides access to both domestic and foreign markets, providing a wider range of investment opportunities. However, some financial products may not be accessible to certain types of investors, and trading fees may be higher compared to some other brokers. It is also important to note that certain financial products, such as futures/options and CFDs, carry higher risks for investors. Additionally, investors who are new to certain financial products may lack education and guidance, which could potentially lead to losses.

Spreads and commissions for trading with SBI SECURITIES

SBI Securities offers a transparent fee structure with specific fees for different financial products, which are clearly displayed on their website. This allows investors to make informed decisions and plan their trades accordingly. Additionally, the brokerage fee for some products such as Nikkei 225 CFDs is lower than the industry average, which can save investors money in the long run. However, some fees may be higher than those of competitor brokers, which may discourage some investors from using SBI Securities. Overall, SBI Securities provides a clear and transparent fee structure with no hidden fees, which can be beneficial for investors.

Trading accounts available in SBI SECURITIES

SBI Securities does not disclose its minimum deposit requirement for its trading accounts, which is a significant disadvantage for potential investors. However, it´s possible that the company offers flexible account types, and clients can choose from a range of accounts.

Trading platform(s) that SBI SECURITIES offers

SBI Securities provides its users with a proprietary trading platform that offers advanced features such as charting tools, fast execution speed, and a user-friendly interface. The platform is compatible with both desktop and mobile devices, allowing users to trade anytime and anywhere. The advanced charting tools available on the platform enable traders to perform technical analysis efficiently and effectively, allowing them to make informed trading decisions. Although the platform is only available in Japanese, it is easy to navigate, and users who are not fluent in Japanese can use translation tools to understand the platform's functions. Overall, SBI Securities' proprietary platform is a reliable and efficient tool for traders who are looking for a feature-rich platform that is easy to use.

Maximum leverage of SBI SECURITIES

SBI SECURITIES offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:25, which is in line with the regulations set by the local authorities. This means that clients can trade with a much larger position size than their initial deposit, magnifying their potential profits and losses. While high leverage can be attractive to traders seeking to maximize their returns, it can also lead to significant losses if the market moves against them. Therefore, traders should exercise caution when using high leverage and have a solid risk management strategy in place to minimize potential losses.

Deposit and Withdrawal: methods and fees

SBI SECURITIES provides various deposit and withdrawal methods for their clients. However, the specific details and fees related to these methods are not mentioned on their website, which can make it difficult for clients to plan their transactions accordingly. The website provides limited information on the deposit and withdrawal process, requiring the client to log in to their account to access more details. While the transactions are secure and encrypted, the lack of information on the website can be a disadvantage. However, the processing time for deposits and withdrawals is quick and efficient, which is an advantage for clients. It is not mentioned on the website what the minimum deposit and withdrawal amount is, which can be a disadvantage for those who prefer to trade with a smaller amount.

Educational resources in SBI SECURITIES

SBI Securities does not offer any educational resources to its clients. There are no access to market analysis, news, forex basics or technical analysis. The lack of educational resources makes it challenging for beginners to start trading, as they would have to rely on external sources to gain knowledge about trading strategies and market trends. Moreover, advanced traders may feel limited as they have no access to research tools and data analysis. Therefore, SBI Securities should consider providing educational resources for its clients to improve their trading knowledge and skills.

Customer service of SBI SECURITIES

SBI SECURITIES provides prompt customer service through their 24/7 live chat support. The customer service representatives are known for their quick response time and efficiency in handling customer inquiries. However, their phone support incurs fees, which may be a disadvantage for clients who prefer to call for assistance. Additionally, SBI SECURITIES has limited customer service options, with live chat being the only available option for immediate assistance. There is also limited information about their customer support on their website, which may make it difficult for clients to find answers to their questions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SBI Securities is a Japan-registered company that offers various financial products, including stocks, bonds, foreign exchange, futures/options, CFDs, and more. The platform has a user-friendly interface, and the website provides a clear list of fees for each financial product, which is an advantage for traders. However, the lack of transparency on account types and deposit/withdrawal methods may be a disadvantage. Another drawback is the absence of educational resources, which could be useful for beginner traders. The customer support is good with a 24-hour live chat service and a phone number, although the latter has fees. Overall, SBI Securities is a regulated broker with a strong reputation in Japan, and traders who are comfortable with the limitations mentioned may find it to be a suitable option for their trading needs.

Frequently asked questions about SBI SECURITIES

• Question: What financial products does SBI Securities offer？

• Answer: SBI Securities offers a range of financial products, including domestic and foreign stocks, investment trusts, bonds, foreign exchange, futures/options, CFDs, gold, silver, warrants, insurance, and more.

• Question: What is the maximum leverage offered by SBI Securities？

• Answer: The maximum leverage offered by SBI Securities is up to 1:25, which complies with local laws and regulations.

• Question: What customer support options are available at SBI Securities？

• Answer: SBI Securities offers live chat support 24 hours a day and a phone number with fees for customer care.

• Question: Does SBI Securities provide educational resources？

• Answer: No, SBI Securities does not provide educational resources for clients.